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Christmas Markets

A Great Time For A Viking River Cruise

By CHRIS OWEN

August 4^th, 2014

Passau, Germany

We began our Viking River Cruises Christmas Markets sailing in Passau, Germany on a cold December day. During a summer visit to Passau, I had enjoyed stopping at a sidewalk cafe after the included tour of the day. This time, we went in an entirely different direction, covering areas we had not seen before. Our stops along the way were uniquely planned to embrace a holiday spirit that was in the air, along with some soon-to-be-favorite aromas that would come to define the experience. It’s what Viking River Cruises calls The Viking Experience.

First lesson learned: Love the Sausages
They are a big part of every Christmas Market as they are a part of Summer Markets and Biergardens.

In Passau during Christmas Markets time, it was hard not to notice the aroma of fresh Gingerbread in the air too, which led us to Simon Bakery for a demonstration on just how to make it.

Interestingly, the rich resources available pre-cruise from Viking River Cruises makes anticipating the experience a fun activity. Serving as a prime example of how closely the Viking experience matches the expectation set, this video from the same place we went on the day’s included tour.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful-
Norman Vincent Peale

traditions

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Yes, they had those and much more at the Christmas Markets we visited sailing to Budapest, Hungary. Another favorite: Ghluwein, a tasty mulled wine beverage served at each market in signature mugs that make wonderful keepsake souvenirs.

“Christmas Gift Suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
- Oren Arnold

old school entertainment

Centuries ago, long before television, Internet and other forms of entertainment, homes in towns along the river were built with at least one window pointing in the direction of the city center. From that vantage point, locals could see what was going on below, as they still do today.

Heap on more wood! the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We‘ll keep our Christmas merry still.
-Sir Walter Scott

vienna, austria

Cruising to Austria, we stopped in Vienna where one of the busiest markets in Europe is held each year

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.
- W.T. Ellis

budapest, hungary

Ending in Budapest, we stopped by the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, drove though the city during the day and at night before leaving this enchanting land.

easy christmas shopping

Viking River Cruises has a rich library of videos available that very closely match the actual experience, as we see in this one all about Christmas Markets. Frankly, a Viking Christmas Markets cruise could very well be the way we spend the holidays from now on; they’re just that enchanting.