Enjoy enchanting Christmas markets

Travel with railtour to Europe's most festive Advent markets: travel in comfort and enjoy a sustainable experience

Happy couple in winter clothes in front of Christmas lights | © shutterstock / 1819607177 Happy couple in winter clothes in front of Christmas lights | © shutterstock / 1819607177

Let yourself be enchanted in the run-up to Christmas and travel relaxed to wintery Europe – without annoying traffic jams, parking stress or complicated changes. With railtour, you can get the Advent season off to a comfortable start: whether it's fairytale Christmas markets in Alsace or atmospheric Advent trips to Munich, Freiburg or Stuttgart – direct train connections from Switzerland will take you to the most beautiful winter destinations in just a few hours.

Treat yourself to festive moments in a glittering atmosphere – your holiday begins as soon as you board the warm train compartment. Enjoy sustainability, comfort and proximity to the city centre when you arrive stress-free and immerse yourself directly in the sea of lights – often without even changing trains from Basel or Zurich. Railtour has over 50 years of experience in the train travel segment and is considered the leading provider of sustainable city breaks in Europe.

Discover your next Advent adventure with us now – festive highlights, culinary delights and atmospheric Christmas markets await you – comfortably, safely and in an environmentally conscious manner.

The most popular Christmas markets

Travel by train to the most beautiful Advent markets in southern Germany, Alsace and Denmark

© Innsbruck Tourismus / Christof Lackner
Innsbruck

A winter wonderland in the Alps. During Advent, visitors to Innsbruck's festively decorated old town can experience one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Europe. 

  • Hotel Goldene Krone*** – located directly on Innsbruck's largest shopping street
  • Daily direct connections from Zurich (3h30)
  • Christmas market from 15th November 2025 to 6th January 2026

Train + hotel per person from CHF 150

View of illuminated buildings and a Christmas tree at Schlossplatz in Stuttgart | © shutterstock / 1564585312
Stuttgart

The Stuttgart Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany. Visitors can sample regional specialities, discover traditional handicrafts and marvel at the magnificently decorated stalls.

  • Hotel Boulevard*** – right in the city centre
  • Daily direct connections from Zurich (3 hours)
  • Christmas market from 26th  November to 23th December 2025

 

Train + hotel per person from CHF 134

Freiburg

Romance in the Black Forest: surrounded by medieval façades and with a view of the cathedral, Freiburg's Christmas market enchants visitors with its cosy atmosphere in the heart of the historic old town.

  • Intercity Freiburg*** – modern hotel directly at the main railway station
  • Daily direct connections from Basel SBB (50 min)
  • Christmas market from 26th November to 23th December 2025

Train + hotel per person from CHF 166

Christmas market stalls on a square in Munich | © shutterstock / 1185725377
Munich

Festive magic on Marienplatz: Munich's Christmas market is one of the most famous Christmas markets and delights visitors with Bavarian cosiness and festive splendour.

  • Creatif Hotel Elephant*** – modern hotel with creative design near the main railway station
  • Daily direct connections from Zurich (3h30)
  • Christmas market from 24th November to 24th December 2025

Train + hotel per person from CHF 142

Illuminated carousel in Tivoli with a Christmas tree covered in snow in the foreground | © shutterstock / 2234281435
Copenhagen

During Advent, Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland full of lights. Visitors to Tivoli Gardens in particular can expect a fairytale Christmas market with sparkling fairy lights, decorated wooden huts and festive music.

  • Absalon Hotel**** – family-run hotel in the vibrant Vesterbro district
  • Arrival by train or plane
  • Christmas market from 15th November 2025 to 5th January 2026

Hotel per person from CHF 131 (excluding travel costs)

Strasbourg market square with illuminated Christmas market | © shutterstock / 1646368021
Strasbourg

The ‘Christmas capital’ of Europe is a true Christmas paradise. Strasbourg bears this title with pride. The famous Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, stretches across the historic old town around Strasbourg Cathedral with over 300 lovingly decorated stalls.

  • Grand Hotel*** – beautiful hotel in the heart of the city near the train station
  • Daily direct connections from Basel SBB (1h20)
  • Christmas market from 26th November 2025 to 24th December 2025

Train + hotel per person from CHF 189

Christmas shopping and New Year's Eve trips

Numerous glittering cities are easily accessible by train and await you at the end of the year

Several hands holding sparklers in the dark | © shutterstock / 2216852407
New Year's Eve trips in Europe

Celebrate the New Year where Europe's cities shine with lights, music and joie de vivre. Whether it's fireworks, parties or a festive atmosphere – New Year's Eve becomes an experience when you're on the move. Travelling by train is relaxed, central and climate-friendly, taking you right to the heart of the cities – and allowing you to start the New Year in style. On this page, you will find our personal favourites for unforgettable New Year's Eve trips.

Learn more
Happy couple with shopping bags at the Christmas market after a successful day of Christmas shopping in the festively decorated city. | © shutterstock / 1494691982
City break for Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping with a difference: discover festively decorated shopping streets, exclusive boutiques and winter markets in Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy the special Advent atmosphere full of lights, scents and music – and travel relaxed by train directly to the city centre. This will turn your Christmas shopping into a little break full of inspiration and unforgettable moments. Discover our recommendations for Christmas shopping now!

Learn more