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A Christmas Market … Lakeside (Seeweihnacht)

Festive twinkle light adorned market booths sit along side of the picturesque alpine lake, Schliersee. Its dramatic backdrop of snow capped mountains. This is Mother Natures holiday decorating at its best. The air, fragrant with all the magical scents of a traditional German Christmas market. From mulled warm wines, to the cinnamon spiced candied nuts. All these sights and sounds help create the magical atmosphere of this lovely little market.

Seeweihnacht in Schliersee is the first Christmas market to start off the 4 Advent weekends of fabulous holiday festivities. Held on the 2 and 3 December in the Kurpark am See located near Vitalwelt. You can come by car or by train as the market is a short walk from the train station. It is a great alternative to sitting in holiday traffic.

What is wonderful about these small town local Bavarian Christmas markets is they are so intimate. Each both contains gifts that are created by loving passionate hands. You won’t find plastic or mass produced items from lands far away at this market. These are handmade gifts destined to become heirlooms. From the foods to the Christmas ornaments, each item is uniquely special.

Each year the ladies of the Frauenbund from the Catholic church in Schliersee work tirelessly preparing the most fantastic array of German Christmas cookies called “Plätzchen”. You have to arrive early to make sure you get a box as they go quickly. Definitely worth making a trip to savor a few of their delights.

Families have gather around in the firelight listening to Christmas carols while wagging dogs snuggle with warmly bundled children since the first days of this market. Eyes bright with age old Christmas cheer. This is a timeless image of small Bavarian village tradition. Visiting these local markets is where you truly can experience an old time German Christmas market feeling.

Some of the great highlights for the whole family are the horse and carriage rides which are held on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm till 5pm.  Alpine brass Christmas music fills the air every day of the market starting at 8 pm and a very special visitor greets the merry makers at 5pm when Nikolaus arrives in all his Christmas glory.

 

 

This is a market that can’t be missed. It’s a great finish to a long day on the slopes.

 

Opening times:

Saturday 2 December from 2pm till 8pm

Sunday 3 December from 12 till 8pm

 

Address:

Kurpark Schliersee

Perfallstr. 4

83727 Schliersee

 

 

Laura Boston-Thek

American artist, photographer and professional wanderer who, after 20 years of roaming, put down roots in a 100 year old Bavarian farmhouse and fell in love with the Alpine village and its residents (both 2-legged and 4-legged).

 

 

 

Bergseefest Spitzingsee 2017

DAS BERGSEEFEST WURDE AUFGRUND DER SCHLECHTEN WETTERPROGNOSEN LEIDER ERSATZLOS ABGESAGT!

Folk dancing, firemen and fireworks all light up the sky above the mountains on Spitzingsee. Once a year the peaks sparkle with festival lights and fireworks. Bergseefest  and its Bengali fires is what makes it extra special. The light spectacle of firemen in the water with torches and boats by lantern light dot the lake before the sky is turned aflame with a fireworks display.

The Autumn’s chill is usually starting to touch the air on Spitzingsee in August and folks warm themselves by bonfire while enjoying many of the regional delicacies.  Fresh local lake fish are roasted on long sticks and giant frying pans of caramelized pancakes and rum soaked fruits called Kaiserschmarren scent the air. There is no shortage of delicious treats to enjoy.

Local beers and small cocktail stands dot the edge of the lake.  Carriage rides and bouncy castles for all the family to enjoy.  If that isn’t enough the traditional Old Timer and historic tractor parade on Saturday morning draws the crowds.

On the main stage, local traditional dancers twirl while overhead the bull whip masters called Goaßlschnalzern, fearlessly snap their whips. There is a little something for everyone and is popular with all ages. Cheerleaders and martial artist as well as many other shows each hour.

This fest is truly fun for the whole family. There are plenty of wonderfully creative events for the kids, from face painting to camel rides. And don’t forget, during the day you can always rent a bright red Ferrari peddle boat and take a turn around the lake. Make sure to pack an extra jacket for the chilly evening’s on the mountain.

Rain Date for Saturday’s fireworks will take place on Sunday, July 30th

 

For more information:
http://www.schliersee.de/sommer/kultur-lebensart/feste/

 

 

Laura Boston-Thek

American artist, photographer and professional wanderer who, after 20 years of roaming, put down roots in a 100 year old Bavarian farmhouse and fell in love with the Alpine village and its residents (both 2-legged and 4-legged).