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Nestled deep in the enchanting Black Forest, is Germany’s Most Magical Christmas Market: Ravenna Gorge. Imagine yourself with a mug of hot mulled wine in hand, surrounded by lights as a train zooms overhead on a beautiful stone viaduct with arches illuminated against the night sky. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a real-life Christmas fairytale, this is it.
The Ravenna Gorge (Hochschwarzwald in German) Christmas Market is more than just a market - it’s an entire experience that should be at the top of everybody’s travel bucket list.
Where is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market?
One of the reasons the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is so unique is because it’s in the Black Forest Highlands, removed from larger more popular German cities. It takes more effort to get there, and because of this, you’re rewarded with one of the most cozy markets you’ll find. I visited this Christmas on my 2023 solo trip and it quickly became my favorite market of the entire trip.
Black Forest Highlands
Famous for its cuckoo clocks, Black Forest ham, and Black Forest cake, the Black Forest Highlands is located in the southwestern area of Germany near France and Switzerland. The Black Forest is a great destination during both summer and winter because it has so many outdoor activities that it offers.
In the summer, you can take advantage of the outdoors thanks to the landscape of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and gorges. If you love hiking, swimming, or braving a suspension bridge, the Black Forest Highlands has it all. If you don’t mind the cold weather, winter is a phenomenal time to visit the area, particularly when it’s covered in snow. You can take advantage of the winter weather with alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and winter hiking.
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When is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Open?
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is open during specific days and times and requires a ticket for entry.
Dates and Times for 2024:
- Fridays 3 pm - 9 pm (15:00 - 21:00) - Nov 22 & 29, Dec 6 & 12
- Saturdays 2 pm - 9 pm(14:00 - 21:00) - Nov 23 & 30, Dec 7 & 14
- Sundays 2 pm - 8 pm(14:00 - 20:00) - Nov 24, Dec 8 & 15
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets prices may vary, so check the official website for the most current costs.
*Tickets for 2024 are completely sold out as of Nov 20, 2024.
Getting to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Getting to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is easier than it may sound. There are three options for getting there. You can also see more specific details on the official website.
Torchlight Hike:
The BEST way to access the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is to go on a Torchlight Hike with Schneeschuh Akademie. This is how I visited the market in 2023. To get back to Hinterzarten, the torchlight walk ticket includes a return on one of the shuttle buses.
Find the details here.
*All tickets for 2024 are currently sold out as of Nov 20, 2024*
On Foot
There is a winter hiking trail from Hinterzarten to the market that takes about 45 minutes.
Train/Bus
Take a train to the nearby towns of Hinterzarten or Himmelreich. From there, hop on the shuttle bus service that runs directly to the market. Shuttle bus tickets must be booked in advance. Check the shuttle schedule on the official website for convenience.
Car:
There are limited spaces to park at the market and they must be reserved in advance. There are also public parking options at shuttle stations. You can park there and take the shuttle to the market.
On-site Parking location:
Hofgut Sternen, Höllsteig 76, 79874 Breitnau/Hinterzarten
Titisee: P1, Neustädter Str., 79822 Titisee-Neustadt
The walk from the train station and from P1 Titisee to the shuttle bus stop behind the "Kurhaus" takes about 10 minutes.
Himmelreich: Himmelreich train station or Spedition Dold, Gewerbestraße 5, 79256 Buchenbach (Fridays from 7 p.m.)
The walk from the Dold parking lot to the shuttle stop at the train station takes about 10 minutes.
Hinterzarten: Parking lot at the train station, Bahnhofweg, 79856 Hinterzarten
What to Expect at the Market
Atmosphere & Entertainment
The atmosphere at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is what makes it so unique. Set underneath a stone viaduct that is illuminated with colored lights, you’ll find yourself looking up periodically to see a train pass overhead. Windows lit and music filling the air around you, it feels like you’re truly in a scene out of a movie.
Check the weather before your visit because it could be chilly! Layers are key. If you want some suggestions for what to pack, you can find my packing list here.
What Stalls Will Be There?
You will not leave hungry or without souvenirs when you visit the market. There are stall with all kinds of treats from glühwein (hot mulled wine) and non-alcoholic drinks to bratwursts, flammkuchen, (flat-bread style pizza found in Germany) and more, including various cuts of meat you can buy to bring home.
You’ll also find stands selling handmade Christmas decorations, jewelry, soaps, winter accessories, and other items that would make a fantastic gift or a memory for yourself.
Activities for Kids
If you’re traveling with young ones, there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment. At the market, you can find a Christmas Post Office where postcards can be sent to Santa.
Within the gorge on the outside of the main area of market stalls, there’s an illuminated Nativity Trail providing information about the birth of Jesus. Be sure to venture out to see not only the trail, but the beauty of the surrounding forest.
Tips From Terry
After personally visiting the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in 2023, I have the following tips to share from experience.
Do the Torchlight Walk
The most memorable experience for me was the torchlight walk to the market with Schneeschuh Akademie. There was still some snow on the ground and the hike took place just as the sun was getting ready to set, which made it feel so cozy and special.
Bring Cash
Many stalls do NOT take credit cards, so be sure to have plenty of cash (Euro, not other currencies) to buy whatever you need.
Buy Tickets in Advance
You can’t buy tickets to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market on site or at the last minute. In 2024, these tickets were sold out sooner than in 2023, so if you’re planning to go in 2025, set reminders for yourself to check their website every so often.
Tickets aren’t available too far in advance (typically mid-October), so you’ll have to check in to see when they’re available for sale on the official website. You may also want to subscribe to the newsletter for Hochschwarzwald because they will most likely announce when tickets are available for sale in the future.
Stay Nearby
I stayed at a fantastic hotel in Titisee, Germany called Coucou Hotel. It’s located RIGHT at the train station, just two stops from the Hinterzarten station. This made getting to and from the meeting point for the torchlight walk very easy. The hotel had modern rooms, a delicious breakfast buffet, and an inviting restaurant that is perfect for dinner or some evening drinks.
Normally, I would be skeptical of a hotel so close to a train station, but the town of Titisee is so safe and charming. I highly recommend it.
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market isn’t just another stop on the list of best Christmas markets in Germany; it’s a magical experience that captures the true spirit of the holiday season. If you haven’t added it to the top of your travel bucket list, do it now!
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