Christmas markets

Christmas markets today! I can't wait. I have been told so much about how good German markets are and the markets in Hamburg do not disappoint me. We get out of Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, cross the road and are greeted by stalls street food, some with a Christmas flavouring . There's corn on the cob, mushrooms in garlic cre`me fraiche, currywurst, flame smoked salmon, chocolat covered fruit, gingerbread biscuits... oh the list of deliciousness goes on. And then there's the drinks, glüwien, hot chocolate, and Hamburg vodka.... It is not long before we have our lips wrapped around some delicious food and we wander slowly down the crowded street toward the Rathauses (town hall) where the main market is.There's lots of little market enclaves dotted across the city, some gifts or crafts based whilst others are for take home food produce.

The market in the Rathausmarkt is a spectacular sight, each of the stall beautifully decorated with the Neo-Renaissance Rathaus standing in the background.

Amongst the stalls are lots of beautiful gifts and crafts. Felt and woollen scarves, winter wear made from animal furs, pottery, candles, Christmas baubles and wooden products, that I'm not sure I would get back into Australia when the time comes.

It was lovely to wander and soak up the atmosphere.Read more