Reiterlesmarkt
Extraordinary Experiences #8
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
– Gustav Mahler
I’ve always been quite interested in the concept of traditions; a set of cultural contexts so ingrained in our collective DNA that it serves as a bridge to the past and helps reinforce a community’s sense of identity. Nowhere was this more evident to me than during my visit to the Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market in the charming town of Rothenburg, nestled in the heart of Bavaria, between Frankfurt and Munich.
Considered one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, the Reiterlesmarkt dates back to around 1470! As you enter Rothenburg’s gates, it may feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Disney movie; likely because its iconic half-timbered houses, snow-dusted rooftops, and cobblestone streets served as the inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.
Head to the Town Hall and St. Jakob’s Church, where family-run food stalls surround the grand Christmas tree, tempting you with homemade regional delicacies like snowball pastries, wûrsts and marzipan. Grab a warm mug of Glühwein (local spiced wine) and travel back in time as you explore the city’s lantern-lit pathways, ancient walls, and centuries-old Christmas shops selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and nutcrackers to local sweets.
The town is a must-visit, and its atmosphere and timelessness shine brightest through the families who have kept these traditions alive for generations, but also through all of us who treasure and pass them along, ensuring they continue to thrive.
To me, this makes the Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg more than just a Christmas market; it’s a perfect moment in time, a piece of undiluted history preserved through the ages.
At Savor, we are curators whose mission is to help people savor life through extraordinary experiences. Welcome to the future of travel.
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Forever seeking,
Team Savor
Details:
Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market
Sonic Souvenir:
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole