Gluhwein, wursts and fried dough, baubles and decorations... Christmas markets in Hamburg are full of delight
In late 2021, just before Christmas, Wally and I travelled to Hamburg to visit some friends, and tick off another Christmas Market from our list. (Check out our other blog posts about Budapest markets here, or visiting Prague here).
We had never been to a Christmas market in Germany, and were very keen to explore the city, try out some dishes and also buy a few new things for our Christmas tree back home. Overall, we were only in Hamburg for a weekend- but felt this was a good amount of time to check out a few markets and explore some of what Hamburg has to offer.
This is a very quick blog post about what we did, some of the places we visited and some recommendations we’d make to others visiting the city.
Views across Binnenalster lake towards Hamburg center
Christmas markets in Hamburg
One of our main reasons for coming to Hamburg was to visit the Christmas markets. We were very impressed at the number of markets, and also having the fact there were several dotted around the city center. We visited a few of these, and found each to have different stalls, different things on sale- and lots of delicious food!
We found the market at Anleger Jungfernstieg (infront of the Binnenalster lake) to be the best for food and drink. In any market you visit here, we would recommend grabbing some Gluhwein (mulled wine), Mutzenmandeln (fried dough covered in sugar, similar to doughnuts) and Pretzels. All of these were absolutely delicious, and a must try in a Christmas market in Germany.
There was also a very good market outside the Hamburg Townhall (Hamburger Rathaus). Here we found perhaps one of the best Christmas shops we have ever seen- with hundreds, if not thousands, of various baubles, trinkets and other festive decorations. We originally popped in to just have a look but this shop was so incredible that we couldn’t help but buy a few to bring back!
Christmas market outside the Hamburger Rathaus
Gluhwein and Mutzenmandeln
Above: a wurst
Left: some of the goods in the Christmas markets
Below: Christmas decorations
Stall selling meat products
Fresh pasta
Other markets: Isemarkt
One of our favourite things about any European city are the markets. We came across a market near where we were staying- which was en route to the city centre, called Isemarkt.
Running beneath a train line, this market is rather long (perhaps a kilometer or so), and has many, many different stalls- ranging from fresh flowers, to dried fruits for infusions, spices and mushrooms- and so, so much more.
We bought a few sliced and cured meats to have later that weekend, and also some things to bring back as souvenirs. We would definitiely recommend this market to anyone with an interest in food! You can also buy food which is ready to eat- such as wurst, seafood salads and smoked fish.
The market is on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 8.30am to 2pm and runs all year round, not just during Christmas. It is certainly worth visiting. To find out more, read here.
Various mushrooms in the market
The Galeria restaurant in Alstershaus
Shopping: Alsterhaus department store
This department store is well located, right opposite the Binnenalster lake. A great place for shopping, with numerous boutiques and high street options- ranging from clothing to handbags and stationery. When we visited in December, we found it to have quite an extensive Christmas section too.
The top floor also has various restaurants, shops and bars- from coffee bars to Japanese cuisine. We popped into the Galeria Restaurant which had views over the lake. Recommended for a quick bite rather than a nice, sit down dinner, this restaurant has a buffet, self-serve style canteen, with numerous options (all well priced).
Click here to find out more about the various shops and restaurants at the Alsterhaus.
Cocktails and views: Skyline Bar 20up
As well as enjoying some Gluhwein in the christmas markets, we would recommend having a cocktail or two at the Skyline Bar 20up. Located on the 20th floor of a riverside hotel, offering incredible views over Hamburg.
There was a bit of a queue when we arrived- so would recommend booking a table in advance. We found the bar to have a good selection of cocktails (and other drinks)- so would certainly recommend a visit here. Apparently this place also serves Sushi but we did not have any as we had dinner plans elsewhere.
To book a table and find out more, click here.
Views over Hamburg from Skyline Bar 20up
Overall, we found Hamburg to be great for a weekend trip. There is so much more the city has to offer that we didn’t get to explore- such as museums, galleries- and we certainly hope to come back here one day.
Hamburger Rathaus
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