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January 7, 2025

Central Europe’s Christmas markets have become a true “cult” of winter tourism, attracting millions of visitors from all over the continent and even from other regions of the world. The charm of the colors, lights, culinary specialties, and Christmas decorations come together in a unique setting, with Europe’s most beautiful cities providing the perfect backdrop to host such joy and liveliness.

In this context, it must be acknowledged that the regions of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic have become increasingly famous for the beauty of their Christmas markets, thanks to the richness of their offerings and the stunning squares and streets that host them. For anyone wanting to visit multiple markets and travel from one city to another with maximum speed and comfort, a river cruise is definitely the best choice.

We experienced a fairy-tale itinerary at the heart of Europe’s Christmas atmosphere aboard the A-Rosa Flora, a ship from the A-Rosa Cruises fleet, which offers a special range of winter itineraries well worth exploring in more detail. Our “Danube Enchanting Christmas Markets” itinerary began in Engelhartszell, a small town in Upper Austria right on the border with Germany. The company provides convenient transfers from the Passau train station in Germany, where there is also a parking area, with additional transfers to reach the embarkation point. From here, the planned stops were the wonderful Vienna, Bratislava, a day trip to the Wachau region with a stop in Krems and reboarding in Melk, and finally, Linz. Overall, this well-balanced itinerary allowed plenty of time to visit the cities, but also ample opportunities to rest and enjoy a warm drink on board, while sailing through Austria and gliding through the beautiful landscapes of the Danube.

A-Rosa Flora is a rather young ship, designed in a classic style with common areas at the bow and cabins located towards the stern. The hull is divided into four decks, offering various types of cabins, including beautiful and spacious suites, as well as a lovely Spa featuring a sauna, relaxation room, gym, and many different treatments. The standard cabins are equipped with all the comforts, such as a spacious bathroom with a shower, a safe, a hairdryer, and ample space to spend some quiet time, always with a view through the large windows that can offer surprises like abbeys, churches, and small villages.

The restaurant offers a main dining room and an additional room, separated from the buffet. All meals are served buffet-style, with staff available to bring drinks and assist guests with special needs. The menu changes daily, often featuring local specialties. It is possible to reserve the same table for the entire cruise for a small additional fee, payable directly on board. At the bow, the main lounge opens up, serving as a meeting and socializing space, as well as a place to receive information about the cruise’s ports of call. Served by a bar open all day, it allows guests to enjoy the panorama from the large windows that surround the room and the bow. In the reception area, there are beautiful display cases dedicated to shopping, featuring A-Rosa Cruises branded items, souvenirs, and jewelry.

The outdoor deck is particularly beautiful. It features a large heated pool, a real rarity on river cruise ships due to its size and accessibility, even on winter itineraries and at night. A truly unique experience is to immerse yourself in the warm water while the temperatures outside drop below freezing, perhaps watching the departure from cities like Vienna or Bratislava. A bar serves the entire outdoor area, and on some occasions, events like a mulled wine tasting are organized, which, combined with Christmas music and good company, accompanied our journey from Krems to Melk. In the bow area, around the bridge, there are elegant sofas, while towards the center of the ship, there are tables and chairs protected by a movable cover. The stern area allows for deck games like checkers or mini-golf. Overall, A-Rosa Flora is a ship well-suited for these types of winter itineraries. The presence of the heated pool and Spa allows for pleasant hours spent on board, and the proposed itineraries, which include many hours in port, do not require extensive entertainment or numerous onboard venues.

On our first day aboard, after embarking at 3:00 PM, we mainly focused on familiarizing ourselves with the ship, resting, and getting to know the crew. The itinerary presentation, following the safety briefing, provided important information to help organize and plan the excursions in advance. After dinner, the officers and key crew members entered the lounge, reaffirming their availability and allowing guests to get to know them.

Vienna, undoubtedly the highlight of this cruise, awaits A-Rosa Flora on the second day of the journey. The ship docks just before lunch, after a fascinating navigation along the Danube in the heart of Upper Austria, between vineyards and small, charming villages. The Christmas markets of Vienna offer a delightful experience that captures all the magic and festive atmosphere of the winter season. Each year, the city transforms into a wonderful world of sparkling lights, enveloping scents, and festive sounds, creating a unique and captivating ambiance. Against the backdrop of elegant Viennese historic architecture, the markets offer a wide variety of stalls showcasing traditional crafts, handmade Christmas decorations, and a host of culinary delights. From the iconic Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, famous for its large illuminated tree and charming wooden huts, to the more intimate and picturesque markets at Spittelberg and Freyung, every corner of the city tells a different story. Here, visitors can savor treats like Christmas cookies, roasted chestnuts, and the traditional Glühwein, a warm beverage perfect for cold winter evenings. Our first encounter with the famous markets was right under the Rathaus, and it couldn’t have started in a better way. Delicacies such as sweet and savory pretzels, Christmas tree decorations, and a beautiful wooden nativity scene were on display. There was also the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine or hot chocolate while listening to Christmas melodies and watching the enchanted eyes of both children and adults. Of the more than 16 markets that are said to be present each year in Vienna, we visited four: after the wonderful Rathausplatz market, we headed to Freyung to explore more stalls, and then to Am Hof for a snack of sausages and the inevitable Keiserschmarren. Finally, passing through the beautiful Graben, we reached the stunning Stephansdom, bathed in a captivating purple light. Around the cathedral, additional stalls line up, selling local crafts as well as beautifully made items such as glasswork, embroidery, and porcelain.

Vienna is not just a place for Christmas shopping, but also a destination to experience unforgettable moments, with classical music concerts, ice skating rinks, and workshops for children. Strolling through the stalls and breathing in the festive atmosphere is an experience that combines tradition with the magic of Christmas. However, the Austrian capital offers beauty and elegance even beyond the markets. So much wonder becomes even more enchanting at twilight, and A-Rosa Flora’s stop until late evening allowed us to fully discover it. A bit of Vienna also followed us on board A-Rosa Flora, with various small souvenirs we brought on board and the excellent pastries we found at the ship’s buffet.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the second city on our itinerary, and we have the entire third day of the cruise to enjoy it in complete tranquility. The dock, located in the heart of the city, allowed us to visit the local markets twice—once during the early afternoon and again in the evening after dinner. With daylight and nighttime, the atmosphere changes, and it was a real privilege to admire and enjoy both versions on the same day. Just a few steps from A-Rosa Flora’s dock, Hviezdoslavovo námestie opens up, offering access to the city and an introduction to the charm of the local markets. Here, most of the stalls are dedicated to local food, but there are also Christmas decorations like beautiful glass ornaments, lace, and homeware. The large tree marking the entrance to the avenue creates the perfect atmosphere, accompanied by background music that fills the entire row of stalls. Just a few meters away, as you walk through the city center, you’ll find the main Christmas market on Hlavné námestie, at the heart of the city. Again, culinary delights are abundant, but there are also other typical local craft items. As twilight falls, the colors are magnificent and offer the magic that only the scent of decorated fir trees and the lights surrounding the square can provide. The city of Bratislava comes alive after sunset, and strolling through the center is made lively by the presence of tourists and locals walking with a hot drink in hand, amidst music and shopping. The second experience concludes by making the most of the final moments in port, with the chance to bid farewell to Bratislava from the ship’s windows, satisfied and cozy, enjoying the warmth of the onboard environment and the comfort of the cabin.

On the fourth day of the cruise, A-Rosa Flora offered an interesting excursion opportunity, which we decided not to take in order to relax on the ship and enjoy the onboard services. With a disembarkation in Krems and re-embarkation in Melk, the organized excursion allows guests to cross part of the Wachau region and visit the famous Dürnstein Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the valley, the small village, and the Danube River. Onboard, the day passes quickly, filled with reading, a nice lunch, and some afternoon relaxation. Always with an eye on the outside, which suddenly offers emotional views, with small villages overlooking the Danube, churches perched on steep cliffs, and vineyards that produce the excellent wines of the Wachau region. While enjoying a pleasant aperitif onboard, we prepare for the next day, which promises another long stop to discover Linz.

Here, the dock is perfectly located in the city center, allowing for a relaxed visit and a not-too-early start to the day. Linz offers its main Christmas market on Hauptplatz, just five minutes’ walk from the ship. Chocolate-covered almonds, cotton candy, and the inevitable Bratwurst greet us with a symphony of scents, tempting us for a snack accompanied by the famous local mulled wine. The craft items here are of truly high quality, with intricately carved and sculpted wood, tree decorations, blown glass, and beautiful fabrics. The layout of the stalls is well-planned and makes visiting easy, without creating crowds or long lines. Hauptplatz serves as the main gateway to the city center, and by crossing it, we find ourselves directly in the heart of Linz. The main street, full of shops, hides charming side streets beautifully decorated for the season. Here, Christmas can be felt even outside of the markets, with an elegance and involvement that feels extraordinary. Linz also offers other markets besides the main one. Very unique and intimate is the market at the foot of the cathedral, the Linzer Mariendom. Approaching from Herrenstrasse, one encounters the majestic Duomo, which serves as a backdrop to stalls promoting charity and religious associations. Other delights like freshly baked bread and delicious pretzels tempt us before we head back to the central streets. After another visit to Hauptplatz, where we can enjoy the main market with the evening lights, we head towards a third meeting point for Christmas market enthusiasts. In Pfarrplatz, around the Church of Maria Himmelfahrt, the Christmas atmosphere is palpable with pints of beer, sandwiches, and fries. It’s the perfect spot in the evening, perhaps before dinner or to exchange festive greetings with friends at this final market dedicated to local gastronomy.

The last return onboard is always a bit sad. But certainly, the memories of this fairytale itinerary ease the sadness of packing to head home. The beauty of these winter itineraries to the most beautiful Christmas markets is also that they prepare you for Christmas itself, allowing you to experience the spirit so often celebrated in fairy tales and recent holiday movies. Returning home with some souvenirs and Christmas gifts already prepared allows us to await the festive season while scrolling through our photos and remembering the wonderful moments spent in the heart of these European cities.

A-Rosa Cruises naturally offers similar itineraries during the Christmas and New Year weeks, allowing guests to visit these destinations even during the holiday season and spend the most joyful moments of the festivities onboard. But what is even more important is the discovery of the value of winter itineraries on the Danube. Even away from the most Christmas-themed atmospheres, visiting European capitals and arriving directly in their vibrant heart, experiencing them during the less crowded months, allows one to discover their true essence and fully immerse in them. This is what struck us the most and convinced us of how river itineraries like these allow travelers to fully enjoy beautiful cities that have much to offer throughout the entire year.

In addition to offering itineraries perfect for this type of river cruise, A-Rosa Cruises boasts a modern and cutting-edge fleet, with excellent services and an exceptional value for money. While its primary focus is on the German-speaking market, this does not in any way hinder international customers from enjoying the onboard services. On the contrary, from what we observed, the openness to international guests is clear onboard, and the friendliness and expertise of the crew provide added value to the overall experience.

Don’t miss out on news, updates, and reviews of A-Rosa Cruises on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and special offers.

Gabriele Bassi

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