We recently took a trip to Germany and Austria in order to tour the infamous Christmas markets. We based ourselves out of Edelweiss in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany where we originally visited in October 2011 with our good friends, Josh and Rebecca Arthur. Coincidentally, our trips to markets overlapped for a day and we were able to start our trip by meeting them for lunch in Munich followed by touring their Christmas market in the Marienplatz. After this, we headed south into the Bavarian Alps where we did day trips to the Austrian cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg.
In addition to the wonderful mountain scenery we were treated to blustering cold weather, which we are not accustomed to in southern Spain! Tatum's Maine roots served her well and she didn't seem bothered by the cold, however, Owen and MJ were a different story. Following our Austrian excursions, we decided that a low key day was needed and we spent our last day local, where we drove 20 minutes north to the small town of Ettal for their annual Christmas market. Ettal is a small town, which is 5 minutes south of Oberammergau (famous for their annual Passion of the Christ play) and home to a Benedictine monastery which is the backdrop for this small Christmas market.
Tatum and her old friend, Elise at lunch in Munich
Lindsey and Rebecca in Munich
The market at the Marienplatz in Munich
The Munich Christmas market
Interesting store display....
Owen and Caleb watching the interesting display!
As darkness sets in the markets become more pituresque
The view from our hotel balcony in Garmisch
Lindsey and the kid strolling the streets of Innsbruck
Tatum and Owen trying to stay warm
The 3 kids enjoying the cold weather
View of the mountains from downtown Innsbruck
One of the 5 Christmas markets in Innsbruck
Innsbruck
Salzburg, Austria had our favorite feature of the trip...slanted parking spots!
Owen and Dad enjoying Salzburg, although I'm not too sure what Owen is smiling at.
Lindsey's favorite site....a wall of pretzels!
Tatum looking for a gift for Mom
Ornament display in Salzburg
The medieval fortress overlooking Salzburg
Tatum posing under a giant ornament
Owen feeling the cold weather and showing his true colors!
Lindsey and Tatum watching the ice skaters
Our favorite dessert of the trip....
This is basically smashed up pancakes with vanilla sauce on it
Entering the markets in Ettal
Some of the market stalls against the backdrop of the Monastery
The Ettal market as darkness sets in
Another view of the Monastery at Ettal
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