SOUTHWEST GERMANY‘S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKETS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDE
KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS IN SOUTHWEST GERMANY In the build-up to the festive season, nowhere has more romantic Christmas markets than SouthWest Germany. Think medieval and Baroque palaces and houses, and market squares, busy with beautifully-decorated wooden stalls. Buy locally-made toys and artisan gifts; relax with steaming mugs of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. Take photos of towering Christmas trees, twinkling with a thousand lights. Read our brochure – then come visit SouthWest Germany on a very special Christmas trip.
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HEIDELBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
M a in
Frankfurt FRA
Tauberbischofsheim
ca. 55 km
Mannheim
KURPFALZ & ODENWALD
Heidelberg
ar
KRAICHGAUSTROMBERG
Bruchsal
Karlsruhe
Kocher
HOHENLOHE
Sinsheim
6
Heilbronn
Marbach
Karlsruhe Baden-Baden FKB
Esslingen
Calw ine
M u rg
Rh
Heidenheim Metzingen
Ki nz
N
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Freudenstadt
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Aalen
Göppingen
STR
Tübingen
Baiersbronn
5
Schwäbisch Gmünd
Stuttgart
Baden-Baden
Gengenbach Offenburg
7
Ludwigsburg
Pforzheim
Rust
Schwäbisch Hall
HEILBRONNERLAND STUTTGART REGION
FRANCE
Strasbourg SXB
st
Künzelsau
ck
5
Jag
Mosbach
Ne
Schwetzingen
LIEBL. Bad Mergentheim TAUBERTAL
81
8
Reutlingen
ar
Ulm
SWABIAN MOUNTAINS
MUC
ca. 156 km
81
BLACK FOREST
Da
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be
BAVARIA 7
Rottweil VillingenSchwenningen
Breisach
Da
Donaueschingen Freiburg Ravennaschlucht Titisee Feldberg 1493 m Schluchsee
nu
be
Sigmaringen
Tuttlingen
Ochsenhausen Memmingen FMM
UPPER SWABIA 96
98
LAKE CONSTANCE REGION Radolfzell
Konstanz Weil am Rhein Basel BSL
Biberach
R hi ne
SWITZERLAND
Ravensburg
Meersburg La
ke
Co
ns
Friedrichshafen FDH tan
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AUSTRIA 0
20 km
PUBLISHING DETAILS Publisher > 100.000 Berg mit HöhenangabenDesign State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg / land in sicht AG, Sulzburg 50.000–100.000 Autobahn SouthWest Germany Landstraße / Bundesstraße 20.000–50.000 Esslinger Str. 8, 70182 Stuttgart Photo credits www.tourism-bw.com TMBW/Düpper | FWTM_Schoenen | < 20.000 Eisenbahn Stadtmarketing Karlsruhe GmbH/ Andrea Fabry | TIK_Jaenecke | TIK_Mende | © Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH | © Rozmarina - Fotolia.com With support from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection
Print C. Maurer Druck und Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Geislingen an der Steige
Nowhere is more special than Heidelberg at Christmas! The festive season starts with the opening of the markets in the Old Town. As you stroll along the cobbled streets of this historic city, the air is scented with cinnamon, spices, roasted chestnuts, and roast almonds. Couples hold hands as they skate round “Germany‘s most beautiful ice rink,” with the illuminated castle as a romantic backdrop.
SPECIAL OFFER Heidelberg Winter Dream _ 1,2 or 3 nights hotel, inc b/fast _ HeidelbergCard (includes public transport, cog railway, castle entry, etc) _ Save on a three-night trip! You can stay for three nights and pay for just two! From 110 € p.p. (on 2 sharing) Information Tel + 49 (0) 6221 / 58 40 - 224 www.heidelberg-marketing.com
Visitors from around the world join locals doing their Christmas shopping on the five squares, each with its own market. In all, more than 140 beautifully-decorated stalls sell an array of hand-made gifts, food and drinks. The atmosphere continues on one of Europe’s INFORMATION longest pedestrianized streets, where lights twinkle and shops are brightly decorated. Opening times: November 24th to December 22nd, 2014; Children love the fairy tale Winter Woodland outdoor skating till January 18th, 2015 on the Kornmarkt square. On the four Advent Daily: 11am - 9pm weekends, there is even more fun at the Saturdays: till 10pm Christmas markets up in the inner courtyard of the castle and out at Neuburg Abbey, just www.heidelberg-marketing.com 3 miles from town. The ice rink stays open Heidelberg Marketing GmbH until January 18th, 2015. Ziegelhäuser Landstrasse 3 More information: 69120 Heidelberg, Germany www.heidelberg-event.com T +49 (0) 62 21 / 58 40 - 200 www.heidelberg-marketing.com E info@heidelberg-marketing.de
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ROYAL CHRISTMAS MARKET IN SCHWETZINGEN
Providing the unique backdrop for the 4th Electoral (or Royal) Christmas Market is the 300-year-old Schwetzingen Palace, with its courtyard and Schlossplatz square. On the second, third and fourth Advent weekends, stroll through the cheerfully-lit tents, where local artists and craftsmen offer a wide array of one-of-a-kind gifts, including charming Christmas decorations. And, when you feel hungry, there are special winter treats on the northern side of the Schlossplatz square. Along with foodie delights from Schwetzingen’s twin, or sister cities in Hungary, Italy and France, there are wines from Wachenheim (Rhineland-Palatinate) in a mini food and wine festival that runs from December 11th to 14th. Younger visitors can meet the Christmas Angel in the Angel Tent, and post their Christmas requests at the Angel Post Office. There is also an old-fashioned merry-go-round, or carousel, a children‘s railway and live shows for all the family. So come and enjoy the charm of Schwetzingen in winter, with family or friends… over a mug of mulled wine, of course!
SPECIAL OFFER Schwetzingen Christmas magic _ 1 night, hotel, inc b/fast _ Glass sparkling wine _ Coupon: crafts market _ Voucher: city walk _ Voucher: mulled wine, mug _ Admission palace garden From 105 € p.p. (2 sharing) Single supplement 25 € Valid 3 weekends, only on request
INFORMATION Opening times: From December 04th to 07th, 11th to 14th and 18th to 21st, 2014 Thursday and Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday, Sunday: noon - 9pm
www.schwetzingen.de/weihnachtsmarkt Touristinformation Schwetzingen Dreikönigstrasse 3 68723 Schwetzingen, Germany T +49 (0) 96202 / 94 58 - 75 E touristinfo@schwetzingen.de
KARLSRUHE’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
For the holiday season, Karlsruhe is transformed into a special Christmas town. On the beautiful Friedrichplatz square, the wide range of attractions, as well as decorated stalls of the Christmas market, attract young and old alike. Near the palatial Natural History Museum is the 56-ft tall Glühweinpyramide, literally a pyramid of mulled wine. But the festive drink is only at ground level; above are tiers with giant fairy tale figures, such as toy soldiers, fairies and angels. Children love the famous “Flying Santa Claus” that flies on his sled high in the air above Friedrichsplatz square. Equally popular is the ice rink on the Schlossplatz square, where you can go skating or curling under the twinkling lights. Covering 11,000 square feet, this is one of the largest open air ice rinks in southern Germany. Nearby, the suburb of Durlach’s Medieval Christmas Market is in front of the 300-yearold Karlsburg castle. There are craftsmen, jugglers and storytellers, as well as traditional food and drinks. At weekends, re-enactments of sword fighting and camp life bring the Middle Ages into the present.
SPECIAL OFFER Smell the Glühwein; hear the bells _1 night 3-star hotel, inc b/fast _Mulled wine, snack voucher _iGuide for city walking tour _Small welcome gift From 75 € p.p., valid Friday to Monday, November 27th to December 23rd (packages with no hotel available on request)
INFORMATION Opening times: November 27th to December 23rd, 2014 Daily: 11am - 9pm Thursdays: till 10pm
www.weihnachtsstadt-karlsruhe.de/en Tourist-Information Karlsruhe Bahnhofplatz 6 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany T +49 (0) 721 / 37 20 - 53 83 or - 53 84 E touristinfo@karlsruhe-tourismus.de
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LUDWIGSBURG’S BAROQUE CHRISTMAS MARKET
You will be dazzled by the beauty of Ludwigsburg’s Baroque Christmas Market! Throughout the year, this is a lovely city, but it dresses up for the holiday season. Thousands of tiny shimmering lights provide a golden glow. Many outline the fluttering wings of giant angels that hover between the two Baroque churches. As for the market stalls, there are more than 175, all lovingly decorated, like a Baroque garden. Stroll through the wide rows, buy locally-made gifts and foods, stop for a warming drink, enjoy a typical local Holzofendinnede, like a mini pizza, but more delicious!
SPECIAL OFFER Baroque Christmas Magic: the bright lights of Advent _ entry to palace, Schloss Favorite _ guided city walk, Fridays 2pm _ church tower visit _ 4-course gourmet meal at Waldhorn restaurant (excluding drinks) _ voucher for mulled wine, traditional hot snack From 65 € p.p. Information Tel +49 (0) 7141 / 9 10 - 22 52 www.ludwigsburg.de INFORMATION Opening times: November 25th to December 22nd, 2014 at weekends Daily: from 11am - 9pm with live stage shows every day
www.ludwigsburg.de Tourismus & Events Ludwigsburg Arsenalstrasse 2 71638 Ludwigsburg, Germany T +49 (0) 7141 / 910 - 28 62 E tourismus@ludwigsburg.de
STUTTGART CHRISTMAS MARKET
One of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Markets is in Stuttgart. With nearly 300 stalls, it is one of the largest in Europe. But, it is also one of the oldest, with a 300-year history. Think sparkling Christmas lights, festive decorations, the smell of warm spices and grilled sausages, plus the sound of Christmas music. The stalls stretch out along ancient cobbled lanes through the car-free heart of the city, from the imposing Schlossplatz to the Marktplatz. Each stall vies to win the “best decorated” title, so all have greenery, sparkling lights and ornaments.
SPECIAL OFFER 2014 Stuttgart Christmas Market _ 1 night’s accommodation, including breakfast (3 to 5 star hotels) _ 1 Stuttgart Christmas Market voucher (hot drink; snack worth 3 €) _ Ticket for local public transport in the Stuttgart Region From 75 € p.p. Information Tel +49 (0) 711 / 22 28 - 100 www.stuttgart-tourist.de
Families love the nostalgic fairy tale grotto, INFORMATION created on the Schlossplatz (November 7th, st 2014 to January 1 , 2015). Around the special Opening times: November 26th to December 23rd, 2014 ice skating rink, you can enjoy mulled wine, Daily: 10am - 9pm homemade waffles, sausages, baked apples Sundays: 11am - 9pm and more in the Winter Village, with its cozy Opening day: November 26th: 6pm - 9pm wooden cottages. Stuttgart’s Christmas Market opens on November 26th in the Renaiswww.stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de sance courtyard of the old palace. Throughout Tourist-Information “i-Punkt” Advent, many free Christmas concerts are Königstrasse 1a held in this courtyard as well as on the Town 70173 Stuttgart, Germany Hall steps. T +49 (0) 711 / 22 28 - 100 E hotels@stuttgart-tourist.de
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ESSLINGEN´S MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Experience the magic of the Middle Ages!
SPECIAL OFFER
With more than 200 stalls and 500 cultural events, Esslingen’s Medieval Fayre and Christmas Market takes visitors and locals back in time. The magnificent half-timbered houses and romantic streets provide the perfect backdrop for four weeks of medieval-themed festivities. More than one million visitors from all over Germany, and also from abroad, come for the sheer fun of haggling, celebrating and having fun. Renowned artists from all over Europe ensure that there is an ever-changing series of cultural events and entertainment on the stages and along the cobbled streets.
Christmas Delight _2 nights’ hotel, inc b/fast _Welcome drink _City Tour _3-day transport ticket, Stuttgart region Price p.p. 2 sharing From 162 € 4-star hotel (min), 136 € 3-star (min), 125 € mid-range NB: subject to availability, price changes Information For details of packages, call Mrs Tatzel Tel +49 (0) 711 / 39 69 39 - 51 www.esslingen-marketing.de
Artisans display traditional craftsmanship and long-forgotten skills. Children‘s dreams come INFORMATION true, with daily programs of puppet shows and fairy tales, magicians’ tricks and medieval Opening times: November 25th to December 21st, 2014 games. As well as delicious mulled wine and Daily: 11am - 8.30pm sweet mead, the authentic taverns serve a wide selection of hearty food from the time www.esslingen-marketing.de of the Middle Ages. Anyone who loves a traditional Christmas market will be happy here.
Esslinger Stadtmarketing & Tourismus GmbH Marktplatz 16 73728 Esslingen T +49 (0) 711 / 39 69 39 - 69 E ppfeiffer@marketing-esslingen.de
GENGENBACH’S UNIQUE ADVENT CALENDAR
The world‘s largest Advent Calendar is in Gengenbach, a charming town in the Black Forest. During the festive season, the focus of the countdown to Christmas is the 200-yearold town hall, whose 24 windows provide the “dates” of the Advent Calendar. Around 100,000 visitors from near and far fall under the spell of the nightly ritual, as a new window is opened and the town hall gradually is transformed into a “treasure trove of fantasy“ – with music and games all adding to the magic!
SPECIAL OFFER Christmas Spirit _2 nights’ hotel, inc b/fast _1 liter mulled wine with Christmas cup _ Entry to Haus Löwenberg Museum, Carnival Museum with views over the Advent city _Chocolates in an Advent Calendar box From 129 € p.p. Information Tel +49 (0) 7803 / 93 01 - 44 www.gengenbach.info
But there is more. Year after year, the romantic Christmas market is dedicated to art. Internationally-renowned artists, such as Marc INFORMATION Chagall and Tomi Ungerer have turned the Opening times: town hall into a unique winter wonderland Advent Market from November 29th to December 23rd; Advent window opening from November 30th to with their works. Using Sam, the creation of December 23rd; daily program of live music German children’s author Paul Maar, Sam‘s Monday to Friday: 3pm - 8pm “friends” are visiting: Harry Potter, Pippi Saturday, Sunday: noon - 8pm Longstocking and the Gruffalo. So, stroll through this historic old town and enjoy the www.gengenbach.info atmospheric lighting. Purchase gifts that are made here in the Black Forest and, most of all, Gengenbach Kultur-und Tourismus GmbH Im Winzerhof take in the world’s largest Advent Calendar! 77723 Gengenbach, Germany T +49 (0) 7803 / 93 01 - 43 E tourist-info@stadt-gengenbach.de
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TÜBINGEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Held by tradition on the third weekend in Advent, the medieval university city of Tübingen hosts a very merry and unusual Christmas market in the old town. The combination of hundreds of decorated Christmas market stalls set against a backdrop of half-timbered houses creates a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. The air carries the classic aromas of hot mulled wine and punch, spices and roasted almonds.
OCHSENHAUSEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Tübingen Christmas market takes over the whole of the old city, spreading from the Unteren Stadt (Lower Town) over the Krumme Brücke (Crooked Bridge) and Kornhausstrasse to the Marktplatz square. Anyone looking for a Christmas market with a difference will find it in Tübingen. Everything is locally-made, hand-made, home-made, hand-crafted, cooked at home, hand-carved, hand-turned, handpainted… there is no other Christmas market like it! So, if you have been before: Welcome back! If you haven’t been, do come and see us!
INFORMATION Opening times: December 12th to 14th, 2014 Friday, Saturday: 10am - 9pm Sunday: 11am - 7pm
www.tuebingen-info.de Verkehrsverein Tübingen An der Neckarbrücke 1 72072 Tübingen, Germany T +49 (0) 7071 / 91 36 - 0 E mail@tuebingen-info.de
With its Christmas tree and bright lights, the smell of gingerbread and baked apples, festive bells and organ music, the cloisters at Ochsenhausen’s historic monastery are transformed into a Christmas village from November 27th to 30th. Visible from afar, Ochsenhausen’s imposing Benedictine monastery is one of the jewels on the Upper Swabian Baroque Road (Oberschwäbische Barockstrasse) between the Danube and Lake Constance. No wonder this is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Upper Swabia. All aboard the Öchsle! The most romantic way to get to the Christmas Market is on the century-old narrowgauge railway. Running from Warthausen to Ochsenhausen, this 12-mile/19 kilometer journey runs through picture-pretty scenery, especially in winter. Puffing along behind a real steam engine, the trip takes about an hour. Musical finale On the last night of the Christmas market, the Chamber Orchestra of the City Ochsenhausen performs a festive Christmas concert on Sunday, November 30th. Tickets for this event are available in advance at the Town Hall (tel: +49 (0) 7352 / 92 20 - 26) and at the box office.
SPECIAL OFFER The Christmas train _ 1 night in hotel; welcome drink; breakfast _ 3-course dinner _ Steam train trip _ Monastery museum tour November 29th / November 30th, 2014 From 79 € p.p. based on two sharing Single supplement 18 € Information Tel +49 (0) 7352 / 92 20 - 26 www.ochsenhausen.de/ tourismus-freizeit/pauschalangebote INFORMATION Opening times: Christmas Market in monastery cloisters November 27th to November 30th, 2014 Thursday, Friday: 4pm - 9pm Saturday: 10am - 9pm Sunday: 11.30am - 6.30pm
www.ochsenhausen.de Stadt Ochsenhausen Marktplatz 1 88416 Ochsenhausen T +49 (0) 7352 / 92 20 - 26 E stadt@ochsenhausen.de
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FREIBURG CHRISTMAS MARKET
THE WILDLY ROMANTIC RAVENNA GORGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
stone cutters, glass blowers and potters, canOne of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets is held on the Rathausplatz, the Town dle makers and Strohflechter, experts skilled in creating Christmas decorations out of straw. Hall Square in the heart of Old Freiburg. Floating above it all is the delicious scent of gingerbread, mulled wine, spices, roasted For the four weeks leading up to Christmas almonds, roasted chestnuts, noodles, Black Eve, a little village of beautifully-decorated wooden stalls attracts locals and visitors alike. Forest smoked ham and sauerkraut. And the setting is impressive, from the Gothic It is no wonder that thousands of visitors cloisters of the former Franciscan monastery and the nave of the church of St. Martin to the from around the world come to enjoy the picturesque facades of the two town halls. In magic of the Freiburg Christmas Market. the market, everything reflects the age-old traditions of the surrounding Black Forest. There are hand-crafted gifts as well as taste treats. Along the narrow cobbled streets, you can chat to, and buy from, woodcarvers and
Imagine an outdoor Christmas market set in a wooded canyon: That’s the unique Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, deep in the Black Forest, near Freiburg. Under a soaring viaduct, more than 40 stalls offer unusual and imaginative handmade Christmas gifts made by talented craftsmen and women. And, there are more exquisite stalls at the old Hofgut Sternen Inn, where the German poet Goethe once stayed.
INFORMATION Opening times: November 24th to December 23rd, 2014 Daily: 10am - 8.30pm Sundays: 11.30am - 7.30pm
www.weihnachtsmarkt.freiburg.de Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik & Messe GmbH & Co. KG Rathausgasse 33 79098 Freiburg, Germany T +49 (0) 761 / 38 81 - 880 E touristik@fwtm.de
SPECIAL OFFER Romantic Christmas market in a Winter Wonderland _ Choice of 1 or 2 nights’ hotel, inc b/fast _ 1 x entry to Christmas market _ Free transfer on shuttle bus to Ravenna Gorge _ 1 x mulled wine _ 1 x KONUS-Card for free public transport (buses and regional trains) From 50 € p.p.
Adding to the ambience are special Christmassy events, such as carols and live music every Sunday at 5pm. In the historic St Oswald Chapel, there is a 15 minute quiet time for Advent, called Candle Night. And, INFORMATION the railway arches themselves are beautifully illuminated with a special laser light and Opening times: All 4 Advent weekends from music show. There are lots of special events November 29th to December 21st for little children on Saturdays and Sundays: Fridays and Saturdays: 3pm - 9pm a ride in a carriage, drawn by ten white goats; Sundays: noon - 7pm Christmas cookie baking; exploring an illuminated fairytale path. www.hochschwarzwald.de/Weihnachtsmarkt Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH Freiburger Strasse 1 79856 Hinterzarten, Germany T +49 (0) 7652 / 12 06 - 0 E info@hochschwarzwald.de
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RADOLFZELL CHRISTMAS MARKET
At the western end of Lake Constance is Radolfzell am Bodensee. The old houses and squares in this 1,000-year-old town provide the perfect backdrop for one of the region’s prettiest Christmas markets. Guarded by the minster, the Austrian-style castle and the town hall, Radolfzell’s Market Square hosts the 39th annual Christkindlemarkt, Christmas market, this year. This is a real, local event, twinkling with lights and 60 decorated stalls, all selling a variety of locallymade crafts. Watch glass blowing demonstrations; buy glass decorations and hand-made felt slippers; take home hand-carved wooden toys and locally-made jewelry and pottery, leather wear and hand-knitted socks. Buy them as Christmas gifts or take them home and keep them as souvenirs! After all, Radolfzell is known for the quality of its arts and crafts! Of course, there is the usual temptation of mulled wine, grilled sausages, and special to the area, Dünnele, like a small, crispy pizza. And there is always coffee and cake! Always popular with the little ones is the oldfashioned carousel and the Black Forest puppet theatre.
CONSTANCE: THE CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE LAKE
SPECIAL OFFER Lakeside Xmas Magic _1 night, double room, with breakfast _4-course dinner _welcome drink _free use public transport From 49 € p.p. (2 sharing) Single supplement 25 € Extra night 39 € p.p. with breakfast, dinner Valid Nov 27th to Dec 21st, 2014 Information Tel +49 (0) 7732 / 8 23 77 - 0 www.nfhb.de
INFORMATION Opening times: December 4th-7th, 2014 Thursday 2pm-8pm, Friday/Saturday 11am-8pm Sunday 11am-7pm
www.aktionsgemeinschaft-radolfzell.de Aktionsgemeinschaft Radolfzell Kaufhausstraße 1 78315 Radolfzell am Bodensee T +49 (0) 7732 / 9 40 70 - 94 E akg-radolfzell@t-online.de
The Constance Christmas market extends from the city’s centuries-old heart right down to the famous harbor and out into the parks and gardens. Getting ever larger since the 1980s, this celebration of Advent is the largest Christmas market on Lake Constance, attracting more than 450,000 visitors. Today, something like 170 artisans, stallholders and restaurateurs add to the festive atmosphere. Christmas treats are everywhere, from mulled wine and punch to typical regional dishes and sweets. Most of the vendors are from the region and there is plenty of variety. With the Swiss border just a stone’s throw away, a favorite snack is the Stängeli fondue. Like fondue cheese poured into a baguette, this is a popular treat that you can eat as you walk down the street. One special feature of the Constance market is the Christmas Ship. Moored at the harbor, it offers yet more stalls to explore – and is all part of the fun and flair that makes this “Christmas market on the lake” so special.
SPECIAL OFFER Constance Winter Special _ 2 nights hotel, inc b/fast, welcome gift _ a choice of one of these: 1 x ticket to SEA LIFE; 1 x 3 hr. visit to Lake Constance Thermal Spa; 1 x ticket for Mainau Island including coffee or cake in the castle café; 1 x ticket for the National Archaeological Museum and Rosgartenmuseum. _ Wine offer: 10% discount on wines bought at the Spitalkellerei (wine cellar featuring local wines) Comfort: 99 €, double with shower/toilet DeLuxe: 129 €, double with shower/toilet INFORMATION Opening times: November 27th to December 22nd, 2014 Daily: 11am - 8pm Fridays and Saturdays: 11am - 9.30pm
www.konstanz-tourismus.de Tourist-Information Konstanz GmbH Bahnhofplatz 43 78462 Konstanz, Germany T +49 (0) 7531 / 13 30 - 30 E info@konstanz-tourismus.de