Set in the steep, wooded hills of the Ravenna Gorge and deep within the heart of the Black Forest, this village of small wooden huts transforms into a stunning Christmas market every year.
Ravennaschlucht in Breitnau, Germany, is the Christmas market that is “small but not to be missed”, according to World Wide Schooling. Situated underneath a magnificently tall, stone-arched viaduct, it is “not a Harry Potter film, but a heavenly and magical reality”. The many fires are perfect spots to cosy up with a warm cup of German Glühwein or Bratwurst, while the 40 wooden huts put on a fine spread of unique handicrafts, decorations, and sweet and savory specialities. You can even forfeit your deposit for your mug of Glühwein and keep it as a souvenir, or why not send yourself a Christmas wish on a postcard at the market’s very own Christmas Post Office?
This includes mulled wine and punch in the pre-heated Black Forest Stube, where you get two hours of sociable gathering by a tiled stove.
Ravenna Gorge is also a popular hiking spot. Starting at the gorge carved by Ravenna Creek, you’ll likely encounter a number of waterfalls, bridges, and impressive views.
As the market is incredibly popular and in a remote location, tickets must be purchased well in advance. To be amongst the first to secure tickets, it’s recommended to sign up for the newsletter now. Presale starts on October 14 at 1pm.
Europe’s other hidden gem Christmas markets include Graz in Austria, where visitors marvel at the huge light show and Advent calendar projected onto the town hall, as well as the life-sized nativity scene made entirely out of ice.
We Love Travel’s Oli and Mandy speak highly of their experience of the Black Forest’s Ravenna Gorge.
They said: “There really is no better or more magical place at Christmas time than Germany, and that is heightened even more in The Black Forest.
Imagine, bundling up into the cold fresh air, soft snow crunching beneath you. Twinkling market stall lights surround you, the smell of Christmas spices all around and the sound of festive cheer in the air. “
For keen photographer Taylor at The Weithouse, visiting on a snowy day, felt like a “once in a lifetime experience”.