Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market: A Fairytale in Germany’s Black Forest
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market: A Fairytale in Germany’s Black Forest
At the heart of the iconic Black Forest in Germany, Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is one of the best kept secrets in the country. Tucked beneath the towering arches of the Höllental Railway Viaduct in a winter wonderland backdrop, this unique market combines the charm of traditional German festivities with the breathtaking beauty of nature. This is one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited, so I want to share my travel guide to Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market: a Fairytale in Germany’s Black Forest.
Picture yourself wandering through twinkling lights and snow-dusted trees, surrounded by the comforting aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and Christmas carols. This is what you will find in Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. The blend of rustic wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies, and the serene scenery of the Black Forest creates an atmosphere that’s both cozy and awe-inspiring
Located near Freiburg im Breisgau at the south of Germany, not far away from the Swiss and French borders, this region is very well connected with other cities. You can fly to the closest airports like Basel in Switzerland, or Frankfurt in Germany. From those airports you can rent a car or take public transports to get there. The surrounding area is beautiful and has a lot to offer to visitors.
Unlike other Christmas Markets, you need to buy an entrance ticket to access it, that usually is sold out. So you should really plan it way in advance. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your visit to Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, from how to buy the tickets and to get there, to the best things to see and to do — not just at the market, but in the surrounding region as well.
I hope you can visit Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market and have a magical time!
Planning Your Visit to Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market: Essential Tips
One of the things that characterises Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is the fact that you need to buy your ticket in advance to get there. The tickets are usually available in October and they get sold out very fast, so you should plan ahead your visit to this magical place.
The market is only open during the weekends from Fridays to Sundays – this year it is open from November 22 to December 15. When you buy your ticket, you also need to select a time slot, as you can only stay in the venue for approximately 2,5 hours. For a truly magical moment, visit in the evening when the lights under the viaduct and the snow-dusted trees create an unforgettable winter wonderland atmosphere.
There are several typologies of tickets available, starting at 5,5 euros. Some include a parking space near the gorge, others include transfer from nearby places like Himmelreich, Freiburg or Titisee.
This year I bought my ticket on October 14, the same day tickets were available on the official website. When I checked it recently, they were already sold out for the rest of the season. My ticket was 7,5 euros, including a bus shuttle from Himmelreich train station, where there were some free parking spaces available. If you choose this option, make sure you are on time for the bus to go there and to return.
Most of the huts in the market only accept cash, so get some cash with you. When I visited this year, there was an ATM located at the entrance of the market. I also recommend to wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes. The market is located in the middle of the forest, so it can get quite chilly at night. You might also find some fresh snow.
What to do at Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
When visiting Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, you will feel that you are entering a fairytale scenery. This market indeed offers an amazing holiday experience, blending traditional festive charm with the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding Black Forest.
Its unique location makes it probably the most magical Christmas Market I’ve ever visited. When you arrive to Ravenna Gorge, you will be amazed by the breathtaking setting beneath the towering Höllental Viaduct with its arches illuminated by twinkling lights that changes colours. When the trains passes through the railway viaduct, it seems to be a scene of Harry Potter movie.
As you stroll through the market, you will find rows of charming wooden chalets offering a variety of handcrafted gifts, ornaments and artisanal products. From delicate glass ornaments to hand-knit scarves and traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks, there is something special for everyone’s holiday shopping list.
No visit would be complete without indulging in the market’s delicious culinary delights. The air is filled with the comforting aromas of mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked gingerbread. You can try local Black Forest specialties, such as potato pancakes, sausages or schnitzel.
There are many activities available at Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. The little ones can go to the Christmas Post Office to send Santa Claus a postcard with their wishes. To learn more about Christmas celebration, you can head to the Nativity Trail in the forest around, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
For a good perspective of the illuminated viaduct, there is a spot just at the entrance of the market where you can stop to take a photo and capture the magic of this special place. Additionally, there is another trail taking to a small hill from where you have incredible views to the market below. Just be careful and check the safety conditions before you go, because often it is quite icy and slippery.
Explore the Surroundings: Attractions Near Ravenna Gorge
There is no shortage of things to do and beautiful places to see around Ravenna Gorge. So it’s a very good idea to combine a visit to this Christmas Market with the opportunity to explore one of the most amazing regions in Germany, the Black Forest.
Black Forest
The iconic Black Forest at the southwest of Germany is a breathtaking tapestry of dense forests, rolling hills and charming villages that seem to be part of a storybook. Famous for inspiring the Brothers Grimm fairytales, this region offers an idyllic retreat for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and culinary passionates alike.
From hiking along pristine trails, to snowshoeing at Winter or savoring the world-renowned Black Forest cake, this region will keep you entertained with its many charms.
Triberg Waterfalls and Town
Don’t miss the Triberg Waterfalls, the highest in Germany. Plunging over 160 meters in a series of seven cascades, these waterfalls offer a spectacular display of nature’s beauty surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of falling water.
Accessible through well-maintained trails, the area around the falls is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature admirers. Whether you visit during the warmer months or in the winter when the falls glisten with ice and snow, Triberg offers an unforgettable glimpse into the magic of the Black Forest.
The nearby town of Triberg itself is equally charming. Not only it has a traditional Black Forest vibe, but is is famous for its quaint shops selling handmade cuckoo clocks and authentic regional delicacies. You can even visit the largest cuckoo clock in the world located in Schonach Untertal near Triberg.
Titisee
Titisee is a picture-perfect alpine lake surrounded by forests and rolling hills. This glacial lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering activities like boating, paddleboarding and hiking along scenic trails.
The charming town of Titisee-Neustadt located at the shores of the lake is a delightful spot to explore, featuring quaint cafes, boutique shops and traditional Black Forest specialties.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Known as the “Gateway to the Black Forest”, Freiburg im Breisgau is a charming city located at the foothills of the iconic forest. It seamlessly blends medieval history with vibrant modernity. With more than 900 years of history, it’s also the perfect place to stay based while exploring this region.
Walking around the Old Town (Altstadt) feels like traveling back in time and stepping into the history of this city, unveiling its cobblestone streets, picturesque canals known as “Bächle” and colorful facades adorned with mosaics.
At the heart of the Old Town lies the magnificent Freiburg Cathedral (Münster), a Gothic masterpiece famed for its intricate spire and stunning stained glass windows. Climbing the tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding forest.
Nearby, the Rathausplatz is a bustling square where the Old Town Hall’s striking Renaissance facade and the iconic bells of St. Martin’s Church set a charming scene. During the Christmas season, the square transforms into a wonderland with the traditional Christmas Market inviting locals and visitors to join the festive season.
Freiburg’s medieval charm extends to its iconic city gates, the Schwabentor and Martinstor, once guarding the city and now serving as picturesque landmarks. For a different perspective of Freiburg, take the Schlossbergbahn funicular, which ascends up to Schlossberg Hill. At the top, visitors can explore walking trails, enjoy sweeping views and relax at scenic cafes.
Baden Baden
Renowned for its luxurious thermal spas and elegant charm, this historic spa town boasts world-class wellness facilities and interesting cultural attractions. Some of the most famous sites include the Caracalla Spa and the opulent Friedrichsbad, a building in Renaissance style that was considered the most modern spa in Europe when it opened in the 19th century.
There are many other attractions in Baden Baden that are worth to see, like the Lichtentaler Allee, a magnificent park lined with hundreds of years of history. Or the ruins of Old Castle Hohenbaden from the 12th century, towering above the hill overlooking the city. Or the Festspielhaus, one of Europe’s largest opera and concert halls.
For more inspiration about traveling in Germany at Christmas time, visit my articles Dresden Travel Guide on Christmas Time or Fairytale Trip Around Bavaria on Christmas Time.
