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Mountains of Merry: The Boutique Christmas Markets of South Tyrol

By Kate & Vin 18 Comments

Latemar Dolomites during Advent

iconIf you’re visiting South Tyrol during the season of tinsel and tidings, chances are the traditional Christmas markets of Bolzano, Merano, Brixen and Sterzing are on your holiday wish list.

But as lovely as each of those markets are, it pays to also stroll the several boutique Christmas markets decorating South Tyrol. Taking time to casually drift through the “off-the-beaten” path Christmas markets imparts a gift of memories you will cherish long after the season ends.

In this post, we shine a bright holiday light on three boutique markets you should not miss.

Christmas by Candlelight at Lake Carezza

Lago di Carezza Nativity Scene

When a remote Alpine lake tells of a wizard long ago shattering a rainbow into its pristine waters, there may be no better place for an event as magical as a Christmas market. The Christmas Market at Lake Carezza takes place in the ancient forest surrounding its fabled shore. Stalls shaped like wooden lanterns line a trail that winds from one side of the lake to the other.

If you’re longing to experience a Christmas market within a winter wonderland, Lake Carezza can almost guarantee it. Thanks to the higher altitude it is one of the most picturesque markets.

The market sits within the Dolomites with the Latemar and Rosengarten massifs looming as backdrops. When we wandered the market, countless evergreen boughs held fresh puffs of snow and the mountains wore icy crowns.

Christmas Market at Lake Carezza

Lago di Carezza Christmas Ornaments

Carezza Christmas Market Trail

For anyone worried about enduring a wintry chill, wood stoves dot the market offering comfort and the enchanting aroma of a crackling wood fire. Standing over flames in the mountains and listening to Christmas tunes from a trio of trumpets will leave you merry long after you have taken your last sip of Glühwein

When we discovered a Christmas market is held each year within its walls we turned several shades of merry.

Beyond enjoying freshly-baked sweets and delicious drinks sold at the stalls, you can also find a variety of handmade crafts that harken back to a simpler time. Visiting in the evening is especially enchanting as the market is lit by candle lanterns that cast a soft glow all along the trail.

Carezza in the Dolomites

When to Go

We timed our visit to the market when the Krampus was set loose upon the trail. This was our first encounter with the less-than-jolly beasts of lore and we were blown away by the experience.

If you can make it during the weekend that lures the Krampus out of their caves, we highly recommend it. To learn more about the Krampus tradition, be sure to read about our Krampus encounter in Margreid.

Krampus at Lago di Carezza Christmas Market
Candle lanterns guide you through the Christmas market at Lake Carezza…as well as the Krampus.

The Lake Carezza Christmas market occurs each weekend in December from 10 am to 8 pm. It is just 20 minutes from Bolzano by car. For specific details on the event go to the official website for Eggental Valley, which is where Lake Carezza is located.

A Christmas Forest at FORST Brewery

Forst Christmas ForestSince 1857, the Forst brewery in Algund has been spreading cheer well beyond the holiday season. One cannot trek in South Tyrol at any time of year without encountering an opportunity to relax with a refreshing Forst beer at a mountain hut. It’s an invitation we always accept.

But the brewery’s cheerful tidings rise to new heights each year with the opening of its enchanted Christmas Forest (Forster Weihnactswald / Foresta Natalizia). Dining and drinking at FORST is always a joy, however, our first visit to the Christmas Forest was one of the most relaxing evenings of the holidays.

The Christmas Forest at FORST conjures a cozy atmosphere that the traditional Christmas markets simply cannot match.

Out of all of the Christmas markets in South Tyrol, it is the one we would return to multiple times during the season. Admiring the tasteful holiday splendor FORST adorns throughout the brewery is worth the trip alone.

Forst Christmas Ornament

Forst Beer at the Christmas Forest in Algund

Window shopping at Forst Brewery

Forst Beer Lounge
The massive copper vats in the FORST Beer Lounge shimmer in the warm glow of Christmas. A perfect place to sit and relax with a pint.

The Christmas Forest at FORST conjures a cozy atmosphere that the traditional Christmas markets simply cannot match.

Aglow with crackling fires throughout, the Christmas Forest includes a spectacular ice-skating rink softly lit by sparkling lights, a bakery offering culinary wonders such as traditional South Tyrolean Zelten (Christmas Cake), specialty stalls brimming with local crafts and of course a festive beer garden where liters upon liters of FORST beer swirl with holiday magic beneath countless ornaments.

Each year, FORST also opens its gourmet restaurant called “Felsenkeller” for the duration of the market. Guests enjoy a magnificent feast in an ancient stone cellar furnished with exquisite decor including the largest Christmas ball in the world. The dining experience at Felsenkeller is what Christmas dreams are made of.

When to Go

The FORST Christmas Forest begins enchanting holiday revelers from November 20 through January 6. It is open from 10 am to midnight.

We recommend visiting the Christmas Forest after you have strolled the traditional Christmas market in Merano. FORST is located less than 10 minutes away.

Forst Christmas TreeIn addition to the market festivities, guided tours of the brewery are also available each day. If you wish to experience the Felsenkeller gourmet restaurant, reservations must be made in advance at felsenkeller@forst.it.

For those not wanting to splurge on a gourmet feast, you can also dine in the brewery’s traditional restaurant, Bräustüberl Forst, which is delicious and adorned with ornate woodwork that fosters a heart-warming ambiance.

Medieval Merriment at Castle Tirol

Tirol Castle Christmas Market

What was it like to celebrate Christmas at a time when lands were ruled from thrones and candles were for more than setting the mood? The Christmas market at Castle Tirol gives revelers a charming glimpse.

Arguably the most celebrated castle in South Tyrol, Castle Tirol makes one’s jaw drop long before reaching its gates. The castle’s imposing presence atop a craggy glacial moraine in Dorf Tirol leaves us spellbound every time we lay eyes on it. Without a doubt, it is among the top medieval sights in all of Europe. Built in the 1100s, Castle Tirol was home to the Counts of Tyrol who wielded enough power to name an entire region.

We reached the castle by parking in a public lot located in Dorf Tirol. From here, we walked along the Falknerweg (Falconers’ Path). This paved path edges along a deep ravine.

Beyond are splendid views of tumbling vineyards and the Texel mountain group of the Oetztal Alps. In addition to fawning over Castle Tirol during the walk, plenty of vantage points reveal the stunning Brunnenburg Castle, which sits on a crag below the stronghold.

Brunnenburg Castle during the Christmas Season

Castle Tirol Tunnel
How is this for old-world charm? A centuries-old tunnel leads to Castle Tirol’s Christmas market.

A 260-foot stone-walled tunnel carved out in the 17th century leads visitors through the final stretch to the castle. The entire trek takes roughly 20-30 minutes, but if you’re like us, you’ll linger longer. The path ascends easily, but if you prefer to roll your way to Castle Tirol, a horse-drawn carriage ride is available.

The market entices with food and refreshment stands within the castle’s courtyard. While we were there a gentleman roasted chestnuts on the spot and a brass band filled the air with notes of cheer. We, in turn, filled ourselves with cheer by sipping on mulled wine. Afterward, we wandered inside the castle to browse crafts and other South Tyrolean specialties for sales. A woodcarver wowed us with his artisanship on the lathe at one of the exhibits.

Man warming his hands over fire at Castle Tirol Christmas MarketUpon finishing touring the market we ventured into the castle’s Hall of Knights. The portal leading to the chapel captivated us with remarkable Romanesque marble sculptures from the 12th century. Studying the faces and figures in the marble makes a trip to the castle worth it on their own.

Meandering around the chapel is a moving experience as the haunting expressions of faded frescoes follows your every step. A life-size crucifixion scene looms overhead. Erected in 1330, it reveals the emotions of Jesus, Mary and John with striking realism. On the wall across the chapel is the first known depiction of the South Tyrol’s coat of arms.

Christmas Music at Castle Tirol

Woodworker Castle Tirol

Tirol Castle Chapel Window

Castle Tirol Chapel

When to Go

The Castle Tirol Christmas market only occurs the first two weekends in December. It takes place from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Throughout each day different activities take place and a variety of music groups entertain in the courtyard.

READ MORE: Castle Tirol – Ancient Majesty Chiseled from a Mountain

For a full list of the special events scheduled be sure to review the event program by going to the official tourist site for Dorf Tirol. 

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The Boutique Christmas Markets of South Tyrol

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Filed Under: South Tyrol Christmas Markets, South Tyrol Festivals & Events Tagged With: Castel Rametz, Castle Tirol, Christmas Market, Lake Carezza

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ami Bhat says

    January 2, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    Glad you mentioned the wood stoves. I have always been a little worried about the cold and this puts things in perspective. Add to that the warmth of that lovely wine . Sounds like spending time in these markets is quite fun

    Reply
  2. Jim Whittemore says

    January 2, 2019 at 1:54 am

    Wow, I couldn’t imagine being at the christmas market in Lake Carezza! That sounds like something so magical and straight out of a fairytale!…at least that’s how I imagine it must have felt like.

    Reply
  3. Kamree says

    January 1, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    The Christmas Markets look absolutely darling! Exploring the markets and seeing how different cultures celebrate the holiday around the world is amazing! A perfect tradition for the holiday season!

    Reply
  4. Hannah says

    January 1, 2019 at 7:23 am

    The Christmas Market at Lake Carezza looks magical – with the wood burners around and the snowy surrounds, it is like a movie scene! I must say, I like the look of wine tasting at Castel Rametz – nothing says Christmas like a tipple of some delicious wine!

    Reply
  5. Linda (LD Holland) says

    December 31, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    I am sure that South Tyrol would be an amazing stop for the holidays. The market at Lake Carezza sounds absolutely magical. And the surrounding scenery so beautiful. The market at Castel Rametz also looks so unique. We would definintely want to visit the wine cellar! What a great selection of Christmas markets. And ones that will go on the list for sure!

    Reply
  6. SherianneKay says

    December 31, 2018 at 8:04 am

    wooden lanterns lighting a trail? Lake Carezza sounds absolutely magical! And I have wanted to have a Krampus experience for so long, this would be a great place for that.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 31, 2018 at 1:30 pm

      South Tyrol has multiple Krampus runs in early December so if you can’t make this one there’s a good chance you’ll find another. Cheers!

      Reply
  7. Noel Morata says

    December 30, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    Wow, this is really festive – I would love to do this in the winter time even though I’m not a cold oriented person. It looks fun seeing all the wonderful markets and try some nice warm drinks or wine I’m sure!

    Reply
  8. Jody Robbins says

    December 30, 2018 at 11:54 am

    My girlfriend lives in Carinthia and I’ve visited in all seasons – but never during Christmastime. I’d love to get back and experience some of these. I wish we had the same traditions in Canada.

    Reply
  9. carolcolborn says

    December 30, 2018 at 11:09 am

    Truly off-the-beaten-path Christmas markets! Looks like such interesting finds. Surely the ambiance is special!

    Reply
  10. Eric Gamble says

    December 29, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    You are so going to get me in trouble if Darcee sees this post because for the last 3 years she has been bugging me for a trip to any of the Christmas Markets in Europe. I do think they are interesting but usually not “bucket list” worthy to me. However, I would love the Medieval Merriment you found in South Tyrol. There is something about falling back in time to celebrate a festival or fall into a magical season!
    Love that you hit up that cellar in the castle but Castle Tirol looks truly amazing too.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 30, 2018 at 12:27 pm

      Did not mean to get you in trouble with Darcee, but she’ll love you for making the trip to South Tyrol during the holiday season!;-) Castle Tirol will steal your breath away guaranteed.

      Reply
  11. adonisabril says

    December 29, 2018 at 5:05 pm

    Sold! You guys convinced me for sure. It sounds like a real awesome place to spend a Christmas vacation (holiday). Awesome pictures too. As a landscape/travel photographer I am draw by such picturesque locations. New item on the bucket list!

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 30, 2018 at 12:24 pm

      Glad we could introduce you to South Tyrol! Trust us, you’ll never run out of fascinating landscapes to shoot during your visit.

      Reply
  12. Luci Cook says

    December 24, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    That is so beautiful. I would really love to spend at least one Christmas in South Tyrol to experience a really winter.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 26, 2018 at 9:17 am

      Thank you Luci! Hope you can make it to South Tyrol someday and experience a true winter wonderland!

      Reply
  13. Indrani says

    December 24, 2018 at 11:28 pm

    How wonderful the Christmas celebrations there sound! The old world ambiance in Castel Rametz’s cellar is captured so well.The setting of the castle seems so magical, I hope I can visit some day.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      December 26, 2018 at 9:18 am

      Hi Indrani – Thanks for the compliment! Castel Rametz is a MUST when you visit.

      Reply

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