A Christmas Winter Wonderland on Rails

Day 1: Welcome to Prague!

Welcome to Prague! Your driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport with Vasele venoce! or “Merry Christmas” in Czech. Both the festive decorations and the cheery atmosphere will be your first major hint that, yes – it’s Christmas time!

You might be itching to get out and start exploring the markets right now, but don’t worry – you’ll get to that! Instead, spend the evening gathering together with your MagRail crew and head to a traditional restaurant for your first meal. Cosy up with great conversation and a meet-and-greet with your guide. Tonight sounds like the perfect night to line up for a taste of winter specialties like svařák, (Czech mulled wine) and a steaming bowl of žemlovka, otherwise known as goulash. Are you feeling in the Yuletide spirit yet? Tomorrow is your first introduction to European Christmas markets! 

Accommodation: Hotel Clement, Prague, Czech Republic
Included: Dinner

Day 2: Markets, Vintage Trams and a Brewery

Follow your nose this morning to the smell of warm cinnamon, roast pork sizzling over an open fire and vats of svařák bubbling away under strands of twinkly lights. The beating heart of Prague’s Christmas markets are the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just five minutes from each other on foot. Take in the baroque, rococo and gothic architecture while also taking in a feast of dishes that are the perfect lunchie -fuel for your wintery wanders around the city.

This afternoon, you’ll be rumbling between the city’s most famous sites as you hop-on and hop-off Vintage Tram 42 with your guide. Don’t worry – there’ll be some step counts in there too, so your festive lunch will be a distant calorie memory to your waistline when beer o’clock begins calling. Did you know that Pilsner Urquwell was the world’s first golden Pilsner? Learn all about it – and maybe have a cheeky půllitr or two at the brewery tour this afternoon! 

Accommodation: Hotel Clement, Prague, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Karlovy Vary

Rise and shine – you’re headed to Prague Main Station for your first train ride this morning! The time will pass quickly as you spend your time watching out the window, and the hustle of city life in Prague fades to scenes of winter in the countryside. 

Stopping just shy of Germany, you’ll be jumping off at the Czech spa town and colourful bohemian village – Karlovy Vary. Thaw out from your icy adventures this afternoon at the steaming thermal pools and saunas – this is the perfect respite from the cold – it’s day three, and you’re already beginning to embrace the exhilarating chill of winter in Europe. 

Whether or not these hot springs are truly therapeutic is up for debate, but the fact that Europeans have been flocking here since Charles IV found them in the 14th century is surely a testament to their healing power. 

Accommodation: EA Atlantic Palace Hotel, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Fichtelberg Railway

Who’s up for a day trip to Germany? At first, you’ll be swapping the rails for a drive, but it won’t be long before you’re feeling the clickety-clack nurturing you again. Today, you’ll be riding the highest narrow gauge train in Germany – MagRailers, all aboard the Fichtelberg Railway in Cranzahl!

The astonishing 237-metre altitude climb takes about an hour, but it’ll be over in a flash. You’ll be glued to the window as your steam-powered steed twists and turns its way through the Upper Ore mountains, occasionally disappearing into tunnels and chugging over viaducts – and if the weather gods are kind, ploughing through a dusting of powdered snow. Considering your destination is Oberwiesenthal, the highest town in all of Germany, there’s a real chance of that! Afterwards, the old ways continue, and after a hearty, traditional lunch, there’s a surprise waiting for you. Can you hear sleigh bells ringing? 

Finish the day back in Karlovy Vary. Anyone up for another soak in the hot springs?   

Accommodation: EA Atlantic Palace Hotel, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Nuremberg

Reaching Nuremberg by train is a bit tricky, so you’ll be travelling by road today. It’s a two-and-a-half hour drive until you’re saying a cheerful Frohe Weihnachten! to the fairytale German city. While this historic town is worthy of a visit in its own right, the Christkindlmarkt here is extra special. It’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, with its beginnings stretching back to the 16th century. 

Meet up with your local guide, who will take you through both the nooks and crannies as well as the must-see spots, unravelling hundreds of years of Yuletide tradition. This Bavarian city is already lovely, but add towering pine trees decked out in tinsel and ornaments and the smell of glühwein and gingerbread swirling through the air, and you’ll truly feel like you’ve stepped inside a Christmas carol! This also happens to be one of the best Christmas markets for handmade souvenirs, and your accommodation is conveniently located just nearby – so grab your wallets. 

Accommodation: Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville Hotel, Nuremberg, Germany
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Rothenburg

Today, you’ll hop aboard a train chugging deeper into Bavaria. After two hours of countryside views on pause outside your window, you’ll arrive in the storybook Medieval village of Rothenburg. Known formally as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, your visit here comes with a warning – this is another one of the best Christmas markets for shopping. However, if you’re feeling a little shopped out, there’s plenty to keep you occupied here! Spend your day walking the cobbled streets that are so charming they inspired the Brothers Grimm and Disney’s Pinocchio. 

Head back to Nuremberg by train this evening, watching small hamlets surrounded by snowy (fingers crossed) pastures and forests glow in the evening light. If you still have the energy, head back out into the Christmas markets, or maybe a traditional Franconian Tavern for a feed of bratwurst washed down with a stein of lager. 

Accommodation:  Novotel Nürnberg Centre Ville Hotel, Nuremberg, Germany
Included: Breakfast

Day 7:  Halsbach Forest Christmas

This morning’s train is heading to Burghausen, but after about an hour and a half, you’ll be dropping your bags at the hotel and bolting out the door to visit the most enchanting Christmas markets in Bavaria!  Tucked away in a forest just out of town is Halsbach Forest Christmas. You’ll easily lose a couple of hours and drain your camera battery here as you wander along forested earth paths decorated with festive huts while the melody of live music floats through the crisp winter air. There’s even a live nativity scene! 

Dinner tonight is back in Burghausen with your guide and MagRail crew. Can you believe it’s Day 7 already? In such a short time, you’ve become a tight-knit group, and there are still so many more adventures to have and trains to ride together! 

Accommodation: Dormero Hotel, Burghausen, Germany
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 8: Burghausen Castle 

Did you know that the town’s castle is known as the longest in the world? At 1,051 metres in length, Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (as it’s known in German) lords over the Salzach River and town centre like a menacing giant from its perch. You’ll check this Medieval fortress out, with moats, drawbridges and courtyards aplenty, following your costumed guide through centuries of history.

But the best part about visiting the Burghausen Castle at Christmas time? It has its very own Christkindlmarkt! Crouching in the shadow of the castle, these markets are situated in The Pits – Berghausen’s winding alleyways. Do your own shimmying past other merrymakers as you explore the stalls through clouds of steam and the wafting scent of fried potatoes and candied almonds.

Accommodation: Dormero Hotel, Burghausen, Germany
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9: Salzburg

You’ll be making your way three hours south today to the birthplace of Mozart – Salzburg, Austria. That’s right! Day 9, and you’re heading to your third country! 

This afternoon, it’s a break from Christmas market adventures but not from indulging in sweet treats. Roll up your sleeves and get to work marinating apples and stretching dough to make the famous apple strudel and Salzburger nockerl, a sugary soufflé served with tart jam. Don’t worry if you’re not usually the cook in the family – it’s all a bit of fun, and the best part is the eating at the end! Lunch is also on the docket, so don’t worry too much about giving in to your sweet tooth!

Accommodation: Goldenes Teaterhotel, Salzburg, Austria
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10:  Schafberg Mountain Railway & Lake Wolfgangsee Christmas Villages

Drive out to Lake Wolfgangsee this morning for a new mountain train adventure! This time to climb 1,783 metres above sea level to the top of Schafberg Mountain on Austria’s steepest cog-wheel railway. The views of the Alps and lakes outside your window will leave you breathless, and you’ll get to savour that a little longer with lunch at the top. 

This fairytale day doesn’t end there, as your group heads back to the lake to indulge in some Christmas spirit of a whole new variety! Yes, that’s a boat you spy. You’ll cruise between the villages of St Gilgen, St Wolfgang and Strobl this afternoon, each with their own unique Christmas markets and traditions. Far removed from the often chaotic Christmas markets you’ll find in big cities, today is a window into the past that you must have a glimpse of!  

Accommodation: Goldenes Teaterhotel, Salzburg, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Portschach Wellness 

All aboard the train this morning for the resort town on Portschach. You experienced wellness in the Czech Republic and now it’s time to experience it in Austria! In Portschach, the wellness facilities are right on the lake, and what fun it is to have your hotel directly connected to it by a heated corridor! Relax in the sauna and heated pool, or just enjoy the winter view of Lake Worthersee this afternoon. 

Continuing with the lake theme, dinner is in a local restaurant by the shore with your MagRail crew. Spend the night catching up with one another’s day. Find out if anyone decided to have one more Christmas market fix by jumping on another train for a short ride to the nearby town of Klagenfurt!

Accommodation: Werzers Hotel Resort, Pörtschach, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Semmering Railway 

Today’s train is a four-hour ride to Vienna – and what a ride it is! Semmering Railway is a 41-kilometre section of the track and one of the few vintage train journeys (its construction dates back to the 1850s) that remains part of a regular modern service. Semmering is known as the first true mountain railway because of the difficult terrain. Your modern steed slows up to a third of its normal speed to negotiate the steep gradients, sharp turns and tunnels, so grab your camera because the mountain views are killer, and the ambling pace gives you plenty of time to frame your shots!

Welcome to Vienna! The ‘City of Music’ wows with its wide boulevards, Baroque palaces, and, of course, Christmas decorations fit for royalty. You’ll be met by a local guide on your Vienna arrival who’ll introduce you to Vienna on a walking tour, including a visit to the Christkindlmarkt. By now you’ve no doubt discovered that each market has its own delicious food favourites, so go in search of Vienna’s kartoffelpuffer, otherwise known as potato pancakes, and kaiserschmarrn, Viennese pancakes, washed down with a local wine. 

Accommodation: MOOONS Hotel, Vienna, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 13: Viennese Classical Concert 

It’s already Day 13 and you’ve earned a rest! Take some much needed rest this morning at your hotel, sleeping in and lounging in your room. For those with itchy feet don’t worry, your guide has some alternative plans for you!  

This evening is a special treat and something that every visitor should do in Vienna – a classical music concert. Listen to music dreamt up by the great composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert before enjoying dinner with your MagRailer mates. 

Accommodation: MOOONS Hotel, Vienna, Austria
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Budapest

Take a three-hour train ride this morning, glimpsing the Danube River on and off as you snake your way from Vienna to Budapest. Hit the ground running in your fourth country with both a food tour and a visit to the Christmas markets – all while walking through the city’s mesmerising medley of architecture, from Art Nouveau to Soviet. 

You’ll start to see how proud Hungary is of its culinary heritage on a food tour that skirts the markets and stops by local vendors, too. Sample famous Hungarian dishes like langos, fried bread smeared in sour cream and toppings, and spicy goulash to warm the cockles of your heart!

After you’re finished meeting Budapest through your tastebuds, wander around the markets in search of more treats. Or grab some of your fellow MagRailers and head on into one of Budapest’s famous Ruins Bars. Their beginnings were following Hungary’s transition from Communism, when young people began repurposing derelict spaces into bars with eclectic designs and a laidback atmosphere.  

Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel, Budapest, Hungary
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15: Old Town Szentendre 

Up and at ‘em! It’s Day 15, and there’s still more to explore in this winter wonderland! This time, you’re headed to the village of Szentendre. It’s just a one-hour trip, and you’ll be transported to a world that feels very far from the Christmas chaos back in Budapest – let alone the beginning of summer back home. Szentendre boasts an interesting history and is touted as one of the most beautiful small towns in all of Hungary. 

It also just so happens to have a quaint Christmas market that’s particularly known for its artistic flare – once more, you’ll be amazed how varied these market experiences can be. And if you’re feeling marketed out, no worries! The historical centre of Szentendre is a maze of cobblestone lanes, colorful homes and small squares. Take a wander to discover your very own cozy cafe or art gallery.

Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel, Budapest, Hungary
Included: Breakfast

Day 16: Buda Castle Hill

Who doesn’t love a funicular, and what a way to finish a train trip! The ride to Buda Castle only takes a few minutes, but the 50-metre elevation over just 95-metres makes it a thrilling ride on engineering that evolved more than 150 years ago. Then, step out of the cold and head underground for a guided tour of Buda Caves. The labyrinth has been utilised since the Middle Ages with several incarnations including a cellar system, a prison, and a bomb shelter and hospital facility during WW2. 

There’s some time this afternoon to sneak in some final Budapest exploring on your own. And if you’ve got some room left in your luggage, maybe some last-minute Christmas shopping. Then it’s back to your merry-making mode as you head out on the town for a farewell dinner with your guide and MagRailer crew.

Accommodation: Impulso Fashion Hotel, Budapest, Hungary
Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 17: Farewell Friends!

It’s time to wave goodbye to Europe’s winter wonderland. You’ve ridden some of the region’s most iconic trains, all while embracing the festive season through food, wine and twinkling markets! Savour your last sips of forralt bur, grab your Yuletide trinkets and get ready to take to the skies. Be sure to exchange info with your fellow MagRailers and wish each other, Merry Christmas! too!

Included: Breakfast