Two Christmas Markets in Bavaria - Altötting and Passau

Discover two Christmas markets in Bavaria

Two Christmas markets in BayernWe've visited two markets in recent weeks that could hardly be more different. Both are definitely worth seeing. The Altötting Christmas market and the Passau Christmas market are only a good hour's drive away from each other. However, they are worlds apart, literally. We'll introduce you to the differences here.

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Two Christmas markets in Bavaria - romantic or international

These two Christmas markets in Bavaria are held every year in these two towns on the Inn River during Advent. One is in the pilgrimage site of Altötting in Upper Bavaria. The other is in the town Passau in Lower Bavaria.

While the Altötting Christmas market takes place on Kapellplatz in the city center, the Passau Christmas market is located on the square in front of the cathedral. Both locations attract numerous visitors due to their location in the city center.

The churches dominate the image of both venues. In Altötting, the market stalls are grouped around the Chapel of Grace in the center of Kapellplatz. In Passau They stand in front of the cathedral. But that's where the similarities end. While the Christmas market in Altötting is one of the most romantic we've seen, the one in Passau is one of the most international.

The romantic Christmas market in Altötting

November 28, 2025 to December 21, 2025

Start: 14:00 p.m.
End: 20:00

Opening hours: Mon. – Fri. 14:00 pm – 20:00 pm, Sat./Sun. 11:00 am – 20:00 pm

Sunday shopping: December 30.11th, 13.00am to 17.00pm

The Christmas market on Kapellplatz in Altötting has a cozy feel. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the square is surrounded by well-kept hotels and Christmas-decorated buildings. These protect the market from traffic noise and other distractions. Here, you're more likely to hear children's laughter or Santa Claus's "Ho, Ho, Ho."

In any case, the market is very idyllic. The market stalls are grouped along several paths around the Christmas tree, which stands in front of the Chapel of Grace in the center of the square. It feels like entering a village where the illuminated stalls welcome you.

The scent of incense wafts towards us from the first stall. A few steps further on, the smell of spicy sausage specialties, including the Bosnia sausage, which is very popular in Salzburg. But I'm more drawn to the center of the market.

They serve Sternthaler (star cakes). These are yeast pastries baked in the shape of a star and filled with delicious ingredients. Choosing between them isn't easy, as each one sounds tempting and tempting. I finally opt for the cherry and liqueur filling. The Sternthaler tastes delicious warm.

A few steps further, a glassblower sits at his stand, making glass spheres. "They're still painted," he explains. He makes all the figures and glass shapes in his stand himself, as a hobby. His imagination is certainly inexhaustible, as the glass figures at his stand demonstrate.

The children's eyes sparkle at the Altötting Christmas market. They do so even more brightly when Santa Claus welcomes them from the stage. They line up next door, waiting for the glittering carousel to stop again to pick up its next passengers.

We walk a few more steps and then warm ourselves by open fires set up in metal kettles in the park in front of the city hall. This is a great way to enjoy the Christmas season. Here we feel the spirit of Christmas.

The international Passau Christmas market

25.11.2025 – 22.12.2025 on the Cathedral Square. Please inform yourself daily.

The daily opening hours are

Mon – Thu 10.00 p.m. – 20.00 p.m
Fri. – Sat. 10.00:21.00 – XNUMX:XNUMX
Sun 11:00 – 20:00

The Christmas market in PassauHere, too, the Cathedral Square is surrounded by the well-kept houses of the old town of the three-river city. The cathedral, with its impressive façade, rises above the market stalls.

Anyone who comes here should definitely visit the cathedral. It houses the world's largest organ. But what I like even better is the wonderful Baroque ceiling above the nave and the magnificent entrance portals.

What immediately strikes us here, in contrast to Altötting, is the babble of languages ​​that prevails both in the town and on the cathedral square. It seems that the whole world is a guest here. Next to us, a couple is speaking to each other in English. There, another couple approaches us, apparently speaking Russian.

Passau owes these international guests to the Danube. The Inn and Ilz rivers flow into the Danube near Passau. This is also where the River cruise ships which are on the Danube continue driving to Vienna, Bratislava or to the mouth of the river into the Black Sea.

Especially now at Christmas time, the River cruises to the Christmas markets* (Advertisement) along the river is very popular. This is also evident in the linguistic confusion in the city of Passau.

But it's not just the visitors who make Passau's Christmas market so international. The market stalls and their offerings also come from various countries.

Right at the entrance, for example, a South Tyrolean offers delicious ham and sausage specialties from his homeland. Next door, there's a huge selection of Tyrolean cheeses. A few steps further, one of the stall owners explains to a customer: "Yes, I'm from Salzburg." He's selling traditional hats, the kind commonly worn in the Alps.

Petar finally gets talking to a man who, with his white beard and well-rounded belly, looks like Santa Claus himself. As it turns out, he's from Hungary and a tanner. He's brought fluffy sheepskins and goatskins with him, which he offers to his Passau customers.

Worth seeing is the Passau Christmas market in any case. Especially in the borderland too Austria, Czechia and Hungary A visit with this international flair is interesting. You can easily see how close these regions are on a Day trip from Passau You might also be interested in Passau in autumn, with culture, cuisine and hotels for a weekend attends.

Two Christmas markets in Bavaria are so different

While the Altötting Christmas market traditionally offers regional specialties, the Passau Christmas market is more international. Both appeal to different target groups, to which one has adjusted on site. Therefore, these two Christmas markets in Bavaria are definitely worth a visit.

Travel organization for two Christmas markets in Bavaria:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, train and long-distance bus to two Christmas markets in Bavaria

Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa and other airlines fly to MunichIt is also possible that Arrival by train * to Altötting or Passau. Also, drive Long-distance buses * (advertisement) to Mühldorf. From there, continue by train to Altötting.

Rental car for two Christmas markets in Bavaria:

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Camper Rentals:

Compare motorhome prices here. Or do you prefer to travel with a Rooftent or Tent?

Accommodation for two Christmas markets in Bavaria

With our partner booking.com you can also book hotels and Accommodation in Altotting * (advertisement) or Passau * (Advertisement) Book conveniently online for these two Christmas markets in Bavaria.

Slow Travel Tips you can also find it here. Other Tips for the Christmas season You can also discover it here.

Source for the article "Two Christmas markets in Bavaria": own research on site.

Text Two Christmas markets in Bavaria: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Two Christmas markets in Bavaria: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video Two Christmas markets in Bavaria: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline