3 Countries, 3 Cities, 3 Days: The Ultimate Christmas Market Weekend on the Upper Rhine

🇨🇭🇩🇪🇫🇷

Looking for the most magical Advent weekend getaway in Europe? With clever logistics, you can visit the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland, Germany, and France in a single weekend- without changing your hotel every day.

Your basecamp: the beautiful city of Basel (Switzerland), perfectly connected to the EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg (EAP) and just minutes from its neighbouring countries.

Arrival & Basel Basecamp

Your adventure ideally begins on Friday morning.

Flight: 

Book your flight to EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg (EAP/BSL/MLH). It’s served multiple times daily from many European cities (e.g., London, Amsterdam, Berlin).

Transfer: 

From the airport, take bus no. 50 directly to Basel SBB train station (approx. 20 min). Check into your hotel in Basel.

Basel Card- Important Savings Tip!

If you stay in a Basel hotel, you automatically receive the Basel Card. It gives you:

• Free public transport within all of Basel

• 50% discount on museums

The cost for bus no. 50 (approx. CHF 5.00) only applies once, for your arrival.

Your 3-Day Itinerary & the Hidden Logistics Tricks

Day 1: Friday - Swiss Charm in Basel 🇨🇭

After arrival and check-in, dive straight into Switzerland’s festive atmosphere.

The Market:

Basel’s Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Enjoy the sea of lights, walk between the lovingly decorated wooden stalls, and try a real Swiss mulled wine (Glüehwii).

Highlight:

Visit Basel Minster, climb the Martinsturm, and enjoy the view over the entire illuminated city.

Day 2: Saturday – German Cosiness in Freiburg im Breisgau 🇩🇪

Today you cross the border into Germany, to the picturesque Black Forest city of Freiburg.

The Market:

The Freiburg Christmas market is located around Rathausplatz and Franziskanergasse, offering Black Forest specialties and traditional handicrafts.

The Ticket Secret:

For your round-trip from Basel to Freiburg, use the Baden-Württemberg Ticket (2nd class) from Deutsche Bahn.

Prices 2024 (as of Nov.):

• 1st person: €27.00

• Each additional person: only €9.00 (up to 5 people total)

Travel Hack:

For two people, that’s only €36.00 total (€18.00 per person) for the entire day.This ticket is unbelievably cheap for a return trip!

Validity:

Valid all day, covering all regional trains (RE, RB). Buy it at the ticket machine in Basel SBB or online.

Day 3: Sunday - The Fairy-Tale Town of Colmar 🇫🇷

On Sunday, France’s Alsace region awaits you. Colmar’s half-timbered houses are pure magic at Christmas time.

The Market:

Colmar has several themed markets spread across its beautiful old town. The markets in La Petite Venise and at Place de l’Ancienne Douane are especially unforgettable.

The 2nd Ticket Secret:

Use the cross-border regional train group ticket from the French TER Grand Est.

Ticket:Alsa+ Groupe Journée (valid for 2–5 people for a round trip).

Price Highlight:

The entire group pays only €24.20 (Haut-Rhin zone).For two people, that's just €12.10 per person.

Important:

This savings ticket can be purchased only at the ticket machine or counter in the French sector of Basel SBB.It is not available online.

Accommodation in Basel (2 Nights)

Approximate price ranges for a weekend double stay in Christmas season:

💰 Cost Overview (Example for 2 People, including mid-range hotel)

(Additional costs for flights, food and drinks, and mulled wine depend on personal choice.)

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