"On and Off the Road in Karlsruhe" Karlsruhe by Roadquill

Karlsruhe Travel Guide: 895 reviews and 4,119 photos

Palaces and Christmas Marts

Karlsruhe was a mystery to me. However, the VT Xmas Mart Meet seemed like a pretty good reason to explore a city I was not at all familiar with. While the Palace and Museum were overwhelming, it was the warmth of the our VT friends, both residents and visitors that made it special.

We arrived by train from Heidelberg. Fortunately there was a direct train, although it made numerous stops. The information booth outside the train station was very helpful. We showed them where out hotel was and they directed us to the tram that went closest. The #2 tram dropped us off within a five minute walk of our hotel, the Mark Graeffler.

We took the tram back into the town center and walked to the Karlsruhe Palace and museum. The Palace was far more substantial than expected with an enormous collection of period pieces, predominately from the 1700's and 1800's. We could only handle a couple of hours and then headed for a break.

Gearing up for Christmas

Blurry Xmas Tree

In December the downtown Karlsruhe area is alive with Christmas spirit. Complete with Xmas tree and ice skating.

Christmas marts

VT members enjoying the Christmas Mart

We met up with our VT brethren on the steps of the church. Unfortunately, there is another church close by also with steps so we were a tad late.

Intro Updated Dec 28, 2009
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Reviews (6)

Tracks running down the street - Karlsruhe

Trams Transportation (1)

We found the trams very useful for getting around Karlsruhe. We bought a 24 hours family pass that was good for more... more travel advice

Karlsruhe Palace and Museum Things to Do (4)

The Palace and Museum (almost completely destroyed during WW II) was quite an impressive place to visit. Loaded with... more travel advice

Medieval Xmas Mart in Durlach Things to Do (4)

A short tram ride from the center of Karlsruhe is the suburb of Durlach. The Durlach town square features a medieval... more travel advice

Staying warm at the Xmas Mart - Karlsruhe

Christmas Mart in Karlsruhe Things to Do (4)

All the necessary shops for a good Xmas Market, with plenty of Gluhwien to go about. I was under the impression that... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Reasonable priced hotel

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Written Apr 9, 2010

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VT Christmas Mart Meet

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Comments (6)

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MD2nd Apr 29, 2013 at 12:51 AM

Enjoyed your Karlsruhe page and tips. Thanks for stopping by.
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travelgourmet Apr 9, 2010 at 9:06 PM

Karl, nice to have a town named after you. Great palace you have there, as well. How many loos in the main chambers. Larry
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yumyum Dec 25, 2009 at 12:16 PM

Lovely little page about quiet Karl ;))) Would have loved to see a photo of your room. It was great meeting the two of you!
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Nemorino Dec 13, 2009 at 2:46 PM

Hi Karl, I enjoyed meeting you and Cindy at the Glühwein meeting! You're right that people don't go to these Christmas markets to shop, particularly, more to chat with their friends. An unusual feature this year was that there was no slush on the ground.
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HORSCHECK Dec 13, 2009 at 1:27 PM

Karl, fantastic start about Karlsruhe here. It was great meeting you and Cindy. Now you know where your name comes from. *winkygrin*
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tini58de Dec 9, 2009 at 9:30 AM

It was great meeting you and Cindy! I hope you made it home alright and took back some good memories of the city that bears your name....!