Christmas at Lake Constance
Four Countries, One Lake, Endless Christmas
Lake Constance is a Christmas paradise, with traditions, customs and culinary delights from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein! Festively decorated cities in all four countries illuminate the shores. The many Christmas markets lure visitors lakeside, to our beloved islands, between snowy mountain peaks and in baroque castles. The lake that carries the sugary scents of waffles and cinnamon is the same on which white passenger ships sail back and forth connecting visitors to different Christmas markets around the Bodensee. Regional hotels offer Christmas specials, fulfilling your winter holiday wishes in the four-country region.
+++ Due to the dynamic situation, changes can occur at any time during the execution of events. You can inform yourself about new developments on the official websites of the (federal) states and cantons. +++
Christmas is a special time for enjoyment ...
… on that we can all agree. As spiced mulled wine fills the crisp air, the village people are busy cooking and baking your favorite holiday treats.
And despite the close proximity of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein to each other, each country is proud of their own traditional Christmas specialties, so it’s a good idea to visit as many holiday markets and festivities as you can!
Kässpätzle, Kässpatzn, Käsknöpfle, Chäschnöpfli ...
they all mean the same thing … more Cheese Dumplings, please! The delicious dish made from flour, fresh eggs, herbs and cheese has a different name on almost every Christmas market on Lake Constance.
Why is that? Well, Cheese Spaetzle is not just cheese spaetzle! In each country, this typical dish is prepared a bit differently: In Liechtenstein, the Käsknöpfle are served with fresh applesauce. In Switzerland and Austria, a blend of three or four mountain cheeses plays an important role in this recipe topped with crispy onions. And the German side is particularly proud of their Swabian spaetzle. Order up and dig in!
Specialities Everyone Must Try!
- Germany: Schupfnudeln (finger-shaped potato dumplings), Dinnele (thin-crust flatbreads with different savory toppings) and Winzerglühwein (hot mulled wine)
- Austria: Heiße Maroni (hot, roasted chestnuts served streetside in a paper cone), Käseknödel (a soft cheese dumpling), Glühmost (a delicious hot apple cider drink) and Riebel (this dish is comfort food to the core, served as a savory or sweet polenta dish that’s also vegetarian)
- Switzerland: Biber from St. Gallen (gingerbread treats made from honey and filled with marzipan), Raclette and Fondue, Nusstorte (nut cake, looking more like a pie with a dense nutty filling and a buttery, flaky crust) and Glühbier „Heißer Schütz“ (from St. Gallen is hot spiced beer)
- The Principality of Liechtenstein: Käsknöpfle mit Apfelmus (cheese dumplings with apple sauce), Ribel (a warm polenta dish with milk, cream, sugar or also made with sour cheese) and Tatsch mit Kompott (mini pancakes served with warm fruit)
Suggested Christmas Markets
With 273 kilometers of shoreline and four countries, Lake Constance offers more than enough
opportunities for Christmas, Advent and Christ-Child markets.
