Altmarkt — Attraction in Dresden

Altmarkt is a public square in Dresden with a history reaching back to at least the 14th century. The area was completely destroyed during the Bombing of Dresden in 1945 and reconstructed in the 1950s and 60s. These days it is used for events, festivals and seasonal markets such as Strizelmarkt, the longest running Christmas market in the world.

We visited early last month and greatly enjoyed the Xmas market. A good hotel at Altmarkt is the NH Collection which has rooms facing the market. Otherwise, given the small size of Dresden, it is convenient to visit regardless of where you stay.

As for Strizelmarkt, there are many stalls selling Christmas tree ornaments and other seasonal and winter items. Stalls are festively and extravagantly decorated, creating a really nice atmosphere for December visits.

We also enjoyed the seeing the small ferris wheel, large Christmas Tree, two storey tall Christmas pyramid, Gingerbread house (kitchen), puppet house, children train ride and viewing platform for those who want vantage spots for picture taking.

Lots of regional and seasonal food and drinks that available throughout the market as well. Bratwurst, pretzels and gluhwein (mulled wine) are available aplenty. You can also try Glunkohl (stewed kale) with sausage, Krappelchen (fried doughballs and the world famous Dresden Christstollen (Christmas...

You need to try the famous Dresden Stollen, crispy roasted almonds, grilled sausages, gingerbread, and wash it all down with a warm cup of mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434.

This festive market is a feast for the senses, offering dazzling decorations, festive music, and the inviting aroma of traditional treats. Explore wooden stalls filled with handcrafted treasures and indulge in freshly baked goods from charming bakeries along the market’s edges.

Prices: • Stollen: €10-€20 per loaf • Roasted almonds: €3-€5 per bag • Grilled sausages: €4-€6 • Mulled wine: €4-€6 (plus a small refundable deposit for the cup) • Hot chocolate: €3-€5

Best Time to Visit:

To enjoy the market without big crowds, plan your visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons. The market typically opens from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing plenty of time to explore.

Located in the heart of Dresden, the market is surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Semper Opera House, making it a perfect spot to soak in the holiday spirit while exploring the city’s...

I'm sure Dresden's Old Market has one of the best Christmas atmospheres in the world.

Each stall is truly unique and beautifully decorated. In some parts, there are full-sized wooden buildings.

The markets offer a lots of activities for adults and children, including Christmas baking, candle colouring, xmas concerts, Saxon's food, hand-made products and many, many more.

With all that said, expect multiple issues: a) Paid toilets at the nearby shopping mall and below the ground at the parking garages. And very, VERY long waiting times. b) Lots of people everywhere. The markets are popular and you will be queuing for everything, even to move around the markets. c) The food is very low quality and super expensive. You can have a below average mulled wine for 4.25€/2dcl or just walk across the street and have a really good one for €2.8/2dcl.

All in all, it's a great experience to see the markets and enjoy the atmosphere, but I would personally avoid buying anything there or staying for a longer time due to the overcrowding and issues with bad...