Description

Learn about the Christmas Markets of Regensburg, Germany, in this travel video by Seasoned Traveler. In this town you can also get a taste of the famous Regensburg sausages. Part 1 out of 2.

Transcript

George: Farther up the Danube, a medieval masterpiece, Regensburg. Its roots go back to the 12th century. And remnants of the Roman fortress built by Emperor Marcus Aurelius are still visible in parts of town. There are several Christmas markets here, the traditional market is near the main shopping district. Female: We bought these adorable little ornaments, that I believe is hand carved as many of the things here are. Handmade and these are little angels and I believe they’re handmade too. Wonderful ornaments. And good wine. Male: I just come along to pay the bills. Female: He’s necessary. George: Americans are flocking to these markets in huge numbers because they’re so different from the malls and the main streets back home. Some shoppers say, once you come the first time, you want to return. Female: If it were in my budget, I’d come back every year and do it one time. What a great way to start Christmas. George: A few blocks away, near the town hall, there’s another special place. It’s the crafter’s market. Most of what you’ll see here is made by local artisans. At other markets, you might find ornaments made in China or Taiwan but not here. Shoppers come with that in mind. Higher quality merchandise which may carry a slightly higher price tag but after all you only live once and you may not come back here again. Female: Three different snowmen. Eli: We’re going to put it on our Christmas tree. Female: No, we’re not. Eli: We’re not, we’re going to put these in the window? Okay. George: So Eli, I think I know who wears the pants in your family. Eli: Absolutely, I hold the balls and she says put them here and I do that. George: And away from the markets along the Danube the first ever stone bridge in central Europe after the Romans of course. This one is finished in 1146. On shore, the Wurstküche, home of the age old secret recipe of Regensburg sausages. And there’s a friendly battle that’s been taking place between this town and Nuremburg, which place makes the oldest sausage. Male: That’s the oldest sausage kitchen in the world actually, right here. And when they started to build the stone bridge in 1136, they opened as a kind of kitchen for the workers to get food and so very likely at this time, they started the sausage kitchen and since then you can eat those sausages here, charcoal grilled and done by same recipe so that’s incredible. I have to vote for Regensburg. But just slightly because the one in Nuremburg, they’re fantastic too but they’re just unbeatable. But there is a war going on actually between those two towns who produces the oldest sausages and at the moment Regensburg is in the lead but next year, I’m sure the historians in Nuremburg will produce another document that proves that their sausage recipe is two years older. George: So since we mentioned Nuremburg, let’s move on there where the Christmas market tradition began. It’s a big and a bustling market. Shops, foods, wine, lebcuken, you get the idea. One of the most delightful aspects of this town’s market is the children’s area. There’s a two level carousel, a train, a Ferris wheel and plenty of kid friendly creatures. Since the Christmas market got its start here, Nuremberg’s festival is well known. Germans pour in especially on the opening weekend, Europeans flock here because of its history and its size, bus loads and boat loads of foreigners also flood the center of town to enjoy the experience and while Nuremburg’s main market is confined just to the central square, there are stalls which stretch for blocks and they can take you hours to see everything. As you celebrate Nuremburg’s holiday fest, be sure to take some time to see some of the other scenery. Nuremburg was the favored town of Adolf Hitler, who held pep rallies for his troops here at the famous Zeppelin Fields. He had hoped to build his own replica of the coliseum in Rome but the Second World War ended his plans in their tracks. In town, the palace of justice. In courtroom 600, the allies tried those responsible for war crimes. Trials ran from November 20th, 1945 until October 1st, 1946. Of the 24 Nazi leaders indicted, 21 were convicted and 12 were sentenced to death by hanging. The palace of justice is still operating today, but how much better to revel in this season of peace and brotherhood than to think about the days of war, hatred and division.