Should you visit only one Christmas market this year, I would highly recommend the Christmas Market at Einsiedeln.
Famed for its amazing Benedictine Abbey, considered to be one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage places dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Einsiedeln has many other treasures to enjoy.
But your first stop should be a visit in the abbey, where there is not only the Black Virgin to admire, but the wall of miracles which is also impressive with testimonies written in various languages and various crutches and other implements hanging up.
Outside the Abbey take time to go and visit the stables. These contain the Einsiedler horse; also known as the “warm blooded” horse this is a sturdy and beautiful species.
On the hill behind the Abbey is a small slope perfect for small children to take their first “steps” on skis or to go sledging. If you fancy watching a bit more thrilling sport, you can take a look at the ski jumping on the other side of town. Einsiedeln is also surrounded by several smaller ski resorts.
But don’t forget to visit the Christmas Market which is on from November 30th to December 8th. Based at the foot of the abbey and going down several side streets, it is quite charming and offers many hand crafted presents. When you need to warm up, you can take in the world’s largest nativity set, known as the Bethlehem Diorama, which is in a building on the Abbey Square.
There are plenty of opportunities to eat well. My two favourites are the Pizzeria Klostergarten, a very family friendly offering Meditteranean food and the Gasthaus Meinradsberg, offering a more local cuisine.
Although Einsiedeln is a mere 40 minutes drive away, I actually like to take the train there. It is a very romantic ride sloping along the lake towards Schwyz and then going up the mountain, you will need to change in quaint Biberbrugg for a short five minute ride into Einsiedeln.
All in all a perfect daytrip in this festive season.
