Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market: Top Guide To Visiting 2024

As the winter chill settles over the charming city of Ravenna Gorge, a magical transformation takes place, turning this picturesque destination into a winter wonderland. One of the highlights of the season is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, a centuries-old tradition that captivates visitors with its rich history, festive ambiance, and an array of delightful offerings. Read through this extensive guide to plan the perfect trip to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.

The Unique Setting of the Market

Honestly, one of the key factors that sets this Christmas market apart from others is the location and the ambience it gives. Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is located under the 40 meter high Höllental Railway Viaduct that truly frames the market.

Once the sun goes down, they shine lights against the bridge that change colors throughout the night. It’s even more magical when the regional train drives over the bridge.

Opening Dates & Times

Considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, Ravenna Gorge Christmas market is one you do not want to miss.

Also known as Ravennaschlucht Weihnachtenmarkt, this market opens at the end of November and finishes before Christmas, on Friday, Saturday and Sundays only.

Here are the Ravenna Gorge opening dates for 2024:

• November 22 – 23
• November 29 – December 1
• December 6 – 8
• December 13 – 15

Hours for the 2024 markets:

• Fridays: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Saturdays: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Sundays: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Purchasing Your Tickets

You read that right! This is one of the only Christmas markets that require tickets. Tickets can only be purchased in advance online or at all tourist information offices in the Black Forest Highlands. Around mid-October, tickets will go on sale, so keep an eye out.

• Arrival Before 4:00pm: Adults €5.50, children ages 6-15 free/€2.00 shuttle transfer
• Arrival After 4:00pm: Adults €7.50, children ages 6-15 free/€2.00 shuttle transfer
• Parking: €8.00

Ticket prices are for a timed window of approximately two hours. The official website offers numerous ticket options for admission, parking, and shuttle bus from either Titisee, Hinterzarten, Himmelreich, or Freiberg. You can purchase tickets here once they’re available.

Ravennaschlucht also offers experiences in addition to your admission to the market to book. Two experiences to book include a “Saic” lantern guided hike to the Christmas market and a torchlight guided hike to the Christmas market.

If you have a group of friends and family with up to 8 people, you can book a “Stubede” experience to stay comfortably in the parlor for your two hour time window.

Although a bit expensive, this experience includes admission and the warm room, two pots of mulled wine and a pot of children’s punch, and two parking spots on site.

What the Market Offers

As you step into the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, the air is filled with the sweet scent of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and the melodies of holiday music.

One cannot miss the giant Christmas tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing centerpiece for the market square.

With over 30 market stalls, decorated with festive lights and decorations, they offer a diverse array of handcrafted treasures and seasonal and regional treats to the Black Forest.

One stall in particular offers meat products that come exclusively from domestic hunting. I did grab a new cozy scarf for €10.00 and my Father-in-law grabbed some fuzzy, warm socks!

Food & Drink

Food options at the market included fruits and chocolate, pulled beef and pork from the smoker, sausages, raclettes, flammkuchen, potato spirals, crepes and waffles, goulash soup, and more!

If you’ve been to a few Christmas markets before, they also sell the usual mulled wine, or glühwein, fruit punch, and hot chocolate. The pulled pork sandwich and krautschupfnudeln were delicious from the smoker stall!

If you’re new to Christmas markets in Europe and Germany, you will pay a deposit, or pfand, on your mug in addition to the price of the drink. You can either return your mug for the deposit back, or keep your mug to collect. Usually the deposits are about €2.00 – €4.00 depending on the market.

Other Offerings

There is an area in the forest that’s illuminated with the nativity scene along the entire hill. You can learn more about the birth of baby Jesus and Christmas.

In addition, you can get a great view of Ravenna Gorge from the hill. If you get chilly throughout your visit, there were quite a few bonfires to keep guests warm!

Outside the market, you can visit the glass art shop or the cuckoo clock that goes off on every hour with music and dancing figures. Inside the “Cuckoo’s Nest,” you can find more unique items for sale from small, local businesses.

The collection in the glass art shop is beautiful and impressive. I will also note that they have free bathrooms outside the ticketed market area!

How to Get to Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

Getting to this winter wonderland is an adventure in itself. Whether you opt for a scenic train ride through the snow-covered landscapes or a picturesque drive along winding roads flanked by evergreen forests, the journey to Ravenna Gorge sets the stage for the festive experiences that await.

The market is located close by to the town of Hinterzarten, right in the heart of the Black Forest.

By Car

If you choose to drive, the market is easily accessible from the B31 road via Freiburg or Stuttgart. From the B31, take the exit for Hinterzarten and follow the signs for “Ravennaschlucht Weihnachtsmarkt.”

There is a small area dedicated to parking vehicles near the market, but keep in mind there is limited spots and they will fill up! If parking worries you, plan your visit to be early to secure a spot. And don’t forget, you do need to purchase a ticket for parking in addition to admission.

Another option is finding a nearby accommodation with parking available, and taking one of the shuttles to the market.

Shuttle Bus

During the Christmas market season, there is a shuttle bus that operates out of quite a few places. The shuttle buses depart from either Titisee, Hinterzarten train station, Himmelreich, or Freiburg. The shuttle operates on a fixed schedule and will correspond to your timed ticket slot.

Per the official website, Freiburg is the only option where you book your guaranteed round trip seat on the shuttle. Be sure to check the shuttle bus schedule when planning your visit, and do not be late. Additionally, keep in mind there is limited parking for the shuttle buses at each spot.

By Train

Depending on where you are coming from, you can take the train to either Himmelreich, Hinterzarten or Titisee stations via Deutsche Bahn.

From any of those options, you can take the free shuttle bus service that operates during the market hours. If you choose to take the train to Hinterzarten, you do have the option to hike to the market.

Hiking In

If hiking into the Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market interests you, you can hike via the 3.2km winter trail from Hinterzarten via the Löffeltal valley.

You will need 45 minutes to an hour to complete the hike to the market. Be prepared for weather conditions and an extra light depending on the time of day you’ll be hiking.

Keep in mind you’ll also still need an admission ticket to get into the market, or if you do not want to hike back, you can purchase an “entrance and shuttle from Hinterzarten” ticket to return to your car.

Organized Tour

Organized tours are one of my favorite ways to visit popular attractions for the pure convenience of not planning and just showing up. On top of that, they also provide transportation and your tickets.

EuroTrip Adventures is one company that offers a full day bus trip to Freiburg and Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market. On certain days, they offer departures and returns in Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern, Nuremberg, and Grafenwöhr.

Tips for Visiting

Plan Your Visit

Like previously mentioned, you will need to purchase all your tickets for visiting this Christmas market in advance. Tickets go on sale mid October, but it’s essential to visit their website for up to date information. If you’re driving or taking a shuttle, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for either in addition.

Some people have bought back to back time slots to spend more time visiting, if they don’t feel like the two hours is enough to spend there. Keep in mind that the shuttle tickets include round trip and only correspond to the booked times on the tickets. So make sure you’re early to get a spot on the shuttle!

Dress Warmly

Since the market is in the Black Forest, and more southern Germany, it can definitely get colder with more snow than other parts of Germany.

Temperatures can even drop below freezing, so it is vital to dress in layers, with a warm scarf, hat, and gloves to keep warm and comfortable. The ground can be uneven at times as well, even with ice, so prepare with good winter boots with good traction.

Bring Enough Cash

Like many of the markets in Germany and Europe, vendors prefer or only accept cash. There may be some vendors who accept card for gifts or souvenirs, but it’s always best to make sure you bring enough cash to cover all the food, drinks, and gifts you may plan to purchase.

Drinks were about €4.00 with an additional €3.00 for the glass deposit, or pfand.

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is a timeless celebration that seamlessly blends history, tradition, and festive joy. Whether you come for the handcrafted treasures, the delicious treats, or simply to soak in the magical atmosphere, this enchanting market promises a memorable holiday experience. Frohe Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!