We usually associate islands with beaches and sunshine, but they can also have a Christmassy feel, as the Harbour Christmas in Lindau proves. However, there is another Christmas market just an hour from Munich which, unlike Lindau, is located entirely on an island and can therefore only be reached by water. You can find out what to expect, when it takes place and how to get there here.
The castle on the water
Bavaria’s numerous lakes are popular destinations, especially in summer, to cool off in hot temperatures and bring a little vacation feeling into everyday life. But they are also worth a detour outside of the bathing season, whether to enjoy the picturesque landscape and mountain panorama or to explore one of the many historical and cultural sights along the shores, such as Possenhofen Castle on Lake Starnberg.
Another such attraction is the palace on Herreninsel, which is modeled on Versailles in France. Herrenchiemsee attracts numerous visitors all year round who do not want to miss out on the opulent rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors. However, Herrenchiemsee is not the only island in Lake Chiemsee that is well worth a visit. Christmas fans should definitely visit the neighboring Fraueninsel during Advent to experience the unique island Christmas market.
An Advent excursion to the Fraueninsel Christmas market
With just 12 hectares and around 220 inhabitants, the municipality of Frauenchiemsee on Fraueninsel is one of the smallest in Bavaria. But that doesn’t stop it from hosting a great Christmas market. Over a total of eight days, you can buy handicrafts from around 80 exhibitors, drink mulled wine and sample sweet or savory delicacies. The fantastic decorations and matching lighting create a Christmas atmosphere.
You can also look forward to a musical program. The festive opening concert to mark the start of the Christmas market will take place on November 27. There will be further concerts on November 29, December 4 and 6 in the cathedral on Fraueninsel. Look forward to contemplative sounds in an impressive setting.
You can only reach the Fraueninsel Christmas market by boat, which is an experience in itself. You can reach the port of Prien/Stock by train from Prien station. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can take the Dampf-Bockerl (steam train) to the harbor and then continue by boat. If one Christmas market a day is not enough, you can also visit the market in the center of Prien.
📅 Dates:
- November 27 & December 04, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- November 28 to 30 & December 05 to 07, 12 noon to 8 pm
🛥️ Boat departure times:
- Prien/Stock to Fraueninsel: 10 am to 6:30 pm every half hour
- Fraueninsel to Prien/Stock: 12 to 20 o’clock every half hour & at 21 o’clock
- Gstadt to Fraueninsel: 9:50 am to 6:50 pm every half hour, additional shuttle service from Nordsteg from 12 pm to 7 pm
- Fraueninsel to Gstadt: 12 to 20 o’clock every half hour & at 21 o’clock, additional shuttle service from Nordsteg from 12 to 19 o’clock
Playing Christ Child on the Wishing Island
As the Advent season is all about charity, the Wish Island is a great campaign to help families on lower incomes. The Christmas wishes of the children of these families are displayed at the Fraueninsel Christmas market and can be fulfilled by visitors.
The wishes range up to a maximum of €100 and are anonymous. Only the first name, age and district of the child are written on the cards. Anyone wishing to make a wish come true pays the amount to the organization team, which will then implement it.