Discover the Magic of Christmas in Bavaria: Landshut’s Medieval Charm, Authentic Cuisine, and Festive Traditions

Spending Christmastime in Bavaria has long been a cherished dream of mine, a picturesque vision of medieval towns adorned with festive cheer. This month, that dream became a reality when I was invited to Landshut University, a distinguished institution nestled in what was once the original capital of Bavaria, to teach a brief marketing seminar. This invitation offered the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the enchanting beauty and rich history of this remarkable German region.

Landshut, a town steeped in medieval fame, truly embodies a vibrant preservation of its historical culture. Its people celebrate and share their heritage in ways that are both visually stunning and wonderfully delicious, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic Bavarian experience, especially during the festive Christmas season.

Exploring Landshut’s Historic Heart: Architecture and Faith

My first taste of Landshut’s charm began with a leisurely stroll along the winding streets of its ‘old town.’ I was immediately captivated by the impeccably preserved buildings, many dating back to the 1500s. These architectural marvels showcase exquisite, ornate designs, often embellished with a deep reverence for the Blessed Mother Mary and various saints. Bavaria, a predominantly Catholic region, prominently displays its Christian faith through these beautiful visual tributes found everywhere, adding a spiritual dimension to the festive atmosphere.

While the unique architecture of Landshut deserves a dedicated spotlight, which I’ll share more of towards the end of this post, let’s pivot to what many of you eagerly anticipate from my blog: the food! A trip to Bavaria, especially during Christmas, is incomplete without indulging in its hearty and flavourful culinary traditions.

An Authentic Bavarian Feast: Augustiner an der St. Martins-Kirche

Determined to experience truly authentic Bavarian fare, I sought recommendations for a traditional dining spot. My hosts kindly directed me to an ancient tavern, “Augustiner an der St. Martins-Kirche.” As the evening hours had already settled in, my photos might be a bit on the darker side – I’m still honing my natural lighting photography skills, so feel free to share any tips!

Outside the tavern, simple yet elegant Christmas decorations adorned the windows, inviting passersby to peek inside. Through the glowing glass, I could see patrons laughing heartily and enjoying copious amounts of delicious, locally brewed German beer – a scene that perfectly encapsulated the festive spirit of Landshut during Christmas.

Stepping inside, I was enveloped by a warm, intimate atmosphere created by the dark wood ceilings and floors. The air buzzed with friendly chatter and the comforting aroma of traditional Bavarian cooking. Overhead, decorative “hops” hung, a subtle nod to the tavern’s commitment to authentic German brewing and a visual reminder of the excellent beer being served.

The Culinary Highlight: Bavarian Pork Knuckle and Apfeljucherl

For my main course, I opted for the legendary Pork Knuckle (on the bone) in Dark Beer Sauce with Potato Dumplings. This dish was nothing short of amazing! The portion was so incredibly generous that, at first glance, it seemed impossible to finish by myself. However, after slicing into the moist, juicy, and perfectly seasoned pork, I found it utterly irresistible. Each bite was a burst of rich flavour, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire thing – perhaps a little too enthusiastically, just like a true German pig!

I was almost embarrassed by how much I ate, but the dish was truly unbelievable. The dark beer sauce, a highlight of the meal, offered no hint of alcohol, as it cooks out during preparation, leaving behind only a velvety, smooth, and deeply flavourful pork sauce that perfectly complemented the tender meat.

One might think that after such a monumental meal, there would be no room left for dessert. However, I was strongly advised not to miss out on the local fried apple fritter specialty, known as “Apfeljucherl.” The menu, thoughtfully presented in German, English, and Italian, made ordering a breeze.

These Apfeljucherl were simply divine – so delicious, I could have easily enjoyed another serving! They were perfectly fried, remarkably grease-free, and generously filled with sweetened apples and fragrant cinnamon. Dusted with powdered sugar and served alongside a special Bavarian cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and fresh fruit drizzled with raspberry sauce, it was a symphony of flavours and textures. If I could afford it, I’d book a special flight just to savour this unforgettable meal again! It was a culinary highlight of my Christmas in Bavaria trip.

Landshut’s Enduring Beauty: Architecture and Christmas Windows

After indulging in such a memorable feast, let’s return to the visual wonders of Landshut. Here are a few more glimpses of the town’s distinctive architecture, reflecting its rich medieval past. Following this, I’ll take you on a delightful Christmas window shopping tour. It was Sunday, so all the shops were closed, but their beautifully arranged windows told a compelling story of the German flair for Christmas, offering a magical experience in themselves.

Sweet Temptations: Christmas Window Displays

And now, prepare for some sweet “eye candy” from peeking into the wonderfully decorated shop windows. Even though the shops were closed for Sunday, their displays provided a feast for the eyes, perfectly capturing the essence of German Christmas traditions.

These displays were utterly irresistible!

Landshut’s Enduring Legacy: The Medieval Wedding Festival

I hope this initial post on my Christmas trip to Bavaria has provided you with a vivid experience, whether it’s your first encounter with this magical region or a nostalgic reminder of past visits. My journey through Landshut was just the beginning. I will soon be posting a series of articles detailing the week after my teaching duties concluded, when my husband joined me for an extensive tour of Bavaria and Austria, discovering even more hidden gems.

Before I conclude, I must highlight one of Landshut, Germany’s most famous and spectacular events: its massive reenactment of a medieval wedding. This extraordinary festival sees the entire town transform, with thousands of citizens donning authentic period costumes and participating in a multitude of festivities. It’s an immersive historical experience unlike any other.

For those interested in delving deeper, here’s an insight into the Landshut Wedding Festival:

“The former capital of Bavaria makes history come alive: In June and July 2017, far more than 2,000 citizens relive with enthusiasm the whole splendour of the late Middle Ages, wearing costumes tailored true to the original. Celebrations take place on four weekends, commemorating the wedding in 1475 of Polish King’s daughter Hedwig to Duke George of Bavaria-Landshut.

From this time, one can still see the same backdrop of bourgeois houses, the steeple of St. Martin’s Church, and Trausnitz Castle, which stood witness to these historical events. This grand pageant lures visitors to various events such as the public “Tavern in the Steckengassen” and the “Masque,” a burlesque evening entertainment. Further reenactments include “Court Music of 1475,” which awakens medieval melodies to life. On all four Sundays, spectators can watch the magnificent bridal procession, followed by an exhilarating knights’ tournament and jousting, just as in the times of the Rich Dukes.

The “nightly quintain” features experts on horseback, jugglers, artists, and fire-eaters who prove their skills in dazzling performances. The enticing aroma of roast ox and suckling pig fills the air, while beer mugs are continually filled with tasty Bavarian ale. At the “camp” in the tournament grounds, guests of the 21st century may truly feel as if they are transported back to the 15th century, experiencing the vibrant history of Landshut firsthand.”

This description is adapted from the Bavaria website (under historical festivals).