Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt: Montag Start – My Totally Random Experience!
Hey everyone! So, I was totally planning on hitting up the Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt this year, right? I'd heard so much hype – best Glühwein in the whole of Schleswig-Holstein, amazing handmade crafts, the whole shebang. I even booked my train ticket weeks in advance. Super organized, me. But then, bam, life threw a curveball.
The Monday Madness Begins
The Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt, as you probably know, usually kicks off on a Friday. But this year? Monday. A Monday. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little bummed. My carefully crafted schedule was shot to pieces. I’d planned my entire weekend around the Friday opening – fancy dinner reservations, the works. Talk about a major fail.
Lesson Learned: Check the Dates!
This is where I learned my first major lesson about planning a trip to a Christmas market, especially one as popular as the Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt: always double-check the specific opening dates. Don't just assume; look it up on the official website, check local tourist information – do everything to ensure you've got the correct information. My bad planning almost cost me a wonderful experience.
The Unexpected Perks of a Monday Market
But here's the funny thing – going on that Monday turned out to be surprisingly awesome! The crowds were way smaller than I expected. I could actually see the stalls, didn't have to fight for space to get a Bratwurst. I even managed to snag a prime spot by the huge Christmas tree in the market square for some photos. It was super peaceful, you know? Almost like a secret little Christmas wonderland.
Fewer Crowds, More Fun?
Now, I'm not saying Mondays are always better. But in this case, it seriously worked in my favor. It was so much less stressful than I thought it would be. And that whole "less crowded" thing? It wasn't just hype. There were still plenty of people, but the atmosphere was so much more relaxed and enjoyable. I could actually enjoy my Glühwein without being elbowed in the ribs!
Beyond the Glühwein: Lübeck's Hidden Gems
While I was there, I took the chance to explore Lübeck beyond the Christmas market. I stumbled across some adorable little shops and cafes, totally charming. I never would have found them if I’d been rushing around the bustling Friday crowds.
Exploring Lübeck Beyond the Market
This reminded me of another super important tip: don't just focus on the main attraction. Especially in a place like Lübeck, with it's rich history and charming architecture, take some time to explore the surrounding areas. You might just discover some hidden gems and make your trip even more memorable. I even found this amazing little bakery with the most delicious Lebkuchen – seriously, the best I've ever had!
Final Thoughts on Lübeck's Monday Market
So, to wrap things up, my Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt adventure may have started with a scheduling mishap, but it ended up being a fantastic experience. And who knows, maybe next year I’ll plan another Monday market trip! It might just become a new tradition. So, learn from my mistakes (always double-check those dates!), embrace the unexpected, and have a wonderful time at the Lübeck Weihnachtsmarkt – whenever you go!