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Germany’s Most Magical Christmas Market: Ravenna Gorge in the Black Forest

ByTerry

Nestled deep in the enchanting Black Forest, is Germany’s Most Magical Christmas Market: Ravenna Gorge. Imagine yourself with a mug of hot mulled wine in hand, surrounded by lights as a train zooms overhead on a beautiful stone viaduct with arches illuminated against the night sky. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a real-life Christmas fairytale, this is it.

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest (Hochschwarzwald in German) is more than just a market,  it’s an entire experience that should be at the top of everybody’s travel bucket list. 

Illuminated Ravenna Viaduct towering over the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest, Germany, with festive wooden stalls and twinkling lights surrounded by Christmas trees.

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Terry’s Personal Tips for Visiting the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

After personally visiting the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in 2023, I have the following tips to share from experience.

Do the Torchlight Walk

The most memorable experience for me was the torchlight walk to the market with Schneeschuh Akademie. There was still some snow on the ground and the hike took place just as the sun was getting ready to set, which made it feel so cozy and special.

A smiling woman holding a lit torch during a winter torchlit walk near the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, surrounded by snow-covered trees and other participants.

Bring Cash

Many stalls do NOT take credit cards, so be sure to have plenty of cash (Euro, not other currencies) to buy whatever you need. 

Buy Tickets in Advance

You can’t buy tickets to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market on site or at the last minute. In 2024, these tickets were sold out sooner than in 2023, so if you’re planning to go in 2025, set reminders for yourself to check their website every so often.

Tickets aren’t available too far in advance (typically mid-October), so you’ll have to check in to see when they’re available for sale on the official website. You may also want to subscribe to the newsletter for Hochschwarzwald because they will most likely announce when tickets are available for sale in the future.

Stay Nearby

I stayed at a fantastic hotel in Titisee, Germany called Coucou Hotel. It’s located RIGHT at the train station, just two stops from the Hinterzarten station. This made getting to and from the meeting point for the torchlight walk very easy. The hotel had modern rooms, a delicious breakfast buffet, and an inviting restaurant that is perfect for dinner or some evening drinks.

Normally, I would be skeptical of a hotel so close to a train station, but the town of Titisee is so safe and charming. I highly recommend it. 

The reception desk at Coucou Hotel in the Black Forest, featuring a neon sign reading '#coucou_hotel,' festive garlands, and a cozy, modern aesthetic.A comfortable double bed with accent lighting against a wooden headboard and pink-striped walls, highlighted by a neon bird design at Coucou Hotel in the Black Forest.A modern hotel bathroom at Coucou Hotel, featuring a walk-in shower with wooden paneling, a wide sink, and sleek white fixtures.A desk with a mounted flat-screen TV in a modern hotel room at Coucou Hotel, featuring a view into the bathroom with contemporary fixtures.A spacious and modern hotel room at Coucou Hotel, with a double bed, minimalist decor, large windows, and a table with chairs.

Where is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Located?

One of the reasons the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is so unique is because it’s in the Black Forest Highlands, removed from larger, more popular (and touristy) German cities. It takes more effort to get there, and because of this, you’re rewarded with one of the most cozy markets you’ll find.  I visited this Christmas on my 2023 solo trip to Germany for all things Christmas markets, and it quickly became my favorite market of the entire trip.

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When is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market Open?

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is open during specific days and times and requires a ticket for entry.

Dates and Times for 2025:

  • Fridays 3 pm – 9 pm (15:00 – 21:00) – Nov 28, Dec 5, 12, & 19
  • Saturdays 2 pm – 9 pm(14:00 – 21:00) – Nov 29, Dec 6, 13 & 20
  • Sundays 2 pm – 8 pm(14:00 – 20:00) – Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14, 21

How Much Are Tickets?Tickets prices may vary, so check the official website for the most current costs.*Tickets for 2025 are completely sold out as of Oct 17, 2025, but you can still get to the Christmas market if you book the torchlight hike.

How to Get to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

Getting to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is easier than it may sound. There are three options for getting there. You can also see more specific details on the official website.

Torchlight Hike:

The BEST way to access the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is to go on a Torchlight Hike with Schneeschuh Akademie. This is how I visited the market in 2023.  To get back to Hinterzarten, the torchlight walk ticket includes a return on one of the shuttle buses.

Find the details here.

A group of visitors walking along a snowy forest path, illuminated by torches, during a magical evening near the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest, Germany.A woman warmly dressed in a black coat and beanie, holding a glowing torch while standing on a snowy path in the Black Forest near the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.

On Foot

There is a winter hiking trail from Hinterzarten to the market that takes about 45 minutes.

Train/Bus 

Take a train to the nearby towns of Hinterzarten or Himmelreich. From there, hop on the shuttle bus service that runs directly to the market.

Shuttle bus tickets must be booked in advance.

Check the shuttle schedule on the official website for convenience.

Visitors boarding a shuttle bus to the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market at night, with a sign indicating 'Hinterzarten' and passengers warmly dressed for the winter weather in the Black Forest, Germany.

Car:

There are limited spaces to park at the market and they must be reserved in advance. There are also public parking options at shuttle stations. You can park there and take the shuttle to the market.

On-site Parking location:Hofgut Sternen, Höllsteig 76, 79874 Breitnau/HinterzartenTitisee: P1, Neustädter Str., 79822 Titisee-NeustadtThe walk from the train station and from P1 Titisee to the shuttle bus stop behind the “Kurhaus” takes about 10 minutes.Himmelreich: Himmelreich train station or Spedition Dold, Gewerbestraße 5, 79256 Buchenbach (Fridays from 7 p.m.)The walk from the Dold parking lot to the shuttle stop at the train station takes about 10 minutes.Hinterzarten: Parking lot at the train station, Bahnhofweg, 79856 Hinterzarten

Crowds of visitors walking beneath the illuminated red arches of the Ravenna Viaduct at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, surrounded by trees and festive decorations in the Black Forest, Germany.

What to Expect at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market

Atmosphere & Entertainment

The atmosphere at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is what makes it so unique. Set underneath a stone viaduct that is illuminated with colored lights, you’ll find yourself looking up periodically to see a train pass overhead. Windows lit and music filling the air around you, it feels like you’re truly in a scene out of a movie.

Check the weather before your visit because it could be chilly! Layers are key. If you want some suggestions for what to pack, you can find my packing list here.

Visitors gathered around outdoor tables enjoying food and drinks at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, with festive wooden stalls decorated with garlands and lights under the night sky.The Ravenna Viaduct glowing in a stunning blue light at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, surrounded by Christmas trees and festive wooden stalls.A woman bundled in a warm coat and scarf taking a selfie at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, with the red-lit arches of the Ravenna Viaduct glowing in the background among twinkling lights and trees.A decorated vendor stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market featuring rustic antlers, evergreen garlands, and a variety of local products for sale, illuminated by warm festive lighting.A towering Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments in front of the Ravenna Viaduct, illuminated in purple during the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest.A woman smiling and holding a red Glühwein mug at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive stalls.The towering Ravenna Viaduct glowing in red above the bustling Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, with a large illuminated Christmas tree in the foreground.A busy food stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offering traditional Black Forest Flammkuchen, with ovens glowing and a purple-lit viaduct above.

What Stalls Will Be There?

You will not leave hungry or without souvenirs when you visit the market. There are stall with all kinds of treats from glühwein (hot mulled wine) and non-alcoholic drinks to bratwursts, flammkuchen, (flat-bread style pizza found in Germany) and more, including various cuts of meat you can buy to bring home.

You’ll also find stands selling handmade Christmas decorations, jewelry, soaps, winter accessories, and other items that would make a fantastic gift or a memory for yourself.

A display of handcrafted Christmas decorations, including small wooden trees adorned with fairy lights and red ornaments, at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.A colorful display of handmade soaps, wrapped gifts, and holiday trinkets at a vendor stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.Visitors queuing at a festive food stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, with the Schwarzaldhof sign and purple-lit Ravenna Viaduct in the background.A decorated vendor stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market featuring rustic antlers, evergreen garlands, and a variety of local products for sale, illuminated by warm festive lighting.A woman smiling and holding a red Glühwein mug at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive stalls.A busy food stall at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offering traditional Black Forest Flammkuchen, with ovens glowing and a purple-lit viaduct above.A close-up of freshly baked Flammkuchen topped with bacon and cheese, served warm on a cold evening at the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market.

Activities for Kids

If you’re traveling with young ones, there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment. At the market, you can find a Christmas Post Office where postcards can be sent to Santa.

Within the gorge on the outside of the main area of market stalls, there’s an illuminated Nativity Trail providing information about the birth of Jesus. Be sure to venture out to see not only the trail, but the beauty of the surrounding forest.

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market isn’t just another stop on the list of best Christmas markets in Germany; it’s a magical experience that captures the true spirit of the holiday season. If you haven’t added it to the top of your travel bucket list, do it now!

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Hi! My name is Terry and I'm a former elementary school teacher. After 13 years in the classroom, I decided to take my side hustle of creating educational resources full-time.

Now, I work remotely and have the time and flexibility to do what I've always wanted to do more of: TRAVELING. I've created an online space where I can share my adventures along with tips for anyone who has had the desire to seek adventure, but may have things holding them back. Whether it's financial reasons, or you simply don't have anyone to go with - I'm here to help you get inspired to just go for it and book the trip!

If you're looking for that push/motivation, follow along with me! Make sure you check me out on TikTok and Instagram, too!

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