I have always had a soft spot for Bernkastle-Kues. It’s the town I keep coming back to. I visited late one summer to find out most of the store owners had gone on vacation so I had the entire town to photograph. I came back later that year for my first season of Christmas markets. Last year, it was the only Christmas market I attended. This year, I went at night & it was a whole other side of magical. (I also visited the castle ruin above the town during lockdown & will include that on another post. The views of town are spectacular.)

The town is small & very easy to navigate, even for this self proclaimed Magellan. Bernkastle is the side with the castle, tourism center, market & where I park. Kues, is just on the other side of the bridge. It’s fun to wander - make sure you visit all the little corners. I love how quaint the town is. These type of towns with amazing half timbered buildings make my photographer heart happy.
After visiting in the evening I’d definitely recommend a night visit to this town. This market is well known for its Advent Calendar. Beginning 1 Dec a window covering is revealed to count down to Christmas.

The most crowded area was the food square. You can easily take your food & wander to one of the other areas. There is also another glühwein vendor tucked in a corner.
Bernkastle-Kues is just over an hour drive from the Ramstein area. If you have never driven to a town on the Rhine or Mosel Rivers, most of the drives include a winding switchback with corkscrew turns down to the town & water. It can be a bit nerve-racking at first, but you get used to it. Take a deep breath & take it slow :) You’ll also drive through a forest which is an amazing winter wonderland once it snows!

My game plan is to normally park (I have the parking lot pinned on my Google map below), find a restroom and head to the tourism center (also on the google map). The parking lot is open & spacious. I drive a big SUV so I’m always on the hunt for good parking. Friday night I only had to pay for parking until 2000. Parking is along the river & fairly inexpensive - bring coins. There are restrooms in the food square.
The tourist office may be closed if you visit on a Sunday or later in the day. It’s a great place to visit to get information about the town or surrounding areas. The home page for the Christmas Market, listed in the details below, has a calendar with various events including music & tours.
I’d love to hear your experiences about the market. Feel free to tag me on social media @NerissaAlfordDesigns or leave a comment!