
A view of Esslingen and the Church of St. Dionysius on the Neckar River
This is Esslingen. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I would even say that this might be the most beautiful little town I’ve ever visited. Bruges in Belgium is still in the running. It charmed me the same way Esslingen did. Just look at this place:

An Esslingen landmark - the balancing man on Schelztor Tower

One of the few towns not bombed in WWII, it's still intact and gorgeous

Esslingen is the definition of charming

The medieval town wall and towers are still standing

The hills surrounding Esslingen are covered in vineyards

This is a great example of Esslingen's half-timbered fachework buildings

A closer look at the ironwork balancing man

Town Hall overlooks the square and Christmas Market
That smoke in the upper right corner is from the bonfires lit around the Christmas market. Esslingen is home to the most beautiful medieval Christmas Market, and they take full advantage of the medieval theme. Bonfires line the market streets, vendors wear medieval period clothing, and there are activities for the kids in the style of ancient times. This place is magical, especially at night. But I’m not going to blather on and on about why this was my favorite Christmas Market. I’ll just show you the pictures. Then you’ll understand.

Everything about this market is vivid and colorful and alive

One sweet booth - gingerbread and candy for sale

A Knight to Remember - a vendor sells children's costumes

Miniature versions of Esslingen are available to take home

If the market doesn't enchant you, the town will

The Church of St. Dionysius towers over the market

I just can't get enough of this half-timbered fachework style

I love German pyramids, and this one takes the big prize

A medieval ferris wheel - children just can't get enough

Oh, if only these were easier to pack!

An old-fashioned game of chance I like to call Mouse House

Pick the same house as the mouse, and you'll win a prize

This spicy lamb gyro was a revelation; it was awesome!

A medieval fire dancer twirls flaming balls as musicians play

Even the Garlic Lady's booth is a work of art

Peeking in the window of the Gingerbread House workshop

Luminaries and candles are a Christmas market tradition

Booth-top gnomes watch over the Esslingen market

There were so many beautiful ornaments for sale

I fell in love with these paper star luminaries - so beautiful

Handcrafted German nutcrackers - now we're talking!

I could just sit and stare at this beautiful little town all day long

Thank you, Esslingen. Your medieval Christmas Market captivated me.

Your rich history and stunning architecture delighted me

And your fairytale village thoroughly enchanted me. The End.
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OoOoOoOo, Go again and take me with you!!!!
Thanks.. going to go tomorow!
Ahhhhh!!!! I’m so sorry I was out of town when this comment came in. I would have told you to make sure you try the curried lamb gyro! Let me know what you thought of Esslingen. It was my favorite of all the towns & Christmas markets we visited in Germany. I loved it so much. I hope you had a fabulous time!
Beautiful photos. I live in Esslingen and have experience daily what you have and must agree. I love this town and the people are so friendly.
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Beautiful pictures! Love those vendor shops. Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely enthralling,captivating and enchanting pics and comments about Esslingen.I have gone through the blog numerous times and still I can go for countless times more.Wish I have the good fortune to visit Esslingen soon.
Can you recemend any wonderful places to stay here? Looks wonderful.
Monica,
I’m sorry I cannot recommend a hotel in Esslingen, as we took the train from Stuttgart each day. If you’d like to make Stuttgart your home base and explore towns like Esslingen & Ludwigsburg by train, I highly recommend the Hotel am Schlossgarten. It’s just across the street from the train station (very convenient), but the station & trains run underground, so there is no noise. Our room was huge and the views of the park were fabulous. Check out my post here: https://insidenanabreadshead.com/2010/12/10/vacation-photos-part-3-germany-basecamp-stuttgart-ludwigsburg/
Hope you have a fabulous trip! -jeanne
Stumbled upon your blog. Love your beautiful pictures of Esslingen. Our family hosted an exchange student from Esslingen and my daughter will be staying with her this summer! The town looks perfect!!
Esslingen is beautiful & magical. Your daughter is going to fall in love with this town. I hope she has a summer she’ll never forget. Wishing her safe travels – Jeanne
I definitely want to go now!
Can I use some of these photos for a powerpoint presentation to students about Germany if I label them with your rights and website? Powerpoint will be offline and/or private and only accessible to our students.
Yes, you have my permission to use them as stated in your request. Thank you for asking first. I appreciate it! -Jeanne
Thank you so much!!!
Hi NanaBread, found your pictures on the web and really enjoyed them.I lived 28 years in Esslingen . First stationed in the Army in Nellingen and then Ecterdingen,Stuttgart Airfield.We use to get so much snow in the early 80s .And the Weihnachtsmarkt was Beautiful.
Hi, Chris! We absolutely loved it there. It’s a beautiful area, and the Christmas Markets were fantastic. I would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for taking the time to say hello. -jeanne