The Boghosian Family of Swarthmore, PA enjoyed an enchanting winter getaway filled with German and Austrian holiday traditions. Their six-night journey included stops in Munich and Salzburg, with two adults and two children, aged 12 and 15, in tow.

The adventure began with a three-night stay at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski in Munich. This historic luxury hotel, established in 1858 and located on the prestigious Maximilianstrasse, offered the family premier accommodations with Virtuoso benefits. They found the rooms impeccably clean, comfortable, and quiet, and especially appreciated unwinding with drinks in the elegant lobby lounge after their daily explorations. Munich’s highlights included breathtaking views from St. Peter’s Church, the grandeur of Nymphenburg Palace, and the enchanting Christmas markets, especially those at Marienplatz and the Munich Residenz.

From Munich, they took a brief two-hour train ride to Salzburg, where they stayed for three nights at the IMLAUER Hotel Pitter. This deluxe, family-owned property, situated across from Mirabell Palace & Gardens, has been welcoming guests since 1864 and recently underwent renovations. The Boghosians stayed in two classic rooms with breakfast included, enjoying the hotel’s central location and modern amenities.

Their Salzburg experience kicked off with a magical Christmas classical music concert and dinner at the historic Fortress Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old venue accessed by funicular. The family raved about the talented musicians and the delightful dinner, although they noted the lack of ventilation in the concert hall as a slight drawback during peak cold and flu season.

The festive charm of Salzburg captivated them as they explored the bustling Christmas markets on December 24 and 25, complete with pop-up choral performances near the cathedral. Christmas Eve dinner at Pitter Keller impressed them with its delicious cuisine and excellent service. Another highlight was the Hellbrunn Palace Market, which transformed the palace courtyard into a fairy-tale setting adorned with 400 conifers, 13,000 red ornaments, and twinkling lights. The family found this market particularly enchanting. Throughout their trip, they indulged in an array of German delicacies and dined at some exceptional restaurants, with the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets and the stunningly decorated cathedrals standing out as trip highlights. A train back through Munich afforded a non-stop flight home.