Weihnachten in Erzgebirge

We have been alternating Christmases between USA and Germany. This year Eastern Germany was up! Erzgebirge is a region in Germany otherwise known as the Ore Mountains, in east part of the country near the Czech Republic border. Laced with many small villages and a couple bigger cities, it is an idyllic place to be over the holidays. And while most people are very very curious of outsiders and tourists, especially people that look completely different (did I mention the towns are very small here!), in general once you get talking to people, they are genuine and nice. Idyllic for the holidays, because it is a mountain range, with a lot of forests, beautiful rock formations, and rolling hills, not to mention usually snow during the winter...unfortunately not this winter.

I was a little concerned about being bored while we were there, but we managed to add in a few hikes/walks, and a trip to one of the best Christmas Markets I have ever been to in Germany, set in a beautiful mountain town complete with giant wind pyramid, mini roller coaster train for kids, awesome food/wine and parade!

 Realxing... the spirit of Christmas

 

This region is know for wood working..see pyramid above, handmade by L's grandpa

 Christmas dinner

 The awesome Christmas market in Anaberg

 Christmas party for the dogs

 

 Hike overlooking Ehrenfriedersdorf