On a Gift Mission at the Seefeld Christmas Market

As soon as I arrive at the Christmas market, the smell of melted cheese draws me to the booth of Markus Gurschler from South Tyrol. Although I actually came for Christmas shopping, I can't resist trying one of his dreamy Vinschgerl with raclette cheese and bacon. As I enjoy this specialty from Markus' homeland - the Vinschgau, he tells me about his products and their production process. In his charming dialect, he explains to me the close collaboration with the village butcher, the village baker, and the dairyman, and the part of my heart that beats for sustainability skips a beat. Markus has been something of a fixture at the Seefeld Christmas market - he and his products have been part of the furniture for 20 years. Since raclette is also part of our family’s Christmas program, I buy a wheel of cheese for Christmas Eve and make my way to the next stall.

This time it’s my sense of hearing that leads me to my next destination. A familiar sound attracts me to the stand of Hannes Haslwanter. As I arrive, my suspicion is confirmed. Hannes is at his chestnut drum, bringing the hot delicacies to temperature. While the chestnuts roast, I look around to see if I can snag a suitable gift at Hannes’ stand. The selection of locally produced schnapps and jams makes my choice really difficult, but I am lucky - Hannes has a gift set with the best of both worlds for me. When I ask about the production of his products, he tells me that he and his wife produce almost all the products at the stand themselves. During the pandemic, the two of them mustered the courage to open their stand in Seefeld within a week. Meanwhile, they are represented at markets all over Tyrol. With this beautiful story and the delicious chestnuts in my belly, I say goodbye and head to the next hut.

Because (almost) no woman can resist beautiful jewelry and I (obviously) know my sweetheart's taste, I didn't have to think long about what to put in my bag at Maria Anderlans' stand. Since Maria also managed to convince me to get one of her charming angel figures for Grandma Anni, I had some time to chat with Maria - who immediately told me an anecdote from her 16 years here at the Christkindlmarkt in Seefeld. Just a few days ago, a couple from Braunschweig extended their vacation in Seefeld more or less voluntarily because so much snow had fallen in the Seefeld region. As a result, the couple still had the opportunity to visit the Seefelder Christmas market. There they came across Maria and her hut, where they had bought hand-knitted slippers for their offspring the year before. They immediately remembered their purchase from Maria and took a new pair of slippers for their child, who had outgrown the old pair by now.

With the sweet story of the slippers in mind, I make my way to Klaus Fuchs' booth. I vaguely remember a deep wish from the two women for whom I embarked on this adventure: "Filzdoggln". For some, this may now sound unfamiliar: Filzdoggln are cozy, handmade slippers made from sheep's wool. Luckily, I don't have to search long at Klaus Fuchs' booth, as I already have two pairs of Doggln in my hands. Klaus explains to me the steps of this ancient craft process and then convinces me of a fluffy hat made from merino wool. From Klaus - who seems to be able to read my thoughts - I want to know what it's really like to see the Seefeld Christmas market from the "inside", that is, from a seller's perspective. He tells me about the valuable "time" he spends here. He draws a comparison with a department store and expresses his joy about the time one has here at the Christmas market to really talk to his customers.

As soon as I arrive at my last stop for today, I treat myself to a homemade honey liqueur on the advice of professional beekeeper Ferdinand "Ferdi" Schot. Today, my shopping day is probably ending on a cheerful note! Since I am a big fan of Swiss stone pine, I had to know how this combination tastes, and I can say it is a real specialty. Because I am sure that this will be well received in a cozy gathering at home, I am taking a copy with me. Ferdi tells me about his assortment, which includes his homemade honey wine, one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. However, it is another drink that delights most visitors of the Seefeld Christmas Market. The freshly brewed punch, which gets its unique flavor from Ferdi's honey, is one of the delicacies that you simply must try at the Seefeld Christmas Market.

For those who haven't finished their Christmas shopping or simply have a craving for amazing culinary specialties, I can highly recommend the Christmas market in Seefeld. I would have loved to visit all the other stalls with their leather, wood, and fabric goods and enjoy a Kiachl or donut. However, since I promised to be home in time for dinner, I have to continue my adventure at the Seefeld Christmas market on another day. Luckily for me, the market activities in Seefeld continue even after December 24th. This year, the stalls and their winter charm will remain until January 7th.