Whether you are studying or working in the Czech Republic, you should experience the atmosphere of the local Advent markets. It’s an atmosphere that smells of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. There is also a sense of well-being. And looking forward to Christmas time. But it’s not just Czech and Moravian towns that know how to put their residents and visitors in a festive mood. You can also head to our neighbours for magical Christmas markets. But before you do, make sure you have the right insurance in place.
What you can read in this article:
What Christmas markets look like in the Czech Republic
Why go to Christmas in Vienna and Dresden
How to choose travel insurance
The South Moravian metropolis as the capital of Christmas
One of the most famous Christmas markets in the Czech Republic is the one in Prague on Old Town Square. They run from 30 November to 6 January next year and include demonstrations of traditional folk crafts, a nativity scene and a large stage for performances by children’s and folk groups.
The Christmas markets in Brno are definitely worth a visit. This year it even boasts the European Capital of Christmas award. By the way, it was Brno that was the first city in the Czech Republic to have a Christmas tree in the square. And that was 100 years ago. In 1924, the writer Rudolf Těsnohlídek had it erected on Svoboda Square. In addition to Svoboda Square, the Green Market or Moravské náměstí, you can also find Christmas markets in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall. From 22 November to 23 December, representatives of nine top Brno businesses will be serving up the best of the South Moravian gastronomic scene.
If you want to enjoy Advent markets beyond the borders of the Czech Republic, head to Dresden in Germany – as thousands of Czechs do every year at this time. From 27 November to 24 December, the Striezelmarkt takes place on the Altmarkt, which is considered the oldest Christmas market in the country (it’s in its 590th year) and one of the most famous in the world. Here you can admire the nearly 15-metre-high Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid while sampling plum potato cakes, homemade schnitzels or doughnuts.
Vienna should not be missed either. Every year, the Austrian capital prides itself on its breathtaking Christmas decorations and stunning markets. It’s worth visiting more. At Rathausplatz, where you can skate through the park. Karlsplatz: There, all the refreshments are organic. Or at the baroque Schönbrunn, which provides a wonderful backdrop for the markets.
By car or pet. In peace and quiet
Before you plan your Christmas trip, check the parameters of your health insurance. The health insurance for foreigners studying or working in the Czech Republic usually has a double territorial validity: for the Czech Republic and for the Schengen area, to which all neighbouring countries of the Czech Republic naturally fall. However, even if you have comprehensive health insurance for your stay in the Czech Republic, in the other Schengen states you are covered to the extent of necessary and urgent care. The insurance limits are thus lower and the insurance covers more or less “only” medical expenses.
It is therefore safer to take out conventional travel insurance for trips outside the Czech Republic. It offers insurance limits in the tens or even hundreds of millions of crowns, advanced assistance services that you will appreciate, for example, when arranging alternative hotel accommodation or legal assistance, and a whole range of useful additional insurances. These can include trip cancellation, theft of personal documents and liability for personal injury and property damage.
If you’re travelling to the Christmas markets by car, it’s a good idea to add auto insurance to your travel insurance. This will give you a peaceful Advent even if your car breaks down and needs to be repaired abroad. The auto insurance will take care of towing your car to the workshop, a replacement car and accommodation. If your pet will be keeping you company on your journey to the magic of Christmas, you can add it to your travel insurance. The add-on insurance covers the pet’s medical expenses, or the cost of any property damage and bodily injury it might cause. We wish you a wonderful pre-Christmas period.
