Festive driving routes launched in Germany

People looking for a unique festive experience this year can catch ferries to France, Belgium or Holland and drive into Germany to see some of the country's most impressive seasonal sights.

The German National Tourist Office announced that a number of scenic routes had been opened across the country, which combine Christmas markets with other festive spectacles.

Travellers who take ferries to France can make the short journey over the border to Trier in western Germany, the country's oldest city.

From here, visitors can follow a driving route that passes by the castles of the upper Rhine valley and leads to the romantic city of Heidelberg on the shores of the Neckar river.

Also located close to the French border is Freiburg, which serves as the starting point for a trail that stretches to Regensburg, a city that hosts a famous Christmas market at the Thurn and Taxis palace.

Other seasonal attractions include the world's biggest music box in Osnabruck and the festive market in Rostock, which is the biggest in northern Germany.

Travellers can use the LD Lines Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry service or take ferries to Calais from Dover with Seafrance or P&O Ferries before driving south to get to Germany.

Those planning to drive through Holland or Belgium can travel on the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route served by DFDS Seaways or catch ferries to Zeebrugge with P&O Ferries or Norfolkline.

Written by Andrew Smith