Wellness for You. Adventures for Kids. Memories for All.
At ULRICHSHOF, your family holiday means everyone gets exactly what they need. While the kids explore ponies, forest trails, and indoor and outdoor play worlds under the care of our team — available every day from 9 am to 8 pm — you can retreat to one of Bavaria’s largest family wellness areas, or unwind completely in our adults-only Eltern-SPA. Spacious family suites of up to 150 m², heartfelt Bavarian hospitality, and the natural beauty of the Bavarian Forest bring it all together. The result isn’t just a holiday — it’s memories the whole family will carry home.
Christmas Magic
in the Bavarian Forest
Experience Christmas where centuries-old traditions, fairytale castles and snow-covered forests come together. During Advent, the Bavarian Forest and the historic towns surrounding ULRICHSHOF transform into a magical winter destination. From Christmas markets in palace courtyards and medieval castle grounds to thousands of sparkling lights above the treetops, traditional Bavarian craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind glass art, every excursion offers a different glimpse into an authentic German Christmas.
Photos: JOSKA Glasparadies Bodenmais, Schloss Guteneck, Michael Rackl/Woidlife Photography, Fotostyle Schindler, Hans-Christian Wagner, Michaela Lankes, Stephan Steffek
ULRICHSHOF makes an ideal base for discovering these festive highlights. All of the following destinations can easily be visited on a half-day or day trip, allowing families to combine relaxing resort days with some of Bavaria’s most memorable Christmas experiences.
If you would like to arrange a private transfer to one of these destinations, our reservations team will be happy to assist you. Please contact us a few days in advance, and we will gladly organize a suitable transfer for you. Prices are available on request.
Few Christmas markets offer a setting quite like this one. The Romantic Christmas Market takes place in and around historic St. Emmeram Palace, where countless candles, lanterns and torches illuminate the magnificent palace courtyard. Traditional craftsmen demonstrate their skills in beautifully decorated wooden huts, while regional and international Christmas specialties fill the air with festive aromas.
Families can explore the Kinderzauberwald, with nostalgic rides, a petting zoo and appearances by the “Fürstliches Christkind.” A visit can easily be combined with a stroll through Regensburg’s remarkably preserved historic center, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Name: Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace
Location: St. Emmeram Palace, Regensburg
Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2026
Closed: November 22, 2026
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 3–9 pm · Fri 3–10 pm · Sat 2–10 pm · Sun 2–9 pm (admission required)
Distance from ULRICHSHOF: approx. 82 km / 51 mi · 1 hr 5–10 min by car
Christmas high above the treetops: the WaldWipfelWeg combines a traditional Christmas market with a magical winter forest. Visitors stroll along illuminated paths and high above the trees before reaching the 55-meter-high Waldturm, which offers sweeping views across the Bavarian Forest and, on clear days, as far as the Alps.
Thousands of lights transform the forest after dark, while decorated stalls offer seasonal treats and Christmas gifts. Families can also discover a Christmas cave, indoor playground, the unusual “Haus am Kopf” and the Bayerwald Flieger – an original Airbus A319 offering a virtual flight over the Bavarian Forest. Fire shows, visits from St. Nicholas and the Christkind’s wish tree add to the festive atmosphere.
Name: Romantic Christmas Market at the WaldWipfelWeg
Location: WaldWipfelWeg, Sankt Englmar
Dates: November 20 – December 20, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Opening hours: Fri 3–8 pm · Sat & Sun 12–8 pm (admission required)
Winter Market: December 27–30, 2026 · 12–6 pm
Distance from ULRICHSHOF: approx. 40 km / 25 mi · 40–45 min by car
For international visitors looking for the classic image of a traditional German Christmas market, Straubing is an excellent choice. Wooden stalls extend across the historic Ludwigsplatz and Theresienplatz, beneath the city’s landmark Stadtturm and a magnificent Christmas tree.
Visitors can enjoy Glühwein, Bavarian specialties, Christmas decorations and handcrafted gifts, while children can ride the traditional railway and carousel. Straubing’s Advent program also extends beyond the market itself, making a visit a wonderful opportunity to discover the historic city center during the Christmas season. The City of Straubing confirms the 2026 market period from November 19 through December 23.
At JOSKA, Christmas meets one of the best-known traditions of the Bavarian Forest: glassmaking. The family-owned company has been producing glass in Bodenmais since 1960. During the Christmas season, JOSKA Glasparadies transforms into a sparkling world of lights, glass and festive decorations.
Among the highlights is the extraordinary eight-metre-high Christmas tree made from wine glasses, along with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the world’s largest hand-blown Christmas bauble, measuring 60 centimetres in diameter.
In the Winter Wonderland, sparkling lights, winter figures, polar bears, penguins and a festively decorated reindeer sleigh create a magical atmosphere. The Winter Garden Market on 14 and 15 November adds arts and crafts, creative products and culinary delights to the festive experience.
Name: Christmas at JOSKA Glasparadies / Winter Wonderland
Location: JOSKA Glasparadies, Bodenmais
Christmas season: 25 October to 31 December 2026
Winter Wonderland: 1 November to 31 December 2026
Winter Garden Market: 14 and 15 November 2026
St. Nicholas: 5 and 6 December 2026
Winter Village: 25 December 2026 to 1 January 2027
Distance from ULRICHSHOF: approx. 40 km / 25 mi · 45 min by car
Schloss Guteneck takes visitors even further back in time. Paths lead past festively decorated wooden huts, through an illuminated castle forest and colorful castle gardens before reaching the historic courtyard. Traditional craftsmanship, regional delicacies, live music and medieval influences create an atmosphere somewhere between a German Christmas market and a winter fairytale.
Families can look forward to a children’s program, St. Nicholas, artists, alpacas and – new for 2026 – a small train for children. Around 120 stalls spread across approximately 50,000 m² make Guteneck one of the larger Christmas experiences in the region.
The market has also been awarded the quality seal “Excellent European Christmas Market” – an accolade that, according to the organizer, has so far been awarded to only three castles and twenty cities in Europe.
Name: 20th Historic Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Guteneck
Location: Schloss Guteneck, Guteneck
Dates: November 19 – December 20, 2026, Thursday through Sunday
Closed: Sunday, November 22
Opening hours: Thu & Fri 4–8 pm · Sat 2–8 pm · Sun 11 am–8 pm (admission required)
From ULRICHSHOF: approx. 70 km / 43 mi · 1 hr by car
Christmas Magic
around ULRICHSHOF
How to:
Easily get to the ULRICHSHOF
We’re delighted that you found us online – and even more excited to welcome you soon to the ULRICHSHOF in the Bavarian Forest.
Once you’ve decided to spend your family holiday with us, here’s how to reach us quickly and comfortably.
With Luxiety and ULRICHSHOF, your journey becomes an experience as individual as your family
From the moment you start packing your suitcase to your arrival in the Bavarian Forest, you can enjoy complete ease and relaxation.
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With just one click: Fill out the request form and we will take care of finding the best flights, transfers and much more for you.
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Your all-in-one offer: Flights, shuttle and additional services – everything from a single source, transparent and tailored to your needs.
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You decide: Simply confirm your preferred flight and receive your boarding pass for scheduled flights as well as all details regarding rental cars, shuttle services and more.
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Have a pleasant flight: Our travel experts monitor your flight, keep you informed with the latest updates and remain available for you at any time.
The nearest airports are:
Munich Airport (approx. 160 km/100 Miles): www.munich-airport.com
Nuremberg Airport (approx. 160 km/100 Miles): www.airport-nuernberg.de
Prague Airport (approx. 170 km/105 Miles): www.prg.aero/en
Linz Airport, Austria (approx. 185 km/115 Miles): www.linz-airport.com
From all airports, you can continue your journey to the ULRICHSHOF by rental car, shuttle service or train (see below for connections).
Rental cars are available directly at each airport.
Hotel shuttle (price on request): If you would like a private transfer to the ULRICHSHOF, please contact us a few days before arrival. We will be happy to arrange a shuttle service for you.
The ULRICHSHOF is located in Zettisch-Rimbach (Bavarian Forest) and is easy to reach from all directions.
From Munich: via the A92 and A3
From Nuremberg: via the A6 and A93
From Prague: via the E53
From Linz: via the B310 and A3
Simply enter “ULRICHSHOF Nature • Family • Design” into your navigation system.
Electric cars: Our parking garage offers 10 charging stations with Type-2 connectors.
The electricity comes from our own photovoltaic system, making your charging environmentally friendly and convenient.
Train connections are available via:
Munich – Regensburg – Cham
Nuremberg – Schwandorf – Cham
Prague – Domazlice – Furth im Wald
Your destination station is either Furth im Wald (Oberpfalz) or Cham (Oberpfalz).
From Furth it’s approx. 12 minutes, from Cham it’s approx. 22 minutes to the ULRICHSHOF by taxi or pre-booked shuttle.
Useful links:
www.bahn.com
www.oebb.at
www.cd.cz (Czech Rail)
www.trenitalia.com
www.trainline.com
Convenient service
If you prefer to travel light, several European courier services offer express luggage and suitcase shipping directly from your home to your holiday destination. This is especially convenient when traveling with children or by plane or train.
Recommended providers:
Send My Bag – International door-to-door luggage shipping: www.sendmybag.com
Bagexpress – Express shipping for suitcases and sports equipment within Europe: www.bagexpress.eu
Eurosender – Europe-wide shipment of luggage with real-time price comparison: www.eurosender.com
My Baggage – Affordable luggage shipping across Europe: www.mybaggage.com
Nannybag – Luggage shipping and storage network across Europe: www.nannybag.com
All providers offer online booking, tracking, and home pickup, making your trip to the ULRICHSHOF stress-free and comfortable.
Leave This at Home – We’ve Got You Covered
To make traveling easier, many baby essentials are already available at the hotel.
In Your Room
- Baby beds and toddler beds
- Bottle warmers and kettles
- Microwaves or kitchenettes
- Baby monitors
- Changing facilities
- Potty and step stools
Around the Resort
- Diapers in various sizes at changing stations
- Baby food by Holle
- Baby carriers and baby wraps
- Strollers and buggies for rent
- Baby cradles and spring cradles
- Fully equipped baby-friendly family suites
All-In packages
The Instagram Reel by mini.jetsetter has already been viewed more than 3.3 million times. In her video, Toronto-based family travel creator Olga Valentin captures what makes a stay at ULRICHSHOF so special: adventures for children, relaxing moments for parents, and unforgettable experiences together as a family.
Get inspired for your next family getaway.
Luxury time out at the ULRICHSHOF
Premium wellness holiday in the Bavarian Forest!
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Culinary delight
"OHM"
Immerse yourself in the world of culinary flights of fancy – in our panoramic restaurant “OHM”, which promises a culinary journey above the rooftops of the ULRICHSHOF that is as unforgettable as the view. In the midst of modern elegance and natural aesthetics, the “OHM” offers a breathtaking ambience. Surrounded by lush greenery, warm wood, earthy colours and soft lighting, you can enjoy exquisite menus carefully prepared with regional and seasonal ingredients.
Maximum comfort for the whole family
Luxury suites for your holiday happiness
4-star superior family hotel in the Bavarian Forest
ULRICHSHOF
Your home in the Bavarian Forest
The ULRICHSHOF is more than just a hotel – it is your second home in the heart of the Bavarian Forest. With a family-friendly atmosphere, a perfect location and a wide range of amenities, our hotel will make you feel at home from the very first moment. Enjoy our spacious rooms and suites, which are ideal for both couples and families. Whether in a modern family room or a luxurious suite – with us you will experience comfort and cosiness that will make your stay unforgettable.
Relaxation for body and soul
At the Wald-SPA of ULRICHSHOF, soothing moments of peace and relaxation await, surrounded by the natural atmosphere of the Bavarian Forest. Whether enjoying a relaxing massage, unwinding in the sauna area, or bathing in warm water, body and mind can return to balance.
For especially quiet moments of retreat, a separate parents-only SPA is also available. This exclusive area is reserved for guests aged 16 and over and offers a protected environment for uninterrupted relaxation. It provides the perfect space to unwind and recharge.
Fun and adventure for children
At ULRICHSHOF, children’s well-being is at the heart of everything. In the professional childcare program, they experience new adventures, creative activities, and a varied daily schedule, all guided by experienced and caring supervisors.
Whether crafting, playing, or exploring nature together, all activities are age-appropriate and designed to encourage joy, movement, and discovery. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy valuable time for themselves – in the SPA, in nature, or through one of the many available activities. This creates a perfect balance between shared family time and relaxing moments for parents.
A feast for the senses
Enjoy regional specialties and culinary variety at the highest level at ULRICHSHOF. From breakfast and lunch to dinner, a selection of fresh, seasonal dishes awaits, prepared with high-quality ingredients sourced from the region.
A special highlight is the panorama restaurant “OHM.” In a calm atmosphere with far-reaching views, the cuisine combines Bavarian tradition with modern accents to create an exceptional fine dining experience.
A paradise for animal and nature lovers
Nature in the Bavarian Forest begins right outside the door. Forests and walking paths invite guests to enjoy leisurely strolls and shared discoveries in the surrounding landscape.
Animals are also an integral part of a stay at ULRICHSHOF. Children can get to know and ride ponies, feed the donkeys, and experience rabbits up close. These encounters create special moments and naturally foster a connection to the animal world.
You can't do better than this!
Our included services
The extensive range of inclusive services makes a family holiday at the ULRICHSHOF an unforgettable experience for kids, teens and adults. With us you can expect more: more enjoyment, more experience and more service.
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