A selection of family-friendly countries in Europe which are perfect for visiting with the kids this spring, by Mammaproof.

From logs that “poo” presents to Santa Claus’s evil alter ego who scares children... Did you know that there are lots of different Christmas traditions across Europe? We share many Christmas traditions, but there may be some that you’ve never heard of.

Just 10 kilometers from Stuttgart, you will discover Esslingen, a beautiful city that keeps in its old town several medieval monuments. You’ll be fascinated by walking beside the romantic canals and quaint alleyways which will take you back in time to perceive medieval rustic charm.

Stands out among its buildings the former House of Trade and Taxes, the Kauf-und Steurerhaus, which is now the Town Hall. On its facade is situated the astronomical clock, one of the oldest in Germany and the only one that has retained its original 1951 mechanism, which drives clockwise and funny figures.

Furthermore, Esslingen still retains that importance as winemaking, it had in the Middle Ages and produces wines really appreciated. You must try the Württemberger variety!

And if you visit Esslingern in December, do not miss the spectacular Christmas market, with its traditional Renaissance fair where artists, craftsmen and merchants, dressed in medieval costumes, look like they are really coming from ancient times.

Image:XerKibard

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

A few kilometers from Hanover lies the city of Hamelin, known by the Brothers Grimm tale The Pied Piper of Hamelin. This city is part of the fairytale path you can take through Germany.

If you walk along the streets, you will find many references to the story. The Pied Piper freed the city from a plague of rats with his flute playing a hypnotic melody with which led them to the river to drown. Having received no reward, he decided to take revenge taking children from the city to enclose them in a cave.

Now, you can explore the city through a rat line drawn on the ground, visiting the house recreated by flutist or spend Bungelosenstrasse Street (street without drums) which says that the piper met for kidnapping children

The cobbled streets of Hamelin, the towers and walls of the Middle Ages still preserved its charming houses or make you feel likr you are really in a tale city.

Makes you want to go, right? Cheer up! Check out our prices here!