The Braunschweig Christmas market rafts in the castle moat explained
The rafts in Braunschweig's castle moat sound like a boat trip, but they are covered meeting areas on dry ground. Here is how they work for visitors without a booking.
The Christmas market rafts in Braunschweig are covered standing areas in the historic castle moat, which no longer contains water. They are not boat trips on the River Oker. Each raft holds roughly twenty people standing, there are no seats, and until 14:00 they are generally open for public use during market hours. The Braunschweig Christmas Markets 2026 guide covers both public use and group bookings.
What the rafts are, and what they are not
The word raft, Floß in German, can create the wrong picture. You are not boarding an excursion boat, and nothing moves. The rafts sit in a fixed event area in the dry moat, in the historic surroundings of Dankwarderode Castle near Burgplatz. They are among the unusual meeting places of this market, and the roof makes them a pleasant spot for a drink together.
Location: the dry castle moat, part of the central market.
Capacity: roughly twenty standing places per raft.
Seating: none, according to the organiser.
Roof: yes, but it is not a heated indoor space.
Using a raft without a booking
During market opening hours the rafts are generally available to everyone until 14:00. After that, most are reserved for booked groups, but the Heinrich raft remains available for general use throughout the day. Public use does not guarantee space. Other visitors may already be standing there, especially at busy times. If you see a free spot, it is a good place to drink something hot out of the rain or to wait for friends who are still browsing.
If you want to use a raft with a few friends, a late morning or lunchtime visit gives you the widest choice. In the afternoon and evening, head to the Heinrich raft or find another meeting point.
Who will enjoy them
The rafts suit visitors who are happy to stand for a while: a couple taking a short break, friends sharing a drink, a small group waiting for the rest of the party. They suit less well if you need to sit down. The published information is clear that there are no seats, and you should not expect chairs to appear on the day. If someone in your group needs a seat or a longer warm break, plan a café stop instead or in addition.
Access is also worth a thought. The rafts are in a moat, so ask about the exact route down if steps or gradients matter to you. The guide does not promise that every part of the central market is fully accessible.
Rafts for groups
For larger gatherings, the rafts can be booked from ten people. The published rate is €20 per hour per raft, with a maximum of two hours. Food and drinks are not included. Sales for 2026 began on 13 October, both online and at the tourist office. Tickets cannot be returned but are transferable. Our separate article on booking a raft for a group explains how to organise it.
Combining a raft stop with the rest of the market
Start with a circuit around the cathedral and Burgplatz, buy your drink at a stall you like and then walk to the moat. Make sure you know where to return your cup afterwards. The Christmas workshop for children is also located in the castle moat from 26 November to 23 December, with the wish-list postbox beside it, so families may find themselves in this area anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Braunschweig Christmas market rafts float?
No. The moat is dry. The rafts are fixed, covered areas for meeting and standing, not boats.
Can I sit down on a raft?
No. The organiser lists standing places only. Plan a separate indoor break if you need a seat.
Which raft is open to the public all day?
The Heinrich raft remains available for general use after 14:00. The other rafts are generally public only until 14:00 during market hours.
Research status: 26 October 2026. Times, dates and prices are planning information from our research, so please check the official sources before you travel.
