Winter in Europe is sort of a snow globe come to life. The fantastical scenes of Christmas markets, the smells of roasted nuts, and the snow flocked chateaus make a dreamy scene. However one of the best half? Visiting Europe in winter time often means yow will discover cheaper flights, lodging, and fewer crowds.
Having many winters in Europe below my belt, I’ve chosen my high 15 Winter locations. I attempted to slender it all the way down to 10, however there have been simply so many magical locations that I needed to embrace.
Whether or not you are after the Christmas spirit, a captivating, snowy panorama, or a frolic by a fortress, this information to one of the best locations in Europe for the colder months has all of it. From one of the best locations to go for Christmas or in case you’re wanting an escape that is one of the best of Europe.
Seize a sizzling drink and prepare for one of the best cities and locations in Europe to spend winter in.
Beneath yow will discover a map of all of the locations mentioned on this submit:
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
The falling snow was mesmerizing as I sat by the window, overlooking the quiet city beneath. Not a automobile in sight or a soul strolling round – solely skiers gliding down nicely worn paths. I used to be in Zermatt, Switzerland and the ever looming Matterhorn had but to be seen. After days of not seeing this unbelievable mountain, the clouds lastly parted, the snow lifted, and she or he stood proudly.
This lovely and romantic metropolis is among the prettiest in Europe. It presents loads of winter actions and is the proper place to chill out. I had one among my all time favourite stays on this charming place and I’ll keep in mind it for years to come back.
See my information to Zermatt right here.
Associated: 9 of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe for {Couples}
2. Strasbourg, France
There isn’t any metropolis on the planet that transforms right into a Christmas wonderland fairly like Strasbourg. Each single window and lane is embellished from practically high to backside with lights and even stuffed animals. It is a gingerbread city come to life with the half-timbered homes and the full of life Christmas markets, procuring, and the traditions of German Christmas markets spilling over from the close by nation. Try my full information for what to do in Strasbourg for Christmas. Because you’re within the space I recommend taking a brief journey over to Baden Baden, Heidelberg, or The Black Forest in Germany for the standard markets.
Enjoyable reality: we host our personal MAGICAL Christmas cruises right here! See the small print right here.
Get all of the guides to Christmas in Europe!
3. The Austrian Alps
In the summertime months you may discover miles of inexperienced and the sound of bells on cows as they roam the broad open hills. However winter frosts the bottom and makes every part really feel like a wonderland. The tough peaks of the alps are actually an unbelievable sight and the tall steeples from the church buildings within the cities beneath make you’re feeling such as you’re stepping again in time.
My favourite cities within the alps are within the Wilder Kaiser space. I completely love the cities of Zöll, Ellmau, Going, and Kitzbuehel.
4. Lake Como, Italy
When you’re wanting a hotter spot and decrease costs in your European travels in winter then Italy is a good alternative. The well-known lake is ideal for wine lovers and those who need to get away from the crowds. Take a ship journey out on the water or go to close by cities like Bellagio and Varenna. There’s additionally an unbelievable mild present that happens from mid December to January 6.
5. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg is a totally walled in metropolis courting again to the twelfth century. When you’re wanting the true romantic expertise of conventional Christmas markets in Germany than look no additional. Colourful buildings topped with snow are an actual life fairy-tale setting. Right here you may discover the German Christmas market museum so you may study all in regards to the traditions of this world well-known custom. Try my full information to Rothenburg right here.
READ MORE: Information to The Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
6. Translyvania, Romania
The house of Dracula is the proper place for winter or Halloween vibes. You may discover surprisingly picturesque countrysides and unbelievable true tales of Vlad the Impaler, aka Dracula. Be on the look out for hidden gems in these fairly cities equivalent to catching a standard Romanian wedding ceremony. There are castles galore in addition to among the finest meals I’ve had. Plus it is very cheap, the individuals are great, and the historical past attention-grabbing.
I like to recommend visiting Sibiu, Sighişoara, and Braşov for true Romanian traditions and a phenomenal environment. This underrated nation is filled with winding streets, gorgeous structure, and pleasant pure magnificence making it well worth the go to.
7. Iceland
The shoulder season in Iceland is superb. A bit chillier, however a lot extra room to roam. Your possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights are significantly better within the winter (and fall). You may fly into Reyjavik however PLEASE, please ensure you get out of city and discover the various panorama Iceland has to supply. The gang-free waterfalls
Take a break from the chilly and bounce in a heat geothermal pool. And there is extra than simply the Blue Lagoon! Try Hotpot Iceland to seek out out the place a Hotpot is (a thermal spa or pool) close to you.
I like to recommend heading there in early winter to have the ability to get pleasure from as a lot of the panorama as doable.
Try my 10-day highway journey information to Iceland right here.
8. Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sure, you may in fact go to Amsterdam, however contemplate heading to the cheery city of Maastricht. As one of many oldest cities in Holland you may discover a vibrant metropolis with medieval structure and historic cobblestone streets. I like to recommend taking a strolling tour and warming up at a pub or over some divine waffles. “Pinky” is among the finest waffles I’ve had in my life! Positioned on the Southern tip of The Netherlands you may simply pop over to Liege, Belgium for some French delicacies.
9. London, England
I do know what you are considering: that it is going to be freezing and depressing. However London is not actually identified for having significantly nice climate. And London DECKS out its holidays like none different. Oxford Avenue is a feast for the eyes. There are string lights on each nook, bows as large as automobiles on retailers, and you may skate in entrance of one of many prettiest buildings on the planet. It is improbable. There’s even a Christmas market occurring in Hyde Park.
Try extra winter wonderland in London.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a phenomenal metropolis regardless of the season, however winter brings out among the finest on this metropolis. A lightweight dusting of snow covers the Outdated City Sq. and the standard Christmas markets make for the proper backdrop. There are a number of markets all through town so you may go hopping from store to buy handmade items and eat sizzling and scrumptious trdelinks.
This is my full information to Prague in winter.
11. Lucerne, Switzerland
I do know, I do know, one other place in Switzerland? Sure. It actually is simply that fairly. This spectacular however small metropolis is filled with intimate cafes with gentle lighting and delectable meals. The coated bridge is the oldest on the planet and stretches over the lake. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, full of medieval structure, and a phenomenal lake setting, this peaceable city is great while you’re all bundled up.
Lucerne lends itself as an incredible getaway for those who need to chill out or discover.
I had such a tough time narrowing down cities in Switzerland for Winter, however in case you’re in search of yet one more, try Bern!
Try one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland!
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish have a complete phrase and actually, life-style, for the sensation of coziness: hygge. There isn’t any higher place to heat up by the hearth with a pleasant glass of crimson and a sheepskin throw as you chat over the climate. You may also get your fill of scrumptious seafood at Torvehallerne or gaze on the colourful buildings on the docks of Nyhavn. Copenhagen even takes it a step additional and presents a winter tradition month, Wondercool, which happens in February and consists of live shows in uncommon venues, artwork reveals, and culinary occasions.
There’s quite a bit to see and do in Copenhagen so here is my information to the highest 15 issues to do within the metropolis. I additionally advocate taking a day journey over to Malmö, Sweden.
13. The Black Forest, Germany
The massive cities are stuffed with brilliant lights and exquisite Christmas decor. However you may’t beat the pure and awe-inspiring magnificence that’s the Black Forest in Germany. It is impressed fairy-tales and tales all through the centuries. The vastness of the mountains and the dense evergreen timber make for a phenomenal scene. There are winter actions equivalent to snowboarding and climbing or you may go into the close by city of Sasbachwalden for espresso and cake. From right here you may go to close by Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Baden Baden.
It is time to embrace the chilly and head far north to the snowy wonderland of Rovaniemi. What higher strategy to get into the vacation spirit than visiting the official house of Santa Claus? Positioned within the Arctic Circle this is among the finest locations to go on a husky journey by a maze of evergreen and white. When you do not thoughts the chilly temperature then that is one of the simplest ways to spend your winter vacation.
15. Chamonix, France
One of the crucial beautiful locations in all of Europe with the tallest mountain in Europe, too! Mont Blanc towers over the picturesque city of Chamonix The Alps are gorgeous, particularly coated in snow. However the city of Chamonix is bursting with nice french tradition and delicacies. That is the proper place to get pleasure from winter actions or cozy up by the hearth!
Learn my full information to Chamonix right here!
There are such a lot of lovely locations in Europe it may be onerous to decide on, you may simply have to maneuver right here. Like I did!
Extra to learn:
9 of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe for {Couples}
Final Information to the Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
How To E book the Greatest Lodge Offers in Europe
