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 the perfect half? Visiting Europe in winter time often means you could find 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 right down to 10, however there have been simply so many magical locations that I needed to embody.
Whether or not you are after the Christmas spirit, an enthralling, snowy panorama, or a frolic via a citadel, this information to the perfect locations in Europe for the colder months has all of it. From the perfect locations to go for Christmas or for those who’re wanting an escape that is the perfect of Europe.
Seize a scorching drink and prepare for the perfect cities and locations in Europe to spend winter in.
Under you could find 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 under. Not a automotive in sight or a soul strolling round – solely skiers gliding down properly 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 he or she stood proudly.
This lovely and romantic metropolis is among the prettiest in Europe. It gives loads of winter actions and is the right place to chill out. I had considered one of my all time favourite stays on this charming place and I’ll bear in mind it for years to return.
See my information to Zermatt right here.
Associated: 9 of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe for {Couples}
2. Strasbourg, France
There isn’t a metropolis on the earth that transforms right into a Christmas wonderland fairly like Strasbourg. Each single window and lane is adorned 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. Take a look at my full information for what to do in Strasbourg for Christmas. Because you’re within the space I counsel taking a brief journey over to Baden Baden, Heidelberg, or The Black Forest in Germany for the normal markets.
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 extensive open hills. However winter frosts the bottom and makes all the things really feel like a wonderland. The tough peaks of the alps are really an unbelievable sight and the tall steeples from the church buildings within the cities under 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
For those who’re wanting a hotter spot and decrease costs on your European travels in winter then Italy is a superb alternative. The well-known lake is ideal for wine lovers and people who need to get away from the crowds. Take a ship experience 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 relationship again to the twelfth century. For those who’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. Take a look at 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 right place for winter or Halloween vibes. You will 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 corresponding to catching a standard Romanian marriage ceremony. There are castles galore in addition to a few of the greatest meals I’ve had. Plus it’s totally cheap, the persons are fantastic, and the historical past attention-grabbing.
I like to recommend visiting Sibiu, Sighişoara, and Braşov for true Romanian traditions and an exquisite environment. This underrated nation is filled with winding streets, beautiful 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 will fly into Reyjavik however PLEASE, please be sure to get out of city and discover the varied panorama Iceland has to supply. The gang-free waterfalls
Take a break from the chilly and leap in a heat geothermal pool. And there is extra than simply the Blue Lagoon! Take a look at Hotpot Iceland to search 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 take pleasure in as a lot of the panorama as attainable.
Take a look at my 10-day street journey information to Iceland right here.
8. Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sure, you may after all go to Amsterdam, however think about 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 greatest 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 will probably be freezing and depressing. However London is not actually recognized for having notably 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 huge as automobiles on outlets, and you’ll skate in entrance of one of many prettiest buildings on the earth. It is incredible. There’s even a Christmas market taking place in Hyde Park.
Take a look at extra winter wonderland in London.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is an exquisite metropolis regardless of the season, however winter brings out a few of the greatest on this metropolis. A lightweight dusting of snow covers the Previous City Sq. and the normal Christmas markets make for the right backdrop. There are a number of markets all through town so you may go hopping from store to buy handmade items and eat scorching and scrumptious trdelinks.
Here is my full information to Prague in winter.
11. Lucerne, Switzerland
I do know, I do know, one other place in Switzerland? Sure. It really is simply that fairly. This spectacular however small metropolis is filled with intimate cafes with mushy lighting and delectable meals. The lined bridge is the oldest on the earth and stretches over the lake. Flanked by snow-capped mountains, stuffed with medieval structure, and an exquisite lake setting, this peaceable city is fantastic whenever you’re all bundled up.
Lucerne lends itself as an awesome getaway for people who need to chill out or discover.
I had such a tough time narrowing down cities in Switzerland for Winter, however for those who’re searching for another, try Bern!
Take a look at the perfect 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 gives a winter tradition month, Wondercool, which happens in February and consists of live shows in uncommon venues, artwork reveals, and culinary occasions.
There’s rather a lot to see and do in Copenhagen so here is my information to the highest 15 issues to do within the metropolis. I additionally suggest taking a day journey over to Malmö, Sweden.
13. The Black Forest, Germany
The massive cities are filled with vibrant 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 an exquisite scene. There are winter actions corresponding to snowboarding and mountaineering 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 approach to get into the vacation spirit than visiting the official residence of Santa Claus? Positioned within the Arctic Circle this is among the greatest locations to go on a husky experience via a maze of evergreen and white. For those who do not thoughts the chilly temperature then that is one of the best ways to spend your winter vacation.
15. Chamonix, France
One of the vital 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 beautiful, particularly lined in snow. However the city of Chamonix is bursting with nice french tradition and delicacies. That is the right place to take pleasure in winter actions or cozy up by the fireplace!
Learn my full information to Chamonix right here!
There are such a lot of lovely locations in Europe it may be exhausting to decide on, you would possibly 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 Resort Offers in Europe
