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 normally means you will discover cheaper flights, lodging, and fewer crowds.
Having many winters in Europe beneath my belt, I’ve chosen my high 15 Winter locations. I attempted to slim it all the way 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 by way of a fortress, 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 should you’re wanting an escape that is the perfect of Europe.
Seize a sizzling drink and prepare for the perfect cities and locations in Europe to spend winter in.
Under you 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 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 unimaginable mountain, the clouds lastly parted, the snow lifted, and she or he stood proudly.
This stunning and romantic metropolis is among the prettiest in Europe. It gives loads of winter actions and is the right place to loosen up. I had considered one of 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 is no such thing as a metropolis on the planet that transforms right into a Christmas wonderland fairly like Strasbourg. Each single window and lane is adorned from almost high to backside with lights and even stuffed animals. It is a gingerbread city come to life with the half-timbered homes and the vigorous Christmas markets, purchasing, 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 standard markets.
Enjoyable reality: we host our personal MAGICAL Christmas cruises right here! See the main points 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 huge open hills. However winter frosts the bottom and makes all the pieces really feel like a wonderland. The tough peaks of the alps are really an unimaginable sight and the tall steeples from the church buildings within the cities under make you are 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 to your European travels in winter then Italy is a good alternative. The well-known lake is ideal for wine lovers and people who wish to get away from the crowds. Take a ship trip out on the water or go to close by cities like Bellagio and Varenna. There’s additionally an unimaginable mild present that happens from mid December to January 6.
5. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg is a completely 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’ll be able to study all concerning 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 unimaginable true tales of Vlad the Impaler, aka Dracula. Be on the look out for hidden gems in these fairly cities comparable to catching a standard Romanian wedding ceremony. There are castles galore in addition to a few of the finest 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 a stupendous environment. This underrated nation is filled with winding streets, gorgeous structure, and pleasant pure magnificence making it definitely worth the go to.
7. Iceland
The shoulder season in Iceland is wonderful. A bit chillier, however a lot extra room to roam. Your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights are a lot better within the winter (and fall). You will fly into Reyjavik however PLEASE, please be sure to get out of city and discover the various panorama Iceland has to supply. The group-free waterfalls
Take a break from the chilly and soar 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 get pleasure from 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’ll be able to 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! Situated on the Southern tip of The Netherlands you’ll be able to simply pop over to Liege, Belgium for some French delicacies.
9. London, England
I do know what you are pondering: 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 huge as vehicles on retailers, and you may skate in entrance of one of many prettiest buildings on the planet. It is unbelievable. 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 a stupendous metropolis irrespective of the season, however winter brings out a few of the finest on this metropolis. A light-weight dusting of snow covers the Outdated City Sq. and the standard Christmas markets make for the right backdrop. There are a number of markets all through the town so you’ll be able to 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 really 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 stupendous lake setting, this peaceable city is fantastic if you’re all bundled up.
Lucerne lends itself as an important getaway for people who wish to loosen up or discover.
I had such a tough time narrowing down cities in Switzerland for Winter, however should you’re searching for yet another, take a look at Bern!
Take a look at the perfect Christmas markets in Switzerland!
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish have a complete phrase and actually, way of life, for the sensation of coziness: hygge. There is not any higher place to heat up by the hearth with a pleasant glass of purple and a sheepskin throw as you chat over the climate. It’s also possible to 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 contains live shows in uncommon venues, artwork exhibits, and culinary occasions.
There’s rather a lot to see and do in Copenhagen so this 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 vivid lights and delightful Christmas decor. However you’ll be able to’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 bushes make for a stupendous scene. There are winter actions comparable to snowboarding and climbing or you’ll be able to go into the close by city of Sasbachwalden for espresso and cake. From right here you’ll be able to 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 dwelling of Santa Claus? Situated within the Arctic Circle this is among the finest locations to go on a husky trip by way of a maze of evergreen and white. When you do not thoughts the chilly temperature then that is the easiest way to spend your winter vacation.
15. Chamonix, France
One of the 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 right 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 stunning locations in Europe it may be exhausting 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 Ebook the Greatest Lodge Offers in Europe
