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 very best half? Visiting Europe in winter time often means you could find cheaper flights, lodging, and fewer crowds.
Having many winters in Europe underneath 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 a fortress, this information to the very best locations in Europe for the colder months has all of it. From the very best locations to go for Christmas or for those who’re wanting an escape that is the very best of Europe.
Seize a scorching drink and prepare for the very best 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 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 unimaginable mountain, the clouds lastly parted, the snow lifted, and he or she stood proudly.
This stunning and romantic metropolis is among the prettiest in Europe. It affords loads of winter actions and is the right place to calm down. I had one in all my all time favourite stays on this charming place and I’ll bear 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 earth that transforms right into a Christmas wonderland fairly like Strasbourg. Each single window and lane is embellished 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. 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.
Get all of the guides to Christmas in Europe!
3. The Austrian Alps
In the summertime months you will 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 every thing 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
For those who’re wanting a hotter spot and decrease costs to your European travels in winter then Italy is a superb selection. 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 unimaginable gentle 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. 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 will discover the German Christmas market museum so you possibly can study all concerning the traditions of this world well-known custom. Try my full information to Rothenburg right here.
READ MORE: Information to The Finest 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 reminiscent of catching a conventional Romanian marriage ceremony. There are castles galore in addition to among the finest meals I’ve had. Plus it is very cheap, the persons are great, and the historical past fascinating.
I like to recommend visiting Sibiu, Sighişoara, and Braşov for true Romanian traditions and an attractive 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 superb. A bit chillier, however a lot extra room to roam. Your probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights are significantly better within the winter (and fall). You will 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 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 potential.
Try my 10-day highway journey information to Iceland right here.
8. Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sure, you possibly can after all go to Amsterdam, however take into account heading to the cheery city of Maastricht. As one of many oldest cities in Holland you will 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 possibly can 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 recognized for having significantly nice climate. And London DECKS out its holidays like none different. Oxford Road is a feast for the eyes. There are string lights on each nook, bows as large as automobiles on retailers, and you’ll skate in entrance of one of many prettiest buildings on the earth. It is unbelievable. There’s even a Christmas market occurring in Hyde Park.
Try extra winter wonderland in London.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is an attractive metropolis irrespective of the season, however winter brings out among the finest on this metropolis. A light-weight dusting of snow covers the Previous City Sq. and the standard Christmas markets make for the right backdrop. There are a number of markets all through the town so you possibly can 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 attractive lake setting, this peaceable city is great once you’re all bundled up.
Lucerne lends itself as a terrific getaway for people who need to calm down or discover.
I had such a tough time narrowing down cities in Switzerland for Winter, however for those who’re on the lookout for another, take a look at Bern!
Try the very 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 affords 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 this 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 vivid lights and delightful Christmas decor. However you possibly can’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 an attractive scene. There are winter actions reminiscent of snowboarding and mountain climbing or you possibly can go into the close by city of Sasbachwalden for espresso and cake. From right here you possibly can 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 method 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 experience by 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
Some of the attractive 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 lined 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 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 Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
How To Guide the Finest Resort Offers in Europe
