32 BEST Destinations To Spend Winter In Europe

We’re not a lot for gloomy, overcast, and wet climate, however we should admit we love winter in Europe. It’s all about the correct vacation spot selections, as there are large locations to go to in the course of the coldest time of the 12 months. We love winter for its snowy alpine villages, full of life Christmas markets, and quiet landmarks. It’s additionally the right time to cozy up in a restaurant, discover a museum, or strive a wholly new expertise.

Finnish Lapland is famend for its winter choices, which embody reindeer sleighs, ice plunges, and the northern lights. We’re not the one individuals who like to spend winter in Europe; hundreds of thousands of different vacationers additionally select to go to this numerous continent within the winter. When you’re in search of inspiration, you’ve come to the correct spot!

The place to Spend Winter in Europe

Innsbruck, Austria

There aren’t many cities in Europe like Innsbruck, so it tops this record of locations to spend winter in Europe. It’s coined the title “Capital of Alps,” and it’s straightforward to know why when you set foot within the metropolis. Flanked by the spectacular Nordkette mountain vary that towers over the town, nature by no means feels far-off. When the mountains are lined in snow, it is likely one of the greatest locations to go to Europe within the winter.

It’s the one metropolis the place you may ski, discover a grand palace, window store, and savor a strudel all day. There are many issues to do in Innsbruck, which has the Austrian Alps and is wealthy in historical past. In some ways, it’s all the things we love about Austria packed into a contemporary and historic metropolis. We love that you may be in an attractive medieval outdated city after which, inside minutes, be within the coronary heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and recent Alpine air.

Western, Austria

Use Innsbrucks as a place to begin to discover extra of the Alps. Western Austria has a few of Europe’s greatest ski resorts and villages which have been drawing skiers for ages. Its roots go deep into the delivery of the game. Some large resorts within the space embody St Anton, Lech Am Arlberg, Ischgl, Soelden, Montafon, and Kuhtai. What makes Austria so particular is the dependable snowfall, wonderful amenities, charming villages, and fantastic tradition of Alpine huts.

Virtually each raise, it appears, has an independently run hut that serves up hearty Austrian meals with wonderful service. The meals could get outdated ultimately, however the views by no means bitter because the Alps are spectacular within the western stretches of the nation. The village ambiance is hard to beat as a result of a wide array of boutique accommodations, all intimate in dimension as a result of strict ordinance legal guidelines. You received’t discover mega accommodations or overseas investments in lots of of those former farming villages.

Venice, Italy

We’ve got a mushy spot for Venice as it’s the most stunning historic metropolis on the planet. There’s a enormous draw back as vacationers additionally besiege it. The sinking metropolis is a community of 118 islands linked by bridges. Buildings listed below are outdated, and in case you handle to flee the crowds, it feels such as you’ve stepped again 5 centuries. It’s surreal; even after a number of visits, we nonetheless love Venice.

In our opinion, Venice is greatest visited within the winter, when the streets are quiet and the air is recent. The canals of Venice are infamous for harboring numerous waste, and in the summertime, the scent can get fairly unhealthy. Nevertheless, within the cooler months, there are fewer vacationers, much less waste, and the scent is at bay. The one actual draw back to Venice is the appalling meals choices in comparison with the remainder of the nation. There are some large bars to get cicchetti and a spritz.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The town of Amsterdam wants no introduction. Due to its a whole bunch of canals, it is named the Venice of the North. Amsterdam is nothing in need of spectacular and a must-see in Europe throughout winter when the crowds die down. Whether or not you’re into historical past, structure, partying, meals, purchasing, artwork, or cafes, there’s something right here for everybody.

We love to sit down canal-side in a quiet neighborhood like Jordaan and luxuriate in a heat drink. You can do even higher with a ship cruise. When you’re in search of conventional sights, take a look at the Anne Frank Home, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum.

Krakow, Poland

One other implausible place to spend winter in Europe is that this Polish Metropolis. It’s a identified truth about Poland that Krakow is likely one of the best-preserved cities in Europe as a result of it was amazingly spared destruction in WWII. The town lies in Southern Poland and has a formidable medieval core and Jewish quarter. The city’s central level is the huge Ryenk Glówny (market sq.).

Within the sq., you’ll discover the spectacular Material Corridor, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. It’s a stunning metropolis and better of all, it might be probably the most inexpensive to go to, so that you get an amazing bang to your buck. You’ll discover vacation cheer and even Christmas markets throughout a European winter.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is a resort mountain city within the French Alps on the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s well-known in mountaineering and ski communities, and also you’ll rapidly perceive why when you arrive. Colossal peaks encompass the city, and have a repute for critical terrain that specialists fly from all over the world to ski. It’s a large ski space with loads of locations for newbie and intermediate riders.

Chamonix can also be credited with internet hosting the primary Winter Olympic Video games in 1924 and the host city for the annual Extremely Path Mont Blanc in the summertime. Apart from snowboarding and mountains, the town of Chamonix is as charming because it will get, with loads of eating places and outlets to wander round. It’s near Switzerland however a fraction of the value of mountain cities like Zermatt. We’d solely advise being conscious of holidays within the U.Ok. because the Brits love the town an excessive amount of.

Edinburgh, Scotland

It’s powerful to argue with Edinburgh’s enchantment. It’s one of the crucial gorgeous cities in Europe and the most effective winter locations. The Scottish capital is filled with a protracted and darkish historical past. The town middle is break up between the jumble of medieval buildings within the outdated city and the peerlessly lined Georgian buildings of the New City.

In some ways, the town is a multitude, however an attractive one! It’s brimming with class, vacationer sights, and character. The town comprises many contrasts and gives all the things from world-class artwork festivals within the winter to positive eating, rowdy pubs, designer outlets, comedy golf equipment, luxurious accommodations, and hip espresso outlets. It’s virtually inconceivable for any customer to have the identical expertise in Edinburgh.

We tried our greatest to take pleasure in a little bit of all of it, however we’ll need to return sometime with extra time. We’ve visited Edinburgh’s epic Hogmanay Pageant for the New 12 months. All seasons are large, and Edinburgh is a singular winter European vacation spot.

Northern Norway

Norway within the winter is what fairytale books are fabricated from, particularly the additional north you head. We discovered a implausible winter house in Norway, the place we might spot the Northern Lights and snowboard on powder in in the future.

On the primary night time of our tour outdoors of Narvik, we hopped on a canine sled at night time led by head torches and the Aurora Borealis above us. Our second night time was adopted up with the Northern Lights over the town from atop the ski hill. Each experiences are ones to recollect endlessly!

When you plan to see the Northern lights in Northern Norway, I’d advise you to hire a automobile to ensure your probabilities. Northern Norway is especially coastal and comprised of mountains and islands. The distinctive panorama and the ocean create very localized and unpredictable climate.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy

That is the jewel of the ski scene within the Trentino area and is a must-visit place whereas spending winter in Europe. Madonna Di Campiglio is a widely known resort well-known for internet hosting many Italians in search of strong snowboarding, eating, and rest in a fancy setting. It nonetheless holds on to its declare to fame because the summer time trip spot of Austrian Royalty and Princess Sissi. The city is an attractive little gem set on the base of the Dolomites and has all of the appeal of a mountain city.

The city is sort of car-free, and taking a night stroll after a day on the slopes is straightforward. We spent our night window purchasing whereas testing Nineteenth-century structure with a cappuccino. Charming wood properties line the streets on the foot of the Dolomites. It’s straightforward to see why the resort city is properly cherished in Northern Italy.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

The tiny mountain village of Grindelwald supplies excellent entry to 2 ski areas and quite a few climbing trails. Excessive above Grindelwald lies the Bernese Alps and a well-known mountain face. That mountain is Eiger’s infamous North Face. The village has a protracted essential street and loads of lodging choices for the various vacationers who journey up the valley from Interlaken.

The village lacks the appeal that the encircling villages, similar to Gimmelwald, Murren, or Wengen, have, however these are close by! Nonetheless, it does present implausible entry to the Swiss mountains – wonderful for skiers and people after a strong European winter vacation.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna has been voted probably the most habitable metropolis on this planet a number of instances. It’s identified for its abundantly blissful residents and is an attractive metropolis with historic buildings and palaces. Most notable is the Habsburg Palace, a surprising instance of Baroque structure and awe-inspiring gardens. Additionally noteworthy is the town’s devotion to the humanities, with large museums, galleries, and performances.

Their museums home a number of the outdated masters and traditional work. The Kiss is Austria’s delight and pleasure, largely thought of one of many biggest artistic endeavors. Vienna’s opera home is thought for being the most effective on this planet. With the chilly climate outdoors, we are able to consider no higher time to discover the town’s inside. Don’t overlook to strive the well-known Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Throughout the holidays, you’ll discover world-class Christmas markets and loads of Glühwein to go round!

Zermatt, Switzerland

Whereas there isn’t a scarcity of ski resorts and villages throughout Europe, none are as well-known as Zermatt. The picturesque city is thought for its dependable snow situations, luxurious lodging, and fabulous eating. All of that is set below one of many world’s most iconic mountains, the Matterhorn, which gives distinctive views from pistes all through the valley.

Whether or not you’re into snowboarding or not, you may’t assist however fall below the appeal of this stunning village. It’s going to enchant you with its little again roads, its conventional and fashionable chalets, its lack of visitors (it’s a car-free village), and the eating places and outlets that line the principle road.

With kilometers of slopes on supply, skiers are spoiled for selection, and snowboarding is the factor to do right here. For non-skiers, a visit as much as the Klein Matterhorn or a journey on the practice to the Gornergrat is critical. There’s a full of life après-ski scene and lots of eating places catering to all tastes, from conventional Swiss fayre to Japanese, Chinese language, Italian, and extra. We had a wonderful keep on the Grand Lodge Zermatterhof on our final journey to the village.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Any journey to Iceland will begin and finish within the capital metropolis of Reykjavik. It’s an amazing metropolis to go to all 12 months spherical, however it comes alive throughout Iceland’s winter months! There might not be a lot daylight within the winter, however the Icelanders do their greatest to brighten the night time with lights. These nights are additionally brightened by the Aurora Borealis, considered one of nature’s most spectacular exhibits.

There are a handful of Iceland festivals within the wintertime, just like the Darkish Music Days in January and Rainbow Reykjavik in February. Nevertheless, probably the most well-known competition is the Winter Lights Pageant, held the primary week of February. The competition celebrates the winter and the rising daylight returning to Iceland.

Paris, France

So many components of the town really feel like a picture-perfect setting with its structure, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, patisseries, and eating places tucked round each nook. There is no such thing as a scarcity of eating institutions that serve all the things, from honored establishments to modern fusion. Meals, trend, and artwork are taken very severely within the metropolis, and it takes nice delight in its means to form tradition.

Nevertheless, France’s capital has a darkish facet. It’s identified for scams, pickpockets, outrageous costs, and big crowds. The worst of this appears to flare up when the lots from Europe and North America take their summer time holidays. When you might not be as tempted to absorb the solar on a streetside cafe in Paris in winter, it’s the right time to keep away from the town’s worst points. Plus, as most Parisians escape the town’s summer time warmth, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals and never different vacationers.

Dresden, Germany

Dresden is an attractive metropolis to go to at any time of the 12 months, however it involves life in winter. It has a wealthy historical past. Grand baroque palaces and museums adorn the town middle, filled with treasures and artwork collected by probably the most notable ruler of Saxony, King Augustus the Sturdy. The winter means Christmas markets for Dresden. Every market is exclusive and displays its neighborhood and origins.

The most important market on Altmarkt Sq. can also be the oldest in Germany. The Streizelmarkt is constructed from the bottom up annually however resembles extra of a village than a brief competition. Gluhwein, Gluhbeer, and Jagertea are the drinks of selection right here. You’ll want to strive a variety since every stand has its distinctive taste.

Superbly handcrafted decorations from the close by Erzgebirge mountains might be taken house as souvenirs. The Streizelmarket is opened with the Stollen Parade. Stollen is a conventional fruit cake coated with powdered sugar and butter. An enormous stollen is paraded via the town on a wagon pulled by horses accompanied by a marching band and fanfare. Exterior of Christmas, ice skating is feasible on the winter competition, and the museums, quieter than different instances of the 12 months, beckon guests out of the chilly.

Keep on the Vienna Home QF Lodge, a chic resort within the coronary heart of Dresden’s baroque outdated city, a central location, with out compromising a restful night time’s sleep. 5 of Dresden’s Christmas markets and lots of museums are inside a couple of minutes’ strolling distance of the resort.

Finland

Few cities in Europe really feel as forward-thinking as Helsinki. The Finns have pushed into the fashionable period and embraced design, meals, and artwork. No place is that this extra evident than in Finland’s capital. You by no means appear too removed from nature for such a contemporary metropolis, even within the winter. You have got an excellent combine if you add the town’s scrumptious eating places and Finn’s obvious affinity for having an excellent time. The Finns know how one can dwell life with “kalsarikannit,” a phrase that describes sitting at house in your underwear consuming with no intention of going out—that made us snicker.

Helsinki is simply an introduction to Finland, because the northern stretches of the nation have been wowing guests in recent times. Lapland is Finland’s northernmost area and a winter wonderland. Freshly fallen snow sparkles in the course of the day and displays the moonlight at night time. The bushes rework into nature’s greatest interpretive ice sculptures whereas the hues of the northern lights dance overhead. Sure, the temperature is frigid, however you received’t give you the chance to withstand venturing out into idyllic winter magnificence solely present in Lapland. Rovaniemi is the biggest metropolis within the area and operates as a hub with vacationers with loads of accommodations, lodges, cabins, and distinctive lodging choices.

Get round with any transportation, from a snowmobile to a canine sled or reindeer sleigh. When you’ve adjusted to life north of the Arctic Circle, head to the untouched wilderness of Luosto to snowshoe and watch the Auroras mild up the sky. If snowshoeing isn’t for you, the realm additionally has downhill and cross-country snowboarding. Both manner, there’s one thing genuinely unforgettable about exploring the snowy wilderness on foot with no motor buzzing to disrupt the silence.  

Budapest, Hungary

Touring to Europe within the winter is the right time to go to, and Budapest is a kind of actually particular cities. There are manner fewer vacationers on the town, which has a number of advantages: cheaper lodging charges, much less crowded points of interest, and extra tolerable temperatures, making it extra pleasant.

Our first go to was simply after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas markets have been arrange all through the town. As you wander across the metropolis testing all of the issues to do in Budapest, you’ll proceed to come across Christmas markets, that are additionally an amazing place to select up a singular reward for these again house. When you occur to be going to Christmas markets in Germany or Austria, you’ll discover that costs in Budapest are a lot decrease.

Winter in Europe FAQ

What are the winter months in Europe?

All through a big portion of the continent, winter usually units in in late November/early December and lasts till early April.

What’s the warmest nation in Europe throughout winter?

Spain is commonly thought of the warmest nation in Europe. With a mean excessive of 20-22°C, Gran Canaria is the most well liked a part of Spain in December, and lots of Europeans escape to flee the chilly.

How chilly is a European winter?

Europe is a big nation with many alternative climates. Russia is taken into account to have the coldest components, with day by day highs in winter averaging 0 °C. Days in December, January, and February are darkish and chilly, with temperatures beneath 0 °C in Northern Europe.

What’s the coldest month in Europe?

February is the coldest month of the 12 months within the EU.

Is Europe value going to in winter?

We love snowboarding and snowboarding, consuming gluhwein at Christmas markets, enjoying within the snow, and the general feeling of coziness. So, to us, a European winter is one thing to expertise. We’ve got traveled to many components of Europe within the winter and have by no means had a foul time.

The place are one of the best Christmas markets in Europe?

Europe is legendary for its enchanting Christmas markets that supply festive atmospheres, conventional crafts, scrumptious treats, and gorgeous decorations. Among the most well-known Christmas markets are in Strasbourg, Vienna, and Cologne!