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If you’re planning a European tour in the winter months between December to February, then you’re definitely not alone.
Europe is special during winters and no two places are the same. In fact, visiting in winter gives a feeling of seeing a place for the first time all over again.
During this time the days are short and there’s ample snow everywhere that provides an opportunity to enjoy winter sports or activities like searching for the northern lights.
Further, the winter season brings with it some important celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. These festivities give tourists a chance to experience the local culture and traditions at the same time showcasing a side that visiting tourists have never seen before.
So, join us on our Europe Guided Tour to explore the 12 Best Places to Visit in Europe in Winter and what makes each so special.
- Salzburg, Austria
- Hallstatt, Austria
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Warsaw, Poland
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Bergen, Norway
- Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Abisko, Sweden
- Strasbourg, France
- Venice, Italy
1. Salzburg, Austria
As winter sets in Salzburg, the alpine city turns into a fairy-tale, with snow-capped houses and a festive chill in the air. There are plenty of things to do, but December is particularly entertaining – thanks to all the Christmas markets in the city.
The Christkindlmarkt am Domplatz is the largest and most famous Christmas market in the city. Every year, it attracts tourists from all around the world who come here to enjoy the orchestra’s, biblical plays and the market stalls.
You can go skating at Mozart Square. Here you can rent a pair of skates and glide around the rink soaking in every moment of the Christmas spirit.
One of the main highlights of visiting Salzburg in winter is seeing the city dressed for Christmas. Admire the twinkling lights draped across the streets, shop windows decorated and huge Christmas trees stand with pride in outdoor spaces. Visiting the Salzburg Christmas Museum is one of the popular magical winter activities in Salzburg.
Finally, if you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or other outdoor winter activities, then here are two popular ski resorts near Salzburg i.e., Obertauern and Gasteinertal.
2. Hallstatt, Austria
A few places in Europe look their stunning best during winters and one of them is the alpine town of Hallstatt.
It’s technically a village with a population of under 1,000 residents who live in beautiful Alpine timber houses built up on the steep hill slopes.
The town features old medieval churches, candlelit restaurants, and a market square. And looks like a fairy-tale town during the winter months, especially when the scenic Dachstein Mountains are capped with snow.
Walking around the town doesn’t take too long, but you’ll surely find yourself stopping after a few steps admiring the view in front of you.
You can also indulge in several winter activities such as snowshoe hiking, skiing, or taking a horse carriage ride. The town is beautiful in all seasons, but winter makes it an unmissable destination.
3. Nuremberg, Germany
As the festive season sets in, the Christmas markets across Europe come alive, Germany is considered to have the best, then the best of the best is found in the city of Nuremberg. The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg has been around since the 1500s and every year it elevates the splendid medieval old town into a dreamland.
The market features over a hundred stalls where you can shop, eat to your heart’s content. You shouldn’t miss out on the traditional food which includes the simple Bratwurst sausage to Lebkuchen, the local gingerbread. After a meal, enjoy a rewarding Glühwein (hot mulled wine) which will make you feel warmer, no matter how cold it actually is outside.
There are several stalls selling souvenirs and gifts, from Christmas ornaments to other worldly knick knacks. Don’t forget to buy the famous local Rauschgoldengel (gold-foil Nuremberg angel decorations).
Once you’re done with shopping, you can catch a musical concert at the Lorenzkirche church which is home to one of the largest organs in the world. You can take a stroll on the cobbled streets to the grounds of Nuremberg Castle, then visit the city’s toy museum to learn about the centuries-old tradition of wooden toy making.
4. Warsaw, Poland
Winters in Warsaw can be truly magical. There is lots of snow, lights and there’s this feeling like Santa is just round the corner. As the Christmas season sets in, the Poles begin preparing for the festivities and the smell of baking and cooking fills the air, moved on by the sound of carollers singing Christmas hymns. There are several ways to have fun and spend your winter vacations in Warsaw.
Visit some of Warsaw’s Museums – the city is known for its diverse and remarkable museums. Some of the museums you might be interested in are the POLIN Museum and the Neon Museum.
Take a Tour of Warsaw’s Old Town – The Market Square is typically crowded during the year, but is blissfully empty during winter. There are lots of little cafes to grab a hot beverage and ice-skating rinks where you can rent skates and go for a few laps.
Go Vodka Tasting – A great way to keep your body warm on a cold day or night in Warsaw is to drink multiple shots of some warm, Polish vodka. Learn about the Polish love for vodka by taking a vodka tasting tour.
Tour Warsaw’s Christmas Markets – During the festive season there are little pop-up markets springing up around the city, offering various things to eat and drink, activities to engage in, and stalls to explore.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a magical city that can be explored anytime of the year, but winters can be extra special. Winter rolls over Prague in early December and lasts well into February, during this time seeing the Prague Castle or the Monument in Vitkov covered in a layer of snow just adds to the experience.
Prague is second only to Germany for its great Christmas markets. The city gets lively and busy during the second half of December, as tourists from all over Europe come over for some holiday merriment. February is also a great time to visit as Masopust or Carnival season in Prague attracts crowds to see the fanciful parades of giant puppets and whimsical costumes.
During winter ice-skating rinks open all around the city, and medieval churches put on classical music concerts for visitors. And if the weather gets too chilly then you can visit the numerous indoor museums, exhibits, and attractions all over the city.
Lesser crowds, cheaper accommodation, festive season, and the magical beauty of Prague makes it a perfect destination for a winter vacation with your loved ones.
6. Bergen, Norway
In Winter, Norway’s most popular destination, Bergen looks its natural best. If you arrive in Bergen in January, you’ll get to explore a few magical things all at once i.e., colourful wooden buildings covered in snow, breath-taking views of the fjords covered in icy mist, and a chance to catch the northern lights dancing over the city.
As snow covers the fairy-tale-looking landscapes, Bergen’s idyllic harbour is a pleasure to explore. You can sit at a cafe near the water to sip some hot chocolate and try Kanelboller (Norway’s cinnamon roll). Later, take the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen for spectacular views over the entire city.
You can also go on a Fjord cruise and experience the quiet magic of the fjords from the icy cold waters. Further, the Bergen mountains offer plenty of opportunities to try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding.
In November and December, the world’s largest ‘Gingerbread Town’ is built within the city of Bergen. And on days when the weather is harsh you can always visit the Bergen Maritime Museum.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Amsterdam can be visited all-round the year, so why not visit in winter too. The city turns magical during Christmas celebrations that last for the entire month of December. But we recommend you to visit Amsterdam in the later winter months as well.
The city receives a huge number of tourists during summer, but the crowds thin out when the temperatures drop, meaning you can enjoy snow-shrouded canal views and cosy restaurants in peace.
And when the canals freeze over, you’re better off visiting the major ice rink just outside the classic Rijksmuseum. But when it gets too cold you can spend some time in the city’s world class museums and art galleries.
During winter you also catch the Amsterdam Light Festival and Sinterklaas parade, where Santa sails into town among a fleet of boats.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has always been known for its alien-looking landscape. But in winters the entire country is covered in blue ice. Iceland offers a very different kind of adventure you can’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Reykjavik is even more special as the city is home to many outdoor geothermal swimming pools, which are the best in Europe. Relaxing in these naturally warm waters while the snow falls around you is a wonderful experience. You will be amazed as every pool is unique, so try as many as possible.
The country is famous for its winter sport activities, museums, and restaurants that make it a happening place during winter.
And if you want to explore some of Iceland’s natural wonders, you can check out the Golden Circle tour. Another amazing natural phenomenon occurs every winter is the spectacular show of lights called Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
You’ll never need a good excuse to visit the city of Copenhagen, the festive season is enough to get you there.
Visiting the Tivoli Gardens amusement park is one of the best things to do in winter. From special dazzling lights to its Christmas markets and all the festive foods and drinks found can be there.
Other places to visit during the festive cheer include the Nyhavn and the ice-skating rink at Frederiksberg Runddel. You can also visit popular attractions like Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, which look even more charming when covered in snow.
Finally, if you’re visiting in February then don’t miss out on Copenhagen’s winter culture month which includes concerts in unusual venues, art shows, and culinary events.
10. Abisko, Sweden
Winter is the time to enjoy different types of activities, but one of the most interesting activities is watching the northern lights dance across the sky.
Abisko, a small village in Sweden is considered the best place to see the northern lights. The reason is this village has a special atmospheric condition which makes it ideal for catching a glimpse of the dancing lights more than any other European country.
It is also a perfect place to experience sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking.
Further, you can spend a night at the world’s first ice hotel that is located near Abisko. Enjoy a cozy stay at -5-degree Celsius temperatures or just take a guided tour to learn about its construction and history.
11. Strasbourg, France
When you think of France, what comes to your mind? Places like Paris or the French Riviera right!!
France being a diverse country, the city of Strasbourg, on the German border happens to be a wonderful winter destination. This medieval city is made up of charming half-timbered houses, impressive historic churches and scenic canals.
Strasbourg borrows from its neighbour (Germany) the tradition of Christmas markets, which have been running for centuries within its Old Town. Every year the Christmas market draws a number of visitors and features stalls selling handcrafts and warm drinks around a massive glittering Christmas tree.
Further you can visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, the medieval Barrage Vauban, and the Baroque Palais des Rohan, all are great places to visit in winter as they are decorated in Christmas lights.
12. Venice, Italy
You may be surprised to see Venice as a winter destination on our list. But there’s a reason, as once winter sets in, tourists leave Venice, this means you get the sleepy streets, St. Mark’s Square, and the bridges on the canal all to yourself.
Again, there’s something exciting in the second half of January, when the Carnival kicks off. See huge parades, as people dress extravagantly and pass by wearing the ornate masks that are truly unique to the Carnival of Venice.
Further, Venice does receive a fair amount of snowfall which makes its canals freeze in winter making a beautiful scenery. But you can always enjoy a gondola ride on the misty waters when the canals are not frozen. Also, by December, Venice’s largest square turns into a gigantic ice-skating rink.
Finally, discovering these beautiful places in Europe is something we definitely recommend. During this time of the year, top cities are usually less busy, cheaper, and best for discovering in the winter.
Be it with your family, friends, honeymoon, or solo adventure; make sure to plan your Europe Guided Tours with us, for a heart-warming holidaying experience.
If you have been to any of these places during winter then do share your travel stories!!