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We’re not much for gloomy, overcast, and rainy weather, but we must admit we love winter in Europe. It’s all about the right destination choices, as there are tremendous places to visit during the coldest time of the year. We love winter for its snowy alpine villages, lively Christmas markets, and quiet landmarks. It’s also the perfect time to cozy up in a cafe, explore a museum, or try an entirely new experience.
Finnish Lapland is renowned for its winter offerings, which include reindeer sleighs, ice plunges, and the northern lights. We’re not the only people who love to spend winter in Europe; millions of other travelers also choose to visit this diverse continent in the winter. If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right spot!
Where to Spend Winter in Europe
Innsbruck, Austria
There aren’t many cities in Europe like Innsbruck, so it tops this list of places to spend winter in Europe. It’s coined the title “Capital of Alps,” and it’s easy to understand why once you set foot in the city. Flanked by the impressive Nordkette mountain range that towers over the city, nature never feels far away. When the mountains are covered in snow, it is one of the best places to visit Europe in the winter.
It’s the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all day. There are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck, which has the Austrian Alps and is rich in history. In many ways, it’s everything we love about Austria packed into a modern and historic city. We love that you can be in a beautiful medieval old town and then, within minutes, be in the heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air.
Western, Austria
Use Innsbrucks as a starting point to explore more of the Alps. Western Austria has some of Europe’s best ski resorts and villages that have been drawing skiers for ages. Its roots go deep into the birth of the sport. Some tremendous resorts in the area include St Anton, Lech Am Arlberg, Ischgl, Soelden, Montafon, and Kuhtai. What makes Austria so special is the reliable snowfall, excellent facilities, charming villages, and wonderful culture of Alpine huts.
Almost every lift, it seems, has an independently run hut that serves up hearty Austrian food with excellent service. The food may get old eventually, but the views never sour as the Alps are impressive in the western stretches of the country. The village ambiance is tough to beat due to a wide selection of boutique hotels, all intimate in size due to strict ordinance laws. You won’t find mega hotels or foreign investments in many of these former farming villages.
Venice, Italy
We have a soft spot for Venice as it is the most beautiful historic city on the planet. There is a huge downside as tourists also besiege it. The sinking city is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges. Buildings here are old, and if you manage to escape the crowds, it feels like you’ve stepped back five centuries. It is surreal; even after several visits, we still love Venice.
In our opinion, Venice is best visited in the winter, when the streets are quiet and the air is fresh. The canals of Venice are notorious for harboring a lot of waste, and in the summer, the smell can get pretty bad. However, in the cooler months, there are fewer tourists, less waste, and the scent is at bay. The only real downside to Venice is the appalling food options compared to the rest of the country. There are some tremendous bars to get cicchetti and a spritz.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city of Amsterdam needs no introduction. Because of its hundreds of canals, it is known as the Venice of the North. Amsterdam is nothing short of impressive and a must-see in Europe during winter when the crowds die down. Whether you’re into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone.
We love to sit canal-side in a quiet neighborhood like Jordaan and enjoy a warm drink. You could do even better with a boat cruise. If you’re looking for traditional sights, check out the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum.
Krakow, Poland
Another fantastic place to spend winter in Europe is this Polish City. It’s a known fact about Poland that Krakow is one of the best-preserved cities in Europe because it was amazingly spared destruction in WWII. The city lies in Southern Poland and has an impressive medieval core and Jewish quarter. The town’s central point is the massive Ryenk Glówny (market square).
In the square, you’ll find the impressive Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. It’s a gorgeous city and best of all, it may be the most affordable to visit, so you get a great bang for your buck. You’ll find holiday cheer and even Christmas markets during a European winter.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a resort mountain town in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s well known in mountaineering and ski communities, and you’ll quickly understand why once you arrive. Colossal peaks surround the town, and have a reputation for serious terrain that experts fly from around the world to ski. It’s a massive ski area with plenty of places for beginner and intermediate riders.
Chamonix is also credited with hosting the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 and the host town for the annual Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in the summer. Besides skiing and mountains, the city of Chamonix is as charming as it gets, with plenty of restaurants and shops to wander around. It’s close to Switzerland but a fraction of the price of mountain towns like Zermatt. We’d only advise being mindful of holidays in the U.K. as the Brits love the city too much.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s tough to argue with Edinburgh’s appeal. It’s one of the most stunning cities in Europe and one of the best winter destinations. The Scottish capital is full of a long and dark history. The city center is split between the jumble of medieval buildings in the old town and the perfectly lined Georgian buildings of the New Town.
In many ways, the city is a mess, but a beautiful one! It’s brimming with class, tourist sights, and character. The city contains many contrasts and offers everything from world-class art festivals in the winter to fine dining, rowdy pubs, designer shops, comedy clubs, luxury hotels, and hip coffee shops. It’s almost impossible for any visitor to have the same experience in Edinburgh.
We tried our best to enjoy a bit of it all, but we’ll have to return someday with more time. We’ve visited Edinburgh’s epic Hogmanay Festival for the New Year. All seasons are tremendous, and Edinburgh is a unique winter European destination.
Northern Norway
Norway in the winter is what fairytale books are made of, especially the further north you head. We found a fantastic winter home in Norway, where we could spot the Northern Lights and snowboard on powder in one day.
On the first night of our tour outside of Narvik, we hopped on a dog sled at night led by head torches and the Aurora Borealis above us. Our second night was followed up with the Northern Lights over the city from atop the ski hill. Both experiences are ones to remember forever!
If you plan to see the Northern lights in Northern Norway, I’d advise you to rent a car to guarantee your chances. Northern Norway is mainly coastal and comprised of mountains and islands. The unique landscape and the sea create very localized and unpredictable weather.
Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy
This is the jewel of the ski scene in the Trentino region and is a must-visit place while spending winter in Europe. Madonna Di Campiglio is a well-known resort famous for hosting many Italians looking for solid skiing, dining, and relaxation in a posh environment. It still holds on to its claim to fame as the summer vacation spot of Austrian Royalty and Princess Sissi. The town is a beautiful little gem set at the base of the Dolomites and has all the charm of a mountain town.
The town is nearly car-free, and taking an evening stroll after a day on the slopes is easy. We spent our evening window shopping while checking out 19th-century architecture with a cappuccino. Charming wooden homes line the streets at the foot of the Dolomites. It is easy to see why the resort town is well cherished in Northern Italy.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
The tiny mountain village of Grindelwald provides perfect access to two ski areas and numerous hiking trails. High above Grindelwald lies the Bernese Alps and a famous mountain face. That mountain is Eiger’s notorious North Face. The village has a long main road and plenty of accommodation options for the many tourists who journey up the valley from Interlaken.
The village lacks the charm that the surrounding villages, such as Gimmelwald, Murren, or Wengen, have, but those are nearby! Still, it does provide fantastic access to the Swiss mountains – excellent for skiers and those after a solid European winter holiday.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has been voted the most liveable city in the world several times. It’s known for its abundantly happy citizens and is a beautiful city with historic buildings and palaces. Most notable is the Habsburg Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and awe-inspiring gardens. Also noteworthy is the city’s devotion to the arts, with tremendous museums, galleries, and performances.
Their museums house some of the old masters and classic paintings. The Kiss is Austria’s pride and joy, largely considered one of the greatest works of art. Vienna’s opera house is known for being one of the best in the world. With the cold weather outside, we can think of no better time to explore the city’s interior. Don’t forget to try the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake). During the holidays, you’ll find world-class Christmas markets and plenty of Glühwein to go around!
Zermatt, Switzerland
While there is no shortage of ski resorts and villages across Europe, none are as famous as Zermatt. The picturesque town is known for its reliable snow conditions, luxurious accommodations, and fabulous dining. All of this is set under one of the world’s most iconic mountains, the Matterhorn, which offers exceptional views from pistes throughout the valley.
Whether you’re into skiing or not, you can’t help but fall under the charm of this beautiful village. It will enchant you with its little back roads, its traditional and modern chalets, its lack of traffic (it’s a car-free village), and the restaurants and shops that line the main street.
With kilometers of slopes on offer, skiers are spoiled for choice, and skiing is the thing to do here. For non-skiers, a trip up to the Klein Matterhorn or a journey on the train to the Gornergrat is necessary. There is a lively après-ski scene and many restaurants catering to all tastes, from traditional Swiss fayre to Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and more. We had a fabulous stay at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof on our last trip to the village.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Any trip to Iceland will start and end in the capital city of Reykjavik. It’s a great city to visit all year round, but it comes alive during Iceland’s winter months! There may not be much daylight in the winter, but the Icelanders do their best to brighten the night with lights. Those nights are also brightened by the Aurora Borealis, one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
There are a handful of Iceland festivals in the wintertime, like the Dark Music Days in January and Rainbow Reykjavik in February. However, the most famous festival is the Winter Lights Festival, held the first week of February. The festival celebrates the winter and the growing sunlight returning to Iceland.
Paris, France
So many parts of the city feel like a picture-perfect setting with its architecture, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, patisseries, and restaurants tucked around every corner. There is no shortage of dining establishments that serve everything, from venerated institutions to trendy fusion. Food, fashion, and art are taken very seriously in the city, and it takes great pride in its ability to shape culture.
However, France’s capital has a dark side. It is known for scams, pickpockets, outrageous prices, and huge crowds. The worst of this seems to flare up when the masses from Europe and North America take their summer holidays. While you may not be as tempted to soak up the sun on a streetside cafe in Paris in winter, it’s the perfect time to avoid the city’s worst aspects. Plus, as most Parisians escape the city’s summer heat, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals and not other travelers.
Dresden, Germany
Dresden is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, but it comes to life in winter. It has a rich history. Grand baroque palaces and museums decorate the city center, stuffed with treasures and art collected by the most notable ruler of Saxony, King Augustus the Strong. The winter means Christmas markets for Dresden. Each market is unique and reflects its neighborhood and origins.
The largest market on Altmarkt Square is also the oldest in Germany. The Streizelmarkt is built from the ground up each year but resembles more of a village than a temporary festival. Gluhwein, Gluhbeer, and Jagertea are the drinks of choice here. Be sure to try a selection since each stand has its unique flavor.
Beautifully handcrafted decorations from the nearby Erzgebirge mountains can be taken home as souvenirs. The Streizelmarket is opened with the Stollen Parade. Stollen is a traditional fruit cake coated with powdered sugar and butter. A huge stollen is paraded through the city on a wagon pulled by horses accompanied by a marching band and fanfare. Outside of Christmas, ice skating is possible at the winter festival, and the museums, quieter than other times of the year, beckon visitors out of the cold.
Stay at the Vienna House QF Hotel, an elegant hotel in the heart of Dresden’s baroque old town, a central location, without compromising a restful night’s sleep. Five of Dresden’s Christmas markets and many museums are within a few minutes’ walking distance of the hotel.
Finland
Few cities in Europe feel as forward-thinking as Helsinki. The Finns have pushed into the modern era and embraced design, food, and art. No place is this more evident than in Finland’s capital. You never seem too far from nature for such a modern city, even in the winter. You have a brilliant mix when you add the city’s delicious restaurants and Finn’s apparent affinity for having a good time. The Finns know how to live life with “kalsarikannit,” a word that describes sitting at home in your underwear drinking with no intention of going out—that made us laugh.
Helsinki is just an introduction to Finland, as the northern stretches of the country have been wowing visitors in recent years. Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region and a winter wonderland. Freshly fallen snow sparkles during the day and reflects the moonlight at night. The trees transform into nature’s best interpretive ice sculptures while the hues of the northern lights dance overhead. Yes, the temperature is frigid, but you won’t be able to resist venturing out into idyllic winter beauty only found in Lapland. Rovaniemi is the largest city in the region and operates as a hub with tourists with plenty of hotels, lodges, cabins, and unique accommodation options.
Get around with any transportation, from a snowmobile to a dog sled or reindeer sleigh. Once you’ve adjusted to life north of the Arctic Circle, head to the untouched wilderness of Luosto to snowshoe and watch the Auroras light up the sky. If snowshoeing isn’t for you, the area also has downhill and cross-country skiing. Either way, there’s something genuinely unforgettable about exploring the snowy wilderness on foot without a motor humming to disrupt the silence.
Budapest, Hungary
Traveling to Europe in the winter is the perfect time to visit, and Budapest is one of those truly special cities. There are way fewer tourists in town, which has several benefits: cheaper accommodation rates, less crowded attractions, and more tolerable temperatures, making it more enjoyable.
Our first visit was just after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas markets were set up throughout the city. As you wander around the city checking out all the things to do in Budapest, you’ll continue to stumble upon Christmas markets, which are also a great place to pick up a unique gift for those back home. If you happen to be going to Christmas markets in Germany or Austria, you’ll find that prices in Budapest are much lower.
Winter in Europe FAQ
What are the winter months in Europe?
Throughout a large portion of the continent, winter generally sets in in late November/early December and lasts until early April.
What is the warmest country in Europe during winter?
Spain is often considered the warmest country in Europe. With an average high of 20-22°C, Gran Canaria is the hottest part of Spain in December, and many Europeans escape to escape the cold.
How cold is a European winter?
Europe is a large country with many different climates. Russia is considered to have the coldest parts, with daily highs in winter averaging 0 °C. Days in December, January, and February are dark and cold, with temperatures below 0 °C in Northern Europe.
What is the coldest month in Europe?
February is the coldest month of the year in the EU.
Is Europe worth going to in winter?
We love skiing and snowboarding, drinking gluhwein at Christmas markets, playing in the snow, and the overall feeling of coziness. So, to us, a European winter is something to experience. We have traveled to many parts of Europe in the winter and have never had a bad time.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
Europe is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets that offer festive atmospheres, traditional crafts, delicious treats, and stunning decorations. Some of the most famous Christmas markets are in Strasbourg, Vienna, and Cologne!
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