The Azores, Portugal. Funny thing is, Prague is just as compelling during winter and has a fraction of the tourists. Despite being one of the closest European hubs to the U.S. (the flight clocks in at just five hours and 45 minutes), the Azores still flies off the tourist radarbut not for long. All Rights Reserved. Skiers are spoiled for choice with the kilometers of slopes on offer, and skiing is definitely one of the best things to do in Zermatt. To learn more about the region and the Arctic, head to the Arktikum Science Museum for an up close and personal look into culture, history, and nature. It may not be the most popular European city break in winter (or any season), but you won't regret spending one or two days in Cologne. Its a melting pot of nationalities, and youll often hear English on the streets as many foreigners come to work for banks and tech companies based in the city. But, rather than go on any old train trip, this year, we suggest you seek out one-of-a-kind adventures, including a ride on the Oslo-Bergen railway, the highest railway in Northern Europe at 4,058 . Any time is a good time to visit the city of Amsterdam, so why not make a winter visit. Afterward, visit one of the countless restaurants in the town and enjoy some local cuisine. Then engineers and artists build the entire structure from scratch. The Finns know how to live life with kalsarikannit, a word to describe sitting at home in your underwear drinking with no intention of going out that made us laugh. Have you ever wondered what it would be like barely having to line up to enter the Muse du Louvre or not having to brave a snaking queue to ascend the Eiffel Tower? In many ways, its everything we love about Austria, all packed into a modern city and historic city. The hotel is sleek, modern, and centrally located in town. This culture-loving city celebrates the festive season in style, with music from Mozart to The Sound of Music. We were lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, catch one of the seasons first snowfalls, and even take part in Luxembourgs fabulous Christmas markets. Finally, see the Alps from the sky with extreme sports like paragliding and skydiving. My tip Dont forget to pack mittens! Even though Austria and Innsbruck are quite popular during the winter months, the sheer number of winter resorts in and around Innsbruck means you shouldn't have trouble finding somewhere to stay for your winter getaway. Truly beautiful year round, this alpine lake becomes a fairy-tale winter wonderland once winter comes. Walking along the canals, across the famous bridges and . If you want to be in the heart of the action and are looking for the best place to stay in all of the Swiss Alps, an overnight at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is a must. The chance to go ice skating in a place like this is another reason to brave the temperatures outdoors. Lac dAnnecy is the third-largest in France and boasts the position of being Europes cleanest lake. 7. Hallstatt is a very pretty place during summer and spring too, but winter elevates it to an unmissable destination. But the city also has some of Europes best Christmas marketsoutside of Germany, at leastwhere even the most jaded traveler will succumb to the trdelnk (fried dough) and mulled wine sold in festive stalls. After foreign investment and much restoration, the once small skiing village is now a significant Alpine resort destination. The 11th edition of the festival will launch on December 1, with the theme Imagine Beyond promising more creative pieces of art than ever. No need to stress over, 32 BEST Destinations To Spend Winter In Europe. That said, given the spot's one-bedroom . After a cold day outside, you can always warm up with a bowl of steaming hot borsch or a plate oftraditional Russian pelmeni. With so much to offer, it's one of the coolest places to go in Europe on a weekend trip! The city becomes like a fairytale town with a Santa Clause, Christmas markets, ice sculptures and lots of lights and decorations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Found among fjords and mountains, Bergen is often where people base themselves to explore the magnificent vistas this combination of landscape features creates. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. #13 in Best Weekend Getaways for 2023. During the holidays, youll find world-class Christmas markets and plenty of Glhwein to go around! Venice is the most unique city in the world. With well over one hundred stalls to visit, you can shop and eat until your hearts content. #4 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe. 1. This historic city combines all that is endearing and lovable about the Belgian region of Flanders splendid architecture, scenic city canals and all the beer and chocolate you can handle. Spending some time in the citys world class museums and art galleries is clearly one way to beat the cold. The brilliant hanging lights that illuminate the citys centerpiece, the Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, are also a sight to behold. The city lies in Southern Poland and has an impressive medieval core and Jewish quarter. At the bottom of the steps leading to Thunovsk street, you can duck into a low barrel-ceilinged medieval townhouse repurposed into a cozy coffee bar. And Sighioara is a classic medieval town with a UNESCO-protected historic center and colorful houses that look especially striking against crisp, fresh-fallen snow. Learn how your comment data is processed. Grand baroque palaces and museums decorate the city center, stuffed with a wealth of treasures and art collected by the most notable ruler of Saxony, King Augustus the Strong. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. But France is a wildly diverse country and somewhere like Strasbourg, on the German border, works surprisingly well as a winter destination. When a dusting of snow coats St. Charles Bridge and Old Towns church spires, the whole of Prague transforms. Few people know that my hometown Milan is a great winter destination. The lifestyle here is laid-back, with a focus on having a good time and accepting all comers. Think snow-capped mountains, ski slopes, and thermal baths. Lets take a look at the best winter destinations in Europe and what makes each so special. Or you could do even better with a boat cruise. A modern sanctuary in the woodlands of Northeast Pennsylvania, the Lodge at Woodloch offers five star service, a luxurious spa, elegant guest rooms and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. So why not pick your moment and visit the Italian city of canals during its least busy time? Every December through January, the Amsterdam Light Festival brings some illumination to the Dutch capital, courtesy of light installations from all over the world. Its all distinctly Austrian, with restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs run by local families. Sitting isolated by a lake, this small Austrian town is dwarfed by the nearby Alps that look like their truest self when gleaming with white snow. For those excited about the coming of Christmas, why wait for Santa Claus to come to you when you can go to him instead?! At the milder end of the scale is the chance to head up into the mountains, visiting peaks like Eiger and Jungfrau. Its coined the title Capital of Alps, and its easy to understand why once you set foot in the city. This post may contain affiliate links. The biggest crowds descend during summerchasing that midnight sun, no doubtbut Visit Greenland strongly recommends coming in winter: The stunning silence of a thick snowy terrain, speckled by a few howls of the Greenlandic dog, is an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives. Youll also avoid high hotel prices and swarms of mosquitoes, which are surprisingly populous in Greenland during the summer months. This lush volcanic archipelago, 900 miles west of Lisbon, is steadily cropping up on itineraries as people continue to seek out "the next . Madeira, Portugal. Bainbridge Island trip from Seattle. TOP 10 WINTER GIRLS GETAWAY DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE. Here you can sip glogg by the fire, eat cloudberry ice cream and smoked salmon, and take in views of the snow-blanketed forests from your warm bed. Winter Weekend Getaways from Vancouver. Your email address will not be published. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Its aprs-ski scene (which, lets be honest, is just as important as the slopes) is also the best around: Enjoy a lemondrop martini at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhofs Star Bar, refuel with some alpine cuisine at Brasserie Lusi, and take in a spa treatment or two at Hotel Firefly. A tradition dating back centuries, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has become a monumental festival of good cheer. Those Michelin-starred restaurants, Tivoli Gardens, and canal views are certainly worth bundling up for. Go prepared with practical footwear warm boots perfect for tromping around in cold and damp conditions. Most . That lovely feeling can be found throughout Copenhagen, from pastry shops to inviting hotels. 1. It's an incredible place worth visiting at least once in your life if you can. Puerto . Youll sit on it, youll drink from it, and youll sleep on it. Finnish Lapland isthewinter white paradise in Europe. Milanese dishes are perfect comfort food for winter my favorite is risotto alla Milanese with saffron, delicious in its simplicity. We love the Hotel Acacia, located next to the main square, with its resident parrot, Coco, who greets guests upon arrival at the hotel! Whether youre into skiing or not, you cant help but fall under the charm of this beautiful village. You might think winter would limit what things there are to do in Budapest, but the city actually seems oddly suited to the short days of winter. And is it just us, or do the buildings of Nyhavn look even more colorful against a snowy background? Visiting during winter means that you can enjoy numerous seasonal delights around the old town of Annecy itself. Check out the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum if youre looking for traditional sights. Krakow, Poland. Helena Bradbury September 4, 2020. Saint Petersburg is an excellent winter destination in Europe. The inn offers basic rooms, each with a kitchenette and a private bathroom. Were not the only people who love to spend winter in Europe. Zermatt in the wintertime can only be described as a magical winter wonderland. Its brimming with class, tourist sights, and character, and I assure you there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. On our grand tour of the Alps, we visited Austria and Switzerland, so it only allowed us to stop by the country sandwiched right in between the two. Even the metro stations form an underground art gallery. No matter how beautiful a city is, a dusting of snow makes it even more amazing! Within five minutes,the funicular will take you to the top. Krakow, Poland. Winter Getaways in NJ. And while Prague is certainly a place of culture, its love for beer and partying means Prague is a fun destination as well. Be sure to try a selection since each stand has its unique flavor. Small group tour to Mt. Then theres all the fun to be had on the slopes, with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Its the central hub for exploring the stunning Italian Dolomites, close to hot spots like Tre Cime National Park and Lake Sorapis. Finally, strolling around the lake or over to the town hall to watch the spectacular light show will help eliminate some of those cheese and wine calories. Istanbul, Turkey. While summer is the peak season for travelers, it is the off-season for most theatres. Home Destinations Europe 32 BEST Destinations To Spend Winter In Europe. Known for its picturesque canals, soaring spires and massive Gothic cathedral, Ghent is a vibrant, Flemish-speaking city in Belgium. From Paris, you can take a weekend trip to Geneva by train. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. If you fall into that camp, there's no shortage of places to seek out in December for a warm-weather getaway. As youd expect from a capital city, Lisbon has many fabulous palaces and museums, including the Gulbenkian, the National Museum of Ancient Art, and the new Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, where you can take shelter on rainy days. Amsterdam is nothing short of impressive and a must-see in winter in Europe, when the crowds die down. Luxembourg Cityis a mix of the old and new, with highrises rising all over the city and a pleasant old town located in the citys heart. One of the highlights of this city is the Old Town, which is in the center of the city. The beautiful Austrian city Graz is a true gem. Besides skiing and mountains, the town of Chamonix is as charming as it gets, with plenty of restaurants and shops to wander around. Northern Norway is mainly coastal and comprised of a mix of mountains and islands. Some places just seem made for visiting in winter, like the resort town of Interlaken in Switzerland. The fabled Charles Bridge is shrouded in the mist rising from the Vltava, and the city skyline takes on a mysterious air in the milky light so beloved by painters through the centuries. Mackinac Island Is A Perfect Romantic Getaway. Celebrate spring at a spectacular destination in the Southeastern United States. Plus, tapas and nightlife in the cities are as enticing as ever. If you are more into adventurous activities than arts and culture, consider ice skating and skiing at Victory Park or the frozen pond at Yelagin Island. There are many great options for a weekend getaway in Europe during the winter. Our favorite street, Novy Svet, is a vintage wonderland of embellished doorways specifically crafted to distinguish its residences from one another. Germany is known around the world for its Christmas marketsits capital city alone has more than 60 of them, including the incredibly picturesque WeihnachtsZauber, which is surrounded by landmarks like Franzsischer Dom and the Konzerthaus. Then there are the more unusual Austrian traditions associated with Christmas, like the pagan institutions of Krampus and Perchten which feature scary, demonic-looking beasts. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Looking for weekend gateways in USA to spend quality time with your partner? Rovaniemi is kind of the perfect place for all things Arctic and thus, one of the best winter destinations in Europe. 10 of the best European winter city breaks. The city, in many ways, is a mess, but a beautiful one at that! Most notable is the Habsburgs Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and awe-inspiring gardens. Proof that great Christmas markets exist outside Germany, Strasbourgs has been running for centuries within its Old Town. The Streizelmarkt is built from the ground up each year but resembles more of a village than a temporary festival. There are several concerts and advent gatherings. The charming village lies right below the iconic Matterhorn peak, What to wear in Italy is one of the first things to consider once you plan the basics of your first trip to the country. Europe is especially well known for its Christmas markets, and if Germany is considered to have the best, then the best of the best is found in the city of Nuremberg. While the short summer brings with it better weather for outdoor sightseeing, it cant compare with the way winter brings out the best in Tallinns adorable cityscape. Winter weekend getaways for couples & top romantic winter weekend holidays: Weekend getaways, East Coast winter style! As you wander around the city checking out all thethings to do in Budapest,youll continue to stumble upon Christmas markets. The city is renowned for its light, which reflects the vast Tagus River and the limestone-cobbled paving. Enjoying the different local beers across the citys many bars is enjoyable no matter the season. The cobblestoned streets, cute buildings, and amazing landscapes are unique. The New Years Eve celebrations with fireworks over the Tagus River are worth braving the cold for. Having a great time in the extreme cold means having the right gear. Madrid is the perfect city for a cheap weekend break. It's located in a quiet area, yet it's close to restaurants, bars, and shops. Love or hate Venice; there is no denying its popularity. Whatever it is you choose, Saint Petersburg will not disappoint. In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites which is not surprising. Beyond the Christmas market rush, most major cities are refreshingly crowd-free and inexpensive during the chillier months, and they offer outdoor adventures and cozy experiences well worth traveling for. But its location means you have the best of both worlds a welcoming city that offers immediate access to a winter sports playground. When people think of France, theres a good chance they picture places like Paris and the French Riviera in spring and summer. If you happen to visit the city in January or February, even better thats when the sales are on! My favorite place to stay in Reykjavik is theCenterHotel Midgardur. Malbun is a small town in the alps that is great for a winter vacation in Europe. Its a known fact about Poland that Krakow is one of the best-preserved cities in Europe because it was amazingly spared destruction in WWII. After all, it seems fitting to visit somewhere nicknamed La Serenissima at its most serene. Up above the city, you can take advantage of the ample snowfall with both downhill and cross-country skiing. The town is easily walkable and has numerous companies offering trips to explore the forests and trails all around, whether by snowmobile, dog sled, or reindeer sleigh. Well yes, they do. 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. It is the most beautiful historic city on the planet, but tourists also besiege it. Vienna opera house is known for being one of the best in the world, and dont forget to try the famous Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Vienna has been voted the most liveable city in the world several times over, and its known for its abundantly happy citizens, so its no wonder its one of the best places to spend winter in Europe. Weve visited Edinburghs epic Hogmanay Festival for New Year. Other ways to keep warm include hiding out in a grand old cafe or snacking on toasty treats like chimney cakes and other festive foods at local Christmas markets. The alpine Austrian cities are just magical during wintertime especially when covered by snow. Youll find holiday cheer and even Christmas markets during a European winter. Every year millions of vacationers flock to the continent after the best winter destinations in Europe. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. January is a warm and cozy month in Bruges, Belgium. Just because its the coldest time of year doesnt mean its not a good time to travel Europe. Whats great about Interlaken is that it has activities to suit all types of temperaments, from those looking for gentle fun to those who take things to the limit. 10. Whatever you choose, when you get back you can warm up again and indulge in Swiss treats like cheese fondue. Winter sun Europe. In recent years the city of Budapest has finally been recognized as the great destination that it is. Winter sports playground to do in Budapest, youll continue to stumble upon Christmas.. 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