Looking to get away to Europe during the winter months? I’m sharing the best places to travel in Europe during winter.
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Winter is generally the coldest season out of all the seasons, and while most would prefer to stay at home to avoid the cold, others are a bit more adventurous and would prefer to get out and explore the world. I’m one of those people.
Traveling during the winter months is actually one of the best times to travel, and I still manage to do it all with a carry-on. It helps to have a good winter jacket and to be aware of the cold weather conditions where you’ll be visiting, but other than that, winter is a great time to travel. There are generally fewer crowds, and to be honest, I’d rather deal with the cold than the heat.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration on where to travel in Europe during winter, here are my top picks:
The United Kingdom
If I had to pick just one country, it would be the United Kingdom, and the city of London in particular. There is so much to do in the United Kingdom, and you don’t have to isolate yourself in London either. There are so many other cities to explore. However, if you want to stick around London, there are lots of things to do. Consider going to see a play or doing a walking tour in London. While London isn’t as colorful as New York City in winter, it’s still a beautiful city to walk around.
France
If you’re looking for a country with lots of snow, then head to the French Alps, where you can do winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Chamonix is one of the most popular places to visit in the French Alps, and it’s easy to see why. With towering mountains and picturesque views, it’s definitely worth a visit. And if you want to stay in a more urban area, consider Paris. Paris is one of my favorite cities, and there’s always something going on. You can go ice skating at the Eiffel Tower, visit some of the many museums, or just stroll around and do some people-watching. Be sure to check out the Paris Christmas Market if you’re there during December!
Germany
No list of best places to travel in Europe during winter would be complete without Germany. After all, it is the home of the Christmas markets. Mikael and I visited during the winter months, and it did not disappoint at all. There are so many things to do in Germany during winter, and the Christmas markets are definitely a highlight. You can shop for unique gifts, try traditional German foods, and drink mulled wine.
There are a few places I would recommend visiting in Germany. First, Berlin is an amazing city with a lot of history. You can visit the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Holocaust Memorial, to name just a few things. Second, Munich is a great city for beer lovers. If you’re there during Oktoberfest, definitely make sure to check it out. And finally, if you want to see some stunning scenery, head to the Black Forest. The Black Forest is located in southwestern Germany and is full of dense forests and picturesque villages.
Norway
If you want to see some truly breathtaking scenery, then Norway should be at the top of your list. From the towering peaks of the Alps to the stunning fjords, Norway is a nature lover’s paradise. I would recommend visiting Oslo, which is the capital and has lots of great museums and restaurants. You can also go on day trips from Oslo to see some of the nearby sights. And if you want to see the northern lights, then head to Tromso, which is one of the best places in Europe to see them.
Finland
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, then Finland is the place for you. With its snow-covered trees and buildings, it looks like something out of a postcard. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a great city to visit. There are lots of things to do, including visiting museums and going on boat tours. And if you want to experience something truly unique, then head to Rovaniemi, which is the official home of Santa Claus. You can visit Santa’s workshop, go on a reindeer sleigh ride, and even go ice fishing.
Sweden
Another great country for winter travel is Sweden. With its picturesque towns and villages, as well as its many ski resorts, Sweden is a great destination for a winter getaway. I would recommend visiting Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. There are lots of things to see and do, including visiting the Vasa Museum and going on a boat tour. You can also visit Gothenburg, which is a great city for shopping and dining. And if you want to experience the true beauty of Sweden, then head to Lapland, where you can see the northern lights. I managed to check Malmö, Sweden off my bucket list a few years ago as well. Madison and I took a day trip from Denmark during the fall months, and it was gorgeous. The colors, the people, everything was beautiful, so I highly recommend Sweden.
Romania
Romania is a great country to visit in winter. Not only is it affordable, but there are also lots of things to see and do. I would recommend visiting Bucharest, the capital of Romania. There are lots of great museums, as well as a lively nightlife scene. You can also visit Transylvania, which is home to Dracula’s castle. And if you want to experience some truly breathtaking scenery, then head to the Carpathian Mountains, where you can go skiing or snowboarding.
The Czech Republic
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination, then consider the Czech Republic. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is full of history and culture. You can visit the castle, go on a walking tour, and see some of the many statues and monuments. And if you want to escape the cold, then head to one of the Czech Republic’s many spas. The Czech Republic is home to some of the best spas in Europe, and they’re a great way to relax and unwind.
Greece
If you’re looking for a warmer, milder climate, then Greece is the place to go. Greece is a great year-round destination, but I think it’s even more beautiful during winter. With its sunny days and warm weather, Greece is the perfect place to escape the cold winter months. Athens, the capital of Greece, is a great city to visit. You can see the Parthenon, visit the Acropolis, and walk around Plaka, which is the old town. You can also take a day trip to one of the many nearby islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini. And if you want to experience some of the best food in Europe, then head to Crete. The food in Crete is absolutely amazing, and you’ll find some of the best restaurants on the island.
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the best places to travel in Europe in winter. There are so many great destinations to choose from, and each one has its own unique charm. So whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland or a sunny escape, there’s sure to be a European destination that’s perfect for you. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, I hope this has helped. Happy Travels!