Best European Destinations for Winter Travel: A Complete Guide

Anyone who has traveled to Europe in winter knows how magical the experience can be. There are regions, such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, that are fully covered with snow during the winter season, and small towns appear like a winter wonderland.

Also Read: Amalfi Coast Road Trip Guide.

The best part is Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations. Playing winter sports and relaxing in a cozy café is something else, and all these activities can be done peacefully, as this season typically sees fewer crowds. In this blog post, we gonna discuss the best European destinations for winter travel.

1- Vienna, Austria

You won’t believe how much I love that place. It's such a liveable city in Europe. In the winter season, the city is all about the world-famous Christmas markets. There are many special things there, like the skating rink, handmade crafts, and lightning.

I still remember that aroma of those roasted chestnuts. Believe me, it's not about the Christmas markets, but in winter, there is nothing better than having a sip of coffee in Café Central.

2- Fuerteventra, Canary Islands

Sometimes in winter, we look for a place which is not too cold, and there is nothing better than Fuerteventura, which is Spain’s second largest Canary island. While you will see that entire Europe is covered with snow, this island is mild in temperature.

Must Read: A Guide to the Best European Christmas Markets.

This place is perfect for your not-so-cold winter vacation. There are opportunities for water sports activities. You can spare some time on the beach, watching those amazing volcanic landscapes.

3- Lapland, Finland

Lapland is the place that you should not miss for your winter trip to Europe. It is famous as the home of Santa Claus. When you visit the city, you will feel like you have entered a snow globe, and to get the best winter experience, I would recommend that you witness the northern lights.

It is such a stunning view, where you will see that the sky will be alive with the green, purple, and red lights dancing over the forest.

There is a village here which is the home of Santa Claus. Here you can meet Santa Claus. It is a perfect destination for a family winter vacation.

4- Bilbao, Spain

While Spain is famous for its beaches, there are still places which is special in winter, like Bilbao. The temperature in winter is mild compared to the other parts of Europe, where you will see extreme weather conditions. Apart from that, you can also expect occasional rains.

There are few tourists there in the winter season, which will allow you to explore the city better than in the peak season. You can also do some indoor activities there, like visiting the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which displays some of the best modern art.

5- Strasbourg, France

The most desired winter travel destination in Europe is Strasbourg. You know what, it organized one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and one more interesting fact is that the Christmas market is also one of the oldest ones in Europe. The town is situated near the German border, and you will see a glimpse of German culture there.

For your winter vacation, don’t miss having some snaps from that large Christmas tree in the town. This town is less touristy in the winter season compared to Paris, so you will get the best relaxing experience there.

6- Zermatt, Switzerland

I can’t imagine having a stay in Europe without the snow and mountains. That’s why I visited Zermatt, it is a heaven for people who love skiing. This small village is situated under the most iconic peaks in Europe, and you know what this area is? It's car-free.

Which means there are no signs of air pollution. Now, don’t forget sipping hot chocolate with a stunning mountain view. But one thing is sure: the prices are so high, but it's totally worth it to pay for this amazing experience.

7- Reykjavik,Iceland

It is true that in Iceland the daylight hours are short, but the scenery is unforgettable. Reykjavik is not your typical winter holiday destination. The atmosphere is cold, the days are shorter, and most importantly, it is dark. But you know what, that's the beauty of that place.

If you are a nature lover, then here you can see glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Some attractions look stunning in the winter, like the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is quite expensive, so you need to plan for your adventure accordingly.

Conclusion

No doubt, the peak season for tourist activities is the summer season, and you can expect a high number of people in different cities of Europe. But as I said earlier, Europe looks magical and gives different vibes in the winter season. Here you can roam in Vienna and enjoy the lighting of Christmas markets, not only that, you can enjoy skiing and other winter activities in different cities of Europe.

The best part is that there is less crowd and cheaper rates, just like the Gatwick Airport Cheap Parking, so don’t forget to book cheap airport parking deals & best services and enjoy your winter tour to Europe.