As the days get shorter, we start to think about snow, starry nights, and a cup of cocoa. Winter is an exciting time to visit Europe because there are so many beautiful destinations that you can choose from!
Europe is renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. This winter, as the holiday season approaches, let’s explore some of the lesser-known destinations in Europe that will make your trip magical.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled 5 of our favorite European winter destinations. From quaint towns with cobblestone streets to snowy mountains and bustling cities – see them all here!
Prague
1. Winter Magic
One of our favorite things about living in Europe is how magical it can feel in December-January. The festive lighting, streetside markets, and lightly snowing skies make Prague magical. Prague is an excellent choice if you’re feeling the need for a break from the stressful holiday season back home or simply want to take in Christmas festivities somewhere different (and colder!).
2. Holiday Lights
Prague does light displays as well as any city. Every evening, the Charles Bridge is lit with spotlight towers and floodlights. The lights are added to the bridge in 2005 for its 675th anniversary, and while there are supposed to be 4 towers, one of them has been broken since 2008. Nearby along the riverbank under a pedestrian bridge (Dům pod Ralskem) is an ice sculpture show, and a Christmas tree stands at the end of the bridge. The nearby medieval OldTown Square features 1800 lightbulbs that illuminate its iconic Týn Church every evening.
There are many opportunities if you’d like to take pictures of monuments and buildings! Prague has many Christmas markets, and they’re all gorgeous in snowy weather. But the real treat is to get outside the city center!
3. Snowy Fields (and Beaches)
Less than an hour from Prague by public transportation is a winter wonderland: Zlatý Kopec, which means “Golden Hill.” This popular ski resort features a year-round resort, alpine snowboarding center, and spa.
The Golden Hill is topped with large ski jumps that are illuminated at night. There’s also an ice rink and several family/adventure parks. On the hill itself, there are sledding opportunities. If you visit in early December, the ski jump towers are covered with large snow sculptures.
There’s also a nearby beach on the river! It is impossible to get down to it due to very high winds and lots of snow, but several small sand beaches are around that area. You’ll have to drive or take public transportation if you want to explore the beach!
Prague is a unique addition to your winter vacation, and we would highly recommend it.
Budapest
Budapest is an exceptional city to visit at any time of the year, but when snowflakes start to fall on the spires of its neoclassical buildings, it’s all we can do not to book a flight. With temperatures low but spirits high and holiday shopping adrenaline running through the streets alongside frost-coated cobblestones, there’s no better time to visit Budapest than in winter.
Budapest is a city covered in snow for nearly half of the year, but its beauty doesn’t diminish with each white flake that falls from the sky. The best way to enjoy this stunning city during the colder months is to grab a pair of sturdy boots and start exploring the many wonders it has to offer. Here are some ways you can make the most out of your time in Budapest during winter:
1) If white snow and blue skies aren’t your thing, head to the thermal baths at the Hotel Gellért to find a steaming pool that’s overlooking Budapest. Cruise across the city from Buda in style on a vintage streetcar or get lost in St Stephen’s Basilica (which was built between 1905 and 1915). And don’t worry if the weather takes a turn for the worse while you’re looking around! Budapest’s public transportation means that you can explore any corner of the city without worrying about getting lost.
2) The Buda Castle Quarter While sipping a warm coffee at Cafe Gerbeaud, one of Hungary’s most beloved cafes, take in some sightseeing in the Buda Castle quarter. The UNESCO-protected hilltop neighborhood offers a wide variety of entertainment with places like the Museum of Military History, Andrássy Avenue (the most expensive street in Europe), and Budapest’s largest synagogue all within close range.
3) The Markets at Liberty Bridge and Vamhazka During the “fourteen days of Christmas,” Budapest comes to life with lights, trees, and markets. Walk around Vamhazka Market to find local foods like apple strudel and palacsinta (crepe) while taking in the sights of the city below. Stroll across Liberty Bridge during the day or at night for a stunning look at the Hungarian Parliament Building.
Munich
The winter of 2021 is coming, and you might be looking for inspiration on where to spend it? Don’t worry – we got a few of them! Today, Munich is getting a shout-out.
Munich is a city in Bavaria, Germany. It is located in the southeast region of Germany. It is home to more than 1 million people. It is a major city and economic center of Germany. Munich is known for its culture, art, architecture, history, and sports events. The airport provides flights around the world.
Besides winter sports enthusiasts, tourists are also attracted by Gothic architecture and culture. Munich is also the home to some famous museums, including a very breathtaking one at king Ludwig’s palace. It is called the Alte (Old) Pinakothek and provides visitors an introduction to medieval art from late gothic to early baroque times.
If you like to shop, Munich has lots of shops for you to choose from as well.
Several stores specialize in clothes and shoes. You can also find stores that sell jewelry and other little trinkets such as figurines, etc.
Several sports events take place in Munich every year.
Soccer is very popular, though they also have a huge fan base for ice hockey. Many people in the city support the two major teams that play there: “Bayern” and “Munchen.” If you decide to go there, you will notice everyone wearing the teams’ colors. All the fans gather around town to show support for their team and watch them play.
Munich is a great place to go in Germany if you want something a little different.
The town has lots of places for the younger people who just want to have fun. Everyone around the town will welcome you with open arms. The people are very nice and friendly, so don’t be afraid to say hello to strangers. You can find information about visiting Munich by going on the internet or calling a travel agent who is familiar with this area of Germany.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark, with an urban population of 1,200,000 citizens and a metropolitan area with a population of 2.2 million people.
Copenhagen is a Danish city situated on the island of Zealand (Sjælland) and separated from the German capital city Berlin by the strait of Øresund. It belongs to Denmark’s Capital Region and is surrounded by suburban municipalities forming Greater Copenhagen, which also contains Sophia Amalie municipality with its main town called Frederiksberg.
1. The first thing that you should definitely not miss when you’re in Copenhagen is the Winter City Tour offered by Copenhagen Winter Tours.
You get to visit Tivoli, the Freetown Christiania and Nyhavn. The tour starts at 3 pm daily for 2 hours.Cost: 200 Kr (Rs 1,725)
2. Take a walk along the strand in Copenhagen. It’s a good idea after having something warm to eat because you can walk along the beach as well.
There are lots of stalls selling hot chocolate (Glogg) which is a favorite drink in winter in Denmark and it’s very yummy! The best place to get glogg is Nyhavn.
You could also try “Pølse” or hot dogs from the stalls there. Another thing that you should try is “Copenhagen Street Food” in Copenhagen which is located near the beautiful Tivoli Garden. They make a variety of food from different parts of the world, like Thai, Italian, Mexican, and Indian, etc. All their food is best-sellers! The cost of the meal for two people would be around 300-400 Kr (Rs 2,500 – 3,600).
3. You can go to the Copenhagen Christmas Market which is located in front of the Central Station. It’s a place where you get all kinds of delicacies like mulled wine, grilled hot dogs, and sausages made of different kinds of meat. The best part about this market is that you get to enjoy the entertainment (like puppet shows, acrobats, and face painters) as well.
4. Another famous thing to do in Copenhagen in winter is going out on a boat tour of the beautiful harbor city of Copenhagen. The boat offers you guided tours as well.
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden. It has a population of 871,015 in the municipality, 1.4 million in the urban area, and 2.2 million in the metropolitan area (1999).
Its old town harbors medieval buildings, charming cafes, museums, and entertainment venues. There are several activities to experience in Sweden’s capital during the winter season. Here are some ideas you need not miss out visiting while being in Stockholm this winter:
1. Nightlife
Stockholm is home to a lively nightlife scene. You may go clubbing in the city’s most popular nightclubs or simply enjoy a drink at one of its cozy pubs and bars. But if you’re looking for something more intimate, take that special someone with you on a sleigh ride from Riddarholmen to the island of Djurgården. The city also boasts one of the most famous ski slopes – the Snow Park, which is located in Saltsjöbaden and open to winter sports enthusiasts all year round.
2. Shopping
Stockholm is a shopper’s paradise. You can go for window-shopping or splurge on high-end brands. Swedish and international fashion brands have their branches in the city’s shopping districts, as well as local boutiques like DesignTorget. If you’re interested to buy something unique, head over to either Hötorget or Östermalmstorg – two of Stockholm’s biggest squares which are located just steps away from each other. Antiques, jewelry, and art items are some of the things you can find in these two places – perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home.
3. Art Scene
A stroll through Stockholm will give you a chance to see works by great Swedish artists like Carl Milles at Skansen Open-Air Museum, and August Strindberg at the Nobel Museum. The city is also home to numerous local art galleries like Bergsjö Art Gallery, Galleri Lilja Bengtsson Fine Art, Henning Koppel Gallery, and Lars Bohman Gallery that showcase contemporary works by some of Sweden’s most creative artists.
If you’re looking for a winter vacation destination this year, check out our list of the 5 best European destinations! Whether you want to be swept away by culture or enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery – we’ve got it all. And don’t forget to bring your coat and scarf if you plan on visiting any of these fantastic places during the long winter months! Which one are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.
