15 Best Places in Europe in Winter to Visit

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe This Winter

While summer in Europe gets all the hype, winter is a truly magical time to visit. The continent transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and breathtaking snowy landscapes. It’s a season for cozying up in alpine lodges, wandering through enchanting Christmas markets, and chasing the elusive Northern Lights.

Forget the crowds and high prices—winter offers a more intimate and authentic European experience. Whether you’re seeking a fairytale adventure, a cultural city break, or even a surprising dose of winter sun, this list has you covered.

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Europe this winter.

1. Lapland, Finland: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

• The Vibe: A real-life fairytale. This is the official home of Santa Claus, and the atmosphere is pure magic.

• Winter Highlights: Meet Santa at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, embark on a reindeer or husky safari through silent, snow-covered forests, and spend a night in a glass igloo to watch the Aurora Borealis dance overhead.

• Don’t Miss: A visit to the Arktikum Science Museum to understand Arctic life.

2. Vienna, Austria: Imperial Elegance & Christmas Charm

• The Vibe: A grand, classical music-filled wonderland. Vienna’s imperial architecture is even more stunning under a dusting of snow.

• Winter Highlights: Sip glühwein at the magnificent Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, catch a world-class concert at the Vienna State Opera, and warm up in a traditional coffee house with a slice of Sachertorte.

• Don’t Miss: The New Year’s Concert, a globally broadcast classical music event.

3. The Swiss Alps: A Skier’s & Non-Skier’s Paradise

• The Vibe: Postcard-perfect alpine luxury and adrenaline-pumping fun.

• Winter Highlights: World-class skiing and snowboarding in resorts like Zermatt (with views of the Matterhorn) or St. Moritz. For non-skiers, enjoy scenic cogwheel train rides, snowshoeing, and indulging in cheese fondue in a cozy chalet.

• Don’t Miss: The Glacier Express train journey for some of the most stunning alpine scenery on Earth.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland: Fire, Ice, and Northern Lights

• The Vibe: Otherworldly landscapes and geothermal relaxation.

• Winter Highlights: Hunt for the Northern Lights on a super-jeep tour, bathe in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, and explore the Golden Circle to see the Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area in their frozen splendor.

• Don’t Miss: Trying a classic Icelandic hot dog (pylsur) from a Reykjavik street vendor.

5. Prague, Czech Republic: A Gothic Fairytale

• The Vibe: A storybook city with spires, cobblestones, and a cozy, old-world atmosphere.

• Winter Highlights: The Christmas markets in Old Town Square are among the best in Europe, with a giant tree and a festive atmosphere. Wander across the Charles Bridge without the summer crowds and warm up with a pint of famous Czech beer in a historic pub.

• Don’t Miss: The view of the snow-dusted Prague Castle from the banks of the Vltava River.

6. The Dolomites, Italy: Dramatic Peaks & Ladin Culture

• The Vibe: A unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

• Winter Highlights: Fantastic skiing in the Sella Ronda circuit, enjoying Michelin-starred cuisine in a rustic mountain hut (rifugio), and visiting the charming Christmas markets in towns like Bolzano.

• Don’t Miss: The stunning view of the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, covered in snow.

7. Budapest, Hungary: The City of Spas

• The Vibe: Atmospheric, historic, and perfectly suited for cold weather.

• Winter Highlights: Soaking in the city’s famous thermal baths, like the grand Széchenyi Baths, where you can sit in an open-air pool surrounded by steam and snow. Visit the Christmas markets at St. Stephen’s Basilica and take a romantic evening cruise on the Danube.

• Don’t Miss: Indulging in a bowl of hearty goulash to warm up.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland: A Hogmanay Celebration

• The Vibe: A vibrant, historic city with a legendary New Year’s party.

• Winter Highlights: Experience Hogmanay, one of the world’s greatest New Year’s celebrations, with a massive street party and torchlight procession. Explore the Edinburgh Castle esplanade with fewer tourists and cozy up in a traditional pub with a wee dram of whisky.

• Don’t Miss: Climbing Arthur’s Seat for a frosty, panoramic view of the city.

9. The Canary Islands, Spain: A Surprising Winter Sun Escape

• The Vibe: A European winter loophole! Volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches, and year-round mild temperatures.

• Winter Highlights: Hiking the volcanic terrain of Teide National Park in Tenerife, enjoying the black sand beaches, and relaxing in the perpetual spring-like climate when the rest of Europe is shivering.

• Don’t Miss: The carnival celebrations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, second only to Rio.

10. Tallinn, Estonia: A Medieval Winter Dream

• The Vibe: Stepping directly into a medieval storybook.

• Winter Highlights: The Christmas market in the stunningly preserved Old Town Square is one of the oldest in Europe. Walk the ancient city walls, explore cobblestone streets lined with Gothic spires, and enjoy the cozy, intimate atmosphere.

• Don’t Miss: A meal at Olde Hansa, a restaurant serving medieval fare in a historic building.

Your Perfect Winter Awaits

From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the festive heart of ancient cities, Europe in winter is an unforgettable experience. It’s a season that invites you to embrace the cold, seek out warmth and comfort, and see a different, more enchanting side of the continent. So pack your warmest sweater and get ready for a magical adventure.