The Best Winter Experiences in Europe

In many destinations winter is associated with cold weather and grey skies, but it can also be one of the most magical times of year. For instance, the best European cities to visit in December come alive with lights, decorations and a festive spirit, not to mention stunning snowy scenery. Europe in winter means Christmas markets, cosy getaways, spectacular train journeys and perhaps even a glimpse of the northern lights. Here are our picks for the best places to go.

Finland is undoubtedly among the best places in Europe in December – as long as you don’t mind a bit of cold. In Finnish Sápmi you can see the northern lights during the long, dark nights. For daytime fun, head to Rovaniemi to meet Father Christmas and see real-life reindeer. This is also a good time of year for outdoor activities like snowshoeing and sledging through the wintry wilderness.

Sweden is a fantastic destination if you’re in search of the aurora borealis. Swedish Sápmi is the best place to see this natural phenomenon light up the skies. You can also explore the beautiful Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve and learn about Indigenous Sámi culture. What’s more, winter is certainly the best time of year for the cosy Swedish tradition of fika with a steaming cup of coffee or tea and a freshly baked pastry.

The northern end of Norway offers some of the best northern lights experiences in all of Scandinavia. Norwegian Sápmi, which coincides with the county of Finnmark, is a place of pristine nature and Arctic beauty as it’s located within the Arctic Circle. This is the best place in Norway to see the northern lights, but they’re also visible from the charming city of Tromsø and the rugged Lofoten Islands.

Luxury train rides are among the best winter travel experiences in Europe, and the Glacier Express is a firm favourite. This sleek railway runs between St. Moritz and Zermatt, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps. It’s one of the top train routes in Switzerland thanks to a stunning scenery – especially during the snowy winter months – and first-class amenities, including three on-board restaurants and a champagne bar.

The Flåm Railway is an incredibly steep and curving railroad that runs through the Norwegian fjords between Aurlandsfjord and Myrdal. During winter you’ll see sparkling snowscapes and frozen waterfalls along the way, all while staying nice and warm in the train’s comfortable carriages. The journey only takes about an hour each way, making this a great option for a day trip. You can take a two-hour train ride from Bergen to Myrdal to reach the Flåm Railway.

One of the top luxury train rides in the world and an absolute icon of Art Deco style, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the perfect choice for a glamorous winter experience. Routes between several European capitals mean you can easily customise your journey to fit into a larger itinerary. The elegant decor and sumptuous cabins will transport you straight back to the 1920s, creating a festive atmosphere that feels especially memorable during the holiday season.

If you’re dreaming of a whimsical winter day trip through the English countryside, the Belmond British Pullman is for you. This historic railway offers various routes from London to smaller cities across the country. During December, there are special themed journeys featuring festive lunches, New Year’s Eve dinners, carolling in Canterbury and trips to Bath for its beautiful Christmas markets. Keep in mind that the train does not operate in January due to annual maintenance.

Some of the world’s best Christmas markets can be found in Germany. Cologne boasts a few of our all-time favourites, including the main market that takes place in front of the city’s cathedral. There’s even a miniature train called the Christmas Market Express that take you between the attractions, from the Ferris wheel by the harbour to the glittering Market of Angels. Beyond Cologne, we also love the Christmas markets in Berlin, Munich and Augsburg in southern Bavaria.

Austria is home to the famous Christmas markets of Vienna and Salzburg. The former is known for its Wiener Christkindlmarkt, featuring an enormous Christmas tree, ice skating, Glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts and more in the central square of Rathausplatz. Salzburg, meanwhile, has its own stunning market: the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt. Located in front of the Salzburg Cathedral, it offers a wide array of handmade items and traditional crafts under a canopy of glowing lights, as well as sing-alongs, concerts and other musical performances.

In France you’ll find one of the best European cities to visit in winter, thanks in large part to its abundance of holiday spirit. Strasbourg isn’t just the capital of the Alsace region; it’s also known as the Capitale de Noël (Christmas Capital). Its historic Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in the country, dating all the way back to 1570. There are more than 300 stalls selling everything from regional ceramics and artisanal decorations to baguettes flambées (baguettes with melted cheese and other delicious toppings) and vin chaud (mulled wine).

Scotland’s capital is full of holiday festivities, including the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market on Princes Street Gradens. In East Princes Street Gardens you’ll find dozens of market stalls and the country’s largest Ferris wheel, while West Princes Street Gardens features kid-friendly activities and live performances. There’s also an ice skating rink, interactive craft workshops, a Christmas tree maze and festive light shows at Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Botanic Garden. Glasgow hosts fantastic Christmas markets in St. Enoch Square and George Square.

Prague is well known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and it’s even more alluring in winter. The city hosts several Christmas markets every year in and around the city centre. visit the one in the Old Town Square to see the shimmering tree and admire the lights illuminating the surrounding buildings. If you head a bit farther from the centre you’ll find smaller markets with a more local vibe and all sorts of authentic treats, from traditional sausages and baked goods to local beers and medovina (honey wine).

Some of the best winter destinations in Europe stand out for their cosy, inviting atmospheres, and Lucerne is a prime example. This Swiss city is set on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by snowy peaks. During winter, its iconic Chapel Bridge is often dusted with snow and its streets are decked out in golden string lights, creating the ambience of a fairy tale village. And although they’re available all year round, local treats like fondue and hot chocolate are particularly well suited to the colder months.

Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark but relatively small compared to other European capitals, lending it a small-town feel with all the big-city benefits. Winter is the perfect time to experience the Danish concept of hygge: a combination of cosiness, comfort and warmth (both physical and emotional). You can settle into a café for a steaming cup of coffee paired with local pastries like æbleskiver (pancake balls) and kanelsnegle (cinnamon buns), or bundle up to wander through the city’s Christmas markets and the colourful waterfront buildings of Nyhavn.

As the world’s northernmost national capital, Reykjavík offers a wealth of winter experiences. Here the long and dark nights are illuminated by intricate light installations and natural hot springs provide a welcome respite from the frigid temperatures. There are 18 different geothermal pools throughout the city, as well as plenty of luxurious spas for a more private experience. You might even be lucky enough to see the northern lights during your stay.

Bath is a beautiful city in southwestern England known for its Roman history and Georgian buildings, including the grandiose Royal Crescent. Its walkable size and various seasonal events make it a wonderful winter destination, whether you’re looking for Christmas markets or historical attractions. Board the Belmond British Pullman for a delightful day trip from London, or stay overnight at the Royal Crescent Hotel to enjoy its luxurious spa and holiday specials.

Venice may be a popular destination for summer tours through Europe, but here’s a secret: it’s arguably even better in winter. The colder months bring smaller crowds and several interesting events, from the solemn religious festival of Madonna della Salute in November to the vibrant Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival) in February (and sometimes March). As the holidays approach, the canals reflect sparkling Christmas lights and the city is often covered in mist, making it feel even more mysterious and magical than usual.