Some of Europe's wonders can only be experienced in winter, such as: Christmas markets, the Northern Lights, downhill skiing, the beauty of Venice. In December, January and February, many attractions are reducing their hours to weather cold or wet, but snow-capped medieval villages, cozy mountain huts, locals will entertain you with plenty of mulled wine as that helps ward off the cold. Below are our favourite winter resorts in Europe.
Let's take a look at all the places.
Germany
Nowhere is Christmas as full as in Germany. From late November to early January, it seems that a Christkindlmarkt will pop up in every public square in the country to celebrate the holiday. Everywhere there are carols, nativity scenes, twinkling lights. From Berlin's 11-something markets to small-town festivals in the Black Forest setting, there's a sea of joy everywhere. Cologne's music-filled market kicks off in front of the city's famous cathedral, where Dresden's version of a 1-ton fruitcake appears in front of everyone. In addition to Christmas events, Germany rewards winter visitors with legendary skiing in the Bavarian Alps and fairytale scenes from frosty castles.
Venice
When winter comes, you may encounter rain and flooding in Venice's famous square. Because it's high water season. But since Venice is one of the most visited cities on the planet, the low season has become the only time of year when you can really find tranquility in La Serenissima. When the weather gets cooler, museums, churches, palaces and other fine sights don't see tourists coming together. Also, if you come during the carnival (pictured) in February or March, you will witness firsthand the unique mystery and captivating melody of this hedonistic tradition.
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Zermatt, Switzerland
For skiers and snowboarders, Zermatt sits at the top of the Matterhorn, rivaling the Toblerone candy bar, Switzerland's most iconic pyramid title. The highland terrain around Zermatt includes more than 360 km of downhill pistes that attract winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. The resort town also has curling and skating rinks, toboggan rinks, cross-country skiing and snow-watching. Before you leave Zermatt, though, don't miss the lively après-ski scene.
Menton, France
The Mediterranean city woke up from sleep mode in mid-February, when more than 2,200 lemonheads gather for the Fête du Citron, a carnival prepared for citrus sets. The two-week festival features fireworks displays and a 000-foot-tall lemon sculpture, as well as an elaborate float parade adorned with fruits of honor. If you're looking for a little more welcoming, visit the pastel medieval neighborhood, the Jean Cocteau Museum, the Botanical Gardens (including the National Monument Jardin Serre de la Madone) and Mirazur, home to what many consider to be the best restaurants in the world.
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Edinburgh
The cold weather didn't put it into hibernation. In December, Edinburgh has a joyous revelry through ice skating, a closed Ferris wheel, and the mandatory mulled wine and holiday markets. At the King's Theatre, watch panto (from "pantomime"), an English winter tradition inspired by fairy tales and musical comedies. New Year is an epic 12-day street party consisting of musical performances, fireworks and dances.
Seville, Spain
Although the sunny Andalusia region of southern Spain has less suitable weather for swimming in January, daytime temperatures remain pleasant (1°–17°C) at this time of year. The pleasant weather makes hiking in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, very easy, with Gothic cathedrals and Moorish castles on foot. If you're staying in town on the night of January 18th, you can watch the big parade that marks the start of the Three Kings Day. Winter nights can get chilly, but snacks and flamenco dancing should warm you up.
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Lakes of Norway
Want to try ice fishing? You can learn this skill on an outing with a guide on a Norwegian lake. Locals house you in cozy huts and provide tools to show you how to drill through the ice to catch trout, bass, barracuda, anthrax and finless porpoises. In the village of Gjvik on Lake Mjsa, the largest lake in the country (two hours by train from Oslo), you can stay at the Grand Hotel, built in 1902. After a day of fishing, visit Hadeland, where the furnace has been burning since the 1800s.
Madeira, Portugal
Located off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a microcosm of its home country, Portugal. The capital, Funchal, whose port is arranged like an amphitheater, is the perfect place to set off fireworks. On New Year's Eve, the world's largest fireworks display will be staged here. In fact, the island is performing all winter. In December, the streets are filled with fairytale lights and exquisite presépios (nativity scenes). In late February, an epic carnival (pictured) kicks off with elaborate feather costumes, music, traditional dances, over-the-top floats and an outdoor party where revelers indulge in malassadas (fried dough) served with molasses.
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Innsbruck, Austria
To ski or not to ski? This is the problem in Innsbruck, which is rich in winter sports as well as historical and cultural offerings. The city was the site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. A mountain resort can be reached via a ropeway in the city center; Another ski area is located above the glacier, and even if it doesn't snow much, good snow is almost guaranteed for skiing. Sbruck's splendid palaces, churches and cobblestone neighborhoods are made even more charming by the absurd stories of the royals who once lived here.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The capital of Finnish Lapland is also Santa's "official" hometown. You can visit this happy old elf in his own Arctic Circle village. It's a year-round tourist attraction with reindeer-pulled carriages, ice sculptures and halls decorated like Grinch PTSDs. The Northern Lights often twinkle above Arktikum's striking glass corridors.
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Timisoara, Romania
Timisoara is a city blessed by winter, and the beautiful snow is its best decoration. As the economic and cultural center of western Romania, Timisoara is deeply influenced by Austrian culture, and the old town also has several historical districts lined with churches, and the ancient Timisoara Orthodox Church, St. George's Cathedral, and Millennium Church become more solemn after snowfall. Stand in the city's most famous Victory Square, look up and see the same mottled old buildings, which reveal the vicissitudes of the years under the warm winter sun. During the Christmas season, there is a lively festive market in the square, and after a light snowfall, sip a hot glass of local plum liquor (tuica) and you will fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Known as the "back garden of God", Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a strong winter atmosphere. Every year, Lake Ariane in Borisova Gardens becomes the largest open-air ice rink in the Balkans, and bring your skates and enjoy a fun time in the snow. Located in the south, the Vitosha Mountains are huge ski resorts in winter and often host national ski competitions, perfect for snow enthusiasts. Sofia has quite a few landmarks to watch out for – the National Palace of Culture, the Hagia Sophia, Independence Square and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are even more beautiful under the snow.
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Brno, Czech Republic
Prague is not the only tourist city in the Czech Republic, Brno, located at the eastern foot of the Moravian Highlands in the Czech Republic, is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and one of the most well-known cultural cities in the Czech Republic. In winter, the city is often covered in snow, from castles and medieval towers to modern buildings, cloaked in a layer of tranquility that blends in with the vastness. There's so much to stop in Brno – visit Spilbork Castle, where the ruins of an old battery tell a long history; Liberty Square, located in the bustling part of the city, is bustling with visitors getting off the tram and climbing into the small shops along the street to shop for winter gifts. When night falls, head for an elegant wine tasting or find a lively bar to mingle with the cheerful locals.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin's Christmas light show, Winter Lights, has been lighting up multiple locations in the city since 12 December, including Trinity College, City Hall, Customs House and more, with elaborate lights projected on the ornate building walls. Dublin's Christmas atmosphere is intoxicating, strolling along Grafton Street, trendy department store windows are full of scenery, Stephen Green's goods are displayed in Christmas motifs, and Christmas trees are decorated with sparkling trees on the streets. Along the cobbled streets, you can enjoy folk music while sipping beer, and if you are tired of walking, you can find a restaurant to sit down and taste the local soups and cinnamon buns, adding a fiery energy to the winter journey.
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Cagliari, Italy
Many people think of Sardinia as a summer holiday destination, but Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is increasingly becoming a year-round tourist destination. Winters in Cagliari are mild, with only occasional cold snaps and little rainfall, making it a very pleasant experience to wander the narrow streets of its historic district this season. Cagliari is full of beautiful landscapes, including many magnificent churches, but also amazing archaeological sites such as Roman theaters. Not only will you be free to explore the city, but you can also go to the viewpoint on the mountain for the best city view and get away from the hustle and bustle. During Christmas, Cagliari is lit up with beautiful lights, making the Christmas markets scattered around the town even more lovely
Lisbon, Portugal
Located on the western edge of Europe, Lisbon is one of the warmest places in winter on the continent, making it also a famous winter resort. In addition to the warm sunshine and comfortable temperatures, Lisbon in winter has a lot to offer: watch the spectacular Christmas light show in Rossio Square; Go to Lisbon's oldest pastry shop to taste traditional pastries; Go to church for a Christmas concert... It has to be mentioned that Lisbon is also a shopping paradise, once named by the Guardian as Europe's "best shopping place for Christmas", the major business districts are diverse, from the ancient traditional Lower Town shopping street to the "modern" and "fashionable" Castillo Street, inadvertently, you have "returned home".
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Florence
As the cradle of the Renaissance and home of the Italian language, the birthplace of timeless poets and artists, Florence seems to have told everyone about its infinite wonders. Fall in love with the beauty of this Italian pearl and entertain yourself unhurriedly in the streets of the city center, Florence promises to fill your eyes with a glow.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a rich culture and Renaissance history, leaving behind a history of rare beauty. The flat terrain is perfect for exploring by bike, or to fully enjoy the beauty of its romantic canals, which freeze over in winter, giving locals and visitors the chance to experience the city on their skates. Also a creative capital, a port of culture and trends, you'll love its many history museums and galleries of modern art, vintage markets and fashion clubs with a vibrant, innovative and bold character.
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istanbul
Among the cities to visit in winter, Istanbul is also one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, just a few hours away by plane. Warm, charming and colourful, its trendy neighborhoods and frenetic markets come and go, but it still makes people feel comfortable with a relaxed pace of life. One of Turkey's most prized jewels, Istanbul is a metropolis like no other. You won't compare it to other places, the breeze on the Galata Bridge and the smell of the Spice Market, everything will make you mesmerized by this throbbing destination.
Cologne
If you're wondering where to go for a cultural weekend in winter, Cologne might surprise you. The most beautiful corners of the city, stretching like the shining branches of willows in the heart of the Rhineland, you will find them strolling along the Rhine, shuttling from bank to bank, admiring every patch of clear winter sky. Almost completely rebuilt after the bombings of World War II, today Cologne, with its Gothic masterpieces and avant-garde museums, makes it one of the most visited and interesting cities in Germany. At sunset, when the rays of the blazing sun dye the cathedral's windows purple, it fascinates people and radiates to the ground with infinite colors.
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Paris
Where to go Chinese New Year's Eve night in Europe, one of the best destinations for New Year's Eve is Paris, but not only. The city is the perfect destination for any occasion and one of the ideal cities to visit in winter. Glittering streets, dusty bookstores and shops with outdoor chairs, and the scent of bitter coffee and freshly baked croissants to warm the air. With museums and 19th-century gardens, Paris is a proud, vibrant and liberal capital whose history is intertwined with the history of many writers and creatives. From haute couture to street art, it's the most gorgeous business card. Its modern soul is a fascinating art that never ceases to surprise visitors and fascinates every season.
Matera - Italy
Located under the ripples of clouds east of Basilicata, Matera is a place full of beauty. The city is located at the foot of Murgia Materana Park, between canyons and underground caves, with stunning views of glittering stone valleys. Having earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and the title of European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera is a place of wonder and ancient tradition, perfect for a winter getaway.
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Helsinki
Winter travel means discovering the little gems of the North illuminated by festive lights. Jumping between Christmas lights, Helsinki seems to have plenty of surprises to discover as the city is covered in snow and the magic of the party glittered in the air. Enchanting forests and lakes, surrounded by a fairytale atmosphere in winter, endless islands and natural parks of the archipelago, ice rinks andThe winter garden, as well as the museum and shopping street, are illuminated by the romantic and frugal glow of the north, Life here knows how to warm people's hearts.
Latvia
Riga cannot miss the list of cities in winter. Glamour and eclecticism are the right words to describe this great Baltic city, considered by many as the "Paris of the East" because of its elegance and cosmopolitan spirit that has characterized it for centuries. European and Asian, historical and architectural traditions, the angularity and typicality of the Baltic republics, embellished by the lightness of Art Nouveau flowers. Stroll through the Old Town, passing through the wide and elegant boulevards where modern buildings stand, and end the day with fresh beetroot soup, a typical dish of Latvia. Welcome to Riga!
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Krakow
With such a charming destination as Krakow, it must be worth spending a winter. Complete complex of medieval centers, Gothic churches and "salt cathedrals", synagogues and craft shops, historic squares and parks, water across the Vistula River in southern Poland. A city rich in history and legends, everything is yet to be discovered.