Winter in Europe is the new ‘European Summer’. With a range of different countries and vibes there is a place to suit everyone. Whether you are looking for a snowy trip, a city break or a peaceful getaway by the mountains, there is a holiday for everyone. Here are some of the best winter destinations in Europe
Snow destinations & hiking
Europe offers a wide range of places for the perfect snowy getaway. Not all of these destinations require you to do skiing/ snowboarding (although the option may be there). You can also go hiking, or spend the day taking in your surroundings in the local villages/towns.
Zakopane, Poland
First we’re going to start off somewhere a little less popular. Zakopane is close by to Krakow and is a great affordable snowy trip. I went in November and it was filled with snow. Although the ski slopes were not open, this actually made it better for us. We only went for the weekend. I do not think you need long here. We went up the ski lift and wandered around the stalls. There is a small town with a few food options, mulled wine and places to shop. This is great if you are looking for a cosy winter escape.
If you do want to ski, it is recommended you go between February and April.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is great for skiing and hiking. Known for the mountain Mont Blanc, this is a great winter destination, especially if you are looking for more a of a skiing destination. Be aware that this is more on the expensive side of things. If it is not snowing, you can also do a hike up the mountain, just make sure you check which routes are available and plan ahead.
For skiing season, it is recommended you go around mid December to mid April.
City breaks
I think some of my favourite trips have been visiting cities in the winter. You can spend a lot of the time in and out of the shops and museums, meaning you won’t really be outside in the cold a lot of the time. If you go in December, you will also feel the festive atmosphere.
London, England
I know London is known for its gloomy weather, but there are endless things to do in London. From the shopping in Oxford street, to the bars in Soho, to the vintage shops in Brick Lane, there’s something for everyone. Going in December is a great time to visit because you can head into the city centre to see the Christmas lights. If you want, you can also visit Winter Wonderland too. There’s rides, toys to be won and lots of food.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a very beautiful and peaceful city to spend your winter holiday. It has lots of cafes to sit in and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. There are also a variety of museums to visit as well as the canal to walk down. When I went I found a cat sanctuary in a boat by the canals. It was a very cute thing to do, so if you like cats, this is a fun option whilst visiting.
Paris, France
I love Paris. It is one of my favourite cities. Despite the negative talk online about the city, I think it’s got a lot of character to it. There is a lot to see, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum (where Mona Lisa stays) and Arc De Triomphe. Spend the day eating pastry’s and drinking coffee before wandering the streets. Or if you’d rather, you can visit the Versaille Palace which is about an hour by train.
There are so many places in Europe to spend your winter holiday. Make sure you check the weather before you go because it can be unpredictable. Ensure you pack your umbrella and thermals and remember to have an amazing time.
