20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE

Europe in Autumn is colourful but Europe in Winter is absolutely magical, a land full of snow capped castles. We’ve compiled a list of 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE which are full of snow capped castles and Christmas markets. One thing to love about Winter in Europe is its super affordable and is less crowded making for a magical visit.

When I started listing the 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE, I wanted it to be a mixture of travelled and bucket-list. I have been fortunate to visit some incredible European Destinations during Winter but still got a full bucket-list. During winter I love taking city breaks across Europe as prices are cheaper and locations are less crowded. I hope that this 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE list will included places you’ve visited or are on your bucket-list.

20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE

Europe in winter is absolutely magical, the snow capped castles and hills makes for an open invitation. Not to forget some of the incredible snow sports like skiing that take place throughout winter, it is a sight to behold. I hope that the list of 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE will motivate you to travel more during winter.

In this article, I will split the destinations into two groups, where I have been and where I want to go. Being so close to main land Europe, this continent is definitely my oyster and excited to explore. 

Prague, Czech Republic

The first time I visited Prague it was in winter and the city was covered in a blanket of snow. Looking at the city, I just knew it is one I want to visit time and again as it is so beautiful. I have been other seasons and summer is not the best in my opinion, it is too overcrowded. Prague during winter makes for the best city break, not crowded and can explore the city at your own pace.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/01/prague-ultimate-travel-guide/

Kaunas, Lithuania

In the last 10 years, I have been to this city a number of times and it never fails to amaze me. I first visited back in 2010 during summer and absolutely loved it, from the old town, outskirts of the city to the shopping mall. It is such an unsuspecting city with lots to offer and very underrated in my opinion.

Copenhagen, Denmark

When I was visited Copenhagen, I was amazed by just how expensive the city can be. Copenhagen is so easy to navigate, it is truly hard to get lost. I spent most of my time exploring the city of foot though it’s easier to cycle. Seeing the city of foot allowed me to find some cute shops and cafes which where just divine. 

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2016/08/10-must-see-places-in-copenhagen/

Bremen, Germany

Bremen is a small Hanseatic and historical city located in the North West region of Germany. I had such a lovely time exploring the city on foot plus the public transport is frequent and easy to navigate. With a city card, I was able to visit almost all attractions for no fee at all. 

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/11/germanys-most-charming-city-bremen/

Toulouse, France

Toulouse is one of the largest cities in France dubbed the ‘Pink City’ or La Ville Rose – Rose meaning pink. We had such a lovely time exploring the city in winter, everything in the city is in close proximity and makes for an easy way to explore the city.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/02/toulouse-france-ultimate-guide/

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and home to cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town). Like other Scandinavia cities, it is expensive but so worth the visit. The city is covered in more than 50 brides which makes for a great city to explore on foot. 

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2017/05/10-things-stockholm/

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is somewhere I have visited many times and regardless of the season makes for a perfect destination. It lies just an hour plus form Ljubljana and makes for a perfect day trip from Zagreb. Though I loved seeing this resort town during the summer, Winter time is not bad either.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/08/take-twelve-trips-slovenia-highlights/

Athens, Greece

Athens is not only the capital of Greece but the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire. Walking in the streets of Athens gave me life, I was able to explore most of the city using a tour bus. Public transport is very affordable and frequent enough.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/04/athens-weekend-getaway/

Oslo, Norway

Did someone say Vikings? I love Oslo and during my last visit we saw enough Viking to tempt a nun. I am excited to be heading to the capital of Norway at the height of winter. Though the city can get quite cold during the winter months, it’s worth the visit.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2016/05/weekend-getaway-to-oslo-norway/

Brussels, Belgium

I am super excited to be returning to this lovely flemish city and show my parents what I love. Since 2015, I have been to the city a few times and loved it big time. Our plans for 2019 includes a visit to this city and it will be our base for all day trips around Belgium.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2016/03/weekend-getaway-to-brussels-2016/

Nice, France

The south of France is just one of the best places to explore all year round and have an incredible time. I visited Nice, France last winter and had just the best of time. The weather even in winter is not that cold compared to the UK and its all to do with the Mediterranean climate.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2016/12/nice-weekend-getaway/

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Salzburg and one of Austria’s most charming city. The city is rich in sightseeing attractions like museums and the city fortress. Though the city can get quite cold during winter, it has a lot of indoor attractions to enjoy.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/11/the-complete-salzburg-guide/

Monaco, Monaco

Monaco is known world wide because of Grace Kelly and Gran Prix which is hosted everywhere in the city/country. It is a small independent city-state on France’s Mediterranean coastline and home to upscale casinos.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2016/12/explore-monte-carlo-in-half-a-day/

Pisa, Italy

Pisa is a small city in the Tuscany region of Italy and is most famous for the iconic Leaning Tower. The city of often ignore for more glamorous destinations like Florence, Rome and Milan. Which is such a pity has the city has lot to offer and quite popular with the younger generation.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/03/spend-a-day-in-pisa-italy-stay/

London, England

Even though I am totally biased, London is a popular tourist destination and a must visit. Living just an hour away I get to seem this incredible city every week in its glory. Though it feels like its is always raining here, we do have good days and though less often sunshine.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2017/12/film-lovers-guide-london/

Riga, Latvia

Riga is the first city of my 2019 bucket-list of places I want to explore as its such a charming city. Everyone whose been has spoken about talks about the art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. I am excited to be planning my adventures for 2019 and this city is high on the list.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small country in Europe and is famous for its fortified medieval old town perched on a hill. The country is so small that you can driving from one day to another in just 2 hours. Though the city is small and easy to navigate, it can be difficult to walk being perched on the hills.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2018/03/winter-in-luxembourg/

Switzerland

Switzerland as a whole is a perfect destination especially during winter when its cities in covered in snow. I visited both Lucerne and Basel and both were absolutely gorgeous.

https://www.ajulydreamer.com/2017/08/lucerne-switzerland-5-things/

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is one city that has been on my bucket-list the longest and excited to be visiting in the near future. I am excited to check out all the museums and venture out the capital to enjoy the countries road trips. 

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa and a place I want to explore before I have kids. It is such a beautiful location and calls for your inner childhood to gawking on Santa. Lapland is one place everyone wants to visit at least once in a lifetime.

I excited to have been to some of the places on my 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE list. Have you ever been to any of these 20 BEST WINTER DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE?