Just about every destination in Europe is epic however, the following are the best winter vacations in Europe in my humble opinion. Travelling across Europe is one of my favourite pastimes because living in the United Kingdom, I am just a stone’s throw away from mainland Europe. I have been solo travelling for over 7 years now and in that time, I have enjoyed winter adventures the most. Travelling during the winter months is different to travelling during the summer months because, not only are there few clouds, I have found most destinations are even more affordable.
When I look back at many of my European city breaks, these have more often than not happened during the cooler months because of less crowds and affordability. As much as I would love to explore the city of Prague during the summer months, it’s almost impossible to enjoy it fully without being shoved around due to overcrowding which I find extremely overwhelming and would much rather be sipping on a cocktail in some far-flung beach destination. I must rather prefer the slow but tranquil quietness of the cooler months and this is why I am sharing the best winter vacations in Europe.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post, all opinions shared are my own.
The Best Winter Vacations in Europe
For as long as I have been travelling the world, I have found mainland Europe to be one of the easiest destinations to explore compared to other regions. But this could all be because, as an EU citizen, it is easier to explore your home than other destinations. I must also say that I often revisit more European cities because they invigorate my traveller spirit and allow me to meet like-minded people from all walks of life searching the globe just like me. When I think of the best winter vacations in Europe, I almost laugh because I am severely biased because these are my all-time favourite European destinations.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of my favourite cities in Europe and for as long as I have been solo travelling, I have made a point of visiting this gorgeous city at least once a year specifically in January. Since my initial visit in 2016 when it snowed like madness, I was taken in by the city and I prefer seeing it covered in snow than in other seasons. If you are interested in visiting this amazing city, I shared an ‘ultimate guide‘ and also curated a ‘Fashion essential list‘.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Salzburg and one of Austria’s most charming cities. As a huge ‘The Sound of Music’ fan, Salzburg is one of my favourite Austrian destinations and if you are *going on an Austrian holiday soon then make sure to add Salzburg to your itinerary. The first time I visited Salzburg, it was in the throws of winter and I loved every bit of my visit. If you are interested in exploring this gorgeous and charming city, you can check out my complete Salzburg Guide I shared after my last visit.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is a small compact city centrally located and is known for its medieval architecture and beautiful mountains. A suburb of Zürich with great food and impressive views leaving you with a lasting impression, I first visited this small city during the summer months and later ventured in cooler months. It has been years since my last visit and I am itching to explore this incredible city again.
Stockholm, Sweden
The first time I visited Stockholm was during the winter months and it was absolutely freezing but oh so very beautiful and breathtaking, and whilst I love seeing the city in winter, Autumn has a better hold on me. Stockholm is an international city which is served by 3 airports and has a great transport connection with the rest of the Scandinavian countries and beyond. I shared a Stockholm Travel Guide when I first visited the city and have since curated more content because there is just so much to see and talk about.
Valletta, Malta
Back in 2020 before the world we knew changed before our very eyes, I took the plunge to visit the small archipelago Island in the Mediterranean Sea sitting between Sicily and North Africa. I was in search of the winter sun without actually leaving Europe and Malta provided me with just that. Being such a small island meant even on days when it was sunny and could be mistaken for summer, it was quite cold but that just added to the zazzi of the island. I shared a travel guide for Malta since my last visit and can not wait to visit again.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is one of my favourite cities in Poland, I remember my first visit like it was yesterday, I could still feel the chill of that evening in my bones. When visiting that gorgeous city, you will need more than your winter woollies. I remember arriving that late evening when the city was embracing the darkness and I felt totally underprepared, the Baltic Sea was totally unforgiving in its assault. Once I was over the initial shock of the cold weather, I took the time to explore and had an amazing time. Check out the guide I prepared since my last visit.
As mentioned already, I am severely biased in my choices but I truly believe, these are some of the best winter vacations in Europe that you might want to check out. I have visited the majority of these multiple times and in various seasons and whilst each season has its own charm, winter magic just takes my breath away. Let me know in the comments which of these you have visited before and which you would consider visiting again.
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