There are many different aspects to winter in Europe: near the North Pole, a thick layer of snow covers the landscapes, and weeks without sun follow one another throughout the season; in the Mediterranean, the sun and mild temperatures linger; and in the center of the continent, warm up in cafes and take in the holiday spirit.
Winter is an excellent season to visit large cities and charming small villages: the queues are shorter, so you can expand the journey with more sites. Thanks to the European rail network, countries can be visited very leisurely. It also allows you to meet the residents going about their daily activities away from the tourist rage of summer. Winter is a great time to explore bustling big cities and quaint little villages because there are fewer crowds, and you can see more places on your trip.
- Rovaniemi
The fact that Rovaniemi, Finland, is the “official” earthly house of Santa Claus causes all the cliches associated with Christmas celebrations to gather. There is a good explanation for this. The latter is discovered in a stunning Arctic Circle cave while wearing his red coat and well-known white beard. The ambiance is more festive with snow and reindeer. It provides a window into life at these latitudes the Arktikum Museum.
- Beautiful markets in Europe
These attractive Christmas markets, which have a long history, come alive in December throughout Germany and other Central European nations. Their charming booths offer everything from sleigh bells to cookies. The festive, upbeat atmosphere is warmed with a sip of mulled wine.
- Abisko
It is the farthest northern location in Europe that is reachable by train. Those who enjoy long, cold winters would enjoy visiting Abisko in Lapland, Sweden. In December and January, the sun is completely obscured for many weeks, creating the ideal darkness for viewing the magnificent northern lights. On the routes of national parks, you may even cross-country ski and ride in a sleigh drawn by huskies.
- Copenhagen
It’s difficult to top Hans Christian Andersen’s Danish metropolis for a magical European winter. Instead, choose the quaint restaurants and cafes where you can watch the snow fall on the Danish capital instead of the Little Mermaid, which is far too overused these days. The nineteenth-century Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen is delightfully kitsch and romantic during the holiday season.
- Budapest
Couples are skating together, their breath creating little mist clouds in the chilly air. There is no better location for such a show than Varosligeti Mjegpalya, a park in the middle of the Hungarian capital with a substantial ice rink. After that, rehydrate in one of Budapest’s famed beautiful thermal baths.
