While warm-weather fans wish the winter passes quickly, there is something special about visiting winter destinations in Europe. Aside from the Christmas market bustle, some cities are refreshingly free of crowds and are worth visiting. The short days and frozen snow allow for many winter sports and more festivities to be celebrated. If you want to learn more, keep reading to learn about five places to visit in Europe this winter.
Top 5 Winter Destinations in Europe you Need to Visit
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a wonderful place to start your journey exploring the rest of Iceland. This land of eternal glaciers offers adventures where you can do everything from glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park to participating in the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival with the locals. The yearly festival, held in early February, will provide you with the opportunity to photograph stunning light displays using your trustworthy camera, enriching your winter experience near the Arctic Circle. Apart from seeing the 10,000-year-old Great Geyser, you can also soak in the steaming hot water at one of many natural hot springs.
Explore Iceland by campervan. Prepare for a winter-wonderland experience, chasing the northern lights, whale watching in Iceland, and more adventures waiting for you. Renting a 4×4 camper is a top choice for travelling in Iceland safely – inquire with the rental company for winter rentals suitable for the road conditions and winter weather.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is always a lovely place to visit in any season, but one of the best winter destinations in Europe! Although the city is no stranger to coffee houses and the red-light district, the Dutch capital looks spectacular in the winter months with its lovely canals and world-class art museum.
From biking along the canals to remembering the Holocaust and exploring Van Gogh galleries, Amsterdam has almost everything for everyone. On chilly days, Dutch foods rich in loaves of bread and potatoes are even more filling. The best part of all is the Amsterdam Light Festival, which was staged to create an even greater show from this part of the world.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you have ever wanted to see Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the place to go. You can fulfil your wish of meeting the man himself and taking a selfie with your smartphone at the Santa Claus Main Post Office. You can not only visit Santa’s reindeer but also hike with the elves in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area and stock up on Christmas gifts from the local workshops.
However, if that is not your thing, do not worry because there are many other things to do in the city. Visit the Arktikum museum and the Korundi House of Culture for unique insights. Finish your adventure by relaxing in the sauna and admiring the breath-taking northern lights right in the heart of Rovaniemi.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Immerse yourself in one of the best winter destinations in Europe with Danish culture by visiting Copenhagen, one of Europe’s best cities. For Danish people, hygge is all about snuggling up in quaint cafes with hot mulled wine, apple slices, and Christmas cookies. Once you have had your fill of food, head up to the Nyhavn Christmas market and Kongens Nytorv market for some last-minute shopping.
Complete the experience by exploring Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy the ever-popular amusement park while listening to live music and admiring the stunning décor. If you enjoy skating, you will enjoy Frederiksberg Garden, which has been transformed into a festive outdoor skating rink with spectacular lights by night during the winter.
Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is most probably one of the best sites in the world to witness the northern lights dancing across the sky. Located north of the Arctic Circle, the tiny settlement in Swedish Lapland is what you would anticipate of a bitter cold since winter is not the best time to come. Regardless, the proximity to the poles and the long evenings makes the entire experience worthwhile.
Since there is little light pollution in Abisko, you can spend as much time as you wish enjoying the northern lights. It is also a beautiful place to go if you want to go cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or sledging in the middle of the night. If you want to go beyond, spend a night at the world’s first ice hotel for an unforgettable experience.
