If you like to travel internationally for the holiday season, and you aren’t afraid of a little snow or frigid gust of wind, then I’m sure you’re already aware: Europe’s Christmas markets are hard to beat.
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But even if you don’t enjoy all the Kris Kringle fare, I still think Europe is hard to beat when it comes to winter travel charm. That’s because areas in central, northern, and eastern Europe have been cozying up for the long winter months for centuries.
In short, they’re practiced, and they’re good at turning those short days and bitterly cold nights into something more. In fact, some countries have a word for this: Hygge in Denmark, mys in Sweden, and koselig in Norway.
Personally, this is my favorite travel adventure. That’s because I love hunkering down with a good book, sipping on a hot toddy or gluhwein, and otherwise escaping the sun. (I live in a very moderate climate that has, in my humble opinion, way too many warm, sunny days.)
If you also find wintry escapes to be rejuvenating and maybe even slightly exotic, know that you have options for places to visit in Europe in winter aside from heading to the far north to catch the Northern Lights. Best of all, some of them are budget-friendly.
Keep reading for tips on the best places to visit in Europe this winter, from historic capital cities to small mountain towns to over-the-top themed villages.
Best places to visit in Europe in winter
Prague, Czech Republic
There’s no better time to explore Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town than during the snowy days of winter. Multiple Christmas and holiday markets can be found within, selling artisanal crafts beneath string lights.
Snow blankets the rooftops, and crowds are far and few between, letting you dip into sites like St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle without the hustle and bustle. As with many other winter-ready locations on this list, you’ll also find heated outdoor cafes.
Find a place to stay in Prague this winter.
Vienna, Austria
If Prague is a little too far off the beaten path for you, stick to Vienna. Vienna comes alive with close to a dozen charming Christmas markets, from Belvedere Palace to Karlsplatz. And speaking of palaces, a snowy winter day is the perfect time to visit hotspots like Schonbrunn Palace. You’ll also notice tons to do outside, from ice skating to tobogganing to curling. Come hungry—Vienna is renowned for its sweet desserts.
Find a place to stay in Vienna this winter.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Welcome to the birthplace of hygge. While Copenhagen offers plenty to do in winter, from its Christmas markets to its light-filled museums to its harbor-front ice skating rink, the real magic is that hygge mentality. You’ll find it in patisserie shops, cafes, libraries, and just about anywhere you wander. I’ve seen it described as a fairytale-like ambiance, which I think is pretty spot-on.
Find a place to stay in Copenhagen this winter.
Hallstatt, Austria
Known for its gorgeous mountain setting and its UNESCO-listed status, Hallstatt also embodies a fairytale-like atmosphere—no matter the time of year. But in winter, you get all the fun of activities like skiing and snowshoeing on top of those gorgeous views. Or, if you want to keep things more casual, you can stay in town to learn about the area’s 7,000-year-old history while milling between Christmas markets and light displays.
Find a place to stay in Hallstatt this winter.
Krakow, Poland
Meet the city that started my winter obsession: Krakow. Its historic city center is lovely and charming—you’ll even see horse-drawn sleighs cutting through the plazas. You can shop for amber, mill through the city’s Christmas markets, and even take a day trip outside the small city. I highly recommend visiting Zakopane and spending an afternoon at its large, outdoor spa that’s fed by a hot spring.
Find a place to stay in Krakow this winter.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Looking for one of the most classic places to visit in Europe in winter? Head to Rovaniemi, known as the official home of Santa Claus. You can stay in the village if you want a themed romp (it’ll cost you, fair warning) or stay in the town of Rovaniemi to take on Christmas-themed adventures at your own pace. Just know the town is located on the Arctic Circle’s border, meaning it gets ultra-cold.
Find a place to stay in Rovaniemi this winter.
Hamburg, Germany
Similar to Rovaniemi, you’ll do well in Hamburg if you enjoy holiday-themed fare. The city comes alive in December with its Christmas markets, including more unique adult ventures like the Santa Pauli festival. There’s also a large ice-skating rink that transforms into a club on the weekends.
In short, Hamburg is a fantastic place for a more adult winter getaway, especially if you like seeking out underground entertainment. (There’s also a world-famous miniature museum—I’m sure they do Christmas-themed events, too.)
Find a place to stay in Hamburg this winter.
Lake Héviz, Hungary
This remote lake, located in Hungary’s southwest, is hard to reach—but if you like getting outdoors in winter to soak in a thermal pool, it’s hard to beat. Lake Héviz is the world’s largest thermal, swimmable lake. The water temperature in winter remains in the seventies, even when the air temperature plummets. It even has a unique feature called a ‘steam cap’, which can be beneficial for your lungs.
Find a place to stay in Lake Héviz this winter.
Innsbruck, Austria
If Lake Héviz is a little too far, then visit Innsbruck instead. This spa town is located in the Austrian Alps and is home to many world-class facilities, from ski jumps to ski slopes to cultural sites like the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Ambras Castle. But don’t miss out on Innsbruck’s spa offerings. While there’s no thermal lake, there are expansive spa options, such as at Hotel Innsbruck and Hotel Das Innsbruck.
Find a place to stay in Innsbruck this winter.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, which is located smack in the middle of Europe. If you’ve visited a few other capitals in winter and have enjoyed the holiday fare, then head to Bratislava next.
Its Christmas markets and festivals are slightly different thanks to its central and eastern heritage. You’ll notice unique Slovak crafts and culinary delicacies that you probably haven’t tried before, along with larger-than-life light shows like its annual Winter Wonderland. Plus, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are a bit more affordable.
Find a place to stay in Bratislava this winter.
Bamberg, Germany
The city of Bamber describes itself as ‘romantic, delicious, entertaining, and musical’ in the winter months—which is a pretty great sell. This medieval, picturesque Bavarian town comes alive with holiday cheer. There are nativity scenes, Christmas markets, and plenty of light displays. There are also seasonal treats like its famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Expect crowds of mostly locals, a slightly milder temperature, and a highly cozy atmosphere.
