What are the Best Places in Europe to Visit in Winter?

On any day, Europe is the best destination to travel. No matter where you go, Europe has a lot to offer for your memory kitty. If you want to have a medieval and ancient historical tour, go to Italy or Greece, for an emotional or rather modern war history, go to Germany, Austria etc, to revel the natural beauty, go to Switzerland, for a more fashionable experience, go to France or if you want simply to enjoy the life while on vacation, go to Spain. If you managed to get a leave during Christmas or winter in general, Europe can still be the best bet. Whether you like to enjoy snow and chill or you want a break from the chills you can choose the destination accordingly.

Christmas Markets in Europe

Christmas is undoubtedly the most charming of all festivals. The ambience around you changes and even if you do not belong to the faith, you unknowingly be a part of that merry making. Christmas market is something that you will rarely find anywhere else in the world in such splendour. These are the historic markets that pop up anywhere and everywhere. Shops that look like cottages, selling pretty stuffs that may or may not signify Christmas. Glass balls, ginger breads, mulled wine, sleigh bells, and of course the essence of festivity which is good cheer. If you are planning your Europe trip in and around Christmas, then your destination should be Germany, Austria or Sweden. The Christmas market of Cologne, Munich, Vienna and Stockholm is a treat to eyes and soul. And if you can explore the smaller towns, it will be an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Plan Your European Discovery on Upcoming Winter

Sweden, Iceland and Norway

These three countries are added in the list for one of the most fascinating geographical marvel called aurora borealis or northern lights. These countries remain in the lap of night for several weeks in December and January. You will no get to see sun during this time but the night sky can give you an unforgettable sight. Go to Abisko or Jukkasjarvi in Sweden, Reykjavik in Iceland or Svalbard in Norway, you will see the eccentricity of nature with vibrant colours. There are many other places where these lights are seen, Scotland in UK being one of them, but the magnitude of these lights is surely the highest in these countries.

Adventures and Thrills

Life can be boring without adventures and thrills. So, if you want to enjoy the fun of adventurous sports in snow, head straight to the ski resorts in Jasna in Slovakia, or to the Swiss Alps which is home to the winter sports. There are snowshoe trails, trekking, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowparks, Winterland and what not. Engelberg, Murren, Lucerne, Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Zermatt and Chateau-d'Oex must be on your itinerary. France too has some of the best ski resorts in Europe. Val Thorens, La Plagne and Alpe de'Huez are the top most resorts of Europe located in the French Alps.

Refuge from Snow and Cold Breeze

If you are from a cold place or dread the extreme winter, go for places that are comparatively warm during this time of the year. Best options would be Italy and Spain. There are places in Italy that witness their share of dusting snow like Venice, Florence and part of Tuscany, but if you move towards coastal area or southern mainlands including Sardinia and Sicily are really comfortable. In Spain, you can enjoy the tropical sun in winter. If you want to see Mediterranean Sea at its best, go to Barcelona, Majorca, Andalucia or Tenerife Islands. Spain is the perfect example of the proverb 'seize the moment'.