Why European Winter Should Be Your Next Getaway

There is nothing like winter in Europe.

From the snowy landscapes of Scandinavia to the Christmas markets in Austria and Germany, there are plenty of European winter experiences to enjoy. Skiing the Swiss Alps and then relaxing with traditionally made fondue is one of them. You can keep warm in Iceland’s naturally heated Blue Lagoon by day and watch the Aurora Borealis lights dance at night. Embarking on a dog sledding adventure in Lapland or curling up with a hot drink by the open fireplace in a chalet amongst the snowy mountains are also great options. You can capture the beauty of endless frozen lakes and marvel at the ice sculptures created by artists. There is truly an endless list of extraordinary winter experiences to be had in Europe.

Aurora Borealis. Image: 50 Degrees North Tours

Many people favour visiting Europe during the summer, but it’s also the busiest tourist season. During July and August, the number of tourists almost doubles, which results in increased airfares and accommodation costs. It’s also difficult to avoid long queues at major attractions. Winter destinations and attractions are gaining popularity each year, but they are not yet as crowded as they are in the summer. So, if Europe is on your wish list, why not try a European winter or a white Christmas? Lucky for you, we have some bucket-list-worthy suggestions that will leave you in awe of all that snowy Europe has to offer.

Tromso, Norway

One of my favourite winter trips was to Tromso in Norway. Despite having very little daylight during the winter season, Tromso is a lively city located in Northern Norway. It is known as the Gateway to the Arctic as it is situated in the Arctic Circle. During our first day in Tromso, we were disappointed to learn that all of the tours we had planned were cancelled due to bad weather conditions, including wind and snow. However, we soon discovered that there was no need to worry as we spent the day exploring the city centre, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We were then recommended to a local restaurant called Riso, which served only 5 different meal options that never changed. We were told that we must try their honey, walnut and goat cheese omelette. Although we were the only non-Norwegians in the café, we had a great time chatting with the locals and learning about their city and lives. Moreover, the omelette was incredibly delicious! This breakfast sparked my love for honey paired with cheese.

The following days continued to snow but were not windy, so we were able to venture off and learn about the Sami people and experience the highlight of my trip- feeding the wild reindeer while it lightly snowed around us.

Image: Norwegian Travel

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is situated 55km away from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and it is the most beautiful place I have ever been to. Although there may not be as many activities or experiences as the other destinations I have visited, Lake Bled is perfect for anyone seeking a romantic getaway, some relaxation, or some of the most stunning photo opportunities. Walking around the entire lake with snow framing the paths was a truly spectacular experience, and it was almost as enjoyable as the mulled wine we treated ourselves to after the walk. Overlooking Lake Bled is Bled Castle, which is one of Slovenia’s oldest castles with a history of over 1000 years. It is extremely interesting to learn about, and it offers breathtaking views.

Lake Bled. Image: Sofia Adventures

Reykjavik, Iceland

The first time I experienced chills because of a destination (and not just due to the below-freezing temperatures) was in Iceland. I arrived just a few days before Christmas, and I was amazed to see Christmas decorations everywhere, which looked even more beautiful with the snow. There were plenty of Christmas markets, and people were hurrying through the snow dressed in their winter gear. It felt like a scene from a movie or social media. Visiting the Blue Lagoon was another highlight of my trip. It was freezing cold outside (minus 8 degrees), but in the water, it was a comfortable 37 degrees. I was even able to touch the snow on the side while being in the naturally heated geothermal spa, which is known to have many health benefits. I found it fascinating to learn that during the winter, Iceland is lucky to see 3-4 hours of daylight, whereas in the summer, it’s daylight for 20 hours a day.

Blue Lagoon

Vienna, Austria

We visited Vienna a week before Christmas with an aim to explore the famous markets. Our first stop was the Maria-Theresien Platz, which is a large public square close to the Museum of Modern Arts. The markets were mesmerising with a wide range of beautiful Christmas decorations, gifts, and treats to indulge in. We tried cheese-filled Viennese hot dogs with hot coconut cider, followed by banana and chocolate waffles for dessert. Later in the evening, we visited the Rathauspark markets, where the Christmas lights adorned every tree, making the park look like a fairyland. It’s the perfect place for couples to spend quality time together. In between the market visits, we also visited the Belvedere Palace, which was breathtakingly beautiful. We couldn’t believe our eyes as the palace reflected on the water, and golden stars seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Belvedere Palace

As the snow settles on Europe’s beautiful landscapes, it encourages all, especially Australians to immerse themselves in destinations and experiences that are simply not available in our own country. From the historic cultural traditions and locally made food, to the charming Christmas markets, snow-capped mountains, cosy fireplaces and glass igloos, watching the Northern lights, feeding reindeer, or simply waking up to snow on Christmas morning, there’s something for everyone. Even after the snow has melted away, the memories you create during this magical season will stay with you for a lifetime.

Read more of our travel recommendations here.