The winter is officially started in many countries in Europe. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in a snowy destination, you should check out these gorgeous places where the winter is absolutely magical. Spending time playing in the snow is always a great idea – especially if you’re surrounded by outstanding landscapes.
Let’s take a look at the best winter destination in Europe where you can make the most of the snow by practicing epic winter sports! What should you try next, and more importantly, where should you go?
France
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The snow-covered Eiffel Tower in Paris and the fresh powder in the French Alps makes France a dreamy European Winter destination.
With a generous selection of mountain ranges such as the French Alps and the Pyrenees, France is one of the best Winter adventure holiday destinations in Europe.
Wintertime in France is perfect for those looking for a place to ski, snowboard or even ice climb. With many ski resorts and snow-covered towns to choose from, France will not disappoint anyone looking for the European Winter holiday. In fact, it’s the perfect ski holiday destination!
Austria
Hallstatt, Austria
If you’re looking for things to do while traveling Europe in winter, look no further than hitting the slopes at one of many highly rated ski resorts in Austria. This country is definitely one of the best snowy countries in Europe.
While a beautiful sight in the summer, Austria really shows its true beauty in the Winter. Austria is the dream destination for all types of Winter activities in Europe including skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing and snowboarding.
When creating your Europe Winter travel itinerary, make sure Austria is at the top of your list!
Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland
If you’re looking for a snowy winter experience, you cannot miss Switzerland. It is, in fact, a great choice for the best snowy holidays.
Winter activity holidays aren’t just about hitting the slopes in your thermals — Switzerland also offers a unique train ride through the mountains.
Board the Glacier Express and prepare for incredible views of the Alps while experiencing tight curves, 291 bridges, narrow valleys, and 91 tunnels that go from Zermatt to St. Moritz. A can’t miss experience while spending your Winter in Europe.
Finland
Finland
We’re heading way north for the next destination on the list of places to spend your Winter adventure holidays. Winter in Finland is the ultimate Winter wonderland, complete with log-cabins, snow-covered trees and is even home to the village where Santa lives.
For the Winter adventure travel seeker, Finland provides endless opportunities besides skiing and snowboarding. Spend the day driving snowmobiles,kicksledding, ice fishing or even dog sledding!
Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia
Not typically high on the radar of where to spend the winter holidays in Europe, Slovakia is an absolute vision in the Winter.
Slovakia makes for a great destination for winter travel in Europe because of the skiing, thermal waters, and Christmas markets.
Watch an ice-hockey match, travel by train through the snow-covered High Tatra mountain range, or head to the slopes before relaxing in one of the many thermal hot springs. Slovakia has everything you need to enjoy a snowy winter in Europe.
You can learn more about Slovakia and Bratislava in our guide to find out if Bratislava is worth visiting.
Italy
Castelmezzano, Italy
If you’re looking for more ideas for what to do in Europe in winter, exploring Italy during low-season is a great option.
Known for its vineyards and coastline, Italy offers an entirely different experience in the Winter. Visit the tourist hotspot city of Rome with way fewer crowds or Experience Carnival in Venice at the end of February.
With over 400 ski areas there’s no shortage of ski resorts for winter adventure travel lovers. Enjoy your Italian wine and hit the slopes.
Poland
Olkusz, Poland
Another European country with no shortage of winter holiday activities, Poland offers ample mountain ranges in the south of the country for skiing and other snow sports.
After hitting the slopes, be sure to fill up on a hearty Polish soup and stay warm by consuming your weight in gorąca czekolada (hot chocolate) that is usually served so think, you can eat it with a spoon.
Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
Although Georgia is better known for its sea, sun and mountains in the summertime, it’s proved to be a destination for winter travel in Europe, too.
Take a dip in the sulfur baths in Tbilisi or book a day at the natural steaming water in the Mineral Waters Park in the center of Borjomi. For the adrenaline seekers, try heli-skiing at insane altitudes in Gudauri, Kazbegi and Mestia. Whatever your preference might be, there is a good variety of Georgia tours you can choose from.
Norway
Lofoten, Norway
Norway is the pure definition of a snowy winter holiday destination. If chasing the Northern Lights is on the top of your things to do in Europe on the winter bucket list, Norway is where you should go.
A culturally-rich skiing culture, Norway has many opportunities to hit the slopes with its huge selection of ski resorts that guarantee mountain ranges with fresh powder every morning.
Enjoy other winter activities such as ice fishing, dog-sledding and a relaxing Winter wonderland sleigh ride. Norway is definitely one of the most beautiful countries when it comes to nature – so picture it in the wintertime. It doesn’t get any better!
Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
Another country to chase the Northern lights, Sweden is one of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe.
Sweden is great for anyone interested in winter sports such as ice skating and ice hockey as well as the outdoor adventure seeker who loves all things skiing and snowboarding. Another unique Winter experience is staying overnight at one of Sweden’s many ice hotels. Brrr.
Are you winter travel-ready?
You booked your flights. Now what? Make sure you don’t get cold abroad! It would be a shame if you would freeze while playing in the snow, wouldn’t it?
If you’re planning your next adventure abroad in wintertime, make sure you packed everything you could possibly need! Here are a few things you should bring with you on your next winter holiday in Europe!
- Universal adapter: make sure you can charge your devices wherever you go!
- Travel insurance: did you get your travel insurance already?
- Tuque: to keep your head warm!
- Travel scarf: to keep your neck warm but also to hide your valuables.
- Gloves: to keep your fingertips warm while taking photos.
- Thermal socks: to keep your toes warm too.
- Bodywarmers: to make sure you don’t get cold.
