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7 Amazing Winter Destinations in Europe

7 Amazing Winter Destinations in Europe

Planning a winter getaway in Europe and wondering where to go? Check out our guide!

Travelling to Europe in the winter can be one of the most beautiful times to see what the continent has to offer. But the key is knowing where to go. So that’s why we’re sharing our picks for the 7 best winter destinations in Europe with you! Spend a weekend in a romantic city, or head to the Alps; whatever you desire, Europe offers an incredible amount of things to see and do in the winter months. Pack accordingly and get ready for an adventure through 7 amazing winter destinations in Europe.

Photo by Noukka Signe on Unsplash

7 Amazing Winter Destinations in Europe—Photo by Noukka Signe—Unsplash

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Romantic year-round, Prague’s appeal is even more charming in the snow. In the winter months, the ‘City of 100 Spires’ is less crowded and a great destination for a romantic winter weekend. Catch a glimpse of the Gothic and Mediaeval architecture covered with a dusting of snow from Letna Hill.

Alternatively, you can check out Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in Europe. Visit the historical Old Town without the crowds, which is certainly a treat compared to the busier months. Lastly, be sure to take some time to visit Charles Bridge on the Vlatva River for some beautiful views. And the local cuisine is perfect in cold weather: soup, stews, and cosy beer halls are all staples in the Czech food scene.

If you’re here at the end of February or early March, you can catch the Masopust. It’s a traditional Czech festival that takes place six weeks before Easter. It’s seen as a goodbye to winter and marks the start of the Carnival season. Prague is one of our favourite winter destinations in Europe.

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Where to Stay

Our top recommendation for Prague is the famous Czech Inn. You’ll love this stylish hostel, and you will love their cellar bar and daily Happy Hour even more. Choose from a range of rooms and relax, knowing you’re home at the Czech Inn.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is breathtaking in the snow. The cobbled streets, the colourful houses, the canals, and outdoor ice skating all make it one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Check out Copenhagen’s Old Town and the famous pedestrian street Stroget for the best shopping in the city. And of course, a trip to Copenhagen is incomplete without visiting the colourful Nyhavn or the Little Mermaid statue in the harbour.

On sunny days, you can sit on terraces with a blanket or go ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks. The parks look lovely in the snow, and the view from the city’s Round Tower is completely charming. For something different, hit up the alternative Christiania, and you’ve got a perfect winter weekend away!

Copenhagen also hosts lots of amazing festivals in the winter. Some of which include the Winter Jazz Festival, the Frost Festival, and the ultra-cool Sauna Festival.

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Where to Stay

Our top recommendation for Prague is the famous Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. You’ll love their cool and retro design, and you will certainly enjoy their bar and free activities. Centrally located, they’re the perfect host in Copenhagen.

3. Vienna, Austria

Even on the coldest of days, Vienna looks amazing. Famous for its grand palaces and Habsburg history, you’ll love the appearance of the city under a fresh blanket of snow. Walk the old town streets, admire the architecture, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and savour the laid-back, cosy cafe scene on a cold day. Vienna is easily one of the most romantic winter destinations in Europe we can think of!

No visit to Vienna is complete without seeing Schloss Schönbrunn and the Hofburg Palace, especially in the snow. If you want to keep warm, the former Belvedere Palace is now the Austrian Gallery. Check out a national treasure and stay warm at the same time. Alternatively, you can see an opera or ballet in the evening.

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Where to Stay

If you’re heading to Vienna, then check into the friendly St Christopher’s Inn Vienna in the centre of town, the perfect base for your trip to the World’s Most Liveable City for two years in a row.

4. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is one of the most interesting and inviting winter destinations in Europe. With over 50 bridges crossing this Baltic archipelago, you can see the water and skyline from all over the city. Stockholm in winter is a treat, especially when the snow arrives and ice forms in the rivers. Don’t miss out on seeing Gamla Stan (the Old Town), as it’s a postcard-perfect mediaeval island. You can also find a 13th-century cathedral here, as well as the narrowest street in the world! The famous yellow and red buildings near the water stand beautifully in the winter light.

If you want to do some indoor activities, we recommend both the Royal Palace here and the Nobel Museum.

If you want to feel like a real Swede and aren’t afraid of the cold, we suggest heading to a sauna. Get yourself comfortable in one of Stockholm’s many saunas, and cool yourself off by taking a dip in the ice-cold water! If you want to go with a group, check out the tours from City Backpackers Hostel for this traditional sauna experience.

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Where to Stay

Book your bed at City Backpackers Hostel for an awesome Stockholm experience. Fully equipped with a beautiful common area, a vintage Pac Mac machine, and even their own sauna, you’ll love being their guest. You’re also entitled to exclusive offers and discounts at their neighbouring restaurant, Nomad.

5. Salzburg, Austria

This Austrian winter wonderland is famous for The Sound of Music and Mozart, but that’s not all Salzburg has to offer. It also has a well-preserved historic medieval town with the 900-year-old Festung Hohnensalzburg overlooking the city. For more indoor activities, be sure to check out the impressive Domkirche Cathedral as well as Mozart’s birthplace.

But Salzburg sits at the foot of the alps, so winter activities here are a must. After all, it is one of the most popular winter destinations in Europe.You can also go skiing or snowboarding in the Austrian Alps from Salzburg; there are free bus transfers from the slopes to the centre from December until March 19th.

We also highly recommend a visit to the Stiegl-Brauwelt brewery to take in the taste of Salzburg. With a history spanning more than 525 years, you can bet it will satisfy your taste buds and warm you up on a cold winter’s day.

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Where to Stay

If you’re visiting Salzburg, book your bed at the long-standing Yoho International Youth Hostel – right in the centre of town, with an awesome late-night bar and spacious rooms.

6. Munich, Germany

Bavaria’s capital has a special winter charm to it, making it one of Germany’s top winter destinations. Munich typically attracts tourists for Oktoberfest, but you’ll love the absence of crowds here in winter. There’s plenty to do around town, whether you’re into art galleries, museums, or just general sightseeing.

We suggest visiting Munich’s Alt Stadt and taking in the sights of Marienplatz and the Neo-Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall). Alternatively, there are several museums and galleries you can spend your days at as well.

One of our favourite things to do here in winter is ice skate on the frozen canals. On a sunny day—or any day really—it’s a great activity to do, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the Nymphenburg Palace. And if you want to go back to your childhood, go sledging at one of the parks in the city. There’s also plenty of space to build a snowman!

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

Munich, Germany. Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

Where to Stay

If you’re visiting Munich, then book your bed at the Euro Youth Hotel which has a central location and an awesome guest bar. It’s the best place in town!

7. Warsaw, Poland

The last place on our winter destinations in Europe list is Warsaw. Poland’s capital is packed full of atmosphere in the winter, especially if you manage to visit around Christmas. The historical Old Town is particularly photogenic in winter, and we encourage you to find a cosy cafe in the afternoon to escape the cold. Be sure to also visit the Royal Castle, the Church of St. Martin, and the Chopin Museum for music lovers.

With it’s urban nightlife, hip bars, and plenty of tasty restaurants; there’s lots to enjoy on a cold day. The Praga district is where everything seems to be happening. East of the river, you’ll find the arty Zabkowska Street, with plenty of alternative bars. If you’re more into cafes and shops, we recommend exploring the Mokotow neighbourhood. So, pack your warmest coat on and get cosy in Warsaw!

Photo by Elijah G on Unsplash

Warsaw, Poland—Photo by Elijah G on Unsplash

Where to Stay

If you’re heading to Warsaw, then don’t miss out on staying at Oki Doki Hostel – it’s brimming with character and right in the centre of all the action!

7 Amazing Winter Destinations in Europe

We hope you enjoyed our guide to 7 amazing winter destinations in Europe! Experiencing the magic of winter on the Old Continent is a bucket list item for many, and we’re certain you’ll love every minute here.

If you need more information to help you plan your vacation, click here for a range of helpful tips, city guides, food guides, and more. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on InstagramFacebook, and Youtube.

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