The best places to visit in Europe for a winter getaway
It can be easy to think of summer holidays soaking up the sun, perhaps on the beach or by the pool, when a holiday tour of Europe is mentioned. However, the arrival of autumn doesn’t mean a holiday on the continent is no longer an option. In fact, I have enjoyed many a Christmas Market jaunt in December to places like Cologne, Stockholm and Copenhagen (check out this great walking route).
Have you considered a European winter holiday? With many countries coming into their own during the winter months, it can be a great, quieter time to visit.
Read on to learn more about the countries that are a must-see during the colder months.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is becoming a go-to travel destination, with its popularity rising in recent years. Although the city is wonderful to see in the summer, it transforms into a winter wonderland that oozes culture and tradition in the winter.
Visit the famous City Park Ice Rink situated in front of the Vajdahunyad Castle and try your hand at skating under the stars. If you find that soaking in all the atmosphere is becoming a little chilly, take a trip to the famous Széchenyi Baths, where a dip in winter will be a memorable experience.
Rovaniemi, Finland
It’s hard not to get excited for Christmas, especially when winter approaches. So why not go one step further and visit Rovaniemi in Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus?
Not only is Rovaniemi a place for children to experience the magic of Christmas, but there’s also plenty for adults too. Take a trip and cross the Arctic Circle on foot, by snowmobile or on a husky sled and spend the night in a glass igloo admiring the stars.
Venice, Italy
Visit Venice in the winter season to avoid the huge crowds that gather during the summer – the overcrowding that comes from cruise ships and day-trippers are nowhere to be seen. Instead, Venice is a place of calm, allowing you to take in the beautiful history and culture the city has to offer.
Stand on the Rialto Bridge and photograph an uninterrupted view, moving on to see Venetian daily life in action as you wander the back streets. The city livens up again in February for The Carnival of Venice, where traditional costumes and masks are worn in celebrations across the city. For the best of the carnival, head to St Mark’s Square.
Bruges, Belgium
Resembling magical scenes from classic Christmas cards, the UNESCO world heritage site of Bruges offers chocolate box houses and idyllic canals. Take a trip to Bruges Market Square and climb the steps to the top of the Belfry of Bruges, where you are greeted with a 360-degree view of the city.
