Europe In Winter: Places To Visit & Things To Do In- 2024
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Europe in Winter: A Complete Guide For A Trip

Winter in Europe is the best time to enjoy the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains and explore the charming villages illuminated by Christmas lights. The layers of white snow and short days give you the chance to enjoy winter activities like searching for the northern lights. Winter in Europe ranges from November to February with very cold weather and snowfall.

Since this is the off-season you can visit cultural sites, grand cities and beautiful villages with fewer queues. In December and January, the continent is lit up with holiday lights and festive celebrations. Sweden, Finland, and Karkow are some of the good places to visit in Europe in winter. In winter you can get to see northern lights in Sweden and enjoy dog-sledding in Finland.

With our handcrafted Europe travel packages, you can have an incredible European holiday embracing the snowy weather and exploring the popular attractions in solitude. You can marvel at Istanbul’s snow-topped mosques and palaces, enjoy alfresco evenings on the colourful streets of Lisbon, and float along the mist-shrouded canals of Venice. So pack your bags and head to Europe in winter to have a crowd-free exploration and soak in the festive vibe.
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Essential Information About Europe In Winter

01

Weather Conditions of Europe In Winter

November to February marks the winter in Europe with cold weather and very less crowds. The weather conditions of Europe in winter vary depending on the region. In Western Europe average temperature is around 0-5°C with rare chances of snowfall. Central Europe experiences snowfall in winter and the average temperature ranges from 0-5°C.

Southern Europe remains the warmest in winter with the average temperature ranging from 9-15°C. Northern Europe remains the coldest in winter with the average temperature ranging from -4-5°C. The entire Northern Europe gets blanketed with snow in the winter.

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Places To Visit In Europe In Winter

02

Istanbul

Istanbul comes alive during the winter season with beautiful decorations, holiday markets, and a festive atmosphere. You can visit popular attractions such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia without worrying about the summer crowds. Relieve yourself from the cold weather by enjoying Turkish coffee at the local cafes.

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03

Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter as the weather is pleasant and the days are sunny. It has many attractions like the Costa da Caparica and Lisbon Castle São Jorge from where you can soak in the winter sun. You can drink warm wine, enjoy ice skating, explore the Christmas markets, or celebrate Three Kings’ Day.

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04

Madrid

Madrid offers the best winter travel in Europe as the crowd is very small at most of the attractions and the weather is mild. You can warm up with hot chocolate and churros and buy traditional Spanish items from the Christmas markets. If it is cold or snowy outside, you can visit the Reina Sofia or Prado museum and see the famous artwork.

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05

London

The cold air, festive markets, and beautiful lights make London one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter. You can meet Santa Claus and elves at Hamleys, enjoy a thermal bath at the spa centres, and attend the Winter Wonderland festival. For an amazing ice skating experience you can head to the Somerset House and Canary Wharf.

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06

Paris

Paris is one of the best Europe winter destinations with world-class museums, iconic landmarks and Michelin-star restaurants. It is a shopper’s paradise with high end boutiques and flea markets where you can buy designer labels and daily utility items. You can see outstanding art collections at the Musée d’Orsay and enjoy a picnic by the Eiffel Tower.

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07

Reykjavík

The capital and largest city of Iceland, Reykjavík is nestled on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, in southwestern Iceland. Founded by the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson in 874, this city was just a small fishing village until the 20th century. The city was granted municipal and administrative powers in 1786 and it was declared the capital of Iceland in 1918. At present, Reykjavík is an important fishing port and the cultural, industrial, and commercial hub of the country.

The beauty of Reykjavík lies in its scenic natural beauty and intoxicating nightlife culture. The colourful traditional houses, quaint cafes, and lush public gardens add to the appeal of this flamboyant city.

One of the main attractions of the city of Reykjavík is its pristine swimming pools. Some of the top pools that you can head to for a refreshing dive include Laugardalslaug pool, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, and Nautholsvik. Other prime places of interest in Reykjavík include the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Harpa Concert Hall and Old Harbor, and the Statue of Leif Eiriksson.

While you are in Reykjavík, you can engage in a myriad of exciting activities. You can enjoy shopping at the Kolaportið Flea Market, go whale watching, and take a Northern Lights tour. You can also relax in one of the public parks or spend some time at the Reykjavík Art Gallery.

Reykjavík experiences a subpolar oceanic climate with cool summers and colder winters. The most ideal time to visit Reykjavik is between June and August, when the weather is balmy and you can experience the ‘Midnight Sun’

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08

Zurich

Zurich is a place that conjures up images of breathtaking & unspoiled beauty of the stunning Swiss meadows, alpine forests, mighty Alps, and pristine mountain lakes. The city is forked into two by River Zurich into the Old and New Town areas. The Old Town is dotted with centuries-old churches, cobbled streets, and residences belonging to the Renaissance era. Due to its proximity to France, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein, you will see beautiful imprints of these cultures on the architecture here.

You will find the world’s largest clock tower here and a shopping street that’s amongst the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping destinations.Zurich has beautifully balanced its rich cultural heritage with modernity and houses over 50 museums, art galleries, theatres, and a library that is considered to be the most beautiful in the world. It has some of the most stunning gardens, riverside promenades, hilly vantage points, perfect for a dream Swiss vacation. 

What is a Swiss vacation if you don’t try the famous chocolates! Zurich is known as the chocolate capital of Switzerland and certainly knows how to craft the best chocolates on the planet. Where else will you find a truffle that takes a whole year to make! Zurich also has many Michelin star restaurants that serve hearty and exotic dishes for an amazing fine dining experience.  For those who love to let their hair down, Zurich matches your verve with its spirit to party. It is dotted with amazing places great for ending a day with the best of drinks and snacks.

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09

Berlin

Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is located in the centre of the North German Plain. It is a popular tourist destination having exciting activities for people of all ages to indulge in. The city is widely known for its historic Berlin Wall built in 1961 dividing the city into East Berlin and West Berlin. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city strongly built itself up as one unified region and has since flourished in every aspect from innovations to culture preservation.

The city of Berlin is filled with beautiful sites, buildings, historic monuments, and natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of classic and modern art which is one of the top reasons for drawing millions of visitors every year. Whether you love science, art, history, culture, food, nightlife, or natural beauty, there’s nothing that Berlin can’t offer.

The German capital is a mecca for art and history lovers with a myriad of historical landmarks to explore and art museums to admire. Not only is it blessed with a rich history, but the city is also famous for its modern-day infrastructures and tons of exciting activities such as adventure sports, water sports, and theme parks.

There are so many activities for locals and tourists to partake in, in Berlin. The city is well-connected with transportation systems such as subways, public buses, taxis, and car rentals which makes it easily accessible. You can shop, dine, attend live shows, gallivant around the streets, explore museums, and more on your holiday trip to Berlin with your loved ones.

The weather in Berlin varies from season to season. During the summer, Berlin’s average temperature ranges between 24 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius and is the much preferred season for tourism. Winter in Berlin could get harsh for those who are not used to snowfall as the temperature ranges between 9 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius.

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10

Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway. This is popular for its Viking history, culture, and traditions. There are many international museums here that provide natural beauty. There are many places for walking and hiking trails in this city. You can hike in the forests, lakes, and many other hiking spots in and around the city. This city is popular for its nightlife.

This is one of the most scenic Scandinavian destinations. Moose are the most common animals spotted in winter. This is a city that has Norway's wolf reserve. There are many archipelagos and islands nearby. The climate is usually warm and winter has snow.

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11

Zermatt

This charming alpine village lies at the foot of one of the most mystical and majestic mountains of Switzerland- The Matterhorn. Zermatt.One of the most impressive places to visit in Switzerland, Zermatt is famous for its rugged untouched beauty that’s so peaceful and calm that it will take you away from all your worldly problems. This is mostly because Zermatt is a car-free village and its beauty can be savoured leisurely on foot, horse-driven carriages, electric cars, and gondolas. 

In the old village area, there are as many as 30 ancient buildings including granaries that depict the traditional way of living of mountain communities. This area also has a beautiful ancient church, Mountaineer’s cemetery, and a museum dedicated to mountaineering. The village streets are dotted with cafes with flower-lined walls in typical Swiss style. It is an amazing experience as you tuck into delicate pastries, cheese, and coffee while looking onto the Matterhorn, looming just miles away. 

Travellers from all over the world visit Gornergrat, the sun-drenched observation deck that offers one of the finest views of over 38 thirteen-thousanders and 14 glaciers including Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, and the Gorner Glacier. The ride to this deck, in a glass cable car, is as exciting as the destination itself. This is where Europe’s highest hotel, the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, is located. No visit to Zermatt is complete without venturing into the breathtaking mountainside. Zermatt is one of the few places in Switzerland where you can get up close with wild Ibex and visit a village consisting entirely of igloos. This is the place where you can get direct access to miles of pristine skiing pistes and paragliding points. Zermatt is also one of the places that offer unforgettable dining experiences.

Whether it is authentic Swiss mountainside cuisine in rustic cafes, or award-winning restaurants serving hearty meals with the most exquisite of ingredients, or having a meal in a sky-high gondola ride while enjoying the sunrise or the moonlight, the choices here are endless. Zermatt, due to its location, enjoys extremely pleasant weather throughout the year. In summers, the days are cloudy and the temperatures average at around 22°C. The winters are long and harsh, with snowfall almost daily. 

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12

Interlaken

Interlaken is a quintessential Swiss town that sits in the lap of the majestic Alps. The long-fabled mountains surrounding the town have welcomed visitors for over a hundred years, making Interlaken the much-visited destination that it is today. The unparalleled scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps along with its rich culture and a very quaint, small-town vibe make Interlaken a holiday-maker's paradise.

From it's azure lakes to snow-capped mountains, Interlaken has a lot to offer! The old heart of the town, its centre is dotted with buildings that date back centuries. You can walk past old hotels, quirky cafes and chocolate making workshops here. Just like the rest of Switzerland, Interlaken also has an enviable variety of cheese that you must try. As far as culture is concerned, Interlaken has loads of it, including ancient musical instruments, colourful traditional dresses and local food. If you are lucky, you will be able to have a glimpse into all of these on a walk through the town.

If you love nature and would love to go on hikes and treks on your trip to Interlaken, then you have landed at the right place. You can catch one of over 45 cable cars that leave from Interlaken and get off at a different destination, allowing you access to hundreds of trails, summits, cliff-fronts, caves, waterfalls and more! There are trails that would take you through old villages, trails that run along Lakeshores and trails that go up the mountain tops. Whether you are here to enjoy the luxurious holiday destination of the Victorians or want to get your heart pumping with some amazing adventure sports, Interlaken has everything.

You can stand at the highest point of the continent or float down rivers, you can enjoy a private spa by a lake or glide through the air. Its beautiful landscape is steeped in history, myth, and legend and you will find everything from dragons to castles and old convents here.  Interlaken has something for everyone!

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Things To Do In Europe In Winter

13

Explore Budapest, Hungary

Budapest turns into a fairytale world during the winter with adorable Christmas markets and snow-capped rooftop restaurants. You can glide across the ice at the City Park Ice Rink and enjoy thermal baths at Széchenyi or Gellért. Head to the top of the Buda Castle and see the city blanketed in layers of snow.

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14

Visit Prague, Czechia

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Prague’s architectural wonders and explore the cobbled streets of Mala Strana as the city looks dreamy with festive lights. You can take advantage of the long winter evenings to admire the snow-covered Baroque statues from the Charles Bridge. Warm up with delicious Czech cuisine at traditional restaurants and cosy cafes.

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15

Have Fun in Munich, Germany

Revel in the holiday cheer by visiting Munich’s Christmas markets which are beautifully decorated and offer a wide selection of tasty delicacies. You can enjoy a special concert in the Cuvilliès Theatre or at the Imperial Hall. Lace-up your skates and head to the Frozen Nymphenburg Castle Canal to have the best ice skating experience.

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16

Visit Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen in winter turns into a fairytale land with beautifully decorated streets, vibrant cafes, and seasonal gastronomic delights. Stroll along Nyhavn’s cobbled streets, see the Little Mermaid statue and explore the Tivoli Gardens. You can visit The National Gallery of Denmark or The National Museum to get away from the cold weather.

Must Read: Europe In December
17

Admire The beauty of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Admire the beauty of Amsterdam in winter aboard a canal cruise boat that will take you through historic bridges and waterfront homes. Wander through the Christmas markets at Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein and marvel at the light installations. Attend the Amsterdam Light Festival to view the illuminated artworks and dazzling light installations.

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People Also Ask About Turkey

  1. Is Winter a good time to visit Europe?

    Yes, Winter is a good time to visit Europe as the entire continent comes alive with festive vibes and Christmas markets. Since the crowd is less during winter in Europe you can get a good discount on accommodation and flights. The crowd is fewer than in the peak season at most of the attractions making it the best winter travel in Europe.
  2. How many days are enough to explore Europe?

    7 to 8 days are enough to explore specific regions of Europe like Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, or the Alps. 3-5 days are enough if you want to explore one or two European cities. For multi-country tours of Europe in winter, you’ll need to have at least 10-14 days on your hand.
  3. How can I enjoy Europe in winter?

    You can enjoy Europe in winter by visiting the Christmas markets and soaking in the festive vibes. Try out the gastronomic delights, enjoy ice skating at the ice rinks, and admire the vibrant cities blanketed in ice. You can also enjoy a thermal bath and chase the northern light in Europe's winter.
  4. How to reach Europe?

    By Air: Direct flights are available from main Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai to European cities like Rome in Italy, Paris in France, London in England and more. Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, KLM, and Swiss International Airlines operate regular flights from India to Europe. It takes around 8 to 12 hours to reach Europe from India by flight.
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