Europe is always fascinating for tourists from all around the world. They mostly visit Europe during summer or springtime, when the weather is warm and sunny. But some people also like exploring Europe when it is colder, as some places in Europe become magical during that time. If they are lucky, they will see some snow and marvel at this beautiful peaceful white coat. Here are 10 beautiful winter destinations in Europe.
1. Zermatt
The small town of Zermatt is well-known as a great place for skiing, climbing, and hiking. The resort lies right below the iconic Matterhorn peak and will give you a beautiful view of the mountains.
2. Rovaniemi
A very popular place in Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village which was opened back in 1985. The first original home of Santa Claus was Korvatunturi. In 1985, Rovaniemi was declared as the official hometown of Santa Claus. There are some nice beautiful attractions to see, like the Arctic Circle, Santa’s House of Snowmobiles, Santa Claus’s Office, and the Northern Lights.
3. Naples
Naples is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan. During the summer this place is always crowded but during the winter it is a bit quiet and calm. Don’t forget to visit the main square called Piazza del Plebiscito and the ancient Roman town of Pompei located only a few kilometres away from Naples.
4. Bruges
Bruges is an amazing city to visit not only during the summer, spring or autumn but also in winter. Bruges is also known as the “Venice of the North” because there are a lot of small and picturesque canals. Once directly connected with the sea, the gradual silting occurring since around 1050 has caused the city to lose its direct access to the sea. The typical Flemish houses and old canals make Bruges fascinating. Bruges is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Don’t forget to taste the winter drink “hot wine”, the Belgian waffle and the Belgian hot Chocolate.
5. Budapest
As the capital city of Hungary, Budapest is also a famous tourist destination in Europe. This ancient city has many nice places to visit like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Parliament building.
6. Hallstatt
Beside Vienna in Austria, Hallstatt is also very popular to visit during the winter, why? Because you will feel like in the movie “Frozen” from Disney thanks to the combination of white snow, the lake and the mountains which make a perfect postcard.
7. Krakow
Krakow is the second-largest cities in Poland, and one of the oldest. From the end of November till the beginning of January, there is a Christmas market in the center of Krakow: the right place to buy Christmas gifts. Besides that, you can also visit the city, explore the old town and the Wawel castle covered in snow.
8. Prague
Prague is beautiful to visit in any season, no bad time to visit this ancient city in the Czech Republic. The famous Charles Bridge is always stunning during the winter covered with snow. But it is very cold… Don’t forget your coat!
9. Sibiu
Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, central Romania. The city is known for its Germanic architecture. In the old town, the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers must be visited during the winter because you will have a beautiful experience seeing the city in white. If you go back in the summer, you will notice the difference. You can visit the Valley of the Fairies Clay Castle and try to stay in the “Ice Hotel” in Bâlea. Don’t forget to bring your garlic, in case you meet… Dracula.
10. Nurnberg
Germany has many beautiful places to visit in any season, and Nurnberg is definitely one of them! Nurnberg is the second-largest city of the German federal state of Bavaria after its capital Munich. During the winter you can visit the toy museum, explore the Christmas market, and discover the local food.
