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When touring as a pair, you’re all the time looking out for essentially the most romantic locations. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of romantic locations in Europe and they’re at their greatest within the wintertime. Europe in winter is extremely magical.
Is Europe residence to a number of the greatest romantic winter getaways? We assume so. There’s one thing enchanting about these elegant previous cities bedecked with snow, or the mountains glistening within the winter daylight. Europe abounds with appeal in all seasons, however this one offers all the pieces a shimmering high quality.
We requested a number of of our fellow vacationers to share their favourite and most highly-recommended locations for Europe in winter. There are 15 cozy, snowy locations under which might be positive to satisfy your wintry expectations, and make excellent locations for 2.
PS: Check out the greatest fall European locations as nicely.
Romantic Europe in Winter Destinations
Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is really magical in winter. This historical area in Romania is characterised by majestic mountains, swathes of unspoilt forest and time-warped villages, all of which yow will discover lined in deep snow within the winter months.
Besides being identified for its lovely Carpathian Mountains and blood-sucking creatures, Transylvania can also be residence to the most important brown bear inhabitants in Europe.
Wolves, lynx and chamois, amongst different species, additionally reside within the Carpathians. Thus, not solely is Transylvania a tremendous place to go to in winter, however additionally it is the proper vacation spot for wildlife lovers.
You can hike by way of distant villages within the mountains, go on a bear-spotting tour within the forest, and simply take up staggering views of alpine meadows underneath a blanket of snow.
If you’re not precisely thrilled by the prospect of encountering a wild brown bear, you’ll be able to head to Libearty Bear Sanctuary to see these lovely creatures in a safer surroundings. The sanctuary consists of 160 acres of oak forest, the place bears which were rescued from captivity are free to roam.
Finally, ensure you spend a day or two in Brasov, the place you’ll be able to discover the colorful previous city and immerse your self within the native café scene.
Oh, and naturally – don’t neglect to pay a go to to Dracula at Bran Castle.
-Daniela, Grumpy Camel
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled on the foot of the eternally snow-capped Swiss Alps, Zermatt as one of the superb winter spots in Europe contains a backdrop of the favored Matterhorn peak that impressed the Toblerone brand and, in fact, the perfect and constant slopes of snow excellent for every kind of winter actions.
Zermatt is the best ski resort in Europe and ensures snow all all year long, which implies limitless enjoyable for followers of winter actions. Zermatt has 360km of pistes alongside scenic landscapes that may even take you to Italy!
The lengthy path presents tons of actions particularly throughout winter akin to sledding, snowboarding and snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, ski excursions, and free using.
There are completely different pistes excellent for each talent stage – whether or not you’re a newbie or superior. Beginners can take pleasure in secure and broad areas whereas gaining confidence within the snow.
Sunegga space is ideal for rookies for its gradual piste with loads of cable automobiles or lifts to take folks on prime. Advanced skiers love the completely different terrains that provide technical issue. Triftji is very identified for its moguls.
If you aren’t into snowboarding, you gained’t get bored at this winter paradise. You can go mountaineering and snowshoeing alongside picturesque trails. Mountain excursions are additionally provided by many tour companies within the city. If you’ve got an additional money, ebook a helicopter flight for a sightseeing tour from above.
Likewise, you can too tour the village on foot or by electrical autos.
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge on this planet, referred to as Charles Kuonen Hangebrucke, is sort of 500 meters lengthy with a top of 85 meters from the valley under. This connects Zermatt to the close by city of Randa and presents incredible views of the Swiss Alps alongside the way in which.
There are loads of different issues that make Zermatt one of the superb winter spots in Europe.
The city itself is cozy and quaint with a whole lot of outlets and eating places providing treats, particularly throughout chilly winters. Sip a sizzling chocolate and bask in heat fondue whereas having fun with the views of the Matterhorn Peak and the remainder of the Swiss Alps.
-Karolina, KarolinaPatryk.com
Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine is definitely one of the underrated locations in Europe throughout winter. People mechanically assume that Ukraine is an icebox throughout this time of yr and whereas they’re usually proper, the quantity of appeal and peacefulness town possesses throughout a heavy snowfall and chilly winter is unparalleled to every other European metropolis I’ve ever been in.
The Ukrainian capital metropolis and residential of golden domes look ravishing within the winter and whereas the terraces and cafes all transfer to turn out to be cozy indoor institutions, they’re nonetheless worthy of visiting and locking your self in for hours to take pleasure in.
Ukrainian meals is hearty, heavy, and the proper delicacies to take pleasure in in the course of the winter months. There is nothing higher than Ukrainian borscht with a aspect of vareniki in January when you expertise the Orthodox New Year that takes place in January as an alternative of December. The New Year in Kyiv can also be magnificent and deserves extra consideration than it at the moment receives.
Many folks shun touring to Kyiv in winter however I feel it must be skilled by everybody pending they costume for it. Eastern Europe merely shines throughout these months and it’s the greatest time to satisfy locals inside at a restaurant or bar.
-Megan, MeganStarr.com
Yorkshire, UK
If your thought of the proper winter day is sitting by a roaring hearth in a comfy pub with a glass of wine, then you want to go to Yorkshire. Yorkshire, UK is a winter wonderland stuffed with beautiful surroundings, quaint cafes and pubs, and the occasional fort.
In December, you’ll discover Christmas markets and mulled wine; then, because the New Year rolls in, issues calm down and the Yorkshire countryside turns into nearly nonetheless with silence, creating the proper vacation spot for a romantic getaway.
The cities, akin to York and Leeds, supply ice skating, Christmas gentle shows, and winter-themed occasions, however the countryside is the place you actually really feel the romantic Europe in winter vibes.
Given the unreliable English climate, snow isn’t a assure when visiting Yorkshire within the winter. However, the welcoming environment of the countryside and the coziness of the pubs will leaving you feeling such as you’re hiding out in the course of a snowstorm, anyway.
For an actual winter expertise, rent a cottage within the Yorkshire Dales, or deal with your self to a luxurious resort, such because the Black Swan in Helmsley. You’ll shortly end up wanting to remain in Yorkshire endlessly!
-Kelly & Sean, A Pair of Passports
Bansko, Bulgaria
The mountain city of Bansko, Bulgaria is an outstanding place to spend winter in Europe. There’s nice surroundings, fabulous meals and the most affordable snowboarding in Europe – plus you get pure sizzling spring baths right here.
You’ll discover Bansko simply 2 hours from Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia and sitting on the sting of the Pirin National Park.
The previous city is full of very good mehanas – or conventional eating places, the place the superb Bulgarian meals will preserve you heat together with the nice wine and roaring fires.
There’s snowboarding, snowboarding and snowshoeing for the winter sports activities lovers, in addition to an amazing household environment.
Bansko is likely one of the least expensive locations to ski in Europe, so this gained’t damage your pockets and there are additionally many low-cost flight airways that come into Sofia and Bulgaria’s second metropolis Plovdiv too.
You’ll wish to examine into one of many many spas out there within the town- nice magnificence remedies for a fraction of what you’ll spend somewhere else in Europe – after which calm down within the sizzling swimming pools additionally out there round city.
-Sarah Carter, ASocialNomad
Paris, France
There’s one thing magical about Paris in winter: town manages to really feel each a bit cozier and a bit extra mysterious than in the summertime, and to be colourful and pleasant regardless of the omnipresent grey skies.
It’s true–Paris doesn’t have the most effective popularity for winter climate, and also you shouldn’t plan on any sunshine to your go to. But a winter journey to Paris comes with a aspect of romance and a steaming cup of sizzling chocolate, and it’s completely definitely worth the go to.
During your winter journey to Paris, make certain go ice skating in entrance of the Eiffel Tower, try the Christmas tree at Notre Dame, admire the unimaginable Christmas decor at Galeries Lafayette, sip sizzling chocolate at Angelina, to twist up with a ebook at Shakespeare & Company or Abbey Books, and heat your arms with a contemporary crepe purchased on the road.
Strolling the streets of Marais and Montmartre isn’t much less enjoyable as a result of chilly–a heat coat and comfortable scarf preserve you feeling cozy, and the vacancy of the streets offers the entire metropolis a gorgeous ambiance.
And, in fact, chilly winter climate in Paris doesn’t dampen a few of its greatest sights: wish to stroll proper into the Louvre with out the crowds? Consider visiting on a chilly winter night, and admiring the glow of the well-known pyramid by way of the home windows when you admire a number of the world’s greatest artwork.
-Kate, Our Escape Clause
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia’s pleasant capital metropolis, is a shocking mixture of previous world appeal and post-Communist optimism. While many who come to Belgrade take into consideration its lovely rivers and expansive inexperienced area, winter in Belgrade presents the possibility to understand how cozy town is.
One of my favourite issues to do in Belgrade to flee the chilly is to go to the Hotel Moskva. While practically all vacationers in Belgrade will spot this lovely resort on a strolling tour or whereas visiting close by Terazije Boulevard, few know {that a} go to inside is a should! Especially when its chilly outdoors.
Here you’ll be able to deal with your self to the Moskva Schnitt, a pleasant cherry and almond cake created on the resort. It has since turn out to be a well-known Serbian dessert. They actually have a wine pairing listing to go along with your cake.
Is there a greater approach to escape the chilly than cake and wine?
Some of my different favourite issues to do in Belgrade when its chilly out is to understand Belgrade’s superb restaurant scene. Taste a few of Serbia’s hearty delicacies, which incorporates a whole lot of grilled sausages and fried meals. Try Karadjordjeva, a steak which is each stuffed and fried.
At the top of a day of chilly web site seeing, take the chance to heat up in Rakia Bar, a quiet however cool bar that serves…you guessed it…rakia!
This liquor, which could be wherever from forty to sixty % alcohol by quantity, is assured to place some hearth in your stomach.
-Stephanie, Sofia Adventures
Swedish Lapland
f you’re searching for a incredible vacation spot to spend winter in Europe, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with Swedish Lapland! The far Arctic North is extra accessible than you may assume, with inexpensive flights a number of occasions a day from Stockholm and a wide range of lodging choices to go well with most budgets.
Kiruna is the gateway to Swedish Lapland however I feel it’s best to remain within the mountain city of Abisko, about one hour away by practice.
There, you’ll be able to snowshoe or cross nation ski by way of lovely Abisko National Park, or just hike by way of the snow to see some lovely frozen waterfalls. You may even ice climb up these with the assistance of a educated information!
Another incredible winter exercise you shouldn’t miss is dogsledding with a staff of huskies.
While some animal encounters are questionable, there’s merely no denying how a lot these huskies like to get their every day runs – it’s actually what they have been bred to do! It’s additionally not a passive exercise the place you might be getting carted round by the canine, however it’s really fairly exhausting as it’s important to put in a whole lot of work to assist the canine and steer the sled.
It’s superb how briskly you’ll be able to go and it’s in all probability one of the enjoyable issues I’ve ever completed.
Finally, in fact, there are the spectacular Northern lights With an 80% probability to see the lights in Abisko throughout a 3-night winter keep, you might be very prone to see them – I noticed them on all 3 nights after I was there!
-Allison, Eternal Arrival
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a gorgeous fairytale city in Bohemia, within the south of the Czech Republic.
Cesky Krumlov has been lovingly restored to its former glory after falling into disrepair after World War II and is classed by UNESCO as an excellent instance of a small Central European city relationship from the Middle Ages.
Cesky Krumlov is price a go to any time of yr, however within the winter the crowds are a lot fewer, so you’ll be able to benefit from the slim streets and picturesque views in relative peace and quiet.
Unfortunately, some components of the fort gardens and different out of doors actions are closed in the course of the winter, however if you’re fortunate sufficient to get some snow, a glittery white overlaying makes Cesky Krumlov much more magical.
You can simply take a day journey to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, or when you have time then I extremely suggest spending the night time so you’ll be able to discover the city by night time as nicely. There is lots to do in Cesky Krumlov, regardless of its small measurement.
The primary attraction is Cesky Krumlov fort which watches over the city. You can climb pay to enter the fort and go to the rooms or discover the fort grounds without cost.
There are nice views of Cesky Krumlov from outdoors the fort gardens, or you’ll be able to climb the fort tower for a small price to get even greater.
As nicely because the fort, you’ll be able to take a strolling tour to get to know the city and go to a number of museums and historic buildings just like the Church of St Vitus and the Egon Schiele Museum.
-Claire Sturzaker, Tales of a Backpacker
Durbuy, Belgium
Winter in Europe is an excellent expertise for we Americans. First, the celebration of Christmas extends manner additional by comparability, which all the time brings extra cheer so far as we’re involved.
Secondly, the previous world lends itself to the season in a romantic manner akin to scenes we had solely imagined in our minds by way of books, music, and films.
To us, Durbuy within the Ardenne area of Belgium encapsulates the aforementioned.
Slate gray stone homes, thatched rooves lined with snow, candles burning by the window, wreaths hung by the door, ponds froze, and the scent of fireplaces throughout. This is the magical feeling one receives as they first enter this unequaled Belgian city.
For a few years it was thought-about the smallest city on this planet. It has grown all through the centuries and has misplaced this declare, however it does carry the proud distinction of being a World Heritage Site. However, it’s nonetheless not massive by any means. Put it this manner, we couldn’t our automobile down sure streets as they weren’t constructed massive sufficient for contemporary autos.
Replete with a fort (Castle of Count d’Ursel) on prime of a hill, wanting over the city under, Durbuy could be the setting for a lot of kids’s books.
At night time, wanting from the skin, in, eating places look extra like dwelling rooms with a fire within the background, reasonably than a proper place to eat. Makes one really feel they’ve been invited to somebody’s home.
There is a brewery (La Ferme au Chêne) the place the identical 14th Century methodology continues to be used. There are essentially the most charming outlets conceivable and small medieval streets to match, Rue des Récollets being one in every of them.
Durbuy is nothing wanting magical, particularly throughout a winter {couples} journey.
-Andrew & Brenda, Dish Our Town
Budapest, Hungary
If you’re searching for the proper winter wonderland vacation spot in Europe, then Budapest may very nicely be the reply.
The Hungarian capital is steadily rising in recognition as a incredible metropolis to go to within the peak summer season months, nevertheless, visiting Budapest within the winter can supply so much to travellers with solely a fraction of the crowds.
Also, on account of the truth that winter is the low season on this space of the world, travelling presently makes it extremely straightforward to go to Budapest on a price range.
If you go to in December, you’ll be able to count on a lot of incredible Christmas markets to have popped up — essentially the most well-known of which is located in entrance of St Stephen’s Basilica on the Pest aspect of town.
These markets are filled with vacation cheer, together with native handicrafts to browse, stalls hawking roasted chestnuts and Hungarian avenue meals, and ample quantities of mulled wine that’s positive to take the sting off of even the coldest of winter days.
If you wish to heat up even additional, head to one of many many bathhouses which might be located all through town — the geothermally heated waters don’t cool off within the winter months!
If it’s winter sports activities actions that you’re after, then there are quite a few ice skating rinks open all through Budapest and additionally it is potential to take a day journey to some close by mountains and benefit from some inexpensive snowboarding.
Budapest’s well-known wreck bars are additionally open all through the winter so should you’re eager to expertise the legendary nightlife town has to supply, it doesn’t need to be placed on maintain for the hotter months!
All of the actions mixed with the truth that the Hungarian capital appears to be like maybe much more lovely lined in a layer of snow make Budapest the perfect vacation spot for a European winter escape.
-Maggie, The World Was Here First
Vasilitsa, Greece
Greece might be not the primary place that involves thoughts when planning snowy winter {couples} getaways in Europe. But with over eighty % of the nation’s floor lined by mountains and hills and 24 ski resorts scattered throughout the nation, it’s really an superior selection.
Vasilitsa is my favourite among the many Greek ski resorts. It lies within the wild and unspoiled mountains of Northern Pindos on the borders of Makedonia and Epirus with a number of peaks rising to an altitude nicely over 2000 meters.
Don’t count on a state-of-the-art ski resort with tons of of kilometers of slopes and large chalets you already know from the Alps. Vasilitsa is all about peaceable mountainscapes, snow wrapped pine bushes lining the slopes and sleepy mountain villages offering all the mandatory facilities.
The ski resort of Vasilitsa, even when smaller and barely retro, can cater to all of the wants of a mean skier or snowboarder. It consists of seven lifts, 16 tracks and uncountable off-piste alternatives making it a favourite among the many Greek snowboarders.
It has tools leases, ski faculty and a few cafés all wrapped up in small, cute, picket sheds on the backside station of the lifts.
And when the solar lastly goes down and the lifts shut up for the day you’ll get a chance to expertise the scrumptious native meals and bespoke Greek hospitality in one of many cozy taverns at close by mountain villages of Distrato, Smixi, and others.
-Helena, Just for One Summer
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Norway’s Lofoten Islands are a extremely popular summer season vacation spot for Norwegians and different vacationers. Hiking is ample as is swimming and fishing.
But what about winter? When the islands are blanketed in snow and it’s darkish for 20 hours of the day with the solar barely making it above the horizon, what’s there to do?
Well, quite a bit really. Just ensure you get your self some wheels. Because this place calls for to be explored.
The archipelago that makes up Lofoten consists of round 8 main islands and several other smaller ones. The islands are conveniently linked by bridges and tunnels making it potential to traverse its entire size through the extremely picturesque E10, a delegated National Tourist Route.
Even in winter, this route makes the entire of the archipelago accessible. And every village you go to appears impossibly prettier than the final.
You may even be taught to surf right here if browsing in icy waters is your factor and also you’re not scared off by snow blanketed seashores. Rest assured although, the water is simply too chilly for sharks.
One of essentially the most compelling causes to go to this staggeringly fairly place in winter is to see the Northern Lights.
The vibrant dancing lights of the aurora are the results of electrically charged particles from the solar smashing into the earth’s environment producing a celestial phenomenon that needs to be seen no less than as soon as in your lifetime.
And given the size of the darkness in winter your likelihood is greater of witnessing this spectacular occasion.
-Julie, NOMAD/nester
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is a gorgeous mountain city positioned within the South of Poland, on the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It is stuffed with lovely surroundings all yr spherical, however it turns right into a magical snow-covered wonderland in the course of the Winter.
Whether you might be searching for a break to calm down and simply benefit from the surroundings, or wanting ahead to an adventure-filled vacation, Zakopane is the place to be.
Walking the streets and having fun with the views to the mountains, the quaint outlets, and exquisite structure is a gorgeous expertise by itself. The environment appears to be straight taken away from a Christmas film!
To add, there are many experiences to have relying on what you might be searching for: a standard market, museums, limitless views, Winter sports activities, and beautiful hikes.
Some of the issues to do while you go to Zakopane: take the cable automobile to Gubalowka and Kasprowy Wierch to completely recognize the mountain views, hike to the Morskie Oko, and take a look at oscypek – scrumptious grilled smoked sheep cheese, served with cranberry sauce.
-Maria & Rui, Two Find a Way
Zagreb, Croatia
Being pronounced the most effective Christmas market in Europe for the final three years in a row, Zagreb is certainly an amazing winter vacation spot that shouldn’t be missed.
During the month of December, the entire metropolis centre is changing into a Christmas fairy story. Each avenue is embellished otherwise and there are completely different applications in every metropolis park. There is a large ice skating rink subsequent to the primary practice station.
Many completely different stands are providing native gastronomic specialties and do-it-yourself merchandise. Music performances and Christmas lights are simply including to that beautiful environment.
Some of the native meals to attempt at stands there are undoubtedly ‘fritule’, ‘kremsnite’ and completely different form of sausages. Christmas is large in Croatia and plenty of cafes and eating places may also have a pleasant vacation environment with sizzling chocolate and particular truffles of their supply.
For snowboarding fanatics, there’s Medvednica Mountain (referred to as Sljeme by locals) simply outdoors town. You can get there by a tram or a bus from town centre (it’s going to take some 3o minutes to get there).
‘Snow Queen Trophy’ is organised there every year in the course of the first week of January, so it’s an amazing place to take pleasure in in some winter sports activities, too.
-Tea Gudek Snajdar, Culture Tourist
What is your favourite European winter spot?
Amy Hartle is the co-founder and proprietor of Two Drifters, the place she blogs about romantic and {couples} journey, relationships, honeymoons, and extra. With a Master’s in English and a BA in Musical Theatre, Amy loves to write down high quality content material in addition to to entertain, and he or she hopes to do a little bit of each right here on the weblog! Amy is fortunately married to her husband Nathan, and when not engaged on their websites, Amy & Nathan could be discovered cuddling, studying, and having fun with scrumptious lattes.