Need an escape from the winter blues? Europe’s got you covered. You might have heard the term ‘Eurosummer’ floating around recently, but don’t be fooled – the continent’s incredible diversity means it offers an array of wonderful winter destinations too, from snowy Sweden to vibrant Vienna. So, whether you’re looking to peruse the Christmas markets, get stuck into skiing or simply swap drizzly days for warmer weather, read on to discover where to go in Europe in winter…
Swedish Lapland, Sweden
Finnish Lapland might have made a name for itself as the ‘home of Father Christmas’, but Swedish Lapland in winter offers stunning scenery and exhilarating activities without the busy crowds and raised costs. Heavy snowfall transforms this northern Swedish region into a winter wonderland, creating the perfect conditions for various outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobile tours. It does get pretty cold – the average daytime temperature is -16ºC – but don’t let this put you off. As long as you pack layers, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without turning into an icicle.
Swedish Lapland is also a great place to spot the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. While we can’t guarantee they’ll make an appearance – they can be sneaky – our favourite place to try and spot them is Abisko National Park, a sprawling expanse filled with ice-blue lakes and cute reindeer. Head to the Aurora Sky Station via chairlift and settle in to (fingers crossed) watch the sweeping waves of blue and green light illuminate the dark sky.
Image by Christoph Nolte / Unsplash.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Swedish Lapland are Norway’s Lofoten Islands. With their rugged coastlines, traditional villages and deep-blue fjords, this Arctic archipelago is a fantastic winter holiday destination. Fishing is the order of the day in many of Lofoten’s villages, and the favoured catch is skrei, or Arctic cod. This tasty fish is a highly regarded delicacy across Norway, and winter is the best time to go skrei fishing as the coveted cod flock to the islands to spawn.
The Lofoten Islands are also a great place to travel as a family. Head to Henningsvaer in December for Forjulseventyret, a pre-Christmas celebration that sees locals lay out a festive treasure hunt for youngsters. Like Sweden, the Lofoten Islands see snowfall, but warm currents from the Gulf Stream mean the temperatures are nowhere near as cold, averaging a milder (ha) 0ºC in the daytime. Once they’re all layered up, children will love the views of Lofoten’s snow-capped mountains – they were the inspiration for Disney’s Frozen, after all.
Image by © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images.
Nice, France
While Nice has a reputation as a summer city, it was historically considered a winter destination, with 18th-century families flocking there to escape the cold and drizzly English winter. The city sees an average temperature of 12ºC in winter, along with rare rainfall, so you can stroll along the Promenade des Anglais without getting soaked (or sunburnt).
Wander through the winding cobblestones of Nice’s Old Town and take advantage of the eclectic mix of small, locally owned shops and big department stores. Visiting in winter means there are far fewer crowds, so you don’t have to weave your way past hordes of tourists, and the post-Christmas sales mean you can shop to your heart’s content without breaking the bank. Once you’ve tired yourself out, head to one of Nice’s many restaurants for a warming bowl of daube nicoise, a hearty beef stew best accompanied with a glass of rich Southern French red wine.
Image by Horstgerlach / Getty Images.
Vienna, Austria
If you’re partial to a toasty mug of mulled wine and a wander through a festive market, then Austria’s Vienna is the place for you. During winter, Vienna’s fabulous architecture is illuminated with glowing lights, and the city streets come alive with festive cheer. Head to the city’s main square for the Christkindlmarket, a joyfully festive event made up of 100 Christmassy stalls selling traditional gifts, jewellery and local delicacies. After you’ve perused the decorative stalls, ice-skate on the rink attached to the market before digging into a delightfully rich slice of sachertorte (chocolate cake).
Christmas might not be your thing, but don’t worry: there are plenty of other reasons to visit Vienna in winter. If you’re feeling fancy, you’re in luck – winter is Vienna’s ‘ball season’, and the city hosts over 450 galas over four months. Don your best gown or suit and head to the Vienna Philharmonic Ball for a Bridgerton-style soiree, or attend the Rudolfina Redoute, a masked ball that oozes mystery, romance and glamour.
Image by Gary Yeowell / Getty Images.
Madeira, Portugal
Last up on our list of where to go in Europe in winter is Madeira. With temperatures reaching a whopping 20ºC, this Portuguese archipelago is perfect for a spot of winter sun. The warmer weather means Madeira in winter is great for outdoor activities – but they’re a far cry from Sweden’s snowmobiling. Surfers will love the huge waves and fewer crowds on Madeira’s beaches, while ramblers can take advantage of the quiet hiking trails without getting too hot.
If you’re visiting over the festive season, enjoy the buzzing Christmas spirit complete with twinkling lights, nativity scenes and bustling markets. The real highlight of the season, though, is Madeira’s New Year’s Eve firework display, an event that won the 2006 Guinness World Record for the greatest firework display in the world. Head to Funchal early in the day to get a good spot, and watch as dazzling fireworks are launched from over fifty different points across the city.
Image by Tomekbudujedomek / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Jerome Galland.
