The 10 Winter Destinations to Visit in Europe
The holidays are approaching, and you don't know which destination to choose? This selection of the most beautiful European destinations to visit in winter is made for you!
Europe is full of corners of paradise to visit as a couple or as a family to spend a unique holiday. From North to South, the atmospheres are very different. In the North, close to the pole, the days without sun follow one another, in the South, the mild temperatures linger, as for the heart of the " Old continent", the atmosphere is warm and cozy.
Ideal for taking advantage of low season rates and not having to queue, the winter season is more than ideal for visiting large cities such as small European villages.
1. Annecy, the Venice of the Alps
Located in Haute-Savoie, north of the French Alps , at an altitude of 447 m, the city of Annecy is often nicknamed “The Venice of the Alps” because of the canals formed by the Thiou. This small French river, corresponds to the channel where the magnificent Lake Annecy flows.
This stream hosts a small island where you can find the Palais de l'Ile. Former prison, you will be able to visit it throughout the year.
Located in Old Annecy, this part of the city is certainly the one with the most charm. Annecy-le-Vieux goes back more than 6000 years ago. With Italian influences, this Rome of the Alps will seduce you for sure if you appreciate villages with traditional charm. Full of places to visit and neo-classical architecture such as the Châteauvieux, it is a must-see place.
Who says winter says snow, and therefore winter sports , such as skiing or snowshoeing. In order to take full advantage of the magnificent panorama of the lake and the mountains, we recommend that you rent snowshoes or skis at the nordic center of the forest and the plateau of the Semnoz area .
It will also be possible for you to go to the ski resorts of La Cluzac or Grand Bornand, about thirty minutes from the city. Their large domain is one of the most beautiful in France and will delight lovers of thrills and fast tracks.
To fully enjoy your experience on the slopes, the more cautious among you will appreciate our latest generation heated jackets . Studied for performance, lightness, and aesthetics, they will allow you to enjoy these magnificent cold landscapes, in the greatest of comforts.
In terms of accommodation, Annecy offers a wide variety of hotels and chalets for all budgets, and the same goes for restaurants. Moreover, we recommend the "Tête de Cochon", which is from our point of view, one of the best restaurants in Annecy.
2. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the capital of mountaineering
Known for its ski slopes and for Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, nicknamed the Roof of Europe , with a summit culminating at 4,808m, Chamonix is an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts and spectacular alpine landscapes.
To have a sumptuous view of the Chamonix valley, rise to more than 3,800 meters above sea level at the Aiguille du Midi, located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif . "Steps into the void", a glass box, will give you a unique view, leaving a void of more than 1,000 meters under your feet, a spectacular experience.
At a more reasonable altitude, you can visit the Mer de Glace, one of the largest glaciers in Europe with more than 40 km² in area. Each year, a new cave is dug in the glacier, offering you a spectacular spectacle.
Many people appreciate this mountain village for the many ski areas that surround it. To have a view of the entire Mont Blanc chain , you can easily access the Brévent resort from the center of the resort. You will also have access to the Les Houches area to have a 180 degree view of the Chamonix valley. For freeriders, go to Grand Montets to enjoy ungroomed snow, steep slopes, splendid coombs and a drop of more than 1800 meters. Whether you have your equipment or not, you will find what you need in the village.
After days of hiking and skiing in the mountains, nothing beats an afternoon in one of Chamonix's many spas, open all year round. You can relax there and have a massage to relax and replenish your energy.
To keep your feet warm and protect them from the cold during your mountain getaways, don't hesitate to take a look at our collection of heated insoles .
3. Amsterdam, the Venice of the North
Nicknamed the "Venice of the North, Amsterdam is certainly one of the most romantic capitals in Europe. With 1181 bridges for 165 canals 50 kilometers long, the city is one with water.
When the temperature drops, and the cold sets in, the atmosphere of Amsterdam becomes warmer. The city is beautiful and very lively in winter, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The public ice rinks on Museumplein and Leidseplein are lit up then, which adds a magical and magical atmosphere to the city.
To warm you up in a typical atmosphere, the bars and restaurants will be able to welcome you. We recommend the Midtown Grill, where you will find succulent grills at affordable prices.
In order to take full advantage of your trip and immerse yourself in the world of the city, you can discover the " Amsterdam Light Festival ", which adds gaiety to winter nights. Presenting magnificent light decorations, it is advisable to take a cruise on the canals at the end of the day to take full advantage of it. You can also visit the city's museums, such as the Royal Palace , which brings together architectural gems with uniquely rich decorations.
4. Prague, the city of a hundred towers
Winter in Prague is not suitable for those who are afraid of the cold!
Temperatures can drop below -20°C and the maximum temperature fluctuates between 2°C and 5°C. In addition to this, the period of sunshine is short, in February it oscillates between 1.5 to 2.5 hours a day.
To fully enjoy the experience of the " city of a hundred towers ", equip yourself with one of our latest generation heated jackets . They will allow you to enjoy the city without the discomfort of the cold. Whether you are in love with the great cold or not, this will no longer be a limit. You can then admire the snow-covered city, as well as the frozen Vltava river .
As an activity, you can go to an ice hockey game. The national team has already been crowned Olympic champion in 1998. For those fearing the cold, know that it is largely bearable in the ice rinks. In addition, you can enjoy the atmosphere by tasting a good beer with the other spectators at each third time.
During the day, you can visit the " golden city " by discovering its main square, the Old Town Square . You will discover the third oldest astronomical clock in the world, built in 1410. A true masterpiece, its mechanism comes to life every hour until 9 p.m. In this place, is also present the Old Town Hall corresponding to the old town hall which was built in 1338.
5. Paris, the City of Light
If you are French and don't want to go too far, the City of Lights is for you!
You can visit cult places and at the end of the afternoon go to one of the three large ephemeral ice rinks in the French capital . You will thus be able to skate in a unique setting, such as the lights of the Eiffel Tower .
To discover the city from another angle, take a cruise on the Seine with the Parisian boats. At an affordable price, you will glide along the river and observe various typical monuments. For example, you will see the Musée d'Orsay , Notre Dame Cathedral or the Iron Lady .
After a day in the cold, you may want to eat. We recommend the transparent dome of the Bulle Parisienne. This restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the Gustave Eiffel Tower, symbol of the grandeur of Paris. You can enjoy a delicious warm meal there, while enjoying the breathtaking view of the capital of love .
6. London, "The Old Smoke", the Great Fog
During the winter period, the English capital comes alive with a pleasant and perfect atmosphere to enjoy the city.
During the winter, as in many large cities located in Europe, many temporary ice rinks are set up with the drop in temperature! We you recommend the " Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park " which is open from November to January. For adults and children, it is the ideal place to spend a romantic or family moment. You will find a fairground, a Ferris wheel and a multitude of places to warm up with a good glass of mulled wine or churros.
To fully enjoy the British capital in winter, you can visit "Hyde Park". When covered in snow, this place located in central London is one of the eight royal parks. To walk around and enjoy the British atmosphere, this is the optimal spot. You can discover the commemorative fountain of Diana or take a carriage ride in a typical and romantic spirit.
If you want to see many places without having to move, we advise you to take a tourist cruise on the Thames. Some make trips from Westminster to Greenwitch and will allow you to observe the Tower of London, Tower Bridge or even the "big bell" better known as Big Ben .
When you come at New Year's time, know that you will be able to witness a magnificent fireworks display fired on the Thames. Unique, this is an event not to be missed if you can.
7. Vienna, the city of dreams
The Austrian capital is one of the most renowned places in Central Europe. Located on the Donauinsel, the city is a few dozen kilometers from the Slovakian border.
Magnificent, you will be able to live a real exotic experience within the metropolis. The Historic Center of Vienna will welcome you for a walk where you will observe the buildings in baroque and medieval styles from the Belle Epoque. To protect yourself from the cool outside temperatures, go to the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna . You can easily devote a whole day there and observe a multitude of historical elements such as Egyptian mummies and imperial armor.
When the time comes to eat, we recommend the "Twenty Two Restaurant" located in the Holiday Inn Vienna. Gourmet restaurant perched in one of the tall buildings of the city, you will taste a succulent gastronomic cuisine with Austrian and European inspirations while enjoying a sumptuous view of the snow-covered city.
8. Stockholm, the capital archipelago
The Swedish capital located in the south of the country is a place to visit absolutely during the winter. Full of beautiful places to explore, you will be charmed by the "Venice of the North".
Now accustomed to this star attraction of the winter season, you can skate in one of the ephemeral ice rinks in the city. That of Vasaparken will be perfect to enjoy the atmosphere of the city center.
To find out more about the region and explore magical places, you can take a cruise in the Stockholm archipelago . With a guide, you will discover a set of magical and sumptuous places while learning about the culture of the region.
In order to take full advantage of your stay, go to the old town of stockholm as well as to the Vasa museum . Guided tours will be waiting for you to enjoy these tourist attractions.
At the end of the day, to replenish your energy and warm up, we recommend the "Stockholm Gastabud". This small restaurant offers quality Swedish cuisine at affordable prices.
9. Munich, the secret capital
The capital of Bavaria is one of the must-see tourist locations in Europe. Offering Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, Munich is a city rich in culture.
With around fifty museums, you can go to the Musuem Brandhorst , which brings together artistic works dating from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, you can also visit the BMW Museum which tells the story of the German brand.
In the afternoon, the large Bavarian city will offer you a range of outdoor activities. The Marienplatz square hosting a Christmas market will be ideal to discover a picturesque place where souvenir shops and traditional restaurants take place. Remember to cover yourself with one of our heated jackets to avoid the discomfort of temperatures that rarely exceed 4°C!
Not far from the city, a few dozen kilometers towards the German Alps, we advise you to go to Neuschwanstein . One of the most beautiful castles in the world, it was the inspiration for Disney Land's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
10. Rovaniemi, the city of Santa Claus
To end this top 10 of the most magical places to visit in winter on a high note, we had to talk about the city of Santa Claus .
In northern Finland, it is one of the northernmost cities on the planet. There, you can go on snowmobile excursions through the sumptuous Finnish snowy landscapes. Just as thrilling, you will also have the chance to take a reindeer sleigh ride there, probably with a man with a long white beard and red and white clothes.
Just as enthralling, approach the huskies and enjoy a trek of several kilometers on the borders of Finnish lands. Installed comfortably, these sled dogs will tow you and take you to discover a most unique and magical universe.
Enjoy traditional Lapland activities by trying a Finnish sauna before swimming in the icy waters of an arctic lake. Full of benefits for the body, you can then enjoy a delicious dinner around a wood fire in a very comfortable cottage.
Finally, the icing on the cake, watch the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi. Quiet and zen atmosphere, enjoy this unique warm experience wearing our latest generation heated technical jacket . Studied for performance, its aesthetics and lightness have been appreciated for years by travelers looking for comfort and warmth.
You liked this article and you now know where to go this winter? Tell us in the comments which destination suits you the most and don't hesitate to look at our selection of heated clothing in our shop. They will allow you to enjoy these magnificent cold regions in the greatest of comforts.