15 Snowy, Cozy, and Romantic Destinations to Visit

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When touring as a pair, you’re at all times looking out for essentially the most romantic locations. Unsurprisingly, there are numerous 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 suppose 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 attraction in all seasons, however this one offers every thing 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 beneath which can be certain to satisfy your wintry expectations, and make good locations for 2.

PS: Check out the greatest fall European locations as properly.

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 you will discover lined in deep snow within the winter months.

Besides being identified for its stunning Carpathian Mountains and blood-sucking creatures, Transylvania can 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 an incredible place to go to in winter, however additionally it is the right vacation spot for wildlife lovers.

You can hike via distant villages within the mountains, go on a bear-spotting tour within the forest, and simply take up staggering views of alpine meadows beneath 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 stunning creatures in a safer atmosphere. The sanctuary consists of 160 acres of oak forest, the place bears which have been rescued from captivity are free to roam.

Finally, be sure to 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 overlook 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 vital superb winter spots in Europe includes a backdrop of the favored Matterhorn peak that impressed the Toblerone emblem and, in fact, the perfect and constant slopes of snow good for every kind of winter actions. 

Zermatt is the very 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 gives tons of actions particularly throughout winter akin to sledding, snowboarding and snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, ski excursions, and free driving. 

There are completely different pistes good for each talent stage – whether or not you’re a newbie or superior. Beginners can get pleasure from secure and broad areas whereas gaining confidence within the snow.

Sunegga space is ideal for inexperienced persons for its gradual piste with loads of cable automobiles or lifts to take individuals on high. Advanced skiers love the completely different terrains that supply technical issue. Triftji is very identified for its moguls. 

If you aren’t into snowboarding, you received’t get bored at this winter paradise. You can go mountain climbing and snowshoeing alongside picturesque trails. Mountain excursions are additionally supplied by many tour companies within the city. If you’ve an additional money, guide a helicopter flight for a sightseeing tour from above.

Likewise, you can too tour the village on foot or by electrical automobiles.

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the planet, known as Charles Kuonen Hangebrucke, is sort of 500 meters lengthy with a top of 85 meters from the valley beneath. This connects Zermatt to the close by city of Randa and gives incredible views of the Swiss Alps alongside the best way.

There are loads of different issues that make Zermatt one of the vital superb winter spots in Europe.

The city itself is cozy and quaint with plenty of retailers and eating places providing treats, particularly throughout chilly winters. Sip a sizzling chocolate and take pleasure 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 vital underrated locations in Europe throughout winter.  People mechanically assume that Ukraine is an icebox throughout this time of yr and whereas they’re typically proper, the quantity of attraction and peacefulness the town possesses throughout a heavy snowfall and chilly winter is unparalleled to some 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 into cozy indoor institutions, they’re nonetheless worthy of visiting and locking your self in for hours to get pleasure from.

Ukrainian meals is hearty, heavy, and the right delicacies to get pleasure from in the course of the winter months.  There is nothing higher than Ukrainian borscht with a facet of vareniki in January when you expertise the Orthodox New Year that takes place in January as a substitute of December.  The New Year in Kyiv can be magnificent and deserves extra consideration than it presently receives.

Many individuals shun touring to Kyiv in winter however I believe 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 concept of the right winter day is sitting by a roaring hearth in a comfortable pub with a glass of wine, then you should go to Yorkshire. Yorkshire, UK is a winter wonderland crammed 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 cool down and the Yorkshire countryside turns into nearly nonetheless with silence, creating the right 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 ambiance of the countryside and the coziness of the pubs will leaving you feeling such as you’re hiding out in the midst of a snowstorm, anyway.

For an actual winter expertise, rent a cottage within the Yorkshire Dales, or deal with your self to a luxurious lodge, such because the Black Swan in Helmsley. You’ll rapidly end up wanting to remain in Yorkshire without end!

-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 cost effective 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 filled with excellent mehanas – or conventional eating places, the place the superb Bulgarian meals will hold 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 ambiance.

Bansko is among the least expensive locations to ski in Europe, so this received’t harm your pockets and there are additionally many low cost flight airways that come into Sofia and Bulgaria’s second metropolis Plovdiv too.

You’ll need to examine into one of many many spas accessible within the town- nice magnificence therapies for a fraction of what you’ll spend elsewhere in Europe – after which chill out within the sizzling swimming pools additionally accessible round city.

-Sarah Carter, ASocialNomad

Paris, France

There’s one thing magical about Paris in winter: the 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 one of the best fame 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 facet of romance and a steaming cup of sizzling chocolate, and it’s completely well worth the go to.

During your winter journey to Paris, be 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 curve up with a guide 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 comfy scarf hold you feeling cozy, and the vacancy of the streets offers the entire metropolis a stupendous ambiance.

And, in fact, chilly winter climate in Paris doesn’t dampen a few of its greatest sights: need 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 via 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 stunning mixture of previous world attraction and post-Communist optimism. While many who come to Belgrade take into consideration its stunning rivers and expansive inexperienced house, winter in Belgrade gives the prospect to understand how cozy the town is.

One of my favourite issues to do in Belgrade to flee the chilly is to move to the Hotel Moskva. While almost all vacationers in Belgrade will spot this stunning lodge 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 lodge. It has since turn into a well-known Serbian dessert. They actually have a wine pairing checklist to go along with your cake.

Is there a greater solution 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 plenty of grilled sausages and fried meals. Try Karadjordjeva, a steak which is each stuffed and fried.

At the top of a day of chilly website seeing, take the chance to heat up in Rakia Bar, a quiet however cool bar that serves…you guessed it…rakia!

This liquor, which will be anyplace 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 unsuitable with Swedish Lapland! The far Arctic North is extra accessible than you may suppose, with reasonably priced flights a number of occasions a day from Stockholm and quite a lot of lodging choices to go well with most budgets.

Kiruna is the gateway to Swedish Lapland however I believe it’s best to remain within the mountain city of Abisko, about one hour away by prepare.

There, you’ll be able to snowshoe or cross nation ski via stunning Abisko National Park, or just hike via the snow to see some stunning 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 group of huskies.

While some animal encounters are questionable, there’s merely no denying how a lot these huskies like to get their each day runs – it’s really what they had been bred to do! It’s additionally not a passive exercise the place you might be getting carted round by the canine, but it surely’s truly fairly exhausting as you need to put in plenty of work to assist the canine and steer the sled.

It’s superb how briskly you’ll be able to go and it’s most likely one of the vital enjoyable issues I’ve ever performed.

Finally, in fact, there are the spectacular Northern lights  With an 80% likelihood 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 once I was there!

-Allison, Eternal Arrival

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov is a stupendous 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 impressive instance of a small Central European city courting from the Middle Ages.

Cesky Krumlov is value 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 elements of the fort gardens and different out of doors actions are closed in the course of the winter, however in case you are fortunate sufficient to get some snow, a shiny white overlaying makes Cesky Krumlov much more magical.

You can simply take a day journey to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, or when you’ve got time then I extremely suggest spending the night time so you’ll be able to discover the city by night time as properly. There is a lot to do in Cesky Krumlov, regardless of its small dimension.

The essential 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 at no 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 properly 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 a superb expertise for we Americans. First, the celebration of Christmas extends approach additional by comparability, which at all times brings extra cheer so far as we’re involved.

Secondly, the previous world lends itself to the season in a romantic approach akin to scenes we had solely imagined in our minds via books, music, and flicks.

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 iced up, 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 of the smallest city on the planet. It has grown all through the centuries and has misplaced this declare, but it surely 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 automobiles.

Replete with a fort (Castle of Count d’Ursel) on high of a hill, wanting over the city beneath, Durbuy will be the setting for a lot of youngsters’s books.

At night time, wanting from the skin, in, eating places look extra like residing rooms with a fireplace within the background, relatively 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 remains to be used. There are essentially the most charming retailers conceivable and small medieval streets to match, Rue des Récollets being one in all 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 right winter wonderland vacation spot in Europe, then Budapest may very properly be the reply.

The Hungarian capital is steadily rising in recognition as a incredible metropolis to go to within the peak summer time months, nonetheless, visiting Budapest within the winter can supply rather a lot to travellers with solely a fraction of the crowds.

Also, as a consequence of the truth that winter is the low season on this space of the world, travelling presently makes it extremely simple to go to Budapest on a funds.

If you go to in December, you’ll be able to count on quite a few 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 facet of the town.

These markets are full of vacation cheer, together with native handicrafts to browse, stalls hawking roasted chestnuts and Hungarian road meals, and ample quantities of mulled wine that’s certain to take the sting off of even the coldest of winter days.

If you need to heat up even additional, head to one of many many bathhouses which can be located all through the 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 attainable to take a day journey to some close by mountains and reap the benefits of some reasonably priced snowboarding.

Budapest’s well-known destroy bars are additionally open all through the winter so for those who’re eager to expertise the legendary nightlife the town has to supply, it doesn’t must be placed on maintain for the hotter months!

All of the actions mixed with the truth that the Hungarian capital appears maybe much more stunning 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 truly an superior alternative.

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 properly over 2000 meters.

Don’t count on a cutting-edge ski resort with a whole bunch of kilometers of slopes and big 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 median 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 gear leases, ski college 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 time vacation spot for Norwegians and different vacationers.  Hiking is plentiful 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, rather a lot truly. Just be sure to 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 a number of other smaller ones.  The islands are conveniently related by bridges and tunnels making it attainable to traverse its entire size by way of the extremely picturesque E10, a chosen 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 brilliant dancing lights of the aurora are the results of electrically charged particles from the solar smashing into the earth’s ambiance producing a celestial phenomenon that needs to be seen a minimum of 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 stupendous mountain city situated within the South of Poland, on the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It is crammed with stunning surroundings all yr spherical, but it surely turns right into a magical snow-covered wonderland in the course of the Winter.

Whether you might be searching for a break to chill out 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 retailers, and delightful structure is a stupendous expertise by itself. The ambiance appears to be immediately taken away from a Christmas film!

To add, there are many experiences to have relying on what you might be searching for: a conventional 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 totally 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 one of the best 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 turning into a Christmas fairy story. Each road is embellished in a different way and there are completely different packages in every metropolis park. There is a big ice skating rink subsequent to the principle prepare station.

Many completely different stands are providing native gastronomic specialties and selfmade merchandise. Music performances and Christmas lights are simply including to that beautiful ambiance.

Some of the native meals to attempt at stands there are positively ‘fritule’, ‘kremsnite’ and completely different sort of sausages. Christmas is large in Croatia and plenty of cafes and eating places will even have a pleasant vacation ambiance with sizzling chocolate and particular truffles of their supply.

For snowboarding fanatics, there’s Medvednica Mountain (known as Sljeme by locals) simply outdoors the town. You can get there by a tram or a bus from the town centre (it is going to take some 3o minutes to get there).

‘Snow Queen Trophy’ is organised there annually in the course of the first week of January, so it’s an amazing place to get pleasure from in some winter sports activities, too.

-Tea Gudek Snajdar, Culture Tourist

 

What is your favourite European winter spot?

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