Something magical happens to Europe when winter comes. As temperatures plunge and the snow falls, people throughout the continent, locals and visitors alike, put on their parkas and embrace exhilaration. Get cozy in historic cities that come into their own in the winter, or head to the hills and turn the mountains into your own snowy playground. These are some of the best winter activities and things to do in Europe, so dig out your winter clothes and books and get planning.
Skiing in the Alps
The sheer variety of ski resorts throughout Europe is extraordinary, so narrowing it down can take a little time. France has some of the world’s biggest ski domains, including Trois Vallées, Paradiski and Portes du Soleil, part of which cross the border into Switzerland. If you want to combine two countries in one trip, use Portes du Soleil’s Morzine as your base. This traditional and pretty Savoyard village has some fantastic skiing both on its doorstep and within the whole Portes du Soleil ski domain. Cruise round the futuristic architecture of Avoriaz, or check out the family-friendly slopes in Les Gets and the attractive village of Châtel. Between Portes du Soleil’s eight French resorts and four Swiss villages, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained. And it’s hard to beat the thrill of being able to ski into another country.
Soak in Budapest’s thermal baths
Clouds of swirling steam rising from the bubbling waters of Szechenyi Thermal Baths is one of Budapest’s most enticing sights, even—or especially—when it’s freezing outside. It’s certainly one of the most pleasurable things to do in Europe in the winter, and on most people’s wish-lists when they visit Hungary. Take your time wallowing in warm thermal waters both inside and outside Szechenyi’s sprawling spa complex made up of grand 19th-century buildings and more pools than you can count. Afterwards, indulge yourself with homemade cake and a frothy coffee in one of Budapest’s elegant coffee houses that are within a short walk of Szechenyi.
Ride Switzerland’s scenic railways
You don’t find many railway journeys on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but Switzerland’s Bernina Express deserves this accolade. Running for 90 miles through sunny southern Switzerland to Lugano near the Italian border, the train travels on 196 bridges and viaducts and shows off some breathtaking scenery along the way. That should whet the appetite for a journey on the Glacier Express, which winds its way south from Zurich to Zermatt and takes you deep into some spectacular mountains. Some of the carriages have glass roofs—all the better to bask in this wonderful scenery. Switzerland railway wonders continue on the route through the Bernese Oberland and on the highest train in Europe, Jungfraujoch, and the stupendous views you can enjoy as you travel on this historic rack railway. Then there’s the lakeside beauty of Montreux to enjoy as you roll along the shores of Lake Geneva.
See the Northern Lights in Norway
When you think of some of the best winter activities in Europe, the Northern Lights always come to mind. Fall all under the spell of one of nature’s most spectacular light shows when the aurora borealis bring dazzling colors to the long winter nights of northern Europe. Fly above the Arctic Circle to northern Norway’s crazily indented and island-studded coast, and in particular to the city of Tromso. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, and filled with pretty 18th-century wooden houses, Tromso is one of the most compelling places to see this natural phenomenon. For an unforgettable experience, take a Northern Lights boat tour along the fjords under the dark skies of the polar night.
Go snowshoeing in the Dolomites
Get up close to one of the world’s most jaw-dropping mountain ranges when you do a snowshoeing tour of the Dolomites. These mountains are extraordinary—soaring granite peaks that turn pink as the light changes, whose jagged shapes are unlike anything else you would see in the Alps. Here in Italy’s northern Südtirol region you can snowshoe through the region’s turbulent history while following hiking trails along World War One tunnels and refuges clinging to the side of the mountains. Refuel on rib-sticking Tyrolean cuisine that combines Austrian and Italian flavors and is just what you need after an active day in the mountains.
Go dog-sledding in Finland
The cuteness factor goes into overdrive when you find yourself on a sled being pulled by a team of huskies in Finland’s capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. As the fluffy excitable dogs haul you through snow-covered forests of this sparsely populated corner of Lapland, sit back and watch the mushers do their work and marvel at the serene scenery. For that special Christmassy touch, pay a visit to Santa Claus Village, where you can post an official letter to Santa before hopping on an exciting snowmobile safari through the woods.
Visit the Christmas markets
Glittering lights, the scent of mulled wine and brightly decorated gift stalls all combine to make visiting Christmas markets among the best winter activities in Europe. It’s hard to resist the charm and warmth of a European Christmas market, when historic city centers look even more like a fairy tale during the festive season. Many markets will set up skating rinks, and you’ll be very tempted to rent a set of skates and have a twirl on the ice. One of most enchanting places to visit in Europe in winter is Strasbourg, whose Christmas market dates from 1570 and is the oldest in France. Whole streets and squares are illuminated with spectacular lights while wooden stalls sell gifts and seasonal food and drink. Look out for slices of flammkuchen, pizza-like snacks that’s a specialty of the Alsace region and are a warming treat on a chilly winter’s night.
Try cross-country skiing in Austria
Glide into a real winter wonderland on a pair of cross-country skis and discover a whole new snowy landscape. High on a plateau in Austria’s Seefeld region—at nearly 4,000-ft above sea level—you’ll find more than 150 miles of cross-country trails winding through pristine forests and past picturesque villages including Leutasch and Seefeld. If you’re a beginner, try the “classic” method where you ski within a set of parallel tracks. Then there’s the “skating” form of cross country, which allows you to whoosh along the trails at a fast pace. As you ski past people of all ages, from small children to eighty-somethings, you’ll see how cross-country skiing’s broad appeal makes it one of the most popular things to do in Europe in winter. And here in Austria’s Tyrol region, you’ll come across mountain restaurants serving generous portions of hearty local dishes including schnitzel and hefty bacon dumplings called speckknödel.
Take a winter hike in Bavaria
Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria, forms a fabulous backdrop to winter hikes when the snow brings its wintry magic to southern Germany. Hike up to the moor surrounding the waters and revel in glorious views of the Chiemgau Alps. It’s just one of many panoramic routes you can follow that lead to outstanding vistas. Just to ramp up the romance factor even further, you can take a boat to the lake’s little island of Herrenchiemsee and explore the elaborate palace built by Bavarian King Ludwig II in the late 19th century.
