Winter is a magical time of year, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and cosy fireplaces to enjoy. So, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snowshoer, there’s plenty of winter adventures to be had right on our doorstep in Europe.
1. Swiss Alps
You can’t really go wrong with a trip to the Swiss Alps. It has everything you could think of when dreaming of a winter adventure. From snowy mountain peaks to cosy cabins, Switzerland’s stunning Alpine backdrop is a playground for adventure seekers!
What to do
Looking to capture breathtaking views of the Matterhorn Mountain? Grab your boots and take a hike to witness its picturesque vistas from above the clouds. You might even recognise this majestic mountain from the iconic Toblerone chocolate logo!
For thrill-seekers, the Swiss Alps offer world-class skiing and snow-shoeing. Whether you’re into tobogganing or ice-skating, there’s plenty to get your heart racing.*
And if you’re planning a visit during Christmas, prepare to be enchanted. The festive village markets and beautifully decorated streets create a magical, fairy tale atmosphere – it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland!
What to see
The best way to see all the Swiss Alps has to offer is with a trip on the Glacier Express. This once-in-a-lifetime train journey winds through the breathtaking mountain landscape. From Andermatt to St. Moritz, you’ll cross 291 bridges and glide past some of the most beautiful villages in Europe.
You’ll need to pay 44 CHF (around £40) for a seat reservation, and a further 77 CHF (around £70) to travel on the Glacier Express.
Truth is, no matter where you are in the Swiss Alps, you’ll be greeted by more mountains, glaciers, lakes, and valleys than you can shake a stick at. You’ll never be far away from seeing a view that stops you right in your tracks.
2. Norway
Home to a landscape that created a natural fortress in the Viking Age, Norway is an incredible choice for those seeking winter adventure.
What to do
There’s so much fun to be had – from skiing and snowshoeing to dog-sledding. And don’t forget the incredible wildlife! How about spotting whales in the Norwegian Sea? It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
If the weather conditions are kind, the north of Norway is an ideal place to seek out the northern lights. Now, that’s a memory that will stick with you for a lifetime!
When it’s time to slow things down, how about taking a ride on the Flåm Railway? The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. The 20km journey is one of the steepest in the world, an incredible feat of engineering.
What to see
Soak in all of the natural beauty your heart desires, by visiting other-worldly geological phenomena Magma Geopark. It’s home to countless historical, cultural and geolocal sites and incredible hikes.
For more recent history, (formed over the last few thousand years) there are plenty of places in Norway where you can learn about the fascinating Viking era. There’s the interactive entertainment centre in Oslo, and in Horten you’ll find the Midgard Viking Centre, to name a few.
The capital city, Oslo, with its renowned Scandinavian cleanliness and innovation, is always worth the visit to enjoy the architecture, the culture, and the cuisine.
3. Iceland
Another one of the biggies, Iceland is home to endless natural wonders shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, but it’s also far more than that.
What to do
Exploring the natural landscape and wildlife of Iceland is one of the best activities to enjoy while you’re there. Whether you decide to take a winter safari ride in the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula or search for whales and puffins by the coast.
For one of the best hikes in the world, loved by tourists and locals alike, Laugavegur is sure to impress. It traverses a diverse trail including rhyolite mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a black sandy desert – so plenty of great photo opportunities!
A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of Iceland’s many natural spas. Blue Lagoon is the most famous natural spa, but there are plenty of places to enjoy the geothermal seawater’s relaxing and healing properties.
The Secret Lagoon in South Iceland is an ideal stop-off if you’re driving around the famous Golden Circle, or if you’re after something more luxurious, book yourself into the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik.
What to see
The natural landscape is one of the most special in the world. From the volcanoes, to the national parks, to Dettifoss – the world’s most powerful waterfall.
But there’s a human side to Iceland. The country is rife with Nordic history. There’s the medieval centre Snorrastofa in Reykholt, and the capital, Reykjavik, is a cultural hub that’s compact enough to explore in a day.
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is the perfect example that magic can be found in a wintry city break as well. Tallinn is a fantastic city, full of culture and history. It might be cold but there are plenty of ways for you to warm up!
What to do
After you spend the day exploring the city, there’s no better way to get toasty than by visiting a traditional smoke sauna. Slightly different to your regular sauna, there’s no chimney, so the smoke from the burning wood circulates around the room.
The hearty food, wine, and local beer are also sure to be welcome in the bracing weather. Look out for the popular Eesti Kartulisalat, it’s made of vegetables, sausage, potato and egg, and is a staple in Estonian cuisine.
Sightseeing is an activity in itself in Tallinn, especially in the Old Town. The Kohtuotsa viewing platform gives a perfect panorama over the snow-covered fairytale scenery. After that, head to Harju Street for the famous ice rink set in historic surroundings.
What to see
Tallinn Old Town is absolutely a must-see when visiting Estonia. It’s one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with unique historic landmarks, like the Town Hall and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
To delve deeper into the history of the country, visit Estonian Open Air Museum, to learn all about the rural lifestyle from times gone by. Tickets prices start from 5€ for an evening visit during the winter months.
For some natural beauty in Estonia, the nearby wilderness is awe-inspiring. The land is fairly flat, but the small-but-mighty Jägala Waterfall is a brilliant sight in the winter as the water forms icicles from the top.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, much like Tallinn, is the perfect place to be for a magical city break in the depths of winter. The weather will see the historic streets speckled with snow, but the fun you’ll have is sure to warm things up.
What to do
Budapest comes alive in the winter months, and it feels like all the best things to do here are a reflection of that.
Hungary is a country steeped in history, culture, and tradition, which you can learn (and escape the cold!) in one of over 100 museums in the capital.
There are also few better ways to learn about a place than through its cuisine, which you can sample to warm up after a long day of sight-seeing. Try the popular Hungarian Goulash, a hearty and warming stew filled with beef, potatoes, onions and paprika – you won’t be disappointed!
Then there’s the world-famous City Park (Varosligeti) Ice Rink, nestled in front of Vajdahunyad Castle – you won’t forget this one.
Once you’ve worn yourself out on the ice, it’s always a good idea to find out why they call this the ‘city of spas’. The Széchenyi Baths, Europe’s largest spa complex, has 11 thermal pools so it’s great for winter bathing. If you’re looking for some twilight relaxation, the Rudas Thermal Baths are open on a Saturday from 10pm-3am and have a rooftop hot tub overlooking the city.
What to see
The city is lit up at night which gives a truly magical feel. Make sure to watch the daily Basilica Light Show that takes place every half hour between 5:30pm-10pm. For an extra sprinkling of festivity, you can take a ride on the Christmas Light Tram.
Buda Castle and the neighbouring gardens, Várkert Bazár, are the crown in the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, and well worth a trip.
Ruin Bars are something you’ll hear a lot about when researching your trip to Budapest – and for good reason. They’re a quirky chain that turns abandoned buildings into cosy and characterful underground pubs. They can be hard to find, as from the outside they look like run-down buildings, but inside you’ll find unique settings with a laid back atmosphere.
Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a novice when it comes to winter adventure – don’t forget to pack your winter sports travel insurance!
*Sports and activities cover limits apply.
