Top 5 Winter Destinations in Europe

if you need a pick-me-up, book a trip!

January, after the Italian Befana and New Year’s parties, has always been my favorite time to travel. Kids are back in school, adults are back to their routines, the airports are empty, and tourism is in low season. It’s also a time when you need a bit of an emotional pick-me-up. You will have February to go before March’s first signs of spring appear. Nothing makes me happier than a weekend in a new place. Here are my favorite places to travel in winter in Europe. Just make sure to check cancellation policies for inclement weather before booking!

Garmish, Germany

I love Garmish any time of year. The charm here is unparalleled: traditional-style Bavarian houses, delicious food, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. This region of Bavaria is known for having the highest mountain peak in Germany called Zugspitze. I spent a day skiing here in December after some fresh snow and it was serene and peaceful. There are two ways to reach Zugspitze: a tiny train that goes through the mountain’s rock with unparalleled views, or by a new, modern cable car. Either way, at the highest point of Germany it feels as if you’re in another dimension altogether, with gorgeous views of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy from the top.

At the bottom of Zugspitze is the gorgeous alpine Lake Eibsee. Walking the easy 7 km loop around the lake, I was starstruck by the breathtaking views and the mountain's reflection in the water. In the summertime, this lake fills up with paddleboarders and sunbathers, but in winter, the snow makes it a magical winter wonderland. 

Garmisch also has several wild gorges that are interesting to visit. Although the Höllentalklamm Gorge is closed in winter, the Partnach Gorge is open year-round.

Garmish is also nearby for a day trip to the Neuschwanstein castle, which inspired the famous Walt Disney castle. There is so much to see and do here, and traditional Bavarian food will keep you warm when you return from your outdoor adventures.

Helsinki, Finland

The Nordics know how to winter. Finns are most known for their sauna culture. Right in the center of town, several public saunas face the ocean for a good steam up. I love Allas Sea Pools and Löyly - they have beautiful views of the harbor, and the opportunity to jump in the cold water! They both have a cafe and lounge area where you can hydrate with an herbal tea or a refreshing mocktail after your steam.

Helsinki also has world-class museums and restaurants. My favorites are the stately Design Museum and the funky Amos Rex. It’s also easily accessible by ferry to other awesome cities in the Nordics, like Tallinn. A fact I can never get over: in the airport bathrooms, birdsong plays.

Budapest, Hungary

I went to Budapest last January, and it was packed with tourists. Although cold, we spent ample time warming up with hearty goulash and visiting the thermal baths around the city. Around 1860, a hot spring was found beneath the city. The thermal water was found to have medicinal benefits, and beautiful private and public baths were constructed to treat the citizens. We visited both Gellert Baths and Rudas Baths, each one unique. The Gellert baths had cinematic decoration, while the Rudas rooftop bath with its gorgeous views was something I’ll never forget.

We also enjoyed visiting the Hungarian National Parliament and the Hungarian National Gallery to warm up, as well as eating at some of the many amazing restaurants around town.

Paris, France

I recently learned that Paris is the most visited city in the world. Why not visit while the crowds are low? I was there in November, after the Olympics, and noticed lots of improved transit and wayfaring around the city and to and from the major airports. The city's architecture shines even on grey, cloudy winter days. Bundle up, take a boat cruise along the Seine, and spend your days exploring Paris’ amazing collection of art museums. Pack your walking shoes and hang out in one of Paris’ many beautiful parks like Place Vendome or Jardin du Luxembourg. Enjoy the very well-merchandised shop fronts as you walk through the hip Canal St. Martin. Warm up on the canal with a chocolat chaud. If it snows, it’s great to kiss on one of the many bridges.

I took this awesome Hemingway tour with Paris Walks, which is unfortunately closed in January and February, but the Women of Paris tours are open year-round and is highly recommended.

Anywhere in Italy

Winter is a great time to visit Italy. The crowds get intense from Christmas to the Epiphany (Jan 6), but other than that it’s considered low season. Hotels are heavily discounted. Here in Naples, the weather is still pretty balmy, and it’s great to visit the many Greek ruins like Herculaneum or Pompeii or do some hiking along the Amalfi Coast. Last February, we went to Calabria and Tropea and had the ocean to ourselves when we launched our paddleboards. Over Thanksgiving we spent an amazing long weekend in Menaggio on Lake Como, bundling up and heading for hikes and traipsing across the lake via boat. Even Italy’s major, tourist-filled cities, like Florence, Venice, and Rome are significantly more enjoyable with fewer crowds.

What about you, what is your favorite winter destination? I’d love to hear in the comments, as I think I could use a little inspiration right now. It was hard to choose between full-on winter destinations vs. spots that can be mild in the winter. The big runner-up for this list was Portugal, where we went for our honeymoon in January. I loved tucking into Ginjinha bars to have chocolate and liqueur after dinner. It was so romantic! I will also give a nod to Barcelona which is practically perfect in winter on a sunny day.

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