12 European Towns with Mesmerizing Winter Landscapes 2024

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Taking a break in a wintry destination can be the ideal way to liven up a dull winter. Whether you want to shop at Christmas markets, take to the ski slopes, look for the northern lights, soak at a thermal spa, or simply admire snow-clad landscapes, there are some truly magical places to visit during the coldest months. Here are some of the best European towns and cities to see in winter.

Interlaken, Switzerland

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The Swiss resort town of Interlaken is tailor-made for winter, with more winter activities available than elsewhere in Switzerland. Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and is situated by Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Aare River waters. The town offers traditional wooden buildings and plenty of parkland and is enclosed by forests, mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows.

Tromsø, Norway

European Towns with Mesmerizing Winter Landscapes Tromso, Norway — © V. Belov / Shutterstock

Tromsø, in northern Norway, is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights. While you’re not guaranteed to get lucky, you have a better chance here than anywhere, as they tend to be visible twice or thrice per week in winter. Snow is almost a dead cert, too, so you can enjoy the spectacle of the small city blanketed in white.

Innsbruck, Austria

The spectacular alpine setting of the Capital of the Alps makes Innsbruck the perfect winter destination. You can take a funicular from one of the futuristic stations to elevations of more than 2,250 meters, where ski slopes await. Discover an attractive mix of imperial and modern architecture within the city itself.

Tallinn, Estonia

The compact capital of Estonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old town, in particular, is stunning at any time of year. But the fairytale cityscape is particularly impressive during winter when it takes on a magical air. Situated on a bay by the Baltic Sea, this city is ideal for those who love coastal locations.

Nuremberg, Germany

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Get into the festive spirit by visiting Nuremberg in Germany in December. The city’s Christmas markets are renowned, and there’s a cozy, convivial atmosphere at this time of year. There are many lovely historic buildings in the Bavarian city, too, including an imperial castle.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Surely, Iceland is the quintessential European cold weather destination. Head here in winter for a cozy ambiance and a good chance of spotting the Northern lights. As well as watching the dark skies, you can delve into Viking history, enjoy sea views, and head to one of the country’s geothermal spas.

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Krakow, Poland

In winter, Krakow in Poland often twinkles with frost or gleams white with snow. As with other chilly Eastern European destinations, you’ll need to wear scarves, hats, gloves, and a winter coat here. Don’t miss Rynek Główny Square, the Jewish quarter, and the well-preserved old town. You can also take a winter wander through pretty Planty Park.

Edinburgh, Scotland

If there’s a British city made for winter, then Edinburgh has to be it. The honey-toned Georgian architecture of the New Town and medieval buildings of the Old Town are made for cozying up in boutique hotels and intimate cafes. Skies streaked with gray also add to the atmospheric feel.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Often associated with Christmas and Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is a magical winter wonderland. Visitors are welcomed into Santa Claus Village, where they can cross the Arctic Circle line, meet Santa himself, and send postcards from Santa’s own post office with a special Arctic Circle postmark.

Rovaniemi also serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures in Lapland, from husky sled rides through snow-covered forests to reindeer safaris and snowmobile expeditions. Situated just on the Arctic Circle, it’s also an excellent spot to view the Northern Lights.

Hallstatt, Austria

Despite being well-known, Hallstatt’s beauty in winter is unmatched. Its lake and mountain setting offer postcard-perfect views. Visitors can venture into the Dachstein Salzkammergut region, where a network of caves, including the Dachstein Ice Cave, offers a glimpse into a frozen underground world. The nearby Krippenstein Freesports Arena becomes a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding with breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps from its slopes.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

European towns for winter Garmisch-Partenkirchen — © Andrey Shevchenko / AdobeStock

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers more than just thrilling winter sports. Once host to the 1936 Winter Olympics, this town has snow-covered trails for winter hiking and the crystalline Eibsee Lake, offering breathtaking views of Zugspitze.

For those seeking relaxation, the local spas provide warmth and wellness against the chill of the mountains. Gastronomy in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a delightful journey through Bavarian cuisine, with cozy inns and restaurants serving hearty dishes perfect for the winter season.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a destination perfect for relaxing in the mountains and enjoying outdoor adventure. This picturesque village lies at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world. Zermatt is a car-free zone, preserving its quiet ambiance and allowing visitors to wander its narrow streets safely.