12 Winter Mountain Breaks in Europe Perfect for Cozy Fires and Epic Adventures
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Most people don’t imagine winter mountain breaks in Europe when deciding where to go on vacation. Instead, they quickly turn their minds to sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and beach resorts. In reality, Europe has many exciting mountain landscapes to explore, so it would be rude not to experience a winter break in the European mountains at least once.
These are 12 of Europe’s best winter mountain getaways. We selected these entries because they offer travelers out-of-this-world accommodation, mesmerizing winter landscapes, many things to see and do, and more. You’ve landed in the perfect place if you’re looking for your next big adventure in Europe. Let’s get started!
Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite
Which snowy European mountain escape would you conquer first? ❄️
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© Jenyateua / Adobe Stock
© BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock
© Luciezr / Adobe Stock
© DarekP / Shutterstock
© Tomas Marek / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
Prefer Listening? Here’s the Podcast
Enjoy our articles in audio form, perfect for planning your next getaway or relaxing on the go.
Note: Our podcasts are powered by cutting-edge technology to provide you with high-quality audio versions of our articles.
Save this!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of Europe’s top winter mountain getaways because it offers spectacular snow-capped mountains, exhilarating outdoor activities, and beautiful accommodation options. The biggest draw to Zermatt is Matterhorn, an iconic mountain whose peak you can see from most hotels in the resort. Zermatt is also a big hit with skiers.
When you’re not racing down the slopes, try out curling and ice skating, explore Bahnhofstrasse, and ride the Gornergrat Railway. Regarding finding somewhere to stay, Alpine Hotel Perren is perfect.
You’ll be treated to gorgeous, modern accommodation with views of the Matterhorn, delicious local cuisine, an on-site spa with a sauna, and a fitness center. And all this, for approximately $210 a night.
Read also: Top-Rated Festive Hotels in Europe
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is a breathtaking mountain resort town at the base of the Tatras Mountains in Southern Poland. It’s one of Europe’s best mountain winter getaways because it offers unique accommodations, endless outdoor opportunities, and magical winter landscapes. You won’t struggle to find something you enjoy doing.
You don’t want to miss the cable car and funicular. The cable car and funicular take travelers to the top of Mount Kasprowy and Mt. Gubałówka. As you would expect, the views are phenomenal.
Osada Chłabówka Zakopane & SPA is one of the best places to stay in Zakopane. This resort features wooden chalets with balconies overlooking the mountains. It also has a spa and wellness center with a sauna and hot tub. The rate is $232 nightly.
Read also: Beautiful European Cities for Winter
Rauris, Austria
In winter, Rauris in the Austrian Alps is transformed into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts with first-class ski slopes, epic tobogganing lanes, and scenic snowshoeing trails. As such, it’s one of the most exciting places in Europe for a winter holiday, with some of the top Austrian Christmas markets nearby, like Salzburg.
When you’re not exploring the mountainous landscape or racing down the slopes, you can relax at a mountain resort and admire the awe-inspiring views. Carpe Solem Rauris by ALPS RESORTS is a fantastic place to stay. This luxurious resort offers spectacular mountain views, convenient access to the ski slopes, and exceptional facilities.
You’ll have access to an indoor swimming pool, an Austrian restaurant, a spa and wellness center, and a sun terrace. Apartments at the resort cost $355 nightly.
Read also: Hidden Christmas Markets in Europe
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are the ideal winter vacation destination for travelers seeking a wilder experience. Lofoten is a world-famous archipelago in Northern Norway, best known for its magnificent scenery and unique natural attractions. You might also be pleased to hear that it’s a popular place to spot the Aurora Borealis.
A favorite with hikers, van-lifers, and climbers, Lofoten is an excellent place to embrace the great outdoors. You’ll most likely spend your vacation admiring impressive landscapes, hiking in the mountains, and exploring the most iconic locations, such as Lofotr Viking Museum and Uttakleiv Beach. If you stay at Svinøya Rorbuer, you’ll sleep in a traditional Norwegian cabin.
This stunning property offers epic views, a sauna, and a restaurant for approximately $200 nightly.
Read also: Tips for First-Time Travelers in Europe
Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland
Winter mountain breaks in Europe don’t get much more remote and wild than Borgarfjörður Eystri, a scenic fishing village in East Iceland, 8.5 hours away from Reykjavik. This remote village is the go-to place for outdoor adventurers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You can swap noisy streets and traffic jams for breathtaking natural landscapes with waterfalls, Northern Lights, and diverse wildlife.
You’ll spend most of your time in Borgarfjordur Eystri hiking to one of the many scenic viewpoints. Notable points of interest include Borgarfjarðarhöfn, Lindarbakki, Sæluvogur, and Njarðvíkurskriður. At Blabjorg Resort, you can enjoy some luxury in the wilderness for less than $140 a night. You’ll stay in a cabin-style room and have access to a swimming pool, sauna, and on-site restaurant.
Read also: European Towns With Beautiful Winter Landscapes
Klövsjö, Sweden
In Klövsjö, you can spend your winter mountain break hiking, skiing, relaxing, and watching the Northern Lights. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect winter vacation. Situated in Central Sweden, Klövsjö is only a small town, but that’s what makes it so perfect.
You won’t have to battle your way through the crowds to reach the best slopes, and you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere once you’ve finished skiing. For the ultimate experience in Klövsjö, stay at Hotell Klövsjöfjäll. This top-rated hotel offers luxurious rooms surrounded by picturesque lakes and lush forests.
Conveniently, it’s also found at Klövsjöfjäll Ski Resort. Better yet, it features a sauna, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
Read also: Best Winter Sun Destinations in the World
San Leonardo in Passiria, Italy
San Leonardo in Passiria is an excellent place to base yourself for exploring Italy’s mountainous landscapes. In winter, this charming village transforms into a winter wonderland. You can expect snow-covered ground, snow-capped mountains, and winter sports activities.
You’ll spend most of your time in San Leonardo in Passiria, exploring the surrounding mountains. Notable points of interest near the village include Parco Naturale Gruppo di Tessa, Oetztal Alps, and Sefiarspitze. You can also enjoy scenic river walks along the Passer River. We recommend staying in Tirolerhof in San Leonardo in Passiria.
This family-run hotel offers spacious cabin-style bedrooms with balconies, private bathrooms, and seating areas for $182 a night. It also features a sun terrace, sauna, steam room, and bar.
Read also: Snowiest Cities in Europe
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Kranjska Gora is a beautiful alpine resort town in northwestern Slovenia, near the glacial lakes and mountains of Triglav National Park. Like many of Europe’s winter mountain breaks, this town is famed for its snow-capped mountains, winter sports, and laid-back atmosphere. However, we love how Kranjska Gora has something for everyone.
Hiking enthusiasts can walk in the mountains and explore glacial lakes. Keen skiers can race down the slopes. Wildlife lovers can watch nesting birds in Zelenci Nature Reserve, and history buffs can visit the 17th-century Liznjek House and the Russian Chapel.
Staying at Vitranc Apartments, a 3-star hotel with modern apartments, costs $129 a night. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and countryside, this hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and bar.
Read also: Top-Rated Natural Wonders in the World
Sigulda, Latvia
Sigulda is one of Europe’s most underrated winter mountain break destinations. Despite offering travelers fascinating historical landmarks, stunning natural landscapes, and many things to do, few tourists visit the Latvian town. This needs to change.
In Sigulda, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the magical winter landscape and visiting the most interesting attractions. You don’t want to miss Turaida Castle, Sigulda New Castle, and Krimuldas Muiža. Meanwhile, the river walks along the Gauja River are delightful.
Reinis is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Sigulda. This cozy guesthouse sits on the outskirts of town, surrounded by lush forest. Rooms are available for $60 a night, and facilities include a sauna, a restaurant, and an entertainment lounge.
Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is arguably Europe’s best winter mountain break because it offers exceptional skiing opportunities, outstanding mountain landscapes, and beautiful accommodation options. While there is much to see in Chamonix, most people visit to hike and ski. However, it’s also an excellent place to unwind and relax.
Les Chalets des Liarets is one of Chamonix’s highest-rated resorts. Here, you can stay in authentic wooden chalets with living rooms, fireplaces, kitchens, and dining areas. Some chalets even feature saunas.
Perfect for groups of friends and family, eight people can stay in a three-bedroom chalet for $177 per person per night. Les Chalets des Liarets is only a 10-minute walk from Chamonix and La Flegere ski lifts.
Read also: Most Beautiful Mountains in Europe
Ždiar, Slovakia
Ždiar is only a small village in Northern Slovakia. Still, it packs a punch with the promise of mind blowing landscape vistas, exhilarating ski slopes, scenic hiking trails, and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a top mountain winter break destination for travelers seeking impressive scenery and entertainment.
Most travelers spend their time in Ždiar having fun at the various outdoor attractions. Noteworthy points of interest include Family Park Strachankovo, Ski Centrum Strachan, and Bachledka Ski & Sun. Consider staying at Penzión Sova Ždiar during your Ždiar trip.
This 3-star property in the Belianske Tatras is near the Strachan Ski Area, the Strednica Ski Area, and the Spider Rope Park. It features a beautiful wooden interior, affordable bedrooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. Rooms cost approximately $110 a night.
Read also: Cheapest Places To Visit in Europe
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is situated in the Arctic Circle. It is one of the best winter destinations in Europe for families with young children. Having said that, big kids will also fall in love with the city. Rovaniemi is a magical winter destination jam-packed with festive cheer and is famously known as Santa Claus’ official hometown,
This festive resort is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape covered in snow. Popular things to do in Rovaniemi include meeting Santa Claus, exploring Santa Claus Village, riding reindeer sleighs, and snowmobiling. You might even spot the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland.
Apukka Resort is an excellent accommodation option. It features unique cabins with glass roofs, saunas, winter activities, and a restaurant. Occasionally, you can stay here for less than $700 a night.
Read also: Cities With Gorgeous Winter Landscapes
Pin It Now, Read It Later
