European Winter Vacation Packages
Today, on our blog we will be going over the best European Winter Vacation Packages that are available on the internet today. We hope that as you read through this article series, you will come away with a better understanding of what you need to do in order to plan an enjoyable vacation.The trend that low-cost airlines have been following for years is still in place: airfares are becoming less and less expensive. Compare European Winter Vacation Packages here on Jetset4you.co.uk to book your trip for this year!
There are more than a few challenging things to do around the clock, at work or with your friends and family. Whether you’re a senior looking for winter holiday packages in Europe or an explorer ready to conquer the mighty snow-capped mountains, when it comes to making that initial step and organizing a vacation you may face some difficulties. This is especially true if you don’t have much budget at hand but still want your trip to be rewarding and fun! Looking for a winter getaway that won’t break the bank? Choose from our affordable, all-inclusive European vacation packages and visit any of these exciting destinations without the hassle of finding hotel rooms or securing dining plans. The hardest part will be deciding where to go!
European Winter Vacation Packages
Best Places to Visit in Europe in Winter
Written by Diana Bocco
Updated Nov 26, 2021
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Most people may think of warm-weather vacations as the only logical way to enjoy their time off, but there’s something to be said for embracing the icy weather, too. Winter brings about the magic of Christmas, the adrenaline of ski runs down mighty mountains, and the romance of sleigh rides under the starry cold skies.
While not every European city is suited to winter, some just flourish as the temperatures plummet. Take a look at our list of best places to visit in Europe in winter and what makes each so special.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
During most of the year, Zermatt is a sleepy village. Come winter, though, skiers of all abilities descend upon it to take over the 200-plus kilometers of pistes. Zermatt is a haven for expert skiers, with off-piste opportunities and top stations sitting at altitudes of almost 4,000 meters.
Non skiers will find plenty of things to do in Zermatt as well. For those who want to try snowshoeing and winter hiking, Zermatt offers plenty of sunshine during the colder months, perfect for a walk in the wilderness. There’s also tobogganing and sledding, as well as guided hikes for those who want to discover off-the-beaten-path areas.
A great easy trail to try is the 2.2-kilometer walk from Blauherd to Fluhalp, where you can catch sight of chamois grazing on the slopes and the Matterhorn in the distance.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zermatt: Best Areas & Hotels
2. Bregenzerwald, Austria
The Bregenz Forest is the Zermatt of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. With many kilometers of trails available, chances are good you’ll get to enjoy this winter wonderland much on your own.
Clean air and clear skies mean this is the perfect destination for star gazing and night walks. In fact, the area is known for its snowshoeing trips through the forest on full moon nights, as well as its Damüls “cuddle path.” This is a romantic five-kilometer path better enjoyed under the stars.
Start at the Zum Glöckle public house, past fairy-tale wooden huts and towards the Alpe Unterdamüls hut. Though the hut is closed in winter, the nearby country inn and restaurant is a great place for a cup of hot chocolate as you reach your destination. It’s an easy walk on powdery snow illuminated by the infinite starry sky.
The towns of Au and Bezau are in the Bregenz Forest and offer easy access to ski trails, sledding, and sleigh rides, as well as winter hiking. There’s also plenty of things to do indoors when you need a break from the cold, including museums, galleries, and artisan buildings showcasing local handicrafts.
3. Val Thorens, France
Sitting at an altitude of over 2,000 meters with 140 kilometers of pistes, Val Thorens is the highest and most famous ski resort in Europe. The resort is surrounded by dramatic peaks and a blanket of snow as far as the eye can see – great for sports enthusiasts but also truly spectacular to see.
For those who want the beauty without the adrenaline, Val Thorens has plenty to offer off the slopes as well. From snowshoeing and winter hiking to more unusual activities such as mountain biking on snow or sliding down the mountain on France’s longest toboggan run. You can try an ice driving course or fly down the mountain on the highest zipline in Europe at hair-raising speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour. Or test your true courage with an ice diving experience.
- Read More: Top-Rated Ski Resorts in France
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is at its best in winter, when the alien-looking landscape is covered in blue ice as far as the eye can see. The land of the eternal glaciers, Iceland offers the kind of adventures you can’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Every February, Reykjavik holds the Winter Lights Festival, which showcases light installations and plenty of outdoor activities to celebrate the last month of winter and the upcoming lighter days.
If you’re looking to warm up, Iceland is also famous for its many geothermal pools, where you can soak in steaming hot water under the icy midnight sky.
Reykjavik is also the perfect starting point for adventures around the country. From here, you can catch a train or a short flight to other corners of Iceland, where you can do everything from glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park to witnessing the 10,000-year-old Great Geyser in action.
Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Iceland
5. Abisko, Sweden
Abisko is often considered the best place to see the northern lights on a budget. This is because the village has a special microclimate that makes catching the dancing lights on the sky a lot more likely than in other Scandinavian destinations. This means shorter stays are needed, which is easier on the budget.
Abisko is also the perfect destination for die-hard winter fans who want to experience cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and winter hiking under the never-ending polar night.
The world’s first ice hotel is also located nearby – you can either spend a night here in “cozy” -5 degree Celsius temperatures or just take a guided tour to learn about its construction and history.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Abisko
6. Hallstätt, Austria
Hallstätt sits right on the shores of Hallstätter See, full of 12th-century fairy-tale churches and quaint Alpine houses and surrounded by the snowcapped Dachstein Mountains.
Hallstätt is tiny, with a population of under 1,000 permanent residents who live in Alpine timber houses built up on the steep hill slopes.
Equally stunning all year long, Hallstätt really shines when it’s covered in snow and ice. If you’re feeling up to the task, the best view of winter Hallstätt is from the Hallstatt Skywalk high above town, though reaching it requires a hike not always possible in the depth of winter.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hallstätt
7. Rovaniemi, Finland
For December travelers, no other destination makes more sense than Rovaniemi, considered the official home of Santa Claus. A fairy-tale place just four kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village feels like a mix of amusement park and Arctic wonderland.
The area around Rovaniemi is a favorite for northern lights tours. Over 200 aurora borealis displays can be seen here every year – one of the highest numbers in Scandinavia.
Even if you don’t catch a display of northern lights, Rovaniemi goes through a magical period of Polar Twilight (rather than Polar Night), where the sun will still rise for a couple of hours per day. During these months, bluish, glittering snowdrifts cover everything, providing a magical quality to nature and buildings alike.
The Ounasvaara outdoor area around town is perfect for snowshoeing among snow-covered forests, while Ounaskoski beach is a famous spot for winter swimming under the midnight sun.
When you need some indoor time, Rovaniemi offers plenty of icy breaks, including a snow restaurant, an ice hotel, ice slides and castles – plus a warmer break in the form of the Arktikum Science Museum.