Find Your Cozy Winter European Getaway: From Austria to Iceland

As winter comes, many regions in Europe transform into picturesque wonderlands of snow-capped mountains and festive markets. This season brings a unique charm to the continent, offering visitors a range of experiences, from serene snowy landscapes to vibrant holiday traditions.

No matter what sort of vacation you have in mind, from active to snuggly, Europe has you covered. Here are some of the best cozy winter getaways in Europe that will convince you that traveling to cold weather isn’t so crazy after all.

Innsbruck, Austria

Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, Innsbruck is a premier destination for winter sports and activities. The city offers a unique blend of mountain landscapes and rich history, allowing visitors to enjoy both outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. This combination makes Innsbruck an ideal choice for those seeking a diverse winter holiday that balances natural beauty with historical charm.

Skiers and snowboarders can scratch their itch right in town, on the Alpine slopes of Nordkette and Patscherkofel. Their multiple runs can accommodate everyone from novices to experts and are fun places to be, even if you just cable-car to the top and look around.

If one of those slopes doesn’t interest you, Innsbruck is literally surrounded by ski resorts. You’ll find a hill to schuss down.

There’s plenty to do in Innsbruck when you’re not skiing. The city’s old center boasts the iconic Golden Roof (which is only copper but is still cool), as well as palaces and museums (though not the Ferdinandeum museum, which is under renovation) and little coffee shops to curl up in with a coffee and a pastry.

If you visit during the holiday season, you can visit the city's Christmas market and grab some roasted chestnuts and Glühwein – spiced wine that tastes amazing.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges has a long history – four times as long as America’s history – and as a result, it’s had a long time to pull together some things for an ideal winter getaway.

As a UNESCO World Heritage City, it’s duty-bound to leave many things be (or rebuild them back to the way they were after a couple of world wars passed through). That means cobblestone streets and postcard-perfect old convents like the Begijnhof and white-fronted buildings that look like they came out of a Vermeer painting.

Honestly, all you need is a New York City girl who’s come back home to run her mom’s lace-making shop and a guy who shoes horses, and you’d have the best Hallmark movie ever!

Upping the romantic vibe, Bruges also has canals, which aren’t as famous as those in Amsterdam or Venice but are just as nice. Their placid beauty means you can have a leisurely yet chilly float while in town. Bruges is also famous for lace and tapestries, as well as chocolate and waffles.

Also read: Best Travel Apps for Finding Things to Do on Vacation

Reykjavik, Iceland

When a country has "ice" in its name, you'd naturally expect it to excel at all things winter related. It's like anticipating a master chef to create culinary wonders in the kitchen. Fortunately, Reykjavik doesn't disappoint, delivering a truly magical winter experience that lives up to Iceland's frosty moniker.

The Icelandic capital has had centuries to perfect the art of embracing the cold season, developing ingenious strategies to not just endure but truly flourish during the long, dark months. While some of these solutions may involve a warming sip of Brennivín, the local spirit, Reykjavik offers far more than liquid comfort to help its residents and visitors navigate and enjoy the winter wonderland that envelops the city.

For better or worse, Iceland is a volcanic island. While this means the occasional lava flow can be annoying (though beautiful), it also means there are great geothermal pools, like the famous Blue Lagoon where you can soak in blissful warmth while the snow and fog descend around you.

There is little light pollution, and therefore many more chances to drive out (away from the lava, preferably) and see the northern lights as they were meant to be seen.

If these things aren’t the kind of cozy you were looking for, Reykjavik also has some outstanding nightlife and a cooking arts scene.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, located in the Arctic Circle, declares itself to be the official hometown of Santa Claus, which is a huge relief because Santa Claus’ home just couldn’t be in Indiana.

This Finnish city is a little off the beaten path – no cruise ships stop there, if you can believe it – but it offers the full winter-wonderland experience of snow-covered forests and frosty evenings under the northern lights, and then some.

 If you feel like taking the young ones to Finland, they can explore Santa Claus Village, replete with Santa’s office (he was the original worker-from-home) and the sleigh garage, and meet the Big Guy.

Once that’s out of the way, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris are on the agenda.

And if you like ice, boy are you in luck! In Rovaniemi, you can kick things off with an ice bar, have dinner in an ice restaurant, work out the day’s kinks in an ice sauna (wait – what?) and end the day in your very own hand-carved room in an ice hotel.

Does the ice club only play Ice-T? You’ll have to learn that for yourself.

Also read: The Slow Travel Trend

Edinburgh, Scotland

While Edinburgh doesn't guarantee snow, it does offer occasional winter precipitation to complement its rich history and charm. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and lively atmosphere, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of its residents.

Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction, and its largely indoor exhibits provide a perfect respite from the chilly weather outside. The real allure of wintering in Edinburgh, however, lies in its unique ambiance. It's one of those cities that inspires you to turn up your collar and wander between tall, ancient stone buildings glistening with  in the cold rain. The atmospheric streets and historic architecture create a setting that feels both timeless and inspiring.

The city's character during the winter months offers a distinctive experience that appeals to artists, writers, and dreamers alike. Edinburgh's winter charm lies in its ability to transport visitors to a world that feels both familiar and enchantingly different.

Also read: How to Weave Wellness Travel into Any Trip

Cortina, Italy

The site of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina offers the quintessential Italian Alps experience. The mountains belong to the same range as those in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, but the atmosphere is entirely different. Imagine cruising up the winding roads in a classic Italian convertible with the top down, embracing the spirit of la dolce vita. The journey itself is part of the adventure, setting the stage for an unforgettable Alpine getaway.

Not only is the skiing fantastic in and around Cortina, but there are also incredible sights to behold, including the otherworldly Tre Cime di Lavaredo and picturesque mountain lakes like the Lago di Braies. And if you find yourself wanting a change of scenery, Bellagio, the postcard-perfect town on the shores of Lake Como, isn't far away.

Also read: 6 Tips to Learn a Language Quickly and Talk Like a Local on Vacation

Tips for a Cozy Winter Getaway

No matter where you decide to spend the winter in Europe, not only will you be able to take advantage of some off-season pricing, but you’re sure to have a swell time. Just remember to:

• Pack warm clothing: Just like ogres, good winter travelers have layers. Pack base layers, sweaters, and weather-shedding outer layers.
• Choose the right footwear: You want something waterproof that extends over your ankle but is still comfortable for walking, plus some snuggly slippers for afterwards. If you anticipate ice will be a problem, invest in some Yaktrax.
• Stay hydrated: Cold weather can be dehydrating, and the temperatures may make you unaware of that fact. Drink plenty of water, avoid mixing activities and alcohol, and take plenty of hot-chocolate breaks.
• Book in advance: Winter may be the off-season for Americans traveling to Europe, but it’s not the off-season for Europeans traveling in Europe. Popular resort towns fill up fast. Make plans and reservations early.
• Travel protection: Choose travel insurance with assistance services, like those offered by Generali Global Assistance, to help protect your cozy European getaway. Our plans can cover ski vacations, stay-in vacations, and more, getting a quote is easy.

European winter travel can be magical. Embrace the magic – and the hot chocolate.

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