The Ultimate Winter in Europe Bucket List
Looking for fun experiences to add to your winter in Europe bucket list?
In this article, I will show you the best destinations and unique winter experiences in Europe.
Despite the weather, which we can all agree is not ideal, European winters can be a magical experience if done correctly, and there are so many reasons to travel to Europe in winter!
Let’s get started with the best winter city breaks and once-in-a-lifetime winter experiences in Europe!
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Winter Bucket List Europe Travel
Take a pen and paper to organize your European winter itinerary because here is your ultimate winter in Europe bucket list.
Here’s what to do in Europe in winter in no particular order.
1. Enjoy European Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets are quintessential European winter experiences. It’s the number one reason to travel to Europe in winter.
As soon as days get colder and shorter at the beginning of November, everybody in Europe is just waiting for Christmas Markets to open!
Christmas Markets illuminate gloomy December days with a sprinkle of magic.
Twinkling Christmas lights embellish the buildings, the scent of mulled wine permeates the hazy night air, and chatter and laughter fill the streets.
You will find Christmas Markets all around Europe, so make sure to visit at least a couple of them this winter.
You will need a Christmas Market itinerary for the best route to hit all the major Christmas Markets this winter!
2. Visit the fairytale region of Alsace, France
Continuing on the previous idea, one of the most magical places to visit in December must be the French region of Alsace.
Start with a visit to Strasbourg -the self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas.
Wander the cobblestone streets of La Petite France, and admire the panoramic view of the region from the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Take a day trip from Strasbourg along the Wine Route and taste some of the best wines in the most picturesque villages.
Some of the must-see villages are Colmar and Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim.
Alsace villages, with their colorful half-timbered houses, are charming throughout winter, especially if you are lucky to catch a snow day.
Do you want to visit all the Alsace villages but can’t organize it yourself in one day? Check out this Full-day Highlights of the Alsace tour!
3. Marvel at the incredible Northern lights
The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, are one of the most magical natural phenomena in Europe, and you can only see them in winter.
To see the Northern Lights, you need dark and clear skies.
The Arctic sky is dark enough to see the lights only from late September to early April.
Unfortunately, you can’t plan the exact day to see the lights, as they are notoriously unpredictable.
Some of the most popular places to see the Lights are Reykjavik and Tromsø.
They are so far in the north, so the length of the night makes it likely that you will catch the lights!
4. Hike to Laghi di Fusine, Italy
There is something so calming and ethereal about mountain lakes in winter. Italian Laghi di Fusine is a perfect example of exactly that!
Laghi di Fusine is located in the northern Italian province of Udine, and they are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italy.
Yet, Northern Italy is home to the majestic mountain range of the Dolomites that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.
Hiking the snow-covered mountain tops in the winter should probably be avoided unless you are a professional.
However, enjoying the alpine lakes in the mountain valleys is a perfect winter outdoors activity!
5. Wander the streets of Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb is one of the most underrated European capitals and one of the best European cities to backpack in winter.
It is often overlooked in the summer in favor of the Croatian coast but a weekend in Zagreb is a perfect winter city break!
It is a city rich in culture and history, and you will find many things to do in Zagreb in winter.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Upper town, climb the Sljeme mountain, and enjoy the view of Zagreb.
Zagreb has over 20 museums you can visit, a perfect activity for a rainy or snowy day!
Visit Zagreb in December to enjoy Advent in Zagreb, a multiple winner of the best Christmas Market in Europe titles.
6. Admire Bled Lake covered in snow, Slovenia
Bled Lake in Slovenia is another sight that looks like it belongs in a fairytale.
What makes this lake unique is a tiny island with a Church of the Mother of God in the middle. The only way to reach it is by boat, which makes that experience that much more magical.
Climb Ojstrica and sit on the bench overlooking the Lake for the most romantic panoramic view.
The view is stunning at any time of the year, but it is especially breathtaking in the winter when everything is covered in snow.
You will find this magnificent lake just a short 1 hour and 20 minutes bus ride from the city center of Ljubljana.
7. Enjoy the city life in London, UK
I love the city life vibes of London. It is one of those cities that should be on your European bucket list regardless of the time of the year you visit.
There is always something to do in London!
Visit Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.
Of course, taking a photo with a classic red telephone booth and riding a double-decker bus is on every traveler’s bucket list!
You don’t have to worry about what to do in London when it rains, as it rains a lot. Visit the British Museum or many other free museums in the city.
London is also one of the best nightlife cities in Europe, and nightclubs are open year-round!
8. Try skiing in the Alps
If you are a skiing lover, winter is the perfect time to visit Europe, as there are numerous skiing opportunities.
The skiing season in Europe starts as the Christmas season ends. So don’t think you can’t do anything in Europe in January and February.
You can choose between numerous ski resorts in Italy, France, Austria, or Switzerland.
As these are some of the most expensive European countries, for a backpacker, budget-friendly ski resort, consider Kopaonik in Serbia! It is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe!
Full transparency here – I never skied in my life! Therefore, skiing is still on my bucket list as well!
9. Drink mulled wine
Mulled wine is an unofficial signature winter drink in Europe.
You will find mulled wine on Christmas stands all over the continent providing a familiar but slightly different experience every time.
Try mulled wine in different countries and wine regions. Somehow, walking around the cities with a cup of hot wine is perfectly acceptable throughout December!
10. Discover Iceland’s ice caves
When I first heard about the Ice caves in Iceland, I knew they were going on my travel bucket list. I’ve visited a glacier before, but a full ice cave is a next-level experience.
Iceland’s ice caves are one of the most extraordinary natural wonders. It does not get more winter wonderland than walking through a tunnel made of ice!
There are several different locations to see the ice caves, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Vatnajökull National Park.
It is truly one of the best winter adventures in Europe!
11. See the magical Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Plitvice National Park is one of the most extraordinary places to see in Croatia.
It is the biggest and first National Park in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The National Park covers almost 30,000 hectares of forest reserve and includes 16 named terraced lakes and several unnamed lakes, joined by mesmerizing waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon.
You can easily spend a whole day in the Park, so make sure to come early. There are 7 different routes you can take to discover the lake system and 4 hiking trails.
You can visit Plitvice National Park on a day trip from Zagreb or on a road trip through the mountainous region of Croatia.
12. Escape the cold winter in the Canary Islands, Spain
Did you know that you can spend your days soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea in Europe in winter? However, you’ll have to take a flight to the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands are not on the usual backpacking Spain route but they are still part of Spain.
Therefore, technically still Europe!
I absolutely loved visiting Tenerife and it was a perfect escape from hte cold dark winter days in Europe.
So, if you are tired of the cold, rain, and snow, take a flight to Las Palmas and revisit summer.
13. Soak in the Thermal baths in Budapest, Hungary
While we are on the topic of swimming, you don’t necessarily need to leave continental Europe for it.
A visit to Budapest thermal baths is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest!
You can choose between many different Thermal Baths with indoor and outdoor pools.
The biggest and most popular bath is Széchenyi.
Spend a day relaxing in thermal baths or spend a night partying! Either way, you will forget about the chilly grey weather waiting for you outside!
14. Experience a Finnish sauna
Another slightly unusual way to get warm in the European winter is to visit a Finnish sauna.
The origin of the sauna tradition is difficult to trace, but it is believed that the earliest versions date back to 7000 BC!
The Finnish sauna is an integral part of Finnish and Estonian culture, and since 2020, it is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Therefore, add entering a hot sauna in a wooden cabin on a snowy day to your European winter bucket list!
15. Get your face painted for the Carnival in Venice, Italy
There are many Carnivals in Europe, but Venice Carnival is world famous for its unique, elaborate masks.
The festival is held annually, but the dates differ as the final day of the carnival is linked to Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
You can just walk around the city, enjoy the atmosphere, and admire the masks. However, I highly suggest you get your face painted on one of the stands as well!
16. See Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
There are many castles in Europe, but Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany takes fairytale-like to another level.
If you visit one European castle this winter, it should be Neuschwanstein Castle.
This 19th-century hilltop castle was the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella Castle. You can enter and admire the castle premises or just stroll outside and take pictures.
17. Take a scenic train ride in Switzerland
A scenic train ride should be on your European winter bucket list if you want to enjoy the snowy mountains and breathtaking landscapes but don’t want to freeze outside.
Nature in Switzerland is out of this world, and it is possible to admire it on a comfortable train ride!
You can choose between so many scenic routes in Switzerland.
What is fantastic about these train rides is that you can stop and explore the cities along the way and catch the next onward train.
18. Eat kurtoskalazs in Hungary
Hungarian kurtoskalazs or a chimney cake is a typical local sweet snack, perfect for winter!
Traditionally, this sweet dough is wrapped around a wooden spit and roasted over charcoal. It is best eaten warm, rolled in sugar straight off the fire.
They are also popular in Prague where they often fill them with Nutella and whipped cream, or even ice cream in the summer!
19. Stroll the streets of Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is hardly a hidden gem, as this magical town attracts thousands of visitors every winter.
But that simply confirms that it should be on your winter in Europe bucket list!
Cobblestone streets, beautiful bridges crossing the river, and a hilltop castle – you will find all that and more in Prague.
Prague has one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe if you visit in December. It is also a popular New Year’s party destination for backpackers!
20. Experience the real-life postcard village of Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is one of those places that people fly across the globe to see. It looks like a painting of a lakeside village that is somehow real.
While Hallstatt is stunning any time of the year, it is especially magical in winter, when it is covered in snow.
The city was first known for salt production, and you can take a funicular railway to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake.
The funicular takes you to the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform with a breathtaking landscape view.
21. Admire Dubrovnik, Croatia – without crowds
Dubrovnik is the most well-known Croatian town. It is the most beautiful town in the country and my hometown, so I might be a little bit biased.
If you are worried about the cost of backpacking Europe, visiting popular destinations off-season is the best way to stay on budget!
While the city is undoubtedly stunning in summer, there is no denying it gets super crowded. That is why winter is the best time to visit Dubrovnik!
22. Discover the Baltic’s hidden gem Tallinn, Estonia
The Baltic countries are often unjustifiably left out of the European must-visit lists.
That makes the Capital of Estonia, Tallinn, one of the European hidden gems.
Wander the walled Old Town that looks like a Disney Movie set with a castle towering above the rest of the city.
I find it interesting to compare this northern European walled city to Dubrovnik, another walled city in the South of Europe. The difference in architecture is so interesting!
23. See the orange trees in Andalucia, Spain
The Spanish region of Andalucia is one of the most colorful European regions. Most people visit in summer, but then they miss out on colorful orange trees!
Winter is a fantastic time for backpacking in Andalucia. The weather is perfect for exploring the region, as summers are usually too hot to fully appreciate it.
Your Southern Spain itinerary should include must-see sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Cordoba and Alhambra, as well as the lively city of Sevilla.
Winter is the time to see bright orange fruit on over 20,000 orange trees around Sevilla.
Don’t try to taste the oranges! Unfortunately, the fruit is too bitter to consume fresh.
24. Dress up for the Carnival in Cologne, Germany
Another festival on the list is the Cologne Carnival. It is the biggest carnival festival in Germany.
The Carnival season in Cologne officially starts on the 11th of November at 11:11 am, and it is called the Fifth season.
However, don’t go there in November and expect a Carnival. Actual festivities usually start in February.
The last five days of the Carnival are the Crazy days when masked carnival goers flock to the streets. There are parties everywhere, and everyone dresses in colorful costumes.
The peak of the Carnival is the Parade through the city center.
The date changes every year, so check Cologne’s official website for this year’s date!
25. Visit Harry Potter filming locations, in the UK
I find Harry Potter movies a perfect comfort movie to watch during winter.
If you are also a Harry Potter fan, a visit to Harry Potter filming locations must be on your European bucket list.
Platform 9¾ in London’s Kings Cross Station is a classic. Hogwarts scenes were filmed in Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, and many more sites.
Yes – a tour of Harry Potter filming locations is a whole winter itinerary in itself!
26. Ride on the luxurious Orient Express
Finally, here’s one of the most extravagant things to do in winter in Europe, a ride on the Orient Express!
The luxurious Orient Express train has connected Western Europe and Istanbul since 1883.
The original train route ceased to exist in 2009. However, you can now book a luxury Belmond train with original Orient Express carriages!
You can explore the routes on Belmond’s official website. Be warned though, this is one of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Europe, and it comes with a hefty price tag!
Final thoughts: Winter in Europe Bucket List
I hope these 26 best winter experiences in Europe gave you many ideas on what to add to your winter in Europe bucket list!
Winter in Europe is a magical season despite the cold weather and the most underrated time to visit.
Now that you know all the best things to do in Europe in winter, how is your winter in Europe itinerary looking like??
Is there a quintessential winter event that I forgot to add to the list? Let me know in the comments!