Top 5: European Cities to Visit in the Winter

Rather than escape the cold, embrace it this winter in these beautiful European cities even more alluring under a blanket of snow.

Baden-Baden Germany

Baden-Baden is a spa town located at the foot of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, near the border of France, and is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. After exploring the city’s beautiful, snow-covered parks and picturesque historic landmarks, warm up with a dip in the city’s famous salt- and radon-rich thermal hot springs.

Sunrise from Charles Bridge © Innocent | Dreamstime

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s romantic, Gothic architecture is even more picturesque under a blanket of snow. Bundle up and wander the cobblestone alleyways, stop in for a pint in a cozy pub or sit under a heater at one of the city’s popular outdoor bars. Warm up with a hearty dish of steaming hot goulash and dumplings, while enjoying views of the snow-capped stone cathedrals and castles. Prague is also much quieter in the winter, so you’ll avoid the crowds if you visit in the winter months.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb does winter right. Visit in the winter and go ice skating in Tomislavac Park, or catch a hockey game at the beautiful Arena Zagreb. Stroll the snow-covered streets,and enjoy mulled wine on Tkalča, also known as pub street. Warm up with traditional stews cooked over open fires, and explore the city’s surrounding national parks, boasting stunning frozen waterfalls and glistening icicles. Croatia is quieter in the winter months, making it the ideal destination for winter lovers.

© Noracarol | Dreamstime

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is surrounded by mountains and overlooks the sea, boasting stunning natural beauty in every direction. The city enjoys a mild winter climate with a lot of precipitation, making the city’s colorful houses, cobblestone streets and medieval architecture that much more beautiful covered in snow. The city center is home to the oldest part of Bergen, featuring the architecturally stunning, 12^th-century St. Mary’s Church and cobblestone streets. While Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it offers a small-town charm even lovelier in the winter.

Sibiu, Romania

The small Transylvania city of Sibiu has been dubbed the cultural center of Romania, home to a world-renowned classical music scene with three theaters, a philharmonic orchestra and several museums. The city sees more than 120 days of frost, creating a winter wonderland-like atmosphere with its snow-dusted fortresses, medieval architecture and picturesque town squares. The city straddles the Cibin River and several small streams run throughout town, all of which sparkle beautifully in the winter sun. The city and surrounding towns are home to Păltiniș and Arena Platos ski resorts and Făgăraș Mountains, ideal for trekking.