10 travel destinations in Europe that are also beautiful in winter

You don't have to travel halfway around the world to escape the winter blues. Europe also offers some destinations that brighten your mood during the cold season – from the magical glow of the Northern Lights to the warm Mediterranean sun.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the summer season, winter is the ideal time to explore exciting cities or unwind amidst breathtaking nature. And because you're traveling during the off-season, you have a good chance of finding a real vacation bargain. The travel reporter presents you with ten exciting and beautiful destinations for a winter vacation in Europe.

Denmark's capital reveals its magical side, especially in winter. By the time the sun sets in the afternoon, Copenhagen's canals, cobblestone streets, bridges, and historic buildings become truly hyggelig.

A shopping spree around Strøget, Europe's longest pedestrian zone, is just as much a must as a visit to the Little Mermaid statue at the edge of the harbor. Foodies will find everything from spices and gourmet chocolate to specialties from all over the world at over 60 stalls in the Torvehallerne market halls.

As darkness falls, you can warm up in one of the many cafés and restaurants in Copenhagen's trendy Vesterbro district and watch the winter hustle and bustle with a cup of tea or hot chocolate in hand.

Tip: In December, Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, transforms into a Christmas winter wonderland. As soon as it gets dark, everything glitters and lights up – especially when the fireworks start.

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How about a winter vacation on the Côte d'Azur ? The coastal city of Nice is worth a visit even in the winter months. With temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, sit on the beach, or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés.

On rainy days, museums like the Musée Matisse or the Mamac offer shelter from the elements and exciting exhibitions. Or you can take advantage of the wet weather for a relaxing stroll through the Nice Etoile shopping center. In December, a small Christmas market is set up in the city, and in February, Nice celebrates its two-week Carnival, the largest winter spectacle on the French Riviera.

Tip: If you want to discover more of the beautiful Côte d'Azur, a tour to other cities such as Cannes, Antibes and Monaco is a good option.

Instead of pushing through crowds of tourists in the oppressive summer heat, explore this beautiful lagoon city in winter. Hotel prices are affordable, you rarely have to wait in line at attractions and museums, and it's easy to find a seat at your favorite restaurant.

Because Venice is located by the sea, temperatures rarely drop below zero—cold, but not icy. Occasionally, even in December and January, there are mild days with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. The famous winter fog lends the city a very special charm during the cold months. When the gloomy clouds waft through the narrow streets and over the Grand Canal, they create a mystical atmosphere.

Tip: In February, the Venice Carnival brings a vibrant hustle and bustle to the lagoon city with its colorful masks and costumes. In addition to expensive masked balls, there are plenty of free events – but of course, the peace and quiet is over by then.

High in the north of Sweden , about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, lies the small village of Abisko. While the sun shines around the clock on the vast, untouched nature during the summer months, it doesn't appear at all for several weeks in the winter.

Instead, the Northern Lights illuminate the sky above the Abisko Valley. The Aurora Sky Station observation center is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. But that's far from all you can experience in wintery Lapland. Go ice fishing by dog ​​sledding, explore the cross-country ski trails along the National Park Trails, and warm up with a coffee around a campfire with the Sami, Sweden's indigenous people.

Tip: You'll want to dress warmly for your Arctic adventure. Temperatures in Abisko average between minus five and minus 15 degrees Celsius, but it can get considerably colder.

In winter, the water temperature in Hévíz Thermal Baths never drops below a cozy 24 degrees Celsius. This means you can still enjoy the healing effects of Europe's largest thermal lake even when the snowflakes are falling from the sky. The exceptionally high water temperature even encourages the water lilies to flourish.

The water in the 4.4-hectare Hévíz Healing Lake, with its high magnesium, calcium, and sulfur content, was already used for healing purposes by the Romans. Near Hungary's Lake Balaton, you can recharge your energy reserves and indulge in the historic Festetics Day Spa.

Tip: If you are looking for a balance between wellness and peace, explore the charming spa town with its pedestrian zone and old spa architecture or paddle a canoe through the canal system of Lake Hévíz.

The small archipelago of the Azores lies in the middle of the Atlantic. Due to their location, winters on the islands are quite mild, with temperatures averaging 18 degrees Celsius even in December. This is ideal for long walks among the extraordinary flora and fauna for which the archipelago is known.

With a bit of luck, you can even swim in the winter, or at least dip your toes in the sea. The best place to do this is on the third-largest island of the Azores, Terceira. For swimming, the bay of Praia da Vitoria in the east of the island, with its azure sea and bright sand, is ideal. The sea pool in the town of Biscoitos in the north of the island is also popular. Here you can splash around in natural pools and relax in the sun on concrete surfaces.

Tip: If one island isn't enough for you, you can also travel to the remaining eight islands by plane. For example, visit the capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada, whose old town is entirely black and white.

Does the mere thought of quiet days in front of the fireplace give you cabin fever? Then Kolašin inMontenegro might be your ideal destination this winter. This small mountain town attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world to the Bjelasica Mountains in the heart of Montenegro with its chairlifts and ski slopes. Ice-cold, snowy winters and two large ski resorts offer ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Beginners and pros alike will find plenty to enjoy on the 45 kilometers of slopes in the Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 ski areas. Those looking for even more thrills can try ice climbing or explore the terrain on snowshoe tours or by quad bike.

Unlike established ski resorts in Austria or Switzerland, Kolašin is still largely unknown and therefore much less crowded. You can stay overnight in holiday apartments or hotels at relatively reasonable prices.

Tip: Après-ski fun can be found at the Troglava restaurant, for example, where DJs create a lively atmosphere.

The winter sports resort of Bansko in Bulgaria also promises adrenaline and thrills for winter sports fans. This idyllic village, located about 150 kilometers from Sofia, is home to one of the longest continuous ski slopes in the world. From the highest point, the Todorka peak in the Pirin Mountains, you ski a full 16 kilometers down to the valley floor.

Plenty of precipitation and numerous snow cannons ensure guaranteed snow and perfect slope conditions from December to April. In addition to classic skiing and snowboarding, other winter sports are possible here.

Or you can go heli-skiing and let helicopters take you to the otherwise inaccessible peaks of the Pirin Mountains. You can then end your adventurous day, pleasantly tired, in one of the city's numerous restaurants.

Tip: If you need a break from winter sports, a stroll through town is worthwhile. Bansko has preserved its authentic architecture since the Bulgarian Revival period, with houses from the 18th and 19th centuries and over 100 cultural monuments dominating the town.

Winter sports in the snow or a beach holiday? In Andalusia, both are possible in a relatively small area. Parts of the country are located further south than the African coast. Therefore, along the coast, with its miles of sandy beaches, temperatures remain a pleasant 15 to 20 degrees Celsius even in winter. On some days, you can even swim in the sea.

In the cities, the rush to popular sights like the Alhambra in Granada or Seville Cathedral is significantly less during the winter months. Accommodation prices in Andalusia are also considerably cheaper. The legendary tapas can be enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere just as well as in the summer.

Tip: If you can't miss out on snow and winter sports, a trip to Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada is worthwhile. Here, 100 kilometers of slopes offer ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

You can leave the gray winter far behind you on the island of eternal spring. The climate in the Canary Islands is mild year-round. This is due to the archipelago's location: Politically, the Canary Islands belong to Spain, but geographically, the archipelago is located in Africa.

Due to its proximity to the equator, Gran Canaria, for example, experiences quite high temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius during the winter months – perfect conditions for hiking or cycling. However, you can also take a refreshing dip in the sea year-round, especially on sheltered beaches.

Another advantage of a winter holiday in the Canary Islands: During the winter months, the island's beautiful spots are less crowded, and you have to share them with fewer other holidaymakers.

Tip: Culture enthusiasts will also get their money's worth on Gran Canaria in winter: for example, with a visit to the history museum in the colonial building Casa de Colón or to the Museo Canario, which houses ancient Canarian finds.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .

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