On an ice fishing safari, you will also have the opportunity to cook your catch over an open fire. However, the advantage of visiting in the night is, of course, that you get to see the gardens illuminated, which may even be worth dealing with the crowds. While spring and summer months may seem more appealing, European winters offer their fair share of fun activities. The park is divided into the upper and lower lakes, the 12 upper lakes make up the largest section of the park. Budapest isnt your only option though. Here's the ultimate list to help you plan your visit to Europe. Although, Marvo is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal any time of year. Twinkling lights, fresh cool air, snow in the mountains, seasonal foods, fewer tourists - Italy in December can make for a surprisingly pleasant visit. Whatever dogsledding trip you opt for, its essential you prepare properly. 5 days ago. Although mild temperatures and sunshine are almost guaranteed, the island is quite windy (even its name contains strong winds). Find out More About Guided Snowshoeing and Hiking Tours in Lofoten. The snowfall in the mountains makes way for adding a rare element that makes the season perfect for a varied range of adventure activities. December events: Find the perfect gift at the Exeter Christmas Market. You will find them on or near glaciers, and because of changing weather and temperatures, they can change in appearance almost daily. The Assumption Cathedral (the largest church in Western Europe). To view one of natures most magnificent shows, head north, preferably when its darkest and coldest. If winters got you feeling chilled to your bones, head to Budapest, Hungary and slip on your bathing suit at the Szchenyi Thermal Baths. Sledding or tobogganing (called rodeln in Tyrol) is a fun activity for everyone. Dont overthink it and dont worry about your modesty, the faster you do it, the better. How long: 1 weekend Why December: to do your Christmas shopping in a beautiful alpine surrounding Weather: the average temperature is 8C with an alternation of sun and clouds Practical tips: visit here to plan your visit to Merano's Christmas market 2. You'll see spots like the Opera House, Christiansborg Palace, Black Diamond Library, and so much more. What are the fun activities in Europe during winter? The best Things To Do In December in Germany of 2022. Vienna is the best city to see this time of the year. Activities to try in December: Skating, visiting a concert, a football match, Amsterdam Light Festival and so on. On the other hand, the month ends with Christmas lighting and bells ringing on the streets adding to the Christmas vibe. This is the main Christmas Market in the Old Town. However, Denmark, and especially Copenhagen, are worth a visit during the colder months. Each room is designed by a different artist creating a unique theme. Without a doubt, this is one of the most iconic views on the continent, and enjoying it is one of the best things to do in Europe! Peoples thoughts turn to Christmas markets and skiing. 1. The vast continent of Europe offers a wide array of cities to explore. One of the best places in Europe to visit in December is Transylvania (the country of Romania). These are quite cool and a bit quirky establishments. Stefan & Sebastien | Nomadic Boys | Find out more about Lou Queernaval here. Temperatures in Europe in winter can range from a chilly -18 | 0.1 in eastern countries like Russia and the Baltic States. Paris, France 3.5. Cover Image Credit: PxhereWinters in Europe are the most fascinating time and nothing seems more appealing that European winter. No comment, amazing and atmospheric places, Visit bath SPAs. Since 2013 myself and a team of writers have been sharing our best tips for study abroad students, as well as travel advice and info on living and working abroad. If you get super hyped about Christmas markets, Stuttgart is one of the best destinations in December. Looking for fun things to do in the winter for the whole family. Most people last the night in their ice rooms but dont worry; you can retire to the central heated service area at any time. Dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Dont forget your hat and gloves because the temperature is regulated to be about 20 degrees Fahrenheit! Its delicious! Rashmi & Chalukya |GOBeyondBounds |Read more about the Golden Pass Train here. A dusting of snow and frost transform these natural wonders into an entrancing winter wonderland you won't want to leave. Marvoisnt the only chestnut festival in Portugal: youll find festivals in places like Lous, Vinhais, and Monchique in the Algarve. A fabulous winter experience in Europe is snowshoeing in the Lofoten Islands. See Christmas markets, try local winter foods, drink hot wine, do winter activities, go for shopping, and enjoy the festive vibes! If you want to get into Christmas vibes, Paris is a fantastic city to visit in December! 3. r/Europetravel. The best toboggan runs for beginners are the ones at Schlick 2000, the Elferlift in the Stubai Valley and the Almluft run in the Ziller Valley. Interesting factYou can have a 2-hour train ride from Krakow to Auschwitz. My other favorite thing to do in Budapest is to climb up to the top of the Basilica at sunset. 12 Best Islands In Europe For 2022 Honeymoon Packed With Romance & Passion. The views are literally insane over the city, a remarkable spot for some Instagram selfies. Switzerlands most famous places such as Lucerne, Zermatt or the Jungfrau Region can be very crowded all year long. Cologne, Germany Rovaniemi, Finland Kiruna, Sweden Tallinn, Estonia Dubrovnik, Croatia Seville, Spain Reykjavk, Iceland Cologne, Germany Credit: cmophoto.net, Unsplash 8. Husky sledding is a fabulous experience. Image courtesy Kathe Wohlfahrt. Additionally, it is also the best time to gorge on traditional food and savor delicious food. But if youre not a fan of the cold, thermal baths are one of your best bets for what to do in Europe in the winter. Get in the Christmas spirit at one of the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Villages in Germany. The fitter amongst you may choose to walk to the first cable car station, and others can get the cable car straight to the start of the hike at Blauherd station. However, to be like a true Finn and reap the health benefits of the sauna, you must follow the sauna ritual. Winter in Europe delivers the possibility for unique experiences and winter adventures. Tickets can be booked online. Paris, also known as a city of lights, is lit up even better in December by the thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Skate Around Enchant Christmas A festive fantasyland filled with sparkling lights, icy trails, and a sense of frosty glee in the air Enchant Christmas takes the holidays to the next level. Obviously, the first and the best thing to do in Copenhagen in winter is to soak up holiday cheer at Christmas markets. Some people find they slide off the slippery reindeer skin coverings and onto the floor whereas others sleep quite soundly. Charlotte. Christmas markets are amazing, and theres a lot to see in Budapest. Every year, Tivoli goes through several seasons, including Halloween and Christmas. Ice caves are formed each winter, and they vary in location, size, and safety each year. Christmas markets 2. After three attempts I was finally rewarded with the magical spectre of the Aurora Borealis. There are usually several professional sporting matches to attend in Amsterdam this December. 1. Europe has tons of other hot spring baths and spas to relax in, including Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Therme Vals in Switzerland, which will cost a bit more than the baths in Hungary. 2. 1. The Mediterranean boasts the warmest countries and the best places to visit in Europe in December/January to escape the cold. Create Your Own Original Perfume in France. There are a few designated areas in the city that are ideal for this activity. November weather in Iceland can be fickle. There are so many things to do in the Lofoten Islands during winter, but I highly suggest grabbing some snowshoes as a great way to see parts of the Lofoten Islands. Although rates may go up during the peak season they are still ridiculously affordable. While Croatia may not be at the top of everyones winter Europe itinerary, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a truly remarkable sight in winter. Seeing the magical display of the Aurora Borealis the Northern Lights should be on everyones once in a lifetime experience list. Northern Europe offers endless opportunities for snow sports, some more unique than others. Learn from the Finns, who treat their bathing ritual as a mainstay rather than a luxury. 3. Remember to stop at 300 ml as its a very insidious drink. In Reykjavik, tour operators make a daily go/no-go call for the Northern Lights tour so start inquiring on the day of arrival. Asthe teams are pretty mixed country wise, no matter where you go, you should find a hockey team and a game close to your destination. No comment, amazing and atmospheric places See the city's highlights. The average temperature in December averages between -1 degree Celsius to -3 degree Celsius. Finland is an excellent destination for lovers of winter activities. Switzerland boasts striking landscapes and stunning vistas, and one of the best ways to explore them is to take a scenic train ride. More tips for what to do in Europe in the winter: 10 European Cities to Visit During the Winter, 7 Must-Have Items for Cold Weather Travel for Girls, 7 Festive Christmas Markets To Visit While in Europe, 10 Cant-Miss Christmas Markets in Germany. What is the average expenditure of visiting Europe in December? Some resorts and courses have gotten a bad reputation, but you can pretty safely judge a lodge by whether or not it regularly holds ski competitions. Amsterdam: For The Festive Vibes2. Many target young audiences, while the one I saw, a Jack and the Beanstalk interpretation at Southwark Playhouse, was definitely not for children but had my classmates and I falling out of our chairs. With the Eiger, Mnch and Jungfrau mountains, the Jungfrau region is simply a perfect spot for a helicopter adventure and a dream spot for capturing incredible photographs. You will not be able to walk down a European street in December without feeling like youve stepped into a Christmas snow globe. Just catch up on your reading, look at the breathtaking views and enjoy the Svan hospitality. Most people associate the Austrian Tyrol with skiing in winter. So I decided to list the old proven European cities with some unexpected ones. 1. We hope this suffices your quest to know about things to do in Europe in December. I'm looking for a city that's realistic to tour in the winter, that has enough activities. Below, find the seven best places to visit in Europe in December. Check out some ruin bars. Winter in Europe will, of course, mean shorter days. You can rent a car and explore the white sand beaches around El Cotillo in the Northwest. The city center, in particular enjoys a makeover of lights and decorations strung between the narrow streets and adjacent buildings. Madeira, Portugal. Unfortunately, it only opens in mid-January. The parks beautiful winter display of frozen waterfalls is not the only reason to visit Plitvice Lakes in winter; you will also find fewer crowds. The glacier is the second largest in Europe and the ice tunnel, the worlds first and largest man-made tunnel is 1,800 feet long. One of the complicated things about the Northern Lights is that they are completely unpredictable and very weather dependent. Youll need good warm and waterproof clothing and shoes to participate in these tours. After all, you can enjoy seeing the vibrant northern lights dancing through the air. Madrid, Spain 5.8. Activities to try in December: Ice skating rink, visit and explore harbor swim, attend Three Kings Parade. In and around the city, you'll find several Christmas markets that are in full holiday cheer during the entire month, each with its own unique theme. Visit shopping malls (My recommendation is. The Golden Pass Trains take three routes running between the city of Montreux to Lucerne stopping at Zweisimmen and Interlaken. In fact, I'll let you in on a little secret - December in Italy is magical! Switzerland is famous for its ski slopes, beautiful mountain peaks and, in winter, a lot of snow. In England, mince pies will be everywhere. All you need is warm clothing, an ice drill, a fishing pole, patience and some bait. Mayrhofen: Enjoy the Adventure Sports4. The perfect alternative the Golden Pass Train Ride. The parks walkways and major attractions become overcrowded with tourists, even entry fees are more expensive in summer than in winter. A great way to warm up and enjoy the spoils of your efforts. With the entire continent erupting with Christmas cheer, cities are lit up on the streets spreading a happy vibe. After all, many of the worlds most famous ice hockey players have Swedish origins, such as Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidstrm, Mats Sundin, Henrik Lundqvist and many more. A nice hot steam paired with an invigorating roll in the snow. The temperate south. The Feira da Castanha in Marvo takes place every year during November, and its one of the biggest chestnut festivals. 10 Most Overlooked Destinations In Europe That Are Truly Gorgeous www.mytravelguideposts.com. Experience Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona When we shared the 15 best things to do in Barcelona, it was impossible not to have Antoni Gaud on the list. See Mikulas on St. Nicholas Day in Old Town Square 8. Everything is still closed on December 25. Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a city that is a winter wonderland in December and a snowy playground that kids of all ages will love. Like the Canary Islands, Madeiras proximity to the African coast means more sun and milder temperatures than in the rest of Europe. The Swedish Hockey League are regarded as one of the best in the world. In mid-winter when the lake freezes, it is possible to walk across the lake to the castle. One of the best things to do in Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park is even greater fun than usual come winter. If you've never seen a European football match, now is a great opportunity as Amsterdam's AJAX team is one of the best football teams in the Netherlands. We hiked through Kabelvg, a part of the Lofoten Islands with outstanding views when the brief winter sunlight allows. After a day spent skiing or traipsing through a Christmas market, you are going to want a hot beverage to warm you up. Granada, Spain. Bungee Jump in Greece. The majestic snowy mountains just make you respect mother nature in a completely new way. At this time of year, the Plitvice Lakes is the quintessential European Winter Wonderland. If youre visiting Sweden in winter, how about heading to an ice hockey game for a truly local experience. However, you can escape the crowds and have a unique experience. As well as roasted chestnuts, youll find stalls selling ginjinha, locally-made jams, bread, liquors, and other traditional delicacies. Just a quick recap of this articlethe weather in Europe might be uncomfortable in the winter, and it gets dark early. Budapest, Hungary. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain 3. 1) St Mark's, the Doge's Palace, museums & galleries St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy. Ice sculptors from all over the world flock to Belgium for this world-renowned festival in which giant ice sculptures are carved and put on display. You might not find a good place to have breakfast or lunch. If you want to try your hand at night tobogganing, floodlit runs offer the opportunity if youre not too tired after a day on the sled. There are so many enjoyable things to do in Iceland in winter, one of the most unique being exploring an ice cave or ice tunnel. 22 Chilling Winter Destinations In Europe Thatll Melt Your Heart In 2022! Visit bath SPAs. Barcelona offering a pleasant weather condition in December witnesses a sea pool of tourists making way to the city. Ice Skating at George Street. Liz is a recent graduate from Marist with degrees in English and psychology. There are many reasons to travel to Europe in the wintertime, mainly because Christmas time transforms its cities into magical and atmospheric places. Are you ready to start planning your winter in Europe adventure? Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes is an incredibly beautiful place at any time of year but very special in winter. Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park at this time of year is certainly one of the most unique winter experiences in Europe. First time solo traveler to Europe/UK at the end of the month to follow Billy Strings. It rains. When not writing and daydreaming about future travels, she loves hiking, reading and rowing. Enjoy the Christmas Lights in Lisbon in December. 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