Although the temperatures are low and the nights are early, there are some amazing winter destinations to fill your season with joy. It’s a period where we can reflect on the year, and begin to look forward to what the next 12 months will bring. It’s also a time to relax and recuperate. What better way to do that than give yourself a much-needed break?
When it comes to winter destinations, you’re spoilt for choice. With a host of winter wonderland destinations scattered around Europe each offering their own sense of magic, mystique and festive wonders. We’ve picked out four of the very best.
Lapland, Finland
No list of winter wonderland travel destinations would be complete without the ultimate in festive authenticity. Lapland comprises the northernmost part of both Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia and sits atop the Arctic Circle. As for what’s on offer, the area is known for its stunning, postcard-ready winter landscapes illuminated by the Northern Lights at night. Lapland also offers up a variety of outdoor adventures including dogsledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling and, of course, reindeer rides.
If you like your Christmases decidedly Christmassy, you’ll struggle to find a better place than this.
Prague, Czech Republic
If you’re looking for a city getaway, the Czech capital presents one of the very best winter destinations in Europe. An architectural dream with the history, music scene and beer to match. Prague ticks all the boxes as a classic, enchanting European city. Brimming with heritage that stems through its picturesque gardens, expansive parks and bustling cafes. It’s a vibrant location for all the family, and one that can take on several different forms depending on what you’re looking for.
Hallsatt, Austria
Central Europe is brimming with magical little villages and towns, but perhaps the pick of the bunch when talking about the best winter wonderland destinations is Hallstatt in Austria. Shadowed by the snow-topped Alps and littered with architecture that looks like it’s straight out of a cuckoo clock. Hallstatt has such a fairy-tale feel to it that you wouldn’t be surprised to hear the Sound of Music erupt from the surrounding hills at any second.
Accustomed to swathes of tourists over the summer, Hallstatt is best experienced from October onwards. It is the winter months that you can enjoy a serene and undeniably breath-taking trip to this idyllic toytown. The Alps are home to some of the world’s best roads, so a perfect for a road trip.
Windermere, England
When we talk about winter wonderland destinations in the UK, there are a few beauties that spring to mind. Drives through Snowdonia, Yorkshire Moors, Scottish Highlands or along the Cornish Peninsula all certainly have their magical merits.
The Lake District, however, provides an unwavering classic that offers charming towns, snow-topped moors and peaks and, of course, pristine, still lakes. This makes it one of the best UK winter holiday destinations. Make sure to stock up on Kendal mint cake to keep your calories up if you’re planning enjoying one of the many brilliant walks.
Driving Safely
Just a reminder that roads are extremely dangerous during the winter months. Make sure you’ve performed a winter check on your vehicle prior to your trip and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Check out our Winter Driving blog as well as our blog describing what to do during a winter breakdown.
