The winter break is an inspiring time to visit bustling metropolises and charming small villages. Many restless tourists consider winter the ideal time for budget travel. For instance, in Europe, winter vacations are much more affordable than in other seasons of the year.
Even during the Christmas celebrations, winter carnivals, and festivals, you can feel comfortable while managing a small vacation budget. AdmiGram.com will tell you about a few romantic European cities that you should definitely include in your travel itinerary if you plan to visit Europe specifically during the winter.
5 European cities for a true winter getaway
Rovaniemi, Finland
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You can reach the real home of Santa Claus in just one day. By the way, if you want an authentic visit to Santa Claus, you’ll be delighted to know that you can be taken to his home by a reindeer sleigh. But aside from the chance to see Santa Claus himself, there are thousands of reasons to spend a winter vacation in Rovaniemi.
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The untouched Finnish nature, genuine Lapland traditions and culture, cozy urban life, incredible opportunities for active leisure — all these gifts await you in one of the most hospitable cities in Finland during winter. If you plan to spend your winter vacation with kids, make sure to visit this cozy and unique little city together.
Cologne, Germany
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If you haven’t been to the famous winter markets in Germany, then you can say you haven’t truly experienced Europe. Every winter in Cologne, the world-famous winter event dedicated to German culture and lifestyle takes place. During the Christmas holidays, you can wander the city streets for hours, enjoying the local culture and special romance.
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And if you happen to feel cold, you can easily warm up with the famous German herbal tea, glühwein, and sweet gingerbread cookies. And when you’ve warmed up, make sure to visit the Cologne Cathedral, City Hall, and the Chocolate Museum. Cologne is simply the perfect place for a winter vacation if you want to ring in the New Year in a special way.
Jasna, Slovakia
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If you prefer an active winter vacation, there’s no need to spend all your savings and head to the snow-covered Alps. Slovakia offers high-quality ski resorts at very reasonable prices. Jasna is a famous ski resort in the center of Slovakia, in the Low Tatras. The mountains here are so impressive that they outshine even the most renowned ski resorts.
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Those who have visited the enchanting beauty of hospitable Jasna once fall in love forever with the magic of the majestic Slovak mountains surrounded by snow-covered fir trees. The winter landscapes here are truly captivating, and the level of service and prices pleasantly surprise. In short, if you love winter, skiing, and snowboarding – be sure to visit the Slovakian Jasna.
Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest is one of the most beautiful European cities, stunning in any season. If you seek a peaceful and romantic getaway with your significant other, Budapest offers the most ideal places for such a retreat. You can stroll for hours through the cozy winter streets of the Hungarian capital, just hand in hand.
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Snow-covered narrow streets, historic Gothic buildings, and genuine cobblestone pavements create a fairy tale atmosphere. And for a touch of true romance, welcome to the world-famous City Park Ice-Skating rink, where all lovers can spend an unforgettable time.
Bergen, Norway
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Bergen is Norway’s winter cradle, the capital of Scandinavian fjords, and a paradise for seafood enthusiasts. In Bergen, you won’t take a step without encountering a fish market. It’s said that some have even fainted from the abundance of seafood and its availability in local trade. It might be a joke, but the special relationship Bergen has with the sea and its offerings is instantly noticeable.
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For instance, Bergen’s waterfront is one of UNESCO’s cultural heritage sites. But according to many tourists, Bergen’s main attractions are its suburban villages, where even during the heaviest snowfalls, roads are always cleared. If you want to experience the New Year holidays in a truly enchanting winter setting, this marvelous city should definitely be your choice.
image on top: Celine Ylmz / Unsplash
