Magical Winter Breaks

Whether you’re looking for snow-fuelled adventures, unique seasonal experiences or a scenic winter wonderland, Lisa de Silva believes the colder months offer plenty of scope for a timely break 

While we may feel like hibernating as the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, embracing the opportunity for a winter trip away can deliver all the benefits and relaxation of a summer holiday. 

Here we consider the rewards of taking a winter holiday, along with suggesting some specific destinations to inspire you. 

SCENIC WINTER LANDSCAPES 

Spending time outdoors in nature is a wonderful way to reduce stress, manage the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and boost your immune system. And how wonderful it is to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of winter, enjoying the sight of magnificent now-covered mountains, invigorating fresh air, picturesque frozen lakes and enchanting winter wonderland villages.

After soaking up all that magical scenery, there is nothing better than enjoying a creamy hot chocolate around a warm and cosy fire. 

Top destinations: Swiss Alps, French Alps, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark 

EXHILARATING WINTER SPORTS

Winter holidays offer plenty of opportunity to indulge in a range of winter sports. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating at a wide range of European resorts.

For those looking for additional thrills, activities like snowmobiling and heli-skiing will not disappoint, while Nordic adventures include husky and reindeer sledding, along with unique experiences such as ice fishing. 

Top destinations: Swiss, French & Austrian Alps, Italian Dolomites and for superb value for money try Vogel in Slovenia, Jasná Nízke Tatry – Chopok in Slovakia, Bansko in Bulgaria or Zakopane in Poland. 

RELAXATION AND WINTER WELLBEING

It is hard to beat outdoor hot thermal bathing on a cold winter’s day. Relaxing in warm water as the snowflakes fall is a wonderful way to boost your wellbeing. Europe has a wealth of spa and thermal towns with natural hot springs, including Bad Gastein in Austria.

Just a 90-minute train ride from Salzburg, Bad Gastein is known for snow sure ski slopes and the healing power of its thermal waters. Similarly, Bormio in the Italian Alps offers thermal baths which date back to Roman times, along with a range of winter sports and mountain activities. 

Top destinations: Austria, Italy, Iceland, Hungary, Switzerland and the French Pyrenees. 

THE CHANCE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

A mainstay of many people’s travel bucket list is a trip to see the Northern Lights. One of nature’s most spectacular sights, the aurora borealis, offers a magical and dazzling display of dancing colours across the night sky. It is an awe-inspiring and memorable experience.

The best time of year for seeing the Northern Lights are the winter months from November to March, as the long dark nights and increased solar activity increase their visibility. For the best viewing opportunities, do choose a location with minimal light pollution and hope for a clear night sky. 

Top destinations: The Nordic countries of Iceland, Northern Finland, Northern Sweden and Tromsø in Norway, which are all within or close to the Arctic Circle. 

A VISIT TO LAPLAND & SANTA CLAUS

Located above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is spread across the northernmost reaches of Finland and Sweden. Famous for its magical winter landscapes and Northern Lights viewing, it is a destination full of exciting excursions and activities.

Highlights include reindeer and dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing. It is also home to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, which makes for a truly wonderful and memorable family adventure.

Other attractions include the opportunity to stay in an IceHotel and discover the fascinating indigenous culture of the Sámi people, whose traditions include reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. 

Top destinations: Rovaniemi in Finland and Kiruna in Sweden. 

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

A visit to a European Christmas Market is a wonderful way to soak up the festive spirit. Often in picturesque historic settings, festooned with twinkling lights and decorations, it is hard not to be charmed by the experience. Visitors can browse for traditional and unique cultural crafts and souvenir Christmas decorations, along with trying seasonal and regional culinary delights such as gingerbread, roast chestnuts and mulled wine.

Many markets offer live entertainment, such as carol singing, dance performances and live music, as well as festive activities such as an ice rink, carousel and Ferris wheel rides. 

Top destinations: Strasbourg, Cologne, Brussels, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. We would also recommend Nuremberg, Heidelberg, Salzburg, Riga and Gdansk.