Tallinn (Estonia)

In the capital of Estonia, the fairy-tale atmosphere is present on every corner. This port on the shore of the Baltic Sea will literally take you back to medieval times as about two thirds of buildings in the historically most valuable quarter called Vanalinn (Old Town) have preserved their original appearance. In Advent, visit the Christmas Market on Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square), taste Estonian specialities and watch some of the regular weekend performances. You can stretch your legs on the ice rink on Harju Street directly in the centre or relax in a quaint café, such as Chocolaterie Pierre, Bogabott or Kehrwjeder. If you are planning to stay for a few days, make sure to go for a trip outside the city. There is plenty to choose from: from dog sledding rides with huskies, through sauna with a jump into ice water to a visit to a frozen waterfall Jägala where the two-hour tour includes a winter picnic.

Estonian Tallinn has enormous charm in winter

Lucerne (Switzerland)

The contrast between the two snowy mountains Pilatus and Rigi and Lake Lucerne, on which the Swiss city of Lucerne is located, will amaze you. Take an unforgettable walk over the Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden footbridge that is 170 m long and has its long roof covered in snow in winter, creating a romantic atmosphere. You will surely enjoy the view of old town buildings which are colourful as well as picturesque. And if you want to feast your eyes even more, climb to the Chateau Gütsch and the fairy-tale landscape will unfold before you. If you come during Advent, you will surely come across Christmas markets, mulled wine, omnipresent Christmas lights and other wonders which will please both your eyes and appetite.

Old town and Lake Lucerne in the glow of Christmas lights

Salzburg (Austria)

Take a walk through snowy alleys where Mozart himself was walking more than 250 years ago or even visit his birthplace. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of freezing days, have a cup of punch, taste nice-smelling Tyrolean speck, try roasted chestnuts, marzipan or the famous Mozartkugel. If you’re thinking about taking a trip during Advent, you will definitely be amazed by ubiquitous Christmas markets (the most popular one is the “Baby Jesus Market”), which are even better with a cup of mulled wine in your hand. Salzburger Adventsingen, the Christmas performances of signing children in costumes, will also be quite an experience for you. Moreover, this year commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Silent Night carol and tickets can be purchased online for specific dates. At the beginning of December, people are attracted to traditional Krampus and Perchten parades of terrifying screaming creatures which are supposed to drive winter away and bring about spring.

Winter view of the city and the river Salzach

Munich (Germany)

If you visit Munich in freezing winter months, you can congratulate yourself. It is beautiful and definitely proves that Germany cities are incredibly charming in winter! In the snowy centre, you can join tens of locals in playing curling directly on the frozen canal in front of the Nymphenburg Palace. Both beginners and advanced players are welcome! Cold days are ideal for visiting local indoor pools and saunas – you will be enchanted by Müller’sche Volksbad, the spa in art nouveau design. In addition to traditional markets, during Advent, you can also take a ride in a special tram which will take you to a sightseeing tour, offer mulled wine for adults and non-alcoholic punch for the little ones, and it all will be accompanied by traditional carols. If you prefer to spend a romantic day in privacy, you can do cross-country skiing across the scenic countryside of Munich outskirts. Or visit the Hellabrunn Zoo, you will be surprised how many local animals will be happy to keep you company.

A partially frozen canal in front of the Nymphenburg Palace

Budapest (Hungary)

What can you enjoy in winter Budapest? Besides a traditional walk through the most beautiful Vaci Street, which will lead you to the traditional Christmas markets in front of the St. Stephen’s Basilica with warm mead and roasted chestnuts, you can try skating on the City Ice Rink with the marvellous scenery of the Vajdahunyad Castle in the distance. To keep you out of the piercing cold, visit one of the many local spas. The bigger ones include Gellért or Széchenyi, but we also recommend Veli Bej, the oldest Turkish spa in Budapest, which is smaller but offers a more intimate atmosphere. In addition to renowned pubs located in formerly abandoned buildings (also known as Kerts or ruin pubs), you can also relax in one of the quaint cafés, some of them with a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

Országház, Hungarian Parliament, on the bank of the Danube

Wroclaw (Poland)

You may be sceptical about visiting Poland in winter, but Wroclav will convince you that the prejudice should be pushed aside – it is charming! The Cathedral Island, Old Town, snow-covered roofs and squares and colourful gables, which gain a romantic dimension in the evening light, will take your breath away. And the gloriously lit Wroclaw riverbank is the icing on the cake! Pop in some of the restaurants and enjoy fried trout, white pudding or traditional potato griddlecakes. And what if you get tired of these? In addition to a great number of ice rinks, there are also many hillocks in Wroclaw for bob-sleighing with your children – try the one in the Stanisław Tołpa Park or the Guerilla Hill.

Colorful houses in Wroclaw

Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

Dark decorated façades, large white windows and snow-covered roofs. Isn’t this a description of a fairy-tale town? Amsterdam looks just lovely under annual heavy snowfall. From November to January, the city also changes into a great gallery of lights, which you will enjoy the most from a boat floating on the canals. You can relax in one of the cosy cafés and pubs or get engrossed in a conversation in the amazing atmosphere of Christmas markets scattered across the city – some are traditional, some are modern, depends on where your steps will take you. And if you are lucky enough, the shops will be selling Oliebollen doughnuts, which happens only once a year during the Christmas holidays. They are delicious!

Traditional Dutch houses and bridges over canals

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