Buzz
Winter months provide a perfect opportunity to witness the fascinating and stunning moments of Europe. It's a time when the air is filled with Christmas vibes and New Year celebrations adorn the streets. When it comes to winter travel in Europe, you can snag surprisingly discounted hotel deals, while the European destinations exude an irresistible charm.
Rudesheim, Germany
Rüdesheim is a quaint town nestled at the foot of the Niederwald mountain along the banks of the River Rhine, home to about 11,000 residents. Despite its small size, Rüdesheim is globally renowned as a tourist hotspot. Not only is the wine here famously delightful, but the city also boasts a profoundly picturesque appeal, resembling scenes from a painting, with the Taunus mountain range merging seamlessly with the dreamy Rhine River, crafting a rare beauty for the region.
Visiting this destination in December offers a chance to marvel at the town's glittering lights and immerse in the festive atmosphere, permeating the main thoroughfare of Drosselgasse – where music fills the streets.
Lining both sides of the street are medieval timber-framed houses, interspersed with quaint shops, taverns, and restaurants. Exploring this town, visitors can admire the famous Adler Tower, visit the Broemser castle, and explore the nearby Rhein-Taunus Park. All these landmarks exude an incredibly charming allure during winter. For those with more time, a visit to the renowned 400 m2 Mechanisches Musikkabinett museum is recommended, showcasing rare musical instruments and artifacts, or a trip to the Asbach Uralt Distillery to witness the making of the world-famous Asbach Uralt brandy.
Check out the list of hotels in Berlin, Germany
Skye Island, Scotland
Skye Island was formed 64 million years ago due to volcanic eruptions. Mist shrouds the island year-round, hence it's also known as the 'misty isle'. Skye is the second-largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris. The natural world on Skye is incredibly wild, showcasing Scotland's characteristic beauty. The best time to visit Skye is from May to September when the weather becomes relatively stable. During this time, eco-tours will bring travelers many fascinating experiences.
The port city of Portree is considered the hub of Skye Island. With a population of about 2,000 people, Portree is the largest town on the island. Portree boasts numerous hotels, shops, and tourist information centers, making it the starting point for journeys across the island.
Every year, around 40,000 tourists visit Skye Island, and trekking around is a popular activity. One of the most exciting journeys is to the area around the Quiraing mountain. On Quiraing mountain, you'll witness the magnificent natural landscapes of Skye Island.
Wengen Village, Switzerland
In winter, visitors will find a picturesque village with log houses surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks. Local residents are diligently preserving the authentic essence of Swiss culture in this charming village.
Explore the list of hotels in Zurich, Switzerland
The historic city of Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic
In winter, visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites along the winding cobblestone path.
Winter in this city begins with Christmas trees sprouting up across the city, followed by traditional cultural events such as concerts, dances, and Christmas markets in this historic city, celebrating Christmas Day.
The highlight of Český Krumlov is the magnificent castle perched on the hillside by the Vltava River, built by the Wittigo family from the mid-13th century. After several changes in ownership, the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic (only after the one in Prague) has been completely restored and welcomes visitors from all corners of the globe to explore.
Explore the list of hotels in Prague, Czech Republic
Annecy, France
With its winding canals enveloping the city, Annecy is often referred to as the Venice of France by Europeans. Among the cities dubbed as Venice, Annecy remains the closest to the original.
Annecy is surrounded by mountains on one side and a lake on the other. Lake Annecy is renowned for its pristine waters formed 18,000 years ago from melted ice. It is a large lake with a width ranging from 800m to 3.2km, a length of 14km, an area of 27km², and an average depth of 41m (with the deepest point measured at 80m). Lake Annecy is not only a favorite tourist destination with boat rental services for lake tours, but it is also a familiar address for water sports enthusiasts.
Celebrating Christmas in the beautiful town of Annecy will make visitors feel like they've stepped into a fairy tale. In winter, visitors to Annecy can enjoy concerts, soak up the festive Christmas atmosphere, explore Christmas markets, go ice skating, and ride local toy trains. Additionally, visitors can explore the Palais Island, St. Maurice Church, and Annecy Castle. Nearby, the Annecy LeSemnoz ski resort offers a wide range of snow-related activities.
Explore the list of hotels in Paris, France
Ghent, Belgium
Explore the list of hotels in Brussels, Belgium
Krems, Austria
During winter, you can wander along the famous cobblestone streets of Krems. Krems boasts several bars, wine taverns where you can sample local wines, or enjoy traditional dishes at one of the Heuriger eateries. In December, you can visit Christmas markets and soak up the warm and colorful Christmas atmosphere in this city.
Explore the list of hotels in Melbourne, Australia
Rättvik, Sweden
This area is famous for its wooden horses painted red, handcrafted lace, traditional Swedish clothing, and other Scandinavian handicrafts. Along the narrow streets are old-style wooden houses and a variety of interesting shops. During Christmas time, you can stay in one of the wooden buildings here and enjoy gingerbread cookies, cozy fireplaces, and participate in entertainment activities like dancing and learning local folk dances.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - By Toquoc
MytourJuly 4, 2013
