11 great European destinations to visit in winter
Editor's Note
Colder weather might have you dreaming of a beach escape, but winter is Europe's hidden gem season. Many European cities go all-out for the holidays, and the magic doesn't disappear once the decorations come down.
From January through March, you'll still find plenty of spots worth visiting — without the summer crowds.
And, since it's low season in many places, you can often find great deals on flights and hotels.
Whether you want to ski, chase the northern lights, hide away in cozy cafes or brave the outdoors, these destinations are packed with winter charm.
The Dolomites
Nestled in Italy's extreme northeastern corner on the Austrian border, the Dolomites are popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
You can take in beautiful Alpine architecture while dining on culinary specialties like fondue and apple strudel. The region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, which means you're just as likely to spot German influences as you are Italian ones.
Related: The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes
Avid skiers can buy a Dolomiti Superski pass to access 12 ski resorts with 745 miles of slopes and 450 lifts. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, is a good base (and will host the Winter Olympics in 2026), but there are also many ski-in, ski-out hotels and spa resorts in the mountains.
Where to stay: Forestis Dolomites is a sleek, modern hotel that combines pine-and-glass towers with a historic chalet built by the Habsburgs in 1912. The massive spa has an indoor-outdoor pool and saunas, and it offers activities like forest hikes and wyda (an ancient Celtic form of yoga). Rates start at $688 per night.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Nearby St. Moritz, Switzerland, may be more famous for its grand hotels and see-and-be-seen vibe, but the Swiss town of Gstaad is a lesser known winter wonderland also worth visiting.
You can reach this small town in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps via a scenic train journey from Zurich. When in Gstaad, visiting a cheese cellar and sampling fondue are musts. The town is also home to various upscale boutiques and galleries, including an outpost of the famed contemporary gallery Gagosian.
Where to stay: A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Gstaad Palace rises like a castle above the town. Inside, it features luxurious rooms, one of the only nightclubs in town, a fantastic spa and four restaurants, including one in a bunker where Swiss banks hid their gold during World War II. Rates start at $935 per night.
Copenhagen
Is it any surprise that the home of hygge is a wonderful winter destination?
Danes have mastered the art of coziness, with warmth-giving decor like candles and throw blankets. Copenhagen is a cool, stylish city with an internationally renowned food scene if you're looking to feast through the cold.
Related: How to get to Denmark with credit card points and airline miles
Both kids and adults will love the rides and games at Tivoli, the historic amusement park right in the city center that dresses up for the holidays. There are plenty of art and design museums to retreat to when it's too cold to stay outside.
Where to stay: Hotel Sanders has just 54 rooms and suites with charmingly vintage decor, a leafy rooftop terrace and an award-winning cocktail bar. Rates start at $205 per night.
Vienna
Did you know that the snow globe was invented in Vienna? Google "photos of Vienna" in the snow, and it's easy to understand why.
Vienna fully embraces the holiday season and is famous for its varied Christmas markets. They pop up all over the city and sell handmade ornaments, gifts, local snacks and mulled wine or punch.
Some of the most atmospheric markets have palaces like Schonbrunn and Belvedere as their backdrops. You can also attend concerts in churches and concert halls around the city.
Where to stay: Hotel Sacher Vienna is home to the original Sacher torte, an Austrian chocolate cake. The Rosewood Vienna is a more modern interpretation of Viennese luxury, with a rooftop bar and a salon serving gugelhupf, a traditional Austrian bundt cake. Rates start at $583 and $636 per night, respectively.
Champagne, France
What could be more romantic than sipping Champagne with your significant other in Champagne?
During winter, the storied wineries in France's Champagne region take on an enchanting air. Plus, the hotels and restaurants offer special menus. When in Champagne, be sure to spend time exploring Reims, and visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims to see the stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. The high-speed train will get you from Paris to Reims in about 45 minutes, but you might want to rent a car to get around the countryside.
Where to stay: Built in 1904 for the Marquise de Polignac, Domaine Les Crayeres is a Relais & Chateaux hotel on a 17-acre estate with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and an exceptional wine list. Rates start at $547 per night.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Winter is the perfect time of year to visit Edinburgh and hole up in cozy pubs to sip a hot toddy.
For the first time this year, the Polar Express Train Ride, inspired by the 2004 film, will arrive at Waverley Station. In addition to Christmas festivities, Edinburgh celebrates Hogmanay, which has Viking origins. It has become a massive New Year's Eve party with a torchlight procession and live musical performances in Princes Street Gardens.
Where to stay: The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is right in the heart of the Old Town on Princes Street. It has hosted celebrities and royalty, including Paul McCartney and the late queen mother. Rates start from $335 per night.
Swedish Lapland
If you really want to get into the winter spirit, consider making the unforgettable journey to Swedish Lapland, the Arctic part of the country.
From September through March, this is one of the world's best places to see the northern lights. Fluffy white snow blankets the area, and you can sample the Arctic lifestyle with activities like snowmobiling, dogsledding and reindeer racing.
Where to stay: The Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi is open all year, but every winter, a collection of artist-designed rooms made entirely out of ice and snow offers the chance to sleep in a sort of igloo before the seasonal rooms melt in spring. Rates start at $196 per night.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Going to Finland in winter feels like stepping into a snow globe. In Lapland, you can visit Santa at his official village (yes, the Santa Claus), take a reindeer sleigh ride or race through the forest on a dogsled. Describing it as "picture-perfect" doesn't even begin to cover it.
Related: Best hotels to see the northern lights
If you're lucky, you might even catch the northern lights painting the sky above. Don't leave without experiencing a proper Finnish sauna followed by a refreshing (and shocking) roll in the snow.
Where to stay: Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi lets you experience this wintery stay from inside a luxurious glass igloo. Set in the heart of Santa Claus Village, these igloos will give you a front-row seat to the stunning northern lights, all from the warmth of your bed. Rates start at $345 per night.
Disko Bay, Greenland
Greenland in winter is just about as close to a storybook setting as it gets, especially if you're looking for an icy adventure. Head to Ilulissat, where you can hop on a boat and glide past jaw-dropping icebergs in Disko Bay. Or, if you're feeling brave, try dogsledding with a local guide — the best way to see Greenland's pristine wilderness.
Nearby, Kangerlussuaq is where you'll want to be for prime northern lights viewing. Afterward, warm up with some local musk ox stew. The cold may bite, but Greenland's winter magic runs deep.
Where to stay: Imagine waking to the sight of icebergs gliding by, rustic fishing boats bobbing in the water and maybe even a few whales flipping their tails — all from your floor-to-ceiling window. That's the magic of Ilimanaq Lodge. Tucked away in a tiny, car-less village, getting here is half the adventure; it starts with a scenic boat ride through the Ilulissat Icefjord. Once at the lodge, the 15 cliffside cabins blend right into the Arctic landscape, with Nordic design and private terraces perfect for soaking in the views. It's remote, peaceful and still a bit of a secret. Rates start at $448 per night.
Tromso, Norway
Winter in Norway is all about slowing down, taking in the jaw-dropping scenery and sipping glogg at a festive Christmas market. Start in Tromso, one of the country's go-to spots for catching the northern lights. The area is also great for whale watching or taking a snowmobile ride.
If you're into skiing, Hemsedal and Trysil, Norway, offer great slopes without the crowds. For something more laid-back, check out the Lofoten islands and cozy up in a cabin overlooking dramatic snow-covered fjords.
Where to stay: Scandic Ishavshotel juxtaposes modern comfort with Arctic adventure. Set right on the quayside in Tromso, you'll wake to incredible wintery harbor views, and it's just a short stroll to The Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral. Rates start from around $319 per night.
Ireland
Ireland may not be all snow and ice in winter, but it's loaded with atmosphere. Dublin goes all-out during the holidays with twinkling lights, Christmas markets and warm, inviting pubs where you can grab a pint of Guinness by the fire.
Over on the West Coast, the Cliffs of Moher are something else — raw, windswept and stunning without the summer crowds. Connemara's rugged landscape is perfect for a winter hike. You could also tour a centuries-old castle like Blarney or Kilkenny.
Don't leave without tucking into some hearty Irish stew in a cozy countryside pub — it's the perfect winter warmer.
Where to stay: Staying at Ashford Castle (in Cong, County Mayo) in winter is like stepping into a fairy tale. The 800-year-old castle, draped in frost with its roaring fires and cozy corners, is the epitome of magical. Outside, the sprawling estate is perfect for a winter stroll, or you can try your hand at falconry or horseback riding. Rates start at $530 per night.
Bottom line
Europe isn't just a destination reserved for summer travel. If you're looking for a wintery getaway during the holidays or in early 2025, there's much to discover — whether you pine for mountainous hideaways or a snowy city break.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- Best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2025: The 29 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Platinum Card an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike. (Partner offer)Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits semiannually)
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 in statement credits per month; enrollment required)
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$895Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Good,Excellent
Why We Chose It
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Platinum Card an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike. (Partner offer)Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $600 hotel credit (disbursed as up to $300 in statement credits semiannually)
- Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 in statement credits per month; enrollment required)
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees