Europe Winter Travel Itinerary 2026: How to Travel, Best Destinations, Routes and Tips
Europe Winter Travel Itinerary 2026 is the best experience of the magic of Europe during colder seasons. Whether it is the fairy-tale Christmas markets in Vienna, snowy adventures in Switzerland, the Northern Lights in Iceland, or just everything that has ever been beautiful in Europe, this Europe winter travel itinerary will help you organize an ideal 10-14 days trip on the continent.
When planning a European winter travel itinerary, begin with festive destinations such as Vienna and Prague, snowy Switzerland and Austria, Northern Lights in Iceland or Norway and offset it with warmer restorative destinations such as Lisbon, Rome or Malta. This is a 10-14 day trip that combines Christmas markets, winter sports, culture treasures, and retreats.
Why Travel Europe in Winter?
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Christmas Markets: Europe during the month of December is enchanting because there is fairy lights, mulled wine, and festive stalls. Browse the list of European Best Christmas Markets.
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Snow Sports: Skiing/snowboarding in Alps, Andorra.
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Reduced Crowds: January-February is less expensive and less congested.
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Exclusive Activities: Northern lights in Scandinavia, thermal spas in Budapest, carnival in Venice.
Explore cities, events, and winter festivals on VisitEurope.com— Europe’s official tourism guide.
Ideal Duration & Budget Tips
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Time: 10-14 days will be the best to cover 3-4 regions.
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Budget Range: EUR70-EUR200 per day which varies on the luxury against backpacking.
Money-Saving Tips:
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Take low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet.
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Short distances are better done by trains. See passes at Eurail.
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Take overnight buses/trains in order to save on hotels.
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Travel insurance comes in winter.
Before starting your Europe winter trip, check our guide on Travel Safety Tips.
Europe Winter Tour (10-14 days) Guide
Day 1-3: Central Europe (Vienna and Prague)
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Vienna, Austria: coffeehouses, opera house, Christmas markets.
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Prague, Czech Republic: Czech charm, old town, Charles bridge, Czech food.
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Travel tip: a scenic train ride between Vienna and Prague (4 hours). Check schedules at OBB Rail.
Day 4-6: Alpine Adventures (Switzerland and Austria)
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Innbrueck, Austria: Skiing and snowboarding.
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Lucerne or Interlaken, Switzerland: Lake towns, mountain trains, Jungfrau area.
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Tip: There is a Swiss Travel Pass that will provide a discount on trains and cable cars.
For updated snow conditions & ski passes, visit MySwitzerland.com.
Day 7-10: Northern Lights / Nordic Magic
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Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights tours, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle. See more at Visit Iceland.
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Tromso, Norway: Dog sledding, Sami culture.
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Hint: Reserving Northern Lights tours is a good idea (December-February are the most successful months).
Additional (Day 11-14): Southern Europe Coziness
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Lisbon, Portugal: Pleasant climate, white and pink streets.
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Rome, Italy: Colosseum, Vatican, winter and empty. See events at Visit Rome.
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Malta: Beach bum, history meets sun, beaches, and Mediterranean.
Best Winter Festival and Markets
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Vienna Christmas Market – Ice skating and traditional stands.
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Striezelmarkt (Germany) – Oldest Christmas market in the world.
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Bellamie (Carnival of Venice Italy) – February masquerades and processions.
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The Viking fire festival of January in Up Helly Aa (Scotland)
Practical Travel Tips
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Clothing: Thermal Layer, Boots (waterproof)
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Accessories: Portable Charger, Universal Adaptor
Transport:
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Long-distance travel: Eurail Pass.
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Low-cost long-distance flights.
For multi-country train travel, check Eurail Official Site for the best winter passes.
Health and Safety: Buy travel insurance, monitor the weather conditions, reserve buffer days in case of snowings.
Authority Travel Info: Schengen Visa Info is always to be consulted prior to traveling.
Don’t forget winter essentials—read our Complete Packing Guide.
Comparison Table: Northern and Southern Europe during Winter
| Characteristics | Northern Europe (Iceland/Norway) | Southern Europe (Italy/Portugal/Malta) |
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| Weather | Snowy, very cold (-5°C to -20°C) | Mild, 8°C to 15°C |
| Activities | Northern lights, skiing, snow tours | Sightseeing, cultural tours, coastal walks |
| Budget | More expensive (Norway/Iceland expensive) | Less expensive (Portugal/Italy affordable) |
| Crowds | Low | Medium (locals travel in winter) |
Types of Accommodation Recommended
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Budget Travelers: Guesthouses, Airbnb shared rooms, hostels.
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Mid-range: Boutique hotels, inns, ski chalets.
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Luxury: 5-star spa resorts, mountain lodges, historic palaces.
Correlated: The Ultimate Student Travel Packing Guide
Europe Winter Travel Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the most suitable month to visit Europe during winter?
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Christmas markets in December, skiing and less crowds in January-February.
Q2. Is it costly to travel to Europe in the winter?
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Less expensive than in the summer, unless it is ski resorts and Scandinavia.
Q3. Am I able to see the Northern lights in Europe?
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Yes, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are the best ones.
Q4. What about travelling in between cities?
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Short-distance trains, long-distance low fare flights.
Q5. Should I intend to take travel insurance during winter in Europe?
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Yes, particularly when snowing and other weather inconveniences.
Q6. What are the things I should carry during winter traveling?
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Thermal, insulated boots, gloves, waterproof jacket and power bank.
Q7. Does it get warm in the winter in the Southern Europe?
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Yes, there will be 10-15°C in Lisbon, Rome, and Malta.