Here are three wonderful European destinations to consider traveling to for a winter wonderland or a special Christmas holiday. There’s nothing better than being in a magical snow covered village filled with dazzling lights, glistening trees, the sounds of church bells, and the smell of hot apple cider and homemade gingerbread.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is even more beautiful in the snow, and what could be better than an Austrian Christmas? This town is a busy tourist mecca in the summer, but the winter time, though busy, is truly a special time to spend in Salzburg.
Joseph Mohr, the composer of the Christmas carol, Silent Night, was born in Salzburg. Here you can visit the “Silent Night Museum,” Mohr’s historical birthplace. Salzburg is also filled with Christmas markets, and everything you’d imagine a fairy-tale Christmas town to be. The “Hohensalzburg Fortress,” or Salzburg Castle is an especially impressive site in the winter time.
If you like to ski, the Austrian Alps offers a skiers paradise. Salzburg snow shuttles will take you to many of the area resorts. The Gasteinertal Valley in the south of Salzburg offers world renowned skiing and natural hot springs. Perfect to sooth your sore body after a day on the slopes.
Bruges, Belgium
Medieval Bruges in Belgium is simply stunning, and in the winter, this charming town is even more picturesque. If you arrive between November 25, 2011 and January 15, 2012, you can experience the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival as well.
Each year a fantasy icy wonderland is created, and this winter it will be turned into a Disney Enchanted Christmas. Bruges is filled with beautiful decorations, dazzling lights, and plenty of Christmas markets. If it’s cold enough, you might even be able to ice skate along the city’s wondrous canals, and then duck into a cafe’ for a mouthwatering Belgian hot chocolate.
A ride on a horse drawn carriage through the snow, snuggling under a warm blanket with the one you love, is something that everyone should do once in their lifetime. Bruges in the winter is a most enchanting experience that you will never forget.
Rovaneimi, Finland
If you’re looking for a unique winter European adventure, consider Rovaneimi, Finland. The city is the capital of Lapland in the Arctic Circle, and the hometown of none other than Santa Claus himself. You can even send Christmas cards to those back home in the U.S. from the Santa Claus post office, all postmarked from Santa.
You don’t have to worry about whether or not there will be snow at Christmas in Rovaneimi. There will be a thick blanket as well as Christmas trees covered in sparkling lights, and even reindeer roaming the streets. If that isn’t enough, the Aurora Borealis lights the night’s sky, bringing one of the most spectacular Christmas shows in the world right to your door.
With all that snow brings lots of great skiing and other winter sports, including snowmobiling and even dog sledding tours. If you’re looking for an authentic Christmas feel, Rovaneimi can’t be beat.
K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.
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