{"id":13699,"date":"2019-12-09T17:40:56","date_gmt":"2019-12-09T17:40:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/?p=13699"},"modified":"2019-12-09T17:40:56","modified_gmt":"2019-12-09T17:40:56","slug":"winter-vacation-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/winter-vacation-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Magical Spots For a Winter Vacation in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Europe is the birthplace of hygge<\/a> culture: the Danish word for all things comfy and cosy. If tropical getaways<\/a> aren’t your thing, than Europe is the perfect spot to hunker down and cozy up this winter season. Wake up to snow-capped mountains in Slovenia, walk cobbled streets in Tallinn, shop at cheerful Christmas festivals<\/a> in Bruges, drink glassfuls of gluehwein (mulled wine!) in Nuremberg, and so much more<\/em>. Already packing your bag? Us too. Grab your warmest jumper and get ready to explore 13 of Europe’s best winter vacation destinations this season:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Bled, Slovenia<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lake
Lake Bled, Slovenia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beat the crowds by visiting Lake Bled<\/a> in the winter. This quiet Slovenian town might seem rather sleepy once high season passes, but that makes it the perfect winter vacation retreat if you\u2019re looking to spend some one-on-one time with nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you stare out into the water of Lake Bled, you’ll spot Bled Island, a tiny dot that’s home to both the Church of the Assumption<\/a> and a museum. Take a gondola out to the island for a truly authentic experience with postcard-perfect views. When you’re back on the mainland, it’s only a 6km stroll around the entire lake, so if you’ve stuffed yourself silly at nearby rustic Gostilna Pri Planincu<\/a>, it’s a beautiful and relatively easy walk. If possible, time the end of your stroll for sunset to watch the colours ripple across the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to attractions, explore the oldest castle in Slovenia<\/a>, try the famous cream cake made of vanilla cream and puff pastry, and check out the waterfall at nearby Vintgar Gorge<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tallinn, Estonia<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Over in eastern Europe you’ll find Tallinn: an up-and-coming cultural hub in Estonia. Combine picturesque buildings, medieval stone walls, and enchanting cobblestone streets and you get a dreamy European city, perfect for winter getaways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tallinn’s Old Town<\/a> is the place to be for a throwback to olden times this winter vacation, where locals will stroll the streets in full medieval get-up. If you’re a fan of music, Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform <\/a>provides the perfect combination of gorgeous views of the city and a variety of musical sounds (it’s where local musicians love to hang out). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estonians are big fans of coffee culture, much like their Nordic cousins, so visit R\u00d8ST Bakery<\/a> and kill a few hours people watching. You’ll spot breathtaking architecture like the Russian-orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral<\/a>, but make sure to save time to dig into some food and cocktails at Rataskaevu 16<\/a>, a cosy spot with Estonian cuisine. Want to continue the historical theme? Check into the Knight House<\/a> at Ruutli 16, a hostel that used to be home to knights back in the 13th century. 
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Bruges, Belgium<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Bruges,
Bruges, Belgium. MarkoV87 \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Home to one of Europe\u2019s most magical Christmas markets, Bruges (also spelt \u201cBrugge\u201d) is an must-visit spot if you\u2019re a lover of the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve had your fill of Belgian waffles and Gluhwein, wander up to the top of the Belfry<\/a> for spectacular views of the city\u2014 it’s worth every one of the 366 steps. On your way to the Chocolate Museum<\/a> you’ll pass plenty of canals and cobbled streets, while the Gruuthuse Hof restaurant<\/a> (one of the oldest in the area) will provide the backdrop for an authentic dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, head to the Chocolate Cafe and feast your eyes (and your stomach) upon the extensive hot chocolate menu. If you find yourself falling in love with Belgian architecture and festive markets, hop on a train to nearby Ghent<\/a>: a university town offering more beautiful sights a mere 25 minutes away. 
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Bergen, Norway<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Bergen,
Bergen, Norway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bergen might technically be a city, but it’s surrounded by enough mountains and sweeping fjords to make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere (in the best way possible). If the chilled weather doesn’t put you in the mood for hiking, don’t fear, because the Fl\u00f8yen cable car<\/a> will ensure you can still admire the city from above without reaching for a second jumper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other must-see spots include the Hanseatic Museum and Sch\u00f8tstuene<\/a>, which is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Bergen, and Bryggeloftet & Stuene<\/a> for authentic Nordic dishes like moose and wolf-fish. Hotels not your thing? Spend a night at the world’s most sleekly designed rabbit hole: Tubakuba<\/a>. Available to rent on a nightly basis, it\u2019s just outside the centre and offers magnificent sights. 
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Lucerne, Switzerland<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lucerne,
Lucerne, Switzerland.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lucerne might be small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not bursting with things to do. No matter where you decide to base yourself in the city, you’ll definitely pass the majestic Chapel Bridge<\/a>, which connects the Old City to the rest of Lucerne. It’s also the oldest covered bridge in Europe, so you’ll be picking up a bit of history on your trip to this Swiss beauty. A boat trip of the Vierwaldstattersee is a must, and book a morning tour to watch the mist rise and the mountains reflect on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central Switzerland\u2019s terrain has a brilliant reputation for being both challenging and satisfying, so combat the handfuls of Swiss chocolate you\u2019ve been feasting on with a hike up Mount Pilatus<\/a>, nicknamed Dragon Mountain based on various medieval legends. Potter around the (traffic free) Old Town and wander down the cobbled streets to check out the Christmas market filled with stalls resembling miniature timber houses.  
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Prague, Czech Republic<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Prague,
Prague, Czech Republic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Prague\u2019s winter markets and cheap price point makes it the perfect destination for a winter vacation in Europe. You’ll have spied many a snow-covered Instagram shot taken from the centre of Charles Bridge<\/a> and there’s a good reason for that: it’s the midpoint of the city, offering a bit of everything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the Astronomical Clock<\/a> strike before tucking into a dish from one of Prague’s many traditional restaurants nearby; Restaurace Mincovna<\/a> is known for its hearty potions. Czech food is pretty carb and meat heavy, warming you from the inside and helping you deal with the cooler temperatures. Both beer and wine are cheap in Prague, giving you the opportunity to sample a variety of local favourites while you’re in the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you really want to channel some “Netflix Christmas special” vibes, spend a few hours inside Prague castle<\/a>. November and December are picture-perfect times to visit, and if you\u2019re in the city on Mikul\u00e1\u0161 (St Nicholas Day, 5th December) you\u2019ll spot locals dressed up as saints, devils, and angels as part of a festive tradition. Hold off until January or early February for a less touristy experience. 
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Saariselk\u00e4, Lapland<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n