Winter

For a winter escape packed with unforgettable moments, look beyond the ski slopes. In the French Alps, try dog sledding in Chamonix or paragliding over snow-covered peaks in Megève. Explore the serene beauty of Switzerland with a snowshoe trek through powdery forests, followed by a cosy evening in a mountain lodge. In Austria’s Innsbruck or St Anton, you can go ice climbing or glide across frozen lakes on skates. For a magical evening, take a torchlit descent in the Swiss Alps or search for the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky in Reykjavik. Wherever you choose, these unique snowy activities await just beyond your hotel door, turning an ordinary winter holiday into a memorable adventure.

No matter how old you are, snow brings out our inner childhood joy. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a complete novice, it opens the door to a whole world of adventure. Beginners can ease in with scenic snowshoe walks, toboggan runs or ski lessons on wide, shallow slopes. For those craving more adrenaline, try snowmobiling through alpine trails, carving down black ski slopes or ice climbing frozen waterfalls. In destinations across Europe – from Reykjavik to the Alps, the Dolomites to the Pyrenees – guided excursions make it easy to explore safely, whether you're chasing powder or just soaking in the views. Warm up after your snow-filled day with a hot drink in a cosy mountain lodge.

If you’re looking for cities that really sparkle during the holiday season, Europe has some fantastic options. Vienna’s Christmas markets are straight out of a fairy tale, while Prague’s charming old streets are perfect for sipping mulled wine and shopping for unusual gifts. Strasbourg, known as the 'Capital of Christmas', has one of the biggest and most magical markets around, lit up with thousands of lights. In Germany, places like Munich and Nuremberg are famous for their festive celebrations and delicious Bavarian treats. Don’t miss Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, which turns into a beautiful winter wonderland, or Paris, where the lights along the Champs-Élysées create a truly magical atmosphere.

Winter offers a captivating mix of beauty, culture and adventure that makes travelling in this season a truly special experience. The crisp air and snowy landscapes create a magical backdrop for activities like ice skating on frozen lakes, sipping mulled wine at bustling markets or enjoying cosy moments by a roaring fire. Winter festivals light up towns with culture and tradition, while tranquil snowshoe hikes, wildlife watching and dog-sledding adventures bring you closer to nature. Whether you're soaking in natural hot springs, enjoying hearty local cuisine or witnessing the stunning Northern Lights, winter travel creates moments filled with wonder and allows you to discover destinations in a quieter, more intimate way, away from peak crowds.