But where to? It all depends on what you look for in a winter train journey. Close your eyes and imagine the perfect winter day. What comes to mind? Après ski in the lodge after an afternoon of skiing? Shopping at a Christmas market with mulled wine in hand? Or does your perfect winter day involve avoiding the cold weather altogether? Whatever brand of getaway you’re after, you will find it in Europe and you can reach it by a charming winter train. Read on as we match you to the next city or town you should head to this season.

For the city slickers' European winter itinerary

Where some travellers see a congested city of slush, you see charming buildings sprinkled with snow. City-goers revel in the holidays in bustling metropolises because there is always a surplus of things to do on any given day. Think seasonal concerts and shows, outdoor ice skating, chic winter fashion, museums and holiday pop-ups that are all a metro stop away.

Prague, Czech Republic

In Europe, whether it’s Paris, Munich, Budapest or Brussels, you can’t go wrong with a big city to add to your European winter itinerary. But our #1 city for a winter train adventure goes to the ever-chic Prague. Walking around this charming city in the Czech Republic, with its Gothic and neo-Renaissance buildings dusted in snow and adorned with Christmas decorations, you’ll feel like you’re walking from your winter train and stepping onto a European Hallmark movie set the moment you arrive. 

What you can’t miss:

Fascinating architecture

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, it's no surprise that Prague’s architecture is one of its main draws. There are endless fascinating buildings throughout the city, so don’t expect to see them all. Just pick a few because you are certain to stumble upon a few gems by just walking around this winter wonderland. Here are a few top spots to consider adding to your list:

• The Kinsky Palace, with its iconic champagne pink facade, has been converted into a museum just minutes from the Old Town.
• The Municipal House, once used as the Royal Court palace, has its Art Nouveau roots on display with a regal bar, restaurant, salon and grand hall that tourists can visit.
• There are many holiday concerts and plays scheduled throughout the winter season. Checking out a performance in Prague is not only an interesting cultural experience, it also allows you to see one of the city’s famed performance halls from the inside! Don’t just look at the stage, also look up to take in the artistry of the ceilings and decorative moldings.

The yummy food and drink

Winter weather has met his match with cosy Czech cuisine. You can’t go wrong walking into a random local restaurant or bakery, but if your Czech isn’t where it should be (same), here are some specialities to look out for: 

• Trdelník: This famed pastry is actually not from the Czech Republic but has been embraced by all tourists (and some of the locals) as a sweet delicacy.
• Pražská šunka: This is a cured, smoked and stewed ham often served with a side of potatoes.
• Chlebícky: This is an open-faced sandwich often layered with meats, cheeses, egg and fresh vegetables.
• Bonus round: Load up your plate with dumplings, fried cheese, sausage and Czech schnitzel.
• And don’t forget to wash it all down with a local Czech beer. No one does it better than the Czechs –  they drink more beer per capita than any other country. Practice makes perfect, right? So be like the Czechs and go enjoy a Pilsner or a České pivo and say, ‘na zdraví!,’ or cheers to your health.

The legendary Christmas markets 

Prague’s Christmas markets are some of the best of the best. Whether it’s a market in the Old Town Square or the Prague Castle, you’ll be able to do all of your Christmas shopping in the midst of towering medieval architecture. Enjoy live performances, stalls of crafts and treats, Christmas tree lightings and warm mulled wine among other cheerful market-goers.

Good to know: 

Although we love other cities popular during the winter months (our headquarters is in Paris afterall), Prague gives you all the charm and glam of other European locations without the overwhelming crowds. Smaller crowds mean more affordable travel and accommodations. But you may need to use those savings on a jacket and a good pair of gloves because Prague can get chilly in the winter. If worse comes to worse, drink a local beer to warm up. 

How to get there: 

Not only is Prague easily reachable by train, getting there is also a stunning journey. 

• Get from Berlin to Prague in just over 4 hours

The #1 spot for Europe winter travel itinerary: skiing edition!

Tips up, we’re about to hit the slopes! If your winter train escape dream involves black diamonds and gondolas, keep reading.

Skiing is synonymous with Europe in the winter time. Want us to prove it to you? Well, the first ski lift was built in the 1900s in Germany. Norwegians are said to be born with skis on. The first Winter Olympics were held in France. And…the Alps. Enough said. With incredible peaks and more affordable lift passes compared to North American ski resorts, the only issue is deciding where to start. Let us help out with that part.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Head to the best European country to visit in winter for skiing…Switzerland. Zermatt specifically. 

What you can’t miss: 

Going to Zermatt and not skiing is like going to Paris and not eating a croissant! You have to hit the slopes – even if you aren’t a pro; there are runs for all different skier levels. And what an epic mountain to start on. You can ski multiple resorts in Switzerland and Italy all under one pass! 

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car:

Want to see the heights without skiing? Check out the world's highest cable car for spectacular views of the Matterhorn glacier. With the unparalleled sights, and the 12,740 foot (3,883 meter) elevation, don’t be surprised if you lose your breath along the way.

The yummy food and drink: 

The one thing that Zermatt arguably does better than skiing is cooking! Fill up your plate with fondue and raclette, meats and, thanks to its proximity, Italian delicacies. Got room for dessert? You cannot miss a few (too many) bites of cremeschnitte, a popular custard pastry.

The toe-tapping entertainment:

Zermatt also features live music to wind down after a chilly day on the slopes. If you are around in April, check out the music festival Zermatt Unplugged. If you are imagining a quaint little concert around a campfire with the Matterhorn backstage, think again. This festival has featured major acts like Alanis Morissette and Lionel Richie. Check out this year’s lineup here.

Good to know:

If you are used to the difficulty ranking system of North American ski resorts, know that they are not the same in Europe. Instead of green circle, blue square, black diamond and double black diamond, the ranking of difficulty from easiest to hardest in Europe is blue, red and double/triple black or yellow. Safety first!

How to get there:

Knock knock. Who’s there? Your new best friend, the Swiss Travel Pass. This pass allows you to use the entire Swiss travel network, including public transportation, buses and boats. Your pass also includes the scenic trains that are some of our most popular (and breathtaking) routes and free admission to over 500 museums and exhibitions all over Switzerland. See what we mean by best friend?

Once you arrive in Zermatt, expect to see less traffic than pretty much anywhere else. Zermatt is a car-free zone, which is one of the many deliberate ways that the town of nearly 6000 habitants avoids the congestion that tourism can cause. So know that to get around town or to head to the ski mountains, you will have to (we’d argue that you get to) take the train. 

For those looking for a #TotallyInstagrammable winter train destination

So, you love beautiful views and you love posting them on social media too! No shame. This is a safe space. With so many stunning winter spots to choose from, we can’t just name one top destination for social media shots, so here are a few of the best destinations during winter in Europe that are sure to offer wonderful views – and to get you more views on socials.

Colmar, France 

From Venice-inspired canals to charming Christmas markets, Colmar offers that traditional French charm that big cities just can’t. Spend an afternoon strolling (and taking selfies) in the Tanner’s District and Old Town with pastel buildings that are sure to pop on your feed.

How to get there:

Hop a 2 hour 16 minute train from Paris to Colmar.

Or if you want to hit up two of the best destinations for winter in Europe, take the merely 24 minute train from Strasbourg to Colmar.

Venice, Italy 

Venice…in winter? Beat the crazy summer crowds and see all of the iconic landmarks up-close and personal for you and all of your fans to see. Plus, with a unique winter mist hovering over the waterways, you can get a shot of Venice that few get to see.

How to get there: 

Is easy! You can book from Paris, London, Munich and more to Venice – or even take a night train to wake up rested and ready to tour the city.

Hallstatt, Austria 

Get away from the noise of day to day life and head to Hallstatt for a serene mountain and lakeside escape. With a population hovering at about 1000, life is slower in Hallstatt. Spend your day sauntering around town, visiting the local church with incredible views or even taking a boat ride on the lake. You’ll have a million photo ops, but take the time to disconnect. You can always post when you get home.

How to get there: 

Although Hallstatt is tucked away in the mountains, you can still reach this peaceful destination by train from Vienna and other cities.

The best European country to visit in winter for warm-weather seekers

Winter break for many means following the snow to the slopes, the rink or a cosy cottage. For others, it is just the opposite. Here are a few warmer spots to add to your European winter itinerary.

Spain is the warmest country in Europe in winter, which is why sun seekers should head right to the Iberian Peninsula for winter festivities. 

Madrid, Spain

When it comes to European capitals, Madrid’s weather is quite mild. Centrally located and with an incredible rail system, going from Madrid to even warmer locations in Spain is easy. But before you do, be sure to enjoy Madrid like we do when we visit – by eating and drinking your way through town. 

Start at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel for a few artisanal small plates. Sweets, savories and cocktails, this mercado has it all. Even if it isn’t a chilly day, head to the famous Chocolatería San Ginés for hot chocolate and churros that will blow your mind. Pro tip: be sure to dip the churros in the hot chocolate. Then if after your 30 minute walk towards Plaza de Espana you start to get hungry again, head to Pez Tortilla for the widest variety of croqueta flavors in town. 

Hungry for more travel? Head down south on a winter train to warmer weather and a taste of that enviable Mediterranean lifestyle in towns like Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga – all of which are conveniently connected by the Spanish rail system. Enjoy traditional Paella in Valencia, head to the winter Film Festival in Malaga and take in the almond blossoms of Alicante that bloom in the winter time. And while you soak up all the perks of Mediterranean living (the sun, the food and the warm people), think of the rest of us in layers and layers of clothing, yearning for summer.

Your winter train getaway is just a ticket away

Don’t wait until summer to take that getaway you have been dreaming of. Hit the road – er, rails – this winter. Whether it's a bunny slope or the big city, there is a European winter train adventure waiting for you. 

Powered by Froala Editor