When it comes to long winters sometimes there’s no better remedy than to take a trip and reset your batteries. Why not spend more time doing the things you love with the people you love?
Whether you’re looking for a short break discovering somewhere you’ve never been before in a rental car or snow sports on a ski trip, the options are endless for your next winter holiday in Europe.
This article gives you some ideas on the best 5 places to travel to this winter.
The Dolomites – Italy
First on the list is the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomite mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this part of Italy offers an unmatched skiing experience with a beautiful backdrop of steep mountains.
For lovers of the mountain lifestyle, we recommend heading to Südtirol as the number of resorts is endless and filled with cross-country tracks and pistes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The stunning scenery of this area will provide you with a holiday to remember.
Some of the popular resorts include:
– Canazei
– 3 Zinnen
– Kronplatz
– Alta Badia
– Marmolada
– Alpe di Siusi
The Northern Lights in Tromsø – Norway
Plan a different trip this year and head to Norway to see a world-famous phenomenon – the Northern Lights.
If winter snow is what you’re after, it’s guaranteed in Tromsø! Set 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this chilly destination provides a unique experience in the wilds of nature.
You can see the Northern Lights natural light show from September through to April, but the middle of winter guarantees you’ll see them at their best. We recommend renting a car and heading away from town for your best chance of seeing this spectacle away from any light pollution.
In the middle of this natural wonderland, you’ll find the vibrant city centre of Tromsø. Many visitors to Norway prefer to visit Tromsø as the prices are much cheaper than the capital, Oslo.
Why not rent a cabin and spend a night in the depths of nature? Put this trip on your bucket list and you’re sure to have a holiday to remember!
Zermatt – Switzerland
Do you love chocolate? If you do you’ll love this location. Home of the unique Toblerone mountain – the triangular Matterhorn – is the town of Zermatt.
With the snow-capped towering mountains surrounding the town, Zermatt is a winter paradise for all who visit.
Zermatt in the winter is a skier’s paradise. A skiing trip to Zermatt offers you the chance to ski over the border into Italy. With over 200km of pistes, there’s a slope tailored to everyone’s abilities. A benefit is that there are so many tracks that the pistes have plenty of room and don’t become overcrowded.
Regular snowfall here every year is almost guaranteed and you can experience some of the best views in Europe. After an adrenaline-filled day in the snow, you can return to your warm and cosy hotel to get some much-needed relaxation time ready for the next day of fun!
Iceland
Next on our list is a trip to Iceland. If you want to see huge glaciers and volcanoes and take thrilling hikes then Iceland is the country for you! Iceland is all about exploring and adventure.
Enjoy the crisp cold air of Iceland this winter and rent a car to explore the country at your own pace. From viewing volcanoes and geysers up close to taking a plunge in some of the world’s best natural hot springs there is so much to see and do.
For hikers, we recommend visiting the remote area of Hornstrandir. Here you can go on epic walking trips surrounded by a landscape of high cliffs, mountains and shallow bays. Only accessible by boat, this area is an unspoilt treasure.
Visit Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, that’s thousands of years old and covers 8% of the country. You can easily reach this area in a rental car and the Vatnajökull National Park is perfect for an Icelandic road trip. The blue ice caves are a unique and amazing sight, along with canyons, rivers and the Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Some of the other things you can enjoy in Iceland include visiting lagoons and black sand beaches and listening to the unique Icelandic language, which has changed very little since the Norwegian Vikings first settled here hundreds of years ago.
This green country that’s full of clean air has also been rated the most peaceful location in the world, making it the perfect escape for a relaxing holiday.
Tyrol – Austria
Last on the list is Tyrol in the Austrian Alps. This is the winter wonderland capital of Austria. With epic landscapes, endless ski slopes and a vibrant city at the heart of the region, Tirol makes a perfect getaway.
Tyrol has an impressive range of peaks, steep valleys and tranquil lakes. With around 500 peaks and more than 600 glaciers, this is a mountain lovers’ paradise.
A big attraction of Austria is the lower prices in the resorts, compared to its counterparts in the Swiss or French Alps. This means you can enjoy the après ski without worrying about your budget!
Tyrol is world famous for having some of the world’s best ski resorts in Europe, including:
– Innsbruck: a beautiful city with 13 ski areas to choose from nearby as well as lots of imperial architecture.
– Arlberg: considered the “cradle of alpine skiing” with its great slopes and delicious dining experiences.
– Kitzbühel: offers one of the longest ski seasons which is an incredible 200 days long on average. Here you can find the mighty Streif – one of the steepest ski runs in the world.
– St Anton – with an old-world charm and contemporary architecture.
Rent a car from Innsbruck airport and explore some of the best ski resorts that Europe has to offer.
Whether you prefer an active holiday or something a little more relaxed, Europe has plenty of destinations to visit. Renting a car is the perfect way to see more of the country you choose and gives you the flexibility to explore in your own time.
