Ferry company DFDS has put together a guide to lesser-known destinations you can sail to where you’re most likely to get a white Christmas.
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There are plenty of places in Europe where you are almost guaranteed a snowy festive season, but the popular spots can get very crowded. Ferry company DFDS has put together a guide to lesser-known destinations you can sail to where you’re most likely to get a white Christmas.
Their travel experts collated 23 years’ worth of weather data across 164 European towns and cities and analyzed Google search data to find locations with below-average search volume. Here’s where to go for a crowd-free snowy European winter break, from Norway to Lithuania.
Enjoy Snowy Harbor Walks In Norway’s Kristiansand
Kristiansand in southern Norway lies on a pretty coastline and is most popular in summer for its city beach. It’s a sleepy town in the colder months, but that’s why you should expect a winter wonderland upon your arrival.
Over Christmas, Kristiansand comes alive with winter festivities like cozy Christmas markets to an outdoor ice rink.
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In winter, the red and orange houses of the harbor and the beach are dusted in snow. Visitors can enjoy walks along the waterfront and fresh seafood at the local restaurants. Art enthusiasts can warm up in Sørlandets Kunstmuseum and Kristiansand Kunsthall – two must-visit art museums. Over Christmas, Kristiansand comes alive with winter festivities like cozy Christmas markets and an outdoor ice rink.
Go For Wintery Walks And Wellness Experiences In Latvia’s Jūrmala
Often overlooked in winter because its sandy beaches draws more tourists in the summer, Jūrmala is a coastal town that averages 45 days of snowfall during winter. Visitors can stroll along the peaceful, snow-covered beach and explore the dense pine forests that are perfect for winter walks. The town is also known for its historic wooden villas and wellness retreats offering a range of spa experiences that are perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
In Jurmala, visitors can stroll along the peaceful, snow-covered beach and explore the dense pine forests that are perfect for winter walks.
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Jūrmala hosts various cultural events and local markets throughout winter, so visitors have a chance to experience Latvian traditions. The highlight is the city’s iconic Christmas Festival, which takes place at the Dzintari Concert Hall.
Hit The Slopes In Slovakia’s Košice
The historic city of Košice has a beautifully preserved old town with a Gothic cathedral and cobblestone streets, which look especially magical under a layer of snow. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, including winter markets and seasonal performances, offers a taste of the local traditions.
The historic city of Košice has a beautifully preserved old town with a Gothic cathedral and cobblestone streets, which look especially magical under a layer of snow.
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If you love the outdoors, you can enjoy snowshoeing in the surrounding countryside or hit the slopes at the nearby resort of Jahodná. After a day of activities, you can relax in one of the city’s cosy cafés or sample Slovak cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Ride a panoramic cable car in Germany’s Freiburg
Despite often flying under the radar during the festive period, Freiburg’s medieval old town comes to life in winter with its historic buildings and colorful townhouses along cobbled streets.
Sights to see include the city’s pinnacled Gothic cathedral, the central square called the Münsterplatz and the winter markets where you can warm up with traditional German treats like mulled wine and bratwurst.
Despite often flying under the radar during the festive period, Freiburg’s medieval old town comes to life in winter.
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Visitors can also ride on the Schauinslandbahn, Germany’s longest loop cable car, which takes you from the edge of the city up to the summit of Schauinsland Mountain. From here, you get stunning panoramic views of the snow-covered Black Forest and on clear days, you can see the distant Alps.
Visit Norway’s Ålesund For Art Nouveau Architecture And Sweeping Fjords
Ålesund offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to many other Norwegian destinations. Nature-lovers will be captivated by the snow-capped mountains and majestic fjords that surround the town. Ålesund itself is an ode to Art Nouveau architecture built after a fire in 1904, and its colourful buildings stand out photogenically against the white snow. Art buffs can learn more at the Art Nouveau Centre Museum.
Ålesund offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to many other Norwegian destinations.
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In winter, skiing enthusiasts can hit the slopes at nearby resorts like Strandafjellet, renowned for its deep powder and stunning views. Adventure seekers can also enjoy snowshoeing and husky sledding, and can maybe even witness the Northern Lights.
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Publish date : 2024-11-13 03:03:00
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