Winter romantic getaways: the Swiss Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Ski\"](\"https:\/\/www.omio.com\/window-seat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/shutterstock_534140185_montblanc-1024x683.jpg\")
Skiing in the Alps. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou didn\u2019t think we\u2019d forget the Alps, did you? Never fear: the eponymous Alpine peaks that inspired Toblerone\u2019s characteristic shape were never far from our mind \u2013 because what\u2019s a winter holiday list without the Swiss Alps? Indeed, the Alps are a paradise for those looking for winter vacations of all kinds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The village of Grindelwald, in addition to its fairytale-sounding name, also makes an ideal home base for those looking for Alpine delights. Picturesque timber houses flank the snow-bedecked streets, lined by quaint shops and restaurants, all surrounded by pristine snow-capped mountains. With its proximity to ski and snowboard slopes, scenery, and resorts, it makes the perfect place to start your adventure. The village is also near several iconic mountains, such as the Jungfrau, the 13,642-foot (4,158 meters) behemoth of the Bernese Alps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those seeking some romantic isolation on their winter holiday, there are a wealth of cute cottage getaways available for rent in the area. These charming chalets offer a perfect escape from the winter without ditching the snow-and-fireplace aesthetic that is so appealing at this time of year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what\u2019s a trip to the Swiss Alps without a pot of fondue? A hearty dish of cheese and wine served with crusty bread is one of the most iconic meals of the region, and truly the best way to refuel on precious calories after a day on the slopes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get to Grindelwald from the airport, it\u2019s best to fly to Geneva Airport<\/a> and get an express train to Interlaken. Once in Interlaken, it\u2019s a simple, very scenic train ride to Grindelwald, which boasts incomparable Alpine views from both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour own song of ice and fire in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/cdn-goeuro.com\/static_content\/web\/content\/destinations\/Iceland.jpg\")
Iceland. Source: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBefore there was the Song of Ice and Fire series, there was the land of ice and fire \u2013 Iceland. Truly an otherworldly location, an isolated island of volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. Here on Iceland, the main settlements can be found on the temperate fringes of the island, where Norse farmers could make a living by the seaside. Iceland is also the place you\u2019ll find some of Game of Thrones\u2019 most iconic filming locations, such as the Bloody Gate \u2013 filmed in a canyon near the Oxararfoss waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost all tourists to Iceland start in the capital city of Reykjavik, where the majority of the native population also lives. Anywhere else, this city of 120,000 would be called medium-sized at best, but in Iceland, it\u2019s like New York and Shanghai combined. Reykjavik is known for its art and museums, as well as a lively nightlife scene that\u2019s extremely welcoming to tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let\u2019s face it \u2013 most people don\u2019t come to Iceland for the city life. So let\u2019s get out of the city and head to Iceland\u2019s Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just outside the capital with stunning opaque turquoise water that gushes forth from the living earth at a near-perfect 98-104\u00b0F (37-40\u00b0C). Soak in this stunning natural spa bath and take in the otherworldly views of the surrounding lava fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another Icelandic wintertime attraction is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The city of Reykjavik is too bright, so Northern Lights tours leave at night and drive deep into the Icelandic countryside where you can be surrounded by the dark of natural night \u2013 except for the glow of the aurora. Get lucky with a solar storm, and you\u2019re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get from Reykjavik Airport<\/a> to the city center, get an airport bus. It\u2019s direct and takes less than an hour; Flybus Iceland is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBask in the medieval winter feeling in \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, Czechia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For a truly picturesque winter holiday that feels like traveling back in time to medieval Europe (in a good way), travelers can\u2019t do much better than \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov. \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is a jaw-dropping town located in Czechia, known throughout central Europe as one of the most well-preserved cities of its era. If you\u2019re looking to spend some time in one of the best winter destinations in Europe, you can\u2019t get much better than \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From its characteristic winding cobblestone streets, multicolored buildings, and looming castle on a hill overlooking the city, UNESCO-recognized \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov has just about everything a winter lover wants. During the winter, Christmas lights shine well into the new year, illuminating snow-dappled lanes and alleyways abutting intricately decorated squares sprinkled with market stalls. You almost feel as though you\u2019ve traveled back in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the holiday season, the \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov Christmas market occupies the city\u2019s main square. It features vendors selling local handicrafts like wooden toys and sheepskin blankets, bracing mulled wine (shot of amaretto or rum optional, but recommended \u2013 it is the holidays, after all), and all manner of Czech specialties. Must-tries include Czech goulash, Czech dumplings (Knedl\u00edky), and, of course, that delicious Czech beer. American beer enthusiasts will be amused to find a beer called Budwar, or as it\u2019s also known, Budweiser. Not the same thing as the classic American brew! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve gotten your fill of this gorgeous city and its indulgent delicacies, it\u2019s time to head into the countryside for some good, old-fashioned cross-country skiing. The region surrounding \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is crisscrossed by a web of trails and ski runs offering thrills to skiers of all skill levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is easily but somewhat lengthily reached from Prague airport<\/a> by shuttle bus or train. Both take about four hours \u2013 the train is slightly faster, but also slightly more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEscape the cold in Porto, Portugal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Though the phrase \u201cwinter wonderland\u201d surely conjures up visions of snow-covered hills and fairy lights, it\u2019s important to remember that for much of the world, winter means mild temperatures and a bit of rain from time to time. But just because you\u2019re not curling up in front of a roaring fire after a day on the slopes, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get cozy. And a winter holiday in Porto, Portugal might be exactly what you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the weather is this temperate, a stroll through the city can be just what the doctor ordered. Visitors to Porto have the opportunity to enjoy a cityscape clad in the ornate facades of the 18th and 19th centuries. The gleaming Cl\u00e9rigos Tower and the colorful Ribera neighborhood offer ample opportunities for sightseeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve explored the city, you might want to get out to the countryside to see what this part of the world looks like. Porto is well-positioned for day trips to northern Portugal\u2019s most beautiful areas. Head north to the Douro River Valley for stunning views of terraced vineyards sprinkled with tiny villages. The historic town of Guimaraes, known as the birthplace of Portugal, is just an hour from Porto by train. Or head south to the beach town of Aveiro, a miniature Venice on the Atlantic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we promised cozy, didn\u2019t we? And Porto\u2019s food and wine scene is there to deliver it by the glassful. Port wine is from here, and Port wine tours are a popular activity for visitors. Porto is also known for its delicious and hearty cuisine. A notable highlight is the Francesinha, an imposing cheese, egg and meat sandwich drowned in a rich gravy. Try feeling cold after eating that! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arriving in Porto is straightforward. Take Line E (Purple) from Porto Airport<\/a> \u2013 the trip takes about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA fairytale winter holiday in Bruges, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/cdn-goeuro.com\/static_content\/web\/content\/destinations\/Brussles-unsplash.jpg\")
Bruges. Source: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBruges, Belgium in winter is surely a sight to behold. Bruges is a prime example of a 17th-century western European city. It\u2019s a stately collection of ornate gray stone buildings that, when sprinkled with a light snowfall, transform into a true winter wonderland, a patchwork of snow-covered roofs arrayed within a web of frozen canals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bruges is famous for its UNESCO-designated city center, an impressive love letter to Gothic architecture. The Belfry Tower, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are prime examples of this type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But you\u2019d be tempted to say that what makes Bruges special is not the buildings, as beautiful as they are. Instead, it\u2019s what\u2019s between them: a network of narrow canals abutting a side of a city you rarely see \u2013 the back doors. Or rather, the windows and sunrooms that occupy their canal-facing walls. A canal tour in Bruges allows you to relax, sip some of that famous Belgian beer, and enjoy the sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ice skating is another lovely way to spend time in Bruges. During the holiday season, the city\u2019s main Christmas Market hosts a skating rink. Otherwise, you just need to wait for the proper weather. When conditions allow, ice skating is a popular activity on the city\u2019s many small lakes, as well as down those breathtaking canals. When traveling to Bruges in winter, it\u2019s all about those canals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You didn\u2019t think we\u2019d forget the Alps, did you? Never fear: the eponymous Alpine peaks that inspired Toblerone\u2019s characteristic shape were never far from our mind \u2013 because what\u2019s a winter holiday list without the Swiss Alps? Indeed, the Alps are a paradise for those looking for winter vacations of all kinds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The village of Grindelwald, in addition to its fairytale-sounding name, also makes an ideal home base for those looking for Alpine delights. Picturesque timber houses flank the snow-bedecked streets, lined by quaint shops and restaurants, all surrounded by pristine snow-capped mountains. With its proximity to ski and snowboard slopes, scenery, and resorts, it makes the perfect place to start your adventure. The village is also near several iconic mountains, such as the Jungfrau, the 13,642-foot (4,158 meters) behemoth of the Bernese Alps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those seeking some romantic isolation on their winter holiday, there are a wealth of cute cottage getaways available for rent in the area. These charming chalets offer a perfect escape from the winter without ditching the snow-and-fireplace aesthetic that is so appealing at this time of year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what\u2019s a trip to the Swiss Alps without a pot of fondue? A hearty dish of cheese and wine served with crusty bread is one of the most iconic meals of the region, and truly the best way to refuel on precious calories after a day on the slopes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get to Grindelwald from the airport, it\u2019s best to fly to Geneva Airport<\/a> and get an express train to Interlaken. Once in Interlaken, it\u2019s a simple, very scenic train ride to Grindelwald, which boasts incomparable Alpine views from both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before there was the Song of Ice and Fire series, there was the land of ice and fire \u2013 Iceland. Truly an otherworldly location, an isolated island of volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs. Here on Iceland, the main settlements can be found on the temperate fringes of the island, where Norse farmers could make a living by the seaside. Iceland is also the place you\u2019ll find some of Game of Thrones\u2019 most iconic filming locations, such as the Bloody Gate \u2013 filmed in a canyon near the Oxararfoss waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost all tourists to Iceland start in the capital city of Reykjavik, where the majority of the native population also lives. Anywhere else, this city of 120,000 would be called medium-sized at best, but in Iceland, it\u2019s like New York and Shanghai combined. Reykjavik is known for its art and museums, as well as a lively nightlife scene that\u2019s extremely welcoming to tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But let\u2019s face it \u2013 most people don\u2019t come to Iceland for the city life. So let\u2019s get out of the city and head to Iceland\u2019s Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just outside the capital with stunning opaque turquoise water that gushes forth from the living earth at a near-perfect 98-104\u00b0F (37-40\u00b0C). Soak in this stunning natural spa bath and take in the otherworldly views of the surrounding lava fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another Icelandic wintertime attraction is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The city of Reykjavik is too bright, so Northern Lights tours leave at night and drive deep into the Icelandic countryside where you can be surrounded by the dark of natural night \u2013 except for the glow of the aurora. Get lucky with a solar storm, and you\u2019re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To get from Reykjavik Airport<\/a> to the city center, get an airport bus. It\u2019s direct and takes less than an hour; Flybus Iceland is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a truly picturesque winter holiday that feels like traveling back in time to medieval Europe (in a good way), travelers can\u2019t do much better than \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov. \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is a jaw-dropping town located in Czechia, known throughout central Europe as one of the most well-preserved cities of its era. If you\u2019re looking to spend some time in one of the best winter destinations in Europe, you can\u2019t get much better than \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From its characteristic winding cobblestone streets, multicolored buildings, and looming castle on a hill overlooking the city, UNESCO-recognized \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov has just about everything a winter lover wants. During the winter, Christmas lights shine well into the new year, illuminating snow-dappled lanes and alleyways abutting intricately decorated squares sprinkled with market stalls. You almost feel as though you\u2019ve traveled back in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the holiday season, the \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov Christmas market occupies the city\u2019s main square. It features vendors selling local handicrafts like wooden toys and sheepskin blankets, bracing mulled wine (shot of amaretto or rum optional, but recommended \u2013 it is the holidays, after all), and all manner of Czech specialties. Must-tries include Czech goulash, Czech dumplings (Knedl\u00edky), and, of course, that delicious Czech beer. American beer enthusiasts will be amused to find a beer called Budwar, or as it\u2019s also known, Budweiser. Not the same thing as the classic American brew! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve gotten your fill of this gorgeous city and its indulgent delicacies, it\u2019s time to head into the countryside for some good, old-fashioned cross-country skiing. The region surrounding \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is crisscrossed by a web of trails and ski runs offering thrills to skiers of all skill levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov is easily but somewhat lengthily reached from Prague airport<\/a> by shuttle bus or train. Both take about four hours \u2013 the train is slightly faster, but also slightly more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though the phrase \u201cwinter wonderland\u201d surely conjures up visions of snow-covered hills and fairy lights, it\u2019s important to remember that for much of the world, winter means mild temperatures and a bit of rain from time to time. But just because you\u2019re not curling up in front of a roaring fire after a day on the slopes, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t get cozy. And a winter holiday in Porto, Portugal might be exactly what you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the weather is this temperate, a stroll through the city can be just what the doctor ordered. Visitors to Porto have the opportunity to enjoy a cityscape clad in the ornate facades of the 18th and 19th centuries. The gleaming Cl\u00e9rigos Tower and the colorful Ribera neighborhood offer ample opportunities for sightseeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve explored the city, you might want to get out to the countryside to see what this part of the world looks like. Porto is well-positioned for day trips to northern Portugal\u2019s most beautiful areas. Head north to the Douro River Valley for stunning views of terraced vineyards sprinkled with tiny villages. The historic town of Guimaraes, known as the birthplace of Portugal, is just an hour from Porto by train. Or head south to the beach town of Aveiro, a miniature Venice on the Atlantic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But we promised cozy, didn\u2019t we? And Porto\u2019s food and wine scene is there to deliver it by the glassful. Port wine is from here, and Port wine tours are a popular activity for visitors. Porto is also known for its delicious and hearty cuisine. A notable highlight is the Francesinha, an imposing cheese, egg and meat sandwich drowned in a rich gravy. Try feeling cold after eating that! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Arriving in Porto is straightforward. Take Line E (Purple) from Porto Airport<\/a> \u2013 the trip takes about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruges, Belgium in winter is surely a sight to behold. Bruges is a prime example of a 17th-century western European city. It\u2019s a stately collection of ornate gray stone buildings that, when sprinkled with a light snowfall, transform into a true winter wonderland, a patchwork of snow-covered roofs arrayed within a web of frozen canals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruges is famous for its UNESCO-designated city center, an impressive love letter to Gothic architecture. The Belfry Tower, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are prime examples of this type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But you\u2019d be tempted to say that what makes Bruges special is not the buildings, as beautiful as they are. Instead, it\u2019s what\u2019s between them: a network of narrow canals abutting a side of a city you rarely see \u2013 the back doors. Or rather, the windows and sunrooms that occupy their canal-facing walls. A canal tour in Bruges allows you to relax, sip some of that famous Belgian beer, and enjoy the sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ice skating is another lovely way to spend time in Bruges. During the holiday season, the city\u2019s main Christmas Market hosts a skating rink. Otherwise, you just need to wait for the proper weather. When conditions allow, ice skating is a popular activity on the city\u2019s many small lakes, as well as down those breathtaking canals. When traveling to Bruges in winter, it\u2019s all about those canals. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYour own song of ice and fire in Iceland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bask in the medieval winter feeling in \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, Czechia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Escape the cold in Porto, Portugal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A fairytale winter holiday in Bruges, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.omio.com\/window-seat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Nuremberg_eyeem-100033628-165801970-1-1024x683.jpg\")