Ever wondered what a winter wonderland might look like? Perhaps it's similar to Salzburg in Austria? Or Lake Bled in Slovenia? Or what about Prague in the Czech Republic? In truth, these snowy destinations in Europe are probably the closest to a real-life winter wonderland. The temperature in these places may be low, but your hearts will definitely flutter and fly as high as can be the moment see them in person. Despite the extreme cold, these incredible destinations are part of what makes winter easy to enjoy. You'll really feel like you've traveled into a new world or even back in time.
Salzburg, Austria
It's no secret that Salzburg, Austria is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It even starred as the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning film, “The Sound of Music” (1965). For Hollywood to use this city as the setting of a huge blockbuster means that there really is something magical about it. And it's even more so during winter! When you see Salzburg covered in a blanket of snow, you'd swear you walked into a storybook. From the Mirabell Palace to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, everything looks and feels other-worldly. Here's to hoping more movies will film here in the future!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hallstatt, Austria
It seems Austria is home to many magical snowy destinations in Europe. You already know about
Vienna, the country's capital which is magical all year round, and Salzburg. But it's high time you discover the beauty of Hallstatt, the lakeside town near the Central Eastern Alps. As far as alpine cities go, this one is absolutely spectacular. Set by the serene Lake Hallstatt, the landscapes here are worth taking loads of pictures of. Or even painting too! Paired with its rural charms and provincial ambiance, you'll automatically feel at peace the moment you reach the town. And you might never want to leave after a short while!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Speaking of lakeside towns, you also shouldn't overlook Lake Bled in Slovenia. Now, if you want to talk about '
scenic,' this place truly takes the cake! With the calm waters of the lake on one side and the majestic snow-covered alps on the other, this is a city worth posting about on any
travel inspo Instagram account. Rest assured that anyone who gets to see said post will dream of going here one day. Especially during wintertime. Though the place remains as magical as ever no matter the time of year, seeing it covered in sparkling white snow adds a more fantastical appeal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Prague, Czech Republic
You never thought that a country's capital city will make this list of magical snowy destinations in Europe, did you? After all, as a central hub for business and commerce, there's hardly any peace and quiet for you to enjoy the winter wonderland before you. So does Prague deserve to be on this list? Definitely! No matter the season, the Czech capital looks and feels extraordinary. It's such a well-preserved city that various
neighborhoods in Prague look as if it never caught up with the 20th century, let alone the 21st! And when the snow falls on this busy metropolis, it's easy to forget all the hustle and bustle and get lost in all the magic.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rovaniemi, Finland
Christmas may have long passed but good ol' St. Nick's hometown is still as magical as ever! It's almost weird to think that Rovaniemi, Finland isn't among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The likes of Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and more completely overshadow it. But then, because of the myth that Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, most people have forgotten that there is a Santa Claus village in the humble town of Rovaniemi. And yes, it's as charming as you think. Filled with all sorts of holiday cheer and with the Aurora Borealis shining above, you couldn't have found a more magical place than this!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Geralnd Zojer
Reykjavik, Iceland
Here's another capital city to add to the magical snowy destinations in Europe—Reykjavik, Iceland. As the largest municipality in the country, it's easy to expect a bustling metropolis when you get here. And for the most part, this place is as busy as any other capital city out there. Nevertheless, when the snow starts to fall and the temperature begins to drop, it's as if the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland. Even more so every February, the peak of winter, when they host their annual Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival. Yes, the tradition is as dazzling as it sounds!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bergen, Norway
Since it inspired the fictional city of Arendelle from the popular
Disney movie, “Frozen” (2013), you're bound to set high expectations for Bergen, Norway. And rest assured that the place itself will easily meet them! Though there's no grand castle in the middle of the city like the one in the film, it's still the scenic alpine town that you'll easily recognize. Most notably, many houses are rendered in stark shades of red, orange, yellow, and more. They beautifully contrast the deep blue tones of the Lille Lungegårdsvannet, the lush greeneries of the nearby mountains, and of course, the white snow during winter.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Strasbourg, France
This list of beautiful snow-covered destinations in Europe isn't complete without a place from the
French countryside. And for that, there's the charming town of Strasbourg in France! Located by the border near Germany, the town itself is a beautiful mix of both French and German influences. From the timbered houses to the French pastries, you're not sure where the French culture ends and the German elements begin. And come wintertime, as early as the Christmas season, this place becomes the most magical European destination ever. The
famous Christmas tree by the public square is always a must-see during this time of year!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ji-Elle
Bruges, Belgium
And finally, there's the highly underrated but immensely beautiful city of Bruges in Belgium. With so much to look forward to, you'll almost forget that it's one of the most magical snowy destinations in Europe. But seeing the flake-covered cobblestone streets and shimmering frozen canals will remind you why you went here in the first place. Every corner of this charming town is so picture-perfect, you'll hardly put your camera phone down! Rest assured that all your shots will be Instagram-worthy too! Just don't forget to take a minute and appreciate Bruges's Flanders beauty with your own eyes and not through the lens of your camera.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
These snowy European destinations are a must-see during winter. You'll forget all about the cold when you see how magical these places are! They look straight out of fairytales and you won't see any other place like them out there.
