Winter in Europe is pure magic — snow-dusted streets, twinkling Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and postcard-perfect alpine villages. From the festive elegance of Vienna to the fairytale charm of Prague, the thermal baths of Budapest, and the breathtaking Swiss Alps, this 4-week winter itinerary covers the very best Europe has to offer during the colder months. Whether you’re wandering historic city streets, enjoying hot chocolate by a river, or taking in panoramic mountain views, this trip is the ultimate combination of culture, scenery, and seasonal wonder. Perfect for travellers who want a mix of classic European charm, festive cheer, and just the right amount of snow.
Week 1: Austria
Vienna
(4 nights)
Cost Rating: 3/5 (Mid-range)
Vienna is the epitome of winter elegance — baroque palaces, cosy coffee houses, and one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. The city feels magical with snow-dusted streets and festive lights.
Things to do:
Christmas markets (Rathausplatz), Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses (Café Central), Classical concert
Train to Salzburg (~2.5 hours)
Salzburg
(3 nights)
Cost Rating: 3/5
Nestled in the Alps, Salzburg is a charming winter town with a storybook feel. Famous for Mozart, baroque architecture, and being the setting of The Sound of Music.
Things to Do:
Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Explore Old Town & Getreidegasse, Take a day trip to Hallstatt, Sound of Music Tour, Enjoy local Austrian cuisine and Christmas markets
Train to Munich (~1.5 hours)
Week 2: Germany & Czech Republic
Munich
(3 nights)
Cost Rating: 3/5
Munich blends festive Bavarian charm with historic sites and hearty winter food. The city’s Christmas markets and nearby castles make it a winter favourite.
Things to Do:
Stroll Marienplatz & Christmas markets, Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Visit Nymphenburg Palace, Enjoy Bavarian food and beer halls, Explore Viktualienmarkt
Train to Munich (~1.5 hours)
Prague
(4 nights)
Cost Rating: 2.5-3/5 (slightly cheaper than Austria/Germany)
Prague in winter feels like a fairytale — cobblestone streets, a snow-dusted castle, and picturesque bridges over the Vltava River.
Things to Do:
Walk across Charles Bridge, Explore Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral, Wander Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock, Visit the Christmas markets, Try traditional Czech food (trdelník, goulash)
Week 3: Hungary & Switzerland
Budapest
(3 nights)
Cost Rating: 2/5 (more affordable than Austria & Germany)
Budapest is a winter gem with its thermal baths, river views, and baroque architecture. Winter is ideal for warm spa visits and enjoying festive lights.
Things to Do:
Relax in Széchenyi or Gellért thermal baths, Explore Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion, Walk along the Danube promenade, Christmas markets & festive street food
Flight to Zurich (~1.5 hours)
Zurich
(2 nights)
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Swiss cities tend to be more expensive)
Zurich is a sophisticated winter city with lakeside views, historic streets, and easy access to the Alps. Perfect for a short, scenic stop.
Things to Do:
Stroll Old Town (Altstadt), Walk along Lake Zurich, Explore Bahnhofstrasse for shopping, Christmas markets at Sechseläutenplatz
Train to Lucerne (~1 hour)
Lucerne
(2 nights)
Cost Rating: 4/5
Lucerne is a postcard-perfect Swiss town — famous for its wooden bridges, snowy mountains, and lake views.
Things to Do:
Walk Chapel Bridge & Water Tower, Take a day trip to Mt. Pilatus or Rigi, Visit the Lion Monument, Explore Old Town & winter markets
Train to Interlaken (~2 hours)
Week 4: Swiss Alps + France
Interlaken
(4 nights)
Cost Rating: 4/5
Interlaken is the gateway to the Swiss Alps — ideal for snow adventures, alpine villages, and breathtaking winter scenery.
Things to Do:
Day trip to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Sledding or snowshoeing, Explore Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald, Take scenic winter hikes
Train or flight to Paris (~5–6 hours train or 1 hour flight)
Paris
(3 nights)
Cost Rating: 3/5
Paris in winter is romantic, quieter than summer, and perfect for museums, cafés, and iconic landmarks dusted in snow.
Things to Do:
Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro winter photos, Walk along the Seine & Notre Dame, Visit Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, Explore Christmas markets (Champs-Elysées, La Défense), Sip hot chocolate in cozy cafés
