2 Weeks in Europe This Winter: The Ultimate Itinerary

Most people choose the summer travel, and while that’s a great season for a trip to Europe, there are some other options worth considering. December, for example. Winter has a lot of beauty, and that month in particular has plenty of holidays to enjoy. If you want to visit multiple countries, here’s a summary of the best itinerary for Europe in December.

Picture by Tobias Reich on Unsplash

 

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The Best December itinerary for Europe

Start in Style in Milan (Day 1-4)

Let’s start our itinerary in Italy, in the beautiful city of Milan. Italy, in general, is not one of our coldest destinations, so you can think of it as a warm-up! One of the most visited attractions is the Duomo di Milano, a renowned Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in the world, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful marble sculptures. Its rooftop is a must-visit if you want to admire the whole city at a glance. For the best experience, consider joining a guided tour, which can be very personalized since there are fewer travelers in December.

To see a bit more of Milan’s history, head to Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress turned palace. There you’ll find numerous museum collections, such as the Museum of Ancient Art, and the beautiful surrounding gardens. Don’t forget to check for special events or exhibitions! Also, check the opening hours, as they may change during the winter due to weather conditions.

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Lake Como, a luxurious day-trip (Day 5)

From Milan, let’s move to the Lombardy region, where you can find the beautiful Lake Como and spend the day in its riviera. The best way to appreciate the natural and architectural beauty of the surroundings is with a boat ride! If you’re traveling with your partner, for example, you can have a very romantic moment with Luxury Riva Boat Tours. They offer exclusive tours on a luxurious boat, with sunset options for the most scenic ride.

Another option for a boat tour is with Classic Wooden Boats Rental, which is more suitable for photo shoots with their perfectly restored wooden boats. Book early, as the best services tend to fill up quickly. With these tours, you can also visit nearby places like Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, or Varenna, a colorful village with fewer crowds than Bellagio.

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Train Ride to Switzerland (Day 6)

From Italy, you can take a train to Zurich and be there in about 3-5 hours. It might be slower than a plane, but it’s also more scenic. And you do have options to make that trip!

• The Bernina Express, for example, has a very iconic route that goes through the Swiss Alps. You can travel through glaciers, valleys, and charming villages in the commodity or a first-class wagon.

• The Gotthard Panorama Express is an excellent option if you want to make a more diverse trip, as it combines a beautiful boat trip on Lake Lucerne with a train ride through the historic Gotthard Pass.

• Golden Pass Line on the other hand, is famous for its impressive views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding vineyards, so it’s a perfect choice if you want to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland as part of the best itinerary for Europe in December.

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Winter Activities in Switzerland (Day 7-8)

Switzerland is a beautiful country in December, offering great activities to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites.

• Visit the Christmas Markets: Switzerland transforms into a fairytale in December, and the markets are filled with lights, crafts, music, and warm food. In Zurich, you’ll find Christkindlimarkt, inside the main station, but there’s one in every city.

• Sky down the Alps: If you love winter sports, then you have to stop in the Alps for at least a day and do some skiing. Zermatt is iconic, with the views of the Matterhorn, but St. Moritz is another solid choice.

 

Winter Swiss Traditions to Savor

You can’t pass by Switzerland in December without trying some of its most popular and traditional dishes. Like fondue! There’s nothing like eating that savory, creamy soup with bread after a long day out in the cold. And the hot chocolate, of course. Although cacao is native to the Americas, the first solid milk chocolate bar was invented in Switzerland in 1875.

But there are plenty more dishes to try, like the Grittibänz, a slightly sweet bread that Swiss people only made for the St. Nicholas Day’s is celebrated every December 6. Or the Älplermagronen, an inexpensive dish equivalent to macaroni and cheese, often served with applesauce.

 

Week 2: Festive Fairytales in Northern Europe

Copenhagen: A Christmas fairyland (Days 9-11)

The first week we explored two of the most incredible countries in Southern Europe, so let’s go North now and see what surprises December brings us there. Starting with Copenhagen.

If you’ve visited the city before, during the spring or summer, you may notice a drastic change. As soon as December comes around, it transforms into an enchanting Christmas wonderland. Full of incredible Christmas markets to explore. And the best of it? It’s more budget-friendly than other popular destinations during the holidays.

You can visit, for example, the Christmas Market at Tivoli, a city that turns itself into a spectacle with half a million lights and decorations. It offers a magical atmosphere with stalls selling excellent handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs, as well as Christmas delicacies like the traditional æbleskiver (sweet dumplings) and gløgg (spiced mulled wine).

Brussels for Chocolate and Jazz (Days 12-14)

Let’s end our trip in the unforgettable Brussels, the favorite of jazz and chocolate lovers. Christmas is the perfect time to visit, as it’s customary to eat lots of sweets, and there are excellent chocolate stores there. Like the Godiva, where you can try artisan chocolate, Neuhaus, with innovative chocolates, and Pierre Marcolini, known for its unique flavors. You can even take a workshop there and see exactly how it is made!

An excellent choice for staying warm indoors is visiting world-class museums, such as the Magritte Museum and the BELvue Museum. In both, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Belgian history and art. Afterwards, you can attend an evening concert, which goes perfectly with the winter magic. The Music Village, for example, is quite an iconic venue where you can enjoy nightly concerts of classic jazz and modern fusions.

 

Unique Winter Experiences Across Europe

Here are some more ideas for a December itinerary in Europe. A little bonus for our great readers!

Jungfraujoch: The “Top of Europe”

The Swiss Alps have many incredible places to visit, but none quite as unique as Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Roof of Europe.” This iconic hill looks amazing, especially during the winter. The entire landscape is covered in bright, white snow; the air is crisp and cold, and the glaciers are frozen. You can reach it via the Jungfrau line from Interlaken and Kleine Scheidegg, all the way to the Jungfraujoch train station, which is actually the highest in Europe, at 3,454 meters.

Up there, you’ll find one of the highest astronomical lookouts in the world, the Sphinx Observatory. An elevator there will take you to the Panorama Platform, with breathtaking 360° views of the Alps and the Aletsch Glacier.

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Geneva’s Snowy Haven

Why visit Geneva in December? Well, to practice winter sports for one! You’ll have plenty of great options there, like ice skating. You’ll find many outdoor ice skating rinks in Geneva, like Les Bastions Ice Rink in the very heart of the city, and it’s pretty popular with couples, children, and families. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember your trip!

If you want to escape the cold for a little while, you can go to the thermal baths in the region. You have the Bains de Cressy, a public thermal center with jets, saunas, and even indoor and outdoor pools. They’re perfect for an afternoon visit, especially after spending the day skating.

 

Munich: Beer Halls and Bavarian Delights

The Bavarian traditions are pretty interesting for a December itinerary in Europe. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, has a lot to offer, with its gastronomic delights and historic beer gardens. Visit Hofbräuhaus, for example, an iconic brewery where you can enjoy the authentic Bavarian beer culture. Pair the great brews with traditional dishes such as schnitzel or bratwurst. Try the zwetschgen mandl, a snack made from dried fruits.

Another sight unique to December is the urban bonfires in Gartnerplatz. You can see them clearly if you take a stroll along the Isar River at dusk. All at once, it is a magical view, with the snow blanketing the banks and the lanterns gently glowing. At the end of the road, you’ll find Gartnerplatz, a young and vibrant neighborhood where you can see people around small bonfires sharing mulled wine.

Photo by Viesturs Davidčuks

 

Essential Winter Tips for Europe

You’ll be moving a lot around Europe in this 2-week itinerary, so let’s talk a bit about how to do it more efficiently. Europe has an extensive public transportation network, with many countries having direct connections between major cities. But what is the best way to move from one destination to the next?

• Trains are often comfortable and punctual, especially in countries like Switzerland or Germany. You can use websites like Omio or Eurail to check prices and routes. If you plan to travel frequently by train, consider purchasing a rail pass to save money.

• Buses are generally cheaper than trains or planes for long-distance travel. Companies like Flixbus offer routes in and out of the country with modern amenities (Wi-Fi, toilets). If possible, book in advance to secure your seats.

• Air travel is the fastest way to travel between distant cities, and many airports are well-connected to the city center. However, it tends to be the most expensive when all additional costs (airport fees, transfers) are included. Consider the high season when planning your trips, as prices tend to vary significantly.

Tips to Prevent Theft

Europe is generally a safe place, but taking some precautions is never a bad idea. So here are some tips that you can easily follow.

• Carry only what you need every day; it’ll be more comfortable as you’ll be lighter. With no jewelry or watches, you won’t be targeted. As for documents, use copies instead of originals whenever possible.

• Use a fanny pack or a theft-resistant purse with a secure zipper. Put your wallet in the front pocket to avoid being a target for pickpockets.

• Travel insurance covers loss, damage, or theft of luggage, essential documents, and money. It also offers medical assistance in case of emergencies, as well as protects you against unforeseen cancellations due to circumstances beyond your control.

 

Common Winter Travel Mistakes to Avoid

For our best itinerary to Europe in December, we asked numerous travelers about the mistakes they made on their first visit to the continent, specifically during the winter. Here are their responses, so you can learn from them and have a great experience.

• Underestimate the weather: This is especially important, as we started our itinerary in Italy, where winters are mild and snow is rare. That’s not the case for the northern countries like Switzerland and Germany, where the temperatures drop below freezing. Pack a real winter coat and waterproof shoes, and keep in mind that the daylight hours are shorter.

• Not booking early: December is a busy month in Europe, with the holidays, winter festivals, and New Year’s Eve. Book trains, hotels, and ski resorts as early as possible.

• Trying to visit too many places: As we mentioned, winter hours are shorter, and in northern countries, the sun sets by 4 pm. Additionally, traveling from one city to another can take longer, as snow tends to delay trains and buses. That’s why we planned multiple days in each town.