Europe offers such a contrast in climate throughout the year that you can encounter the same destination and have such a different experience from summer to winter. Landscapes that were once basked in warm sunshine can offer snow, ice and freezing temperatures making Europe the perfect place for a winter break.

Some of Europe’s best winter destinations are less known to the normal tourist trails and have a price tag to match. We started to explore the cheapest and and budget friendly most off the beaten track locations for your next winter break.

The less known and cheapest winter breaks in Europe

Slovenia

As soon as you arrive in Slovenia during the winter months you will see you have stepped right into a winter wonderland. Snow topped mountains and landscapes filled with snow topped tree’s make this a picture perfect winter spot. Iced lakes that glisten with the snow and show reflections of the nearby castles and mountains.

Source: Crystal Ski

Winter activities in Slovenia

Frozen waterfalls

Slovenia is home to some beautiful waterfalls and during the winter months the waterfalls freeze leaving the most beautiful frozen waterfalls. Periknik waterfall is one of the most famous where you can marvel at the beautiful sight and also take part in climbing the waterfall.

Castles

Slovenia is home my tons of castles. It gives Slovenia a fairy tale like vibe with the endless supplies of castles surrounded by epic landscapes and mountains. With hundreds of castles all in the same country there will be no shortage to visit. Castles such as Castle Bled sit with a reflection on the lake.

Lake Bled

This beautiful part of Slovenia is surrounded by the Julian Alps and is a beautiful blue and green lake that offers reflections of the nearby castles and trees. This is Slovenia’s busiest place to stay, however it lacks the crowds and remains a peaceful place to stay and enjoy winter activities.

Ski

Slovenia’s snowy mountains make it the perfect spot to head for a spot of skiing. Slovenia is one of the most budget friendly places in Europe to ski and is home to some beautiful ski resorts and mountains with ski lifts. Kranjska Gora Ski Resort is the most popular ski resort in Slovenia and the busiest, whilst Bled Straza Ski Resort is in the perfect area next to Lake Bled with slopes for both beginners and more experienced skiers.

Hot springs

Slovenia is home to some natural hot springs as well as several spa’s that offer their version of hot springs too. Dolenjska is home to the biggest hot springs set in the woods with natural views. The rocks are heated up by the Earths crust as the thermal water is used by local spa’s, farmers and many more people. The water heats up to nearly 30 degrees making it the perfect temperature for bathing on the cold winter days.

Caves

Postojna Caves and Škocjan are probably the most famous caves in Slovenia and also UNESCO World Heritage site. They are known as underground worlds and home to amazing rock formations, glistening lakes and unique fish. This is a must do to get inside and warm up from the cold outside.

Slovakia

The heavy snow fall in Slovakia makes sure that the countries major winter attraction is skiing. Thick snow tops all of the mountains and hills and make for the perfect stretch of space to hit the slopes. Other winter activities can also be enjoyed at a much lower price compared to other parts of Europe.

Source: Telegraph

Winter activities in Slovakia

Dog sledding

Head out with the mushers and have your own experience of dog sledding through the snow in Slovakia. Dog sleds are nto used as an actual mode of transport, but do provide a perfect way to explore the Slovakian landscapes.

Skiing

Slovakia is home to the Tatra Mountains that it shares in part with Poland. The tall peaks and heavy snowfall make the Tatra Mountains the perfect place for skiing. Head up in the lift to be rewarded with views from the Tatra Mountains and choose your slope difficulty and have at it.

Cable car to the peak

Take a cable car to the second highest peal in Slovakia and enjoy the view. Peak Lomnicky offers excellent views from the top and on a clear day you will witness epic sunsets from the top.

Snow shoeing

For those that do not want to ski, you have the opportunity to head out snow shoeing. Take to the paths and explore the beautiful footings of the Tatra Mountains.

Lithuania

From the busy cities to the country side of Lithuania the whole country is covered in snow for the winter period. As a more off the beaten path part of Europe it truly is budget friendly.

Source: Baltic Tours

Ice skating

Head out on your skates on Lake Glave to have the opportunity to skate upon a frozen lake. The wide spread lake offers excellent views of the surrounding landscapes.

Hot air ballooning

Head up above Lithuania to see the tops of the snow covered tree’s and snowy landscapes for a truly magical experience. Look down to see frozen lakes and snowy landscapes for a true picture of Lithuania in the winter months.

Cross country skiing

Head though the Lithuanian country side on a cross country skiing trip. Take in the country side views and you will be greeted by endless snow, lakes and tree’s as far as the eye can see.

Estonia

From the snow topped city of Tallinn to the idyllic countryside, Estonia has something to offer every one in the winter time. Activities include skiing, dog sled rides, steam and ice natural spa’s, ice fishing, frozen waterfalls and much more.

Source: Exodus

Winter activities in Estonia

Jägala waterfall

Look on in awe as the Jägala waterfall as the cold temperatures freeze the water that falls and makes for the perfect place to hike to. You can also walk behind the waterfall and see the falls from another view.

Ice fishing

Head out with a local fisherman to go fishing from a hole in a frozen lake. Watch as they show you the technique before having a go at catching fish yourself.

Ice swimming

Enjoy the heat and the wellness benefits of a sauna before jumping into an ice hole to truly experience the wellness benefits of warming and cooling your body.

Tallinn

The countries capital city has so much to offer with its small windy alleyways and streets offering small bars and restaurants to warm up in. Head to the top of some of the towers and roof tops for an almighty sight of the city. The main market square opens up to show you the life of locals.

Romania

From the enchanting cities of Romania inducing Transylvania to the hills and mountains of the countryside Romania is becoming hot on budget style winter breaks. With the cold temperatures of the winter you have the opportunity to explore ice hotels and igloo’s.

Source: Romania Insider

Winter activities in Romania

Carpathian Mountains

Head out in the Carpathian Mountains in your snow gear to enjoy endless mountain views. Glance at frozen lakes and waterfalls as you hike your way around.

Night skiing

The town of Brasov is busy in the winter months with winter sports visitors. Have your go at skiing and snowboarding during the day and also have the opportunity to go nigh skiing here. The lifts stay open for you to marvel at the lights of the town down below.

Ice hotel

Sleep inside an ice hotel that is constructed from scratch each year. Balea hotel offers rooms, restaurants and bars for you to have the opportunity to dine and drink on ice. With cups and bowls made from ice this is truly is a unqiue experience.

Prague

Head to the Czech republics capital city for a budget city break in the heart of Europe. Browse the cobbled streets of the Old Town and enjoy the historical sights.

Source: Hertz

Beer baths

Step inside into the warm and warm yourself up in a local beer bath. Sit in the barrel and enjoy the experience as the hops and ingredients work their magic for a beer lovers experience. All whilst helping yourself to local beer to drink from the pump.

Underground bars

If the weather is cold outside head down under the city to explore the cities hidden nightlife. Underground bars off the opportunity to drink the night away. Start with Black Angels bar.

Charles Bridge

Wander the length of the Charles Bridge and take in the Prague riverside at winter time. Head to the top of the bridge tower to view the city from above and the snow topped roofs.

Budapest

Hungary’s capital city Budapest has so much to offer from traditional thermal baths to warm you up on a winter’s day to ice skating in Europe largest ice rink in Central Park.

Source: Daily News Hungary

Thermal Baths

Grab your swim wear and head into the warm steamy waters of Budapest’s thermal baths. There are baths all over the city, but for sure the Széchenyi and Gellért are the biggest and most popular. This is the perfect way to warm up in the warm steamy water.

Ruin Bars

Head in for a drink in one of many ruin bars. The price of local beer is extremely low in Budapest and the perfect way to spend an evening on a cold winters night. the once abandoned ruined buildings have all been renovated, however they keep the history of the ruins for a truly interesting evening.

Ice skating

City Parks large lake is frozen over to create Europe’s largest ice rink in the winter. Skate around and take in the views of this beautiful city.

Krakow

As one of Poland’s major cities Krakow is home to an array of historical buildings, traditional restaurants and much much more.The city is packed full of attractions and also close by to a variety of day trip attractions from the Tatra Mountains to Auschwitz.

Source: Destinations

Wawel Castle

Sat on a hill overlooking the river this fairy tale like castle offers you almighty views over Krakow in the winter time.

Main Market Square

The focal point of the city is for sure the Main Market Square. At one end sits St Mary’s Basilica for a trip to the top of the tower for the view over the rooftops and the rest of the square is covered with cute alfresco restaurants and bars. The middle of the square houses horses and sleighs for the perfect place to spend a winters afternoon.

Salt Mines

The salt mines of Wieliczka are located just outside of the city and well worth a visit. Head into the caved where the minors worked and look at the glistening salt shining.

Tatra Mountains

Head on a day trip to the Tatra Mountains and visit one of the nearby towns at the foot of the mountains. Zakopane is probably the largest and very charming offering cosy restaurants and bars to warm up in after being up in the mountains and skiing.

Auschwitz

An eerie chilling experience is a visit to Auschwitz. Going in the winter treats you to less of a crowd and also an understanding of the hard conditions people will have faced in the winter at Auschwitz. Certainly not for the faint hearted, but a good place to get understanding of the history and pay your respects to the victims.

Istanbul

You may be surprised to learn that winter in Turkey actually does turn snowy and cold. Istanbul looks beautiful covered in snow and the Grand Mosque looks post card ready.

Source: Istanbul Insider

Turkish bath

Head out of the cold and into the warm of a Turkish bath. Let the experienced locals treat you to the Turkish way of bathing and enjoy the steam, foam and water in this art like way.

Galata Tower

Head up the steps to the very top of the Galata Tower. The view from the top is one of the very best views in the city and well worth a look. Look down at the snow covered roof tops for some wintery magic.

Pin me