After all the Christmas market rush and hopping, it’s time to experience the beautiful European winters. Shall we? The best part of European winters is that it is refreshingly crowd-free as compared to the warmer months and hotels/stays are less expensive as compared to other seasons except for the Ski destinations. Here we share the best winter destinations to explore with Interrail/Eurail pass.
Garmisch & Fussen, Germany
Straight out of a storybook, these two fairytale towns are easily accessible by train. Peppered with castles, lakes, snow-capped mountains, the towns look straight out of a winter wonderland. From visiting the beautiful Neuschwanstein castle near Fussen to skiing at the highest peak in Germany near Garmisch these two Bavarian towns are sure to charm you. Buses for Neuschwanstein leave right outside Fussen train station. For Zugspitze, the train station is located next to the Garmisch main station.
Read More: Things to Do in Fussen & Zugspitze, Germany
Innsbruck, Austria
Surrounded by the Alps, this quintessential town is one of the most famous winter destinations in Europe. Not just famous for skiing, the town is also famous for its old-world charm, hiking trails, and the food scene. The best way to explore the town is to get the Innsbruck card which is worth the money if you are planning to visit some of the major attractions. The public transportation is free with the Innsbruck Card. The central station is located at a walking distance from the old town. There are also locker facilities available at the station. Innsbruck is one of the best winter destinations to explore with Interrail/Eurail pass.
Read More: Things To Do In Innsbruck
Hallstatt, Austria
One of the most photographed town and a sought after destination in Europe. This pretty town belongs to tourists during the summer months as they outnumber the locals. If you are looking to experience the tranquility of this pretty town sans the crowd, winter is the perfect time to visit. Halstatt can be reached by train from Salzburg and Vienna. The train station is located on the other side of the lake (in Obertraun). You have to take a ferry to get to Hallstatt town and it is included in the Interrail/Eurail pass.
Read More: Things To Do in Halstatt
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is another vacation frontrunner destination. Nothing like enjoying your time at numerous thermal baths in the chilly weather or enjoying a meal at one of the most beautiful cafes — New York cafe. You can also visit ruin cafes or strap on your skates and have fun skating at Europe’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Don’t forget to devour the delicious Chimney cake.
Prague, Czech
Winter is hands down, the best time to visit Prague. The beautiful city covered with a blanket of snow and looks straight out of a storybook. Not just that it is a budget-friendly destination but also a city that offers a plethora of activities to choose from during winter as well. Go for skiing, enjoy the Christmas markets, pose at Charles Bridge and warm up with Czech Beer or visit the numerous museums. The train station is located just 15 minutes from the old town of Prague.
Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the most popular cities in Europe. But come wintertime, the city looks way too beautiful with fewer tourists. The canals are quiet and strolls are much more peaceful. The hotel rates are dirt cheap. All the major attractions are easily accessible and you don’t have to wait in a queue or jostle for any of the activities like Gondola rides. We highly recommend starting your day with a cup of hot chocolate at Cafe Florian in St. Mark’s Square and wander the serpentine streets of Venice without a plan.
You can make the best use of Interrail / Eurail pass without even spending an extra penny on reservations. As most of the destinations mentioned in this article are well connected by regional trains. Don’t forget to download the DB Navigator & Rail Planner APP and explore Europe on a whim.
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I am so happy to see that I was to so many of your mentioned destinations. The famous castle near Fussen I visited it with my boyfriend on a winter almost 20 years ago. To Hallsat in Austria I was more than 30 years ago with my parents when we lived in Viena fro two years. To Budapest I was many times because I live in Romania. And Eventually, Insbruck region is the one that I visited regularly for ski during the past years.
Such beautiful photos of fairy tale destinations. I have never used a Eurail pass, it looks the way to travel through Europe. I am not a big fan of travelling in winter but after reading your article and seeing the photographs you may just have swayed me. Good to know that the ferry to Hallstatt is included in the Eurail pass.
Although I have been to all these countries except Germany and Hungary, they have been during the summer. Would love to do these beautiful places in the winter. And train journeys are no doubt the best way to expore with a Eurail pass. This post of yours the motivation.
These are all great recommendations! Winter is not my favorite time of year, but traveling during these times can prove to be so much less stressful and allow you to see much more of the destination. Prague and Venice are high on my list, but getting there for me is soooo expensive (plane tickets), but I need to look into traveling in the winter time! I love the idea of less crowds and more peace.
Europe has some truly beautiful destinations, whilst I have visited a few of these in the summer months, I am now really eager to try and visit some more in the winter after admiring your stunning photos! The EUrail pass seems like a great way to travel around, I will deffo look into it!
Wow! These sites are really beautiful. I have always loved winter in Europe that’s why Prague and Venice are on our bucket list. So excited to visit their Christmas markets and perhaps a little bit of skiing. 🙂
So many amazing winter destinations to explore by train in Europe. I am a big fan of public transport and Europe is a big favorite because of the amazing Eurail network. This post kind of does half of my work. I would love to do Garmisch and Fussen and Prague for sure. Sometime soon.
I love all these winter destinations as they are my favorite ones and all I did in winter only with Eurail pass. I too agree that public transport in Europe is great with stunning views while you travel. Garmisch is my favorite in this and I spent a week there as I love such idle countryside towns of Europe. Even Prague is wonderful historic city.
Winter in Europe is my favorite. These photographs of each destination is so eye-arresting that I feel like traveling right away. I so wish to travel to Hallstatt. This is the most picture perfect destination in all seasons. You have totally convinced me to travel to all these destinations. Loved the post.