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December will soon be knocking on Europe’s doorstep, and while some may dread the thought of freezing temperatures and limited sunlight, we’d say there’s no better time to experience the Old Continent than the happiest time of the year:
Imagine all those beautiful Christmas markets, church towers covered in snow and imposing medieval castles shrouded in mist, as if Bram Stoker had dreamed them up himself… Summer may have pleasant temperatures, but it lacks the enchanting magic of the quiet season.
Does this sound dreamy enough for you? Wait until you hear you can board one historical night train that connects 5 of the most beautiful winter destinations in Europe from just $53:
Welcome aboard the Dacia train traveling from Central to Eastern Europe!
The Dacia train is one of Europe’s best kept secrets this winter, transporting passengers from Austria, in Central Europe, through the heart of Hungary, all the way south-east towards Romania, a country famous for its vampiric tales and Wednesday associations.
On either side of the line, separated by 685 miles and one 19 hour tripThere’s Vienna in Austria and Bucharest in Romania, although the Dacia’s biggest draw is all the lesser-known gems it rattles through that first-time visitors to Europe in winter often skip altogether.
The Dacia is a cheap night train, with tickets for the cheapest category starting from just $53, so you should expect less impressive amenities than its Nightjet counterpart offers, i.e. no WiFi on board and not as spacious couchettes, but it’s still quite comfortable.
What is the comfort level in the Dacia train?
Since you are traveling overnight and will probably sleep most of the journey, this is sufficient: the sleeping cabins can accommodate 4 or 6 people and are equipped with soft mattresses, pillows and blankets, and there are clean, modern toilets for each carriage.
For those concerned about privacy, especially women, there are private sleeping accommodations receive two travelers at the same time and single berths in first class, with prices ranging from $107 to $172. IN In the couchette category, the option of a same-sex compartment is also offered.
As the Dacia whizzes past the Carpathian Basin and terrifying Transylvania, the Dacia serves twenty communities along the route, including this one 5 beauties below:
Vienna, Austria
Dotted with Habsburg-era palaces, Baroque churches and atmospheric winter gardens, Vienna is one of Europe’s most highly anticipated city breaks in the quiet season, if not for its large choice of cultural eventsthen for all the great food.
Whether you’re here for the iconic rendition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in St. Charles Church, or just to eat fresh currywurst from the local Christkindlmarkt, it’s a (Christmas) gift that keeps on giving – that is, if you don’t mind occasional snow showers.
Győr, Hungary
Halfway between Vienna and Budapest, Győr is a seriously underrated winter destination for its cozy spas, which protect you from the bitter cold, and the wide choice of wellness centers and massage parlors, some of which are expensive. as cheap as $35 for a one hour massage.
Although it has a beautiful historic center, dominated by an ornate town hall and intersected with cobbled streets, tourists come here mainly to relax in the Rába Quelle Élmmenyfürdő spa, open all year round and features a Japanese-style sauna with 150 seats.
Budapest, Hungary
The Dacia heads to Budapest with little to no fanfare, but don’t let the unceremonious entrance fool you: Hungary’s capital is one of Europe’s greatest cultural centers, home to architectural wonders, elegant thermal bathsand storybook castles.
Explore a Vajdahunyad castle with conical towers perched on the shores of a frozen lake, cruise the Danube amid the rolling fog, pass the Hungarian Parliament, or sink in comfort in the steamy Szechenyi Baths – we guarantee that There is nothing as beautiful as a Buda winter.
Sibiu, Romania
Once the train crosses the final frontier of its itinerary, the next major point of interest is Sibiu, or as we like to call it, the City With Eyes: the eyebrow-shaped dormers are located on every red-tiled roof of every house, and the medieval streets have remained virtually unchanged over time.
It is a testament to the legacy of Transylvania’s Saxon settlers, with vast walls surrounding the perimeter of the old town, and a monumental evangelical cathedral rising above the maze of winding alleys below – add a sprinkle of snow and festive lights, and you get the essence of it.
Brașov, Romania
Braşov, the most visited destination in Transylvania, is one perfectly preserved 13th century town dotted with churches, bastions and pastel-coloured houses, home to a Gothic ‘black’ church and backed by the snow-capped Carpathians.
In winter this is the place to go for Christmas markets, mulled wine and some leisurely exploring, and if you have a soft spot for folktales and dark tourism, don’t miss a day trip to Dracula’s Castle – yes, the actual, real Dracula–– by only $23.75.
The full Dacia train route, including all stops from Vienna, Austria to Bucharest, Romania, can be viewed below, with the top five destinations highlighted:
- Vienna, Austria
- Hegyeshalom, Hungary
- Győr, Hungary
- Tatabanya, Hungary
- Budapest, Hungary*
- Szolnok, Hungary
- Bekescsaba, Hungary
- Lőkösháza, Hungary
- Curtici, Romania
- Arad, Romania
- Deva, Romania
- Simeria, Romania
- Sibiu, Romania
- Brașov, Romania
- Predeal, Romania
- Sinaia, Romania
- Ploiesti, Romania
- Bucharest, Romania
*stops at Kelenföld, Ferencváros and Keleti stations
Book your tickets for a trip on the Dacia train this season here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
