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Winter is finally upon us, and while the golden sands and warm seas of the Caribbean are certainly an enticing prospect, we can’t think of anything better than wandering through fairytale villages now covered, exploring the Christmas markets and enjoying the medieval culture.
Yes, we’re going to Europe, baby, and if you resonate with us, and you can’t get enough of the Old World charm (even though it’s the coldest season), consider adding this one 4 magical winter wonderlands on your bucket list:
York, England
York, a culturally rich walled city in the north of England, not far from the Scottish border, plays host to one of Europe’s largest Christmas festivals, with 75 stalls in chalet form distributed along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
From artisanal products to seasonal nosh, you’ll find it all here, and if you’re looking for a unique experience to Real To get into the festive spirit and learn more about local history, book a Sparkly Christmas Gin Tasting at York Gin’s 16th century half-timbered shop.
For around $44 you will be welcomed with a welcome cocktail (the Old York fairytale, a deep red gin sprinkled with sugar crystals), and if you can still stand on your own two feet, you will have the chance to taste the entire range of gins on display.
Drinking may be the Brits’ favorite pastime, but you haven’t flown all the way from America for a pub crawl, have you? Right…?
In that case, make sure you visit York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europethe Shambles, a medieval street lined with shops and cozy cafes that provide shelter from the cold, and the Jorvik Viking Centre, which celebrates the city’s Scandinavian heritage.
Trier, Germany
Not only is this the oldest city in Germany, founded in Roman times, but Trier is also one hugely underrated winter destination most tourists have yet to discover it.
The Christmas market, set up in the heart of the old town, with its stalls decorated with hand-painted moving figures and a mini Ferris wheel, happens to be voted the best Christmas market in Germany by the tourism platform European best destinations.
The local sausage and sauerkraut are indeed mouth-watering, and it isn’t a Trier Christmas until you’ve tried stollen with marzipan.
Oh, if you’re a culture vulture like us, you might be happy to know that this northern gem is a high concentration of historical sites.
This is a city that was inhabited by the Romans, remember?
Some of Trier’s many man-made wonders include Porta Nigra, a huge, ancient city gate built in ancient, dark stone that stood at the entrance to the old town. almost 2000 yearsTrier Cathedral, the first built in Germany, with a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, and the Aula Palatina:
One of the most impressive monuments of antiquity, this basilica was once an imperial hall in the 4th century, when Trier was one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last but not least, not that we’re part of the neo-Marxist frenzy ourselves, but if you ever feel like bragging about your visit to Karl Marx’s birthplace… just say so.
Rouen, France
Just two hours north of Paris is Rouen, the much smaller, much more picturesque capital of Normandy, a region in northern France, and a stately port city on the Seine River, where all the beret-clad Instagrammers and Emily enthusiasts haven’t had a chance to screw up.
The Germans certainly know how to celebrate Christmas properly, but the Normans in France will give them a run for their money:
The Rouen market is characterized by its iconic white huts decorated with streamers, wooden pyramids decorated with figures and child-friendly attractions.
If you have a soft spot for mulled wine, you’ve come to the right place:
Rouen’s is probably the best vin chaud de Noël served everywhere in France, all thanks to the mixture of spices contained in it, and if you think pain au chocolat is the greatest French invention, just wait until you try some bûche Normande.
Take it easy on the viennoiseries and tarts.
As they say, a moment on the lips, a life on the hips, and those rolled cakes are just that addictive.
Then there is the beautiful medieval center of Rouen, with its Gothic churches, cobbled streets flanked by half-timbered houses, left virtually untouched since the Middle Agesand the monumental Gros-Horloge, a monumental astronomical clock from the 14th century.
Tallinn, Estonia
Located on the easternmost edge of EuropeTallinn is the capital of the small Baltic nation of Estonia, and an unusual winter getaway with a touch of fairytale: come on, look how beautiful the city skyline is! It hardly feels like it has changed since the 14th century.
A UNESCO protected area, Tallinn’s walled center is one of the best-preserved medieval townships in Europe, with the oldest town hall in continuous use on the continent, cobbled alleys lined with centuries-old homes and, of course, a large Christmas market.
With its local merchants selling black pudding, sour cabbage, hot drinks and other medieval delicacies, Tallinn will make all your festive dreams come true. If you are lucky enough to be there on a snowy December, you may be able to attend the ceremony. arrangement of the Christmas tree.
Tallinn was the first city in Europe to ever organize a free Christmas party as early as 1441and every year since then, with the exception of wartime, local residents flock to the Town Hall Square to take part in the event and officially start the season.
If you are in Tallinn this winter, this is also the perfect time to be pampered.
Neighboring country Finland may get all the fame, but Estonia’s spa and wellness scene is just as fantasticof Kalma Saun offering hot baths in a Soviet-era building and Mustamäe Elamus Spa it is a large complex with at least 22 saunas and both child-friendly and adult zones.
If the spiced mulled wine doesn’t get you all cozy and warmed up, a whole day of relaxation here can.
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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.
