We’ve created the perfect winter in Europe itinerary for a magical trip through Germany and Austria. From some of the best Christmas markets to winter wonderland towns, this itinerary hits the top attractions as well as unique experiences off the typical tourist path.
We have taken four (very different) trips to Europe in winter, and we are already dreaming about the next one!
Imagine sipping hot gluhwein beneath twinkling lights as the scent of cinnamon-roasted almonds fills your nostrils and Christmas carols croon in the background. Pure magic, I tell you.
After all our Christmas markets trips, we put together what we think is the perfect winter in Europe itinerary.
You’ll visit some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe, explore charming small towns and exciting big cities, and you’ll have unique wintery adventures that most travelers skip.
Gear up for the holiday trip of your dreams!
Winter in Europe Itinerary Guide
For more tips and advice for planning your winter in Europe itinerary, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
- About this itinerary
- Itinerary overview
- More or less time
- Transportation
- Tips for visiting Europe in winter
- More Christmas markets resources
About this itinerary
As I mentioned above, we’ve traveled to Europe for the holiday season on four separate (and very different!) trips. I think it’s safe to say we’re a little obsessed.
It’s pure magic, and there’s really no other trip like it.
See our most recent trip come alive in the video below…
We’ve pulled from our personal experience to put together what we think is the perfect route for someone who wants to experience the magic of Europe in winter, has two weeks and is comfortable driving a rental car (in the snow).
I’ll start by saying that this itinerary isn’t for everyone. If you just want to fly in and see the major sights, you can probably do that without a rental car.
However, if you want to see some famous Christmas markets, as well as get off the beaten path to experience a side of Europe not many travelers do. Then this itinerary is for you!
How we choose the destinations
We chose the destinations for this winter in Europe itinerary for a number of reasons:
- Germany and Austria are classic European winter destinations with big Christmas markets and plenty of festivities around this time of year.
- They are easily accessible via Munich or Zurich (and have the cheapest flights!), so those will be great places to start and/or end your journey.
- This itinerary also features a mixture of big city Christmas markets and small, cozy Christmas-y towns, so you get a well-rounded experience and not just the tourist hot spots.
- We also included lots of things to do in this itinerary beyond just browsing Christmas markets, because—let’s be honest—it is possible to get tired of seeing only Christmas markets in town after town.
Winter in Europe itinerary overview
- Munich (2 nights)
- Rothenburg (2 nights)
- Nuremberg (day trip from Rothenburg)
- Tip: If you don’t mind a bit more moving around, then you could spend 1 night in Rothenburg and 1 night in Nuremberg.
- Salzburg (3 nights)
- Hallstatt (2 nights)
- Innsbruck (2 nights)
- Garmisch (3 nights)
- Neuschwanstein (day trip from Garmisch)
- Munich (1 night)
Munich
Germany
How long: 2 nights
Munich is often one of the cheapest hubs to fly in and out of. Plus, it is the capital of Bavaria (the region where you’ll find the most traditional Christmas markets), making it a great place to start and end your European winter trip.
Top things to do in Munich in winter
- There are tons of Christmas markets in Munich, so explore as many as you have time for! Here are a few recommendations to start with:
- Munich Christkindlmarkt (most famous)
- Medieval Christmas Market (most unique)
- Chinese Tower Christmas Market (most romantic)
- Tollwood Winter Festival (a Christmassy version of Oktoberfest)
- See the famous river surfers at Eisbachwelle.
- Walk or bike around the English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world.
- Do a day trip to Dachau concentration camp.
- Take a guided bike tour around Munich. We took this tour on our first visit to the city and loved it!
Where to stay in Munich
- Hotel MIO by AMANO: sleek hotel with a luxe vibe for a reasonable price
- King’s Hotel First Class: comfort and convenience of a modern hotel with a splash of regal decor
- Aloft München: contemporary design and onsite cocktail bar with live music
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Germany
How long: 1-2 nights
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is already one of the most beautiful towns in Germany, but in winter it feels even more enchanting. Twinkle lights drape over half-timbered houses, and the town square glows with a perfectly decorated Christmas tree — it’s the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks.
This one is on my list of best European Christmas markets, and I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Yes, Rothenburg is undeniably touristy, but it’s popular for a reason. This is one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in the country.
I recommend spending a night (or 2!). You’ll get to experience a much calmer, cozier side of the city after the day trippers leave.
And while the Christmas market is charming, there’s far more to do here — from walking along the old city walls to good restaurants. I also did the Night Watchman’s tour and really enjoyed it.
Top things to do in Rothenburg in winter
- Learn about Rothenburg’s medieval past on the Night Watchman’s tour.
- Walk the city wall.
- Eat Schneeballen, a sweet local specialty.
- Shop at the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store.
- Take a photo at Das Plonlein viewpoint (pictured above).
- Have dinner at Zur Hoell.
- Reservations are required; visit their website for more info
Where to stay in Rothenburg
- Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister: one of the most highly-rated guesthouses in town
- Burghotel: splurge-worthy, charming property with a fantastic breakfast that, according to reviewers, is worth the price
- Gasthof Butz: where I personally stayed in Rothenburg, one of the more budget-friendly options in town
Note: This is one of the places you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible, as accommodation is very limited and the good, reasonably-priced places get scooped up quickly for dates in December!
Nuremberg (Nürnberg)
Germany
How long: 1 night or day trip
Itinerary note: If you prefer to switch hotels less often, you can spend 2 nights in Rothenburg and visit Nuremberg as a day trip. Alternatively, if you don’t mind moving around, you could spend 1 night in each city.
As Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg knows how to do the holidays right.
For starters, it’s is home to one of the most iconic Christmas markets in all of Europe — the kind that gets talked about in guidebooks, postcards, and featured on the Hallmark Channel.
Instantly recognizable with its classic red-and-white striped booths, there’s something undeniably special about being in a Christmas market of this size — the energy, the traditions, the sheer scale of it all.
If you’re looking for a place that delivers that quintessential “big Christmas market” experience, Nuremberg absolutely belongs on your winter in Europe itinerary.
Top things to do in Nuremberg in winter
- Wander Weißgerbergasse street for some examples of the most beautiful architecture in the city.
- Explore Handwerkerhof (artisan yard), where you can pop into small workshops and browse handicrafts.
- Walk the city walls.
- Get one of the prettiest views in town at the Weinstadel building.
- Learn about the city’s dark history at the Documentation Center, where the Nazi party held rallies.
- Climb the Nuremberg Castle for a wonderful view over town.
Where to stay in Nuremberg
- Astoria Apartments: our top pick in Nuremberg featuring stunning design, kitchen access, great location, rave reviews, and an affordable nightly rate
- Karl August Neighborhood Hotel: boutique hotel with comfortable rooms, great location, excellent breakfast, and a pool
- Leonardo Royal Hotel: large hotel with cheery design and very affordable prices that earns some of the top reviews in the city
Salzburg
Austria
How long: 3 nights
Salzburg feels like it was made for the holidays — snow-dusted rooftops, the sound of carols floating through the streets, and baroque architecture that glows under strings of lights.
Beyond the charming markets, the city itself is incredibly walkable and full of things to do, from exploring Mozart’s birthplace to cozying up in cafes between sightseeing stops.
Plus, it’s an easy (and affordable!) train ride from Munich, making it a perfect stop on your winter in Europe itinerary.
Top things to do in Salzburg in winter
- There are several great Christmas markets in Salzburg. Here are our 3 personal favorites:
- Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (biggest)
- Hellbrunner Adventzauber (our personal favorite!)
- Advent Market at Salzburg Fortress (tiny market in a fortress courtyard)
- Take an apple strudel cooking class. (I took this with my mom and we had a great time!)
- Cheers at the Augustiner Brewery (one of our favorite things to do in the city!).
- See Mozart’s birthplace.
- Try the famed “Mozart balls”, which are made with pistachio marzipan, nougat, and chocolate.
- Insider Tip: The ones in red wrappers seem to be the most common, but the originals are made with dark chocolate and have a blue and silver wrapper.
- Wander the Mirabell Gardens.
- Go on the Salzburg Free Walking Tour.
- Get a view over Salzburg at Hohensalzburg Fortress (and check out the Advent market while you’re here!)
- Go on a Sound of Music tour.
Where to stay in Salzburg
- Airbnb: I personally stayed here with my mom and think it’s a great choice
- master Linzergasse: sleek design, excellent reviews, and a great location
- master Mirabell: highly-rated modern apartments with a communal rooftop terrace
Hallstatt
Austria
How long: 2 nights
Okay, Hallstatt has a Christmas market that lasts exactly one day (annually on December 8th), so it is difficult for most visitors to actually make it to this market.
However, even if your schedule doesn’t work to be in Hallstatt on December 8th, I’d still highly recommend putting it on your Winter in Europe itinerary.
Here’s why:
- Hallstatt is not far from Salzburg and Innsbruck, two great Christmas market cities, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary.
- It is absolutely stunning in the winter, especially if you are lucky enough to get snow!
- There are plenty of fun things to do in and around town.
Yes, Hallstatt is touristy, but most of the visitors are just there for the day. If you spend a night or two, you’ll find it gets very quiet in the late afternoon and evening hours, as well as in the morning.
I’d recommend booking 2 nights here so you can arrive in the evening and have the entire next day to explore without worrying about checking out of your hotel. Hallstatt is a town you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible, since accommodation is limited and December is a popular time to visit.
Top things to do in Hallstatt in winter
- Book a photoshoot with this local photographer. We loved it and think it was one of the best souvenirs!
- Walk to this viewpoint for the best photos of the town.
- Tour the salt mine.
- Take the funicular to the Skywalk which overlooks town.
Where to stay in Hallstatt
- Heritage Hotel: I’ve stayed here twice and had a good experience both times. The location is perfect! They have a great breakfast buffet, and you can reserve the private sauna. They have rooms in a couple of different buildings, so if possible, request a room with a balcony and a view of the lake.
- Seewirt Zauner: Another good option in the heart of Hallstatt.
- B&B Haus Hemetzberger: If you want a really peaceful setting, this B&B is located just outside of town and earns rave reviews. It is also a good budget pick.
Innsbruck
Austria
How long: 2 nights
Flanked by the Austrian Alps and filled with colorful buildings, Innsbruck is a winter wonderland. The city has multiple Christmas markets to explore, each with its own unique vibe, plus plenty to do once you’ve had your fill of gluhwein.
Top things to do in Innsbruck in winter
- There are a few main Christmas markets in Innsbruck as well as small neighborhood markets where you’ll see just a cluster of booths. Here are a few personal recommendations:
- Innsbruck Old Town Christmas Market (our favorite)
- Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg (tiny market with a view)
- Maria Theresien Street (modern market)
- Advent at the Market Square (family-friendly market on the river)
- Rent a toboggan and hike to a mountain hut for lunch, then sled down!
- Take a Tyrolean food tour.
- Ride the cable car to the top of Nordkette where you can have a mug of gluhwein or hot chocolate.
- Sample local schnapps.
- Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many great cocktail bars in the city.
- Take a day trip to the nearby village of Hall.
Where to stay in Innsbruck
Innsbruck has a lot of truly wonderful places to stay. Below are our top recommendations.
- Nala Individuellhotel: We personally stayed at this aparthotel and had a great experience. Plus, we found it was one of the most reasonably-priced places in the city for this level of quality.
- Boutiquehotel Weisses Rossl: We ate at the restaurant here; the hotel looks lovely and is in a perfect location. It is popular, so book early.
- Marktbar Studios: This modern aparthotel offers stunning river views.
- Hotel Innsbruck: The perfect location in Old Town with cozy rooms and spa amenities.
- Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz: This centrally-located aparthotel has a stunning design and a cool onsite cocktail bar.
Airbnb options:
- 2-bedroom apartment that earns rave reviews
- Cozy loft in a residential area
- Beautifully-designed Airbnb in a quiet part of town
→ Psst! If you’re considering staying in any Airbnbs, be sure to read up on our fail-safe tips for choosing the best Airbnbs.
Garmisch
Germany
How long: 3 nights
Unlike a lot of the other towns on this itinerary, Garmisch is not known for it’s Christmas market. It only happens one day a year and in all honesty, the market here is just okay. While cute and worth a visit if you’re in Garmisch, it’s very small and there’s not much to it.
The reason I put Garmisch on this itinerary is because I think it is one of the best towns in Europe to visit in the winter.
It is truly magical, and I would highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Top things to do in Garmisch in winter
- Walk through the Partnach Gorge.
- See the famous Olympic ski jump.
- Ride a gondola to the top of Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany.
- Walk around Eibsee Lake.
- Take a day trip to the monastery in Ettal and try the liqueur made by monks.
- Visit nearby Oberammergau which is a stunning example of Bavarian architecture.
Where to stay in Garmisch
We absolutely loved this cozy Airbnb and would highly recommend staying here. Regardless of where you’re staying in Garmisch, we recommend getting a rental car as it’ll make your stay much easier.
Neuschwanstein
Germany
How long: day trip from Garmisch
If you think Neuschwanstein Castle looks like a fairytale come to life, you’re not wrong—the turrets and towers inspired Walt Disney’s first sketches for the beloved Cinderella Castle.
Winter might just be the best time to visit Neuschwanstein. The famous castle looks even more magical dusted with snow and surrounded by frosty trees. Plus, though still undeniably touristy, the winter months are not quite as crowded as the summer, which sees more than 6,000 visitors per day.
Top things to do in Neuschwanstein in winter
- Tour Neuschwanstein Castle. (Book tickets here)
- Visit Hohenschwangau Castle and walk the scenic path past the lake Alpsee.
- Walk across Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for stunning views of the Pöllat Gorge as well as the perfect vantage point to photograph Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Ride the Tegelberg Cable Car for majestic panoramic views from the mountaintops.
More or less time?
For this itinerary, 2 weeks would be ideal. At a minimum, I’d recommend spending at least 1 week.
If you’ve been doing the math, you’ll notice that this itinerary is actually for 15 days. If you wanted to make it 2 weeks (14 days) exactly, you could cut 1 night from Garmisch, Munich, Salzburg, and/or Hallstatt, depending on your preferences.
On the other hand, if you have more time, we’d recommend adding another night in Innsbruck!
Transportation
You’ll need to determine if you will be taking trains or renting a car to follow this itinerary. We have done both and think each mode of transportation has its merits.
Rental car
Driving a car makes it easier to get to some of the smaller towns on this itinerary (like Hallstatt and Garmisch). You can go at your own pace, and you won’t need to lug your suitcases around train stations.
We rented a car for our most recent trip to Europe in winter and found it to be very convenient.
Our advice: We recommend using Discover Cars to compare & book your rental car.
Search & Compare Rental Car Prices
- Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible.
- Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past.
Trains
Taking trains is efficient and you won’t need to worry about driving in the snow (if that’s something that makes you nervous) or trying to find parking.
You’ll find that all the European destinations on this itinerary can be connected by train, however, this will mean you’ll have to keep a more strict schedule based on train timetables.
You can use free sites like Rome2Rio to plot your train journey for your itinerary. However, you’ll typically find better pricing booking directly with local train companies, like the German Railways Website (Bahn.de) or an aggregate platform like Trainline.
Be careful you search the exact train station name. We’ve listed them out for all the destinations below:
- Munich: München Hauptbahnhof
- Rothenburg: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Nuremberg: Nürnberg Hbf
- Salzburg: Salzburg Hbf
- Hallstatt: Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen Bahnhof (nearest station just outside of Hallstatt, take smaller trains to the Hallstatt station)
- Innsbruck: Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
- Garmisch: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Neuschwanstein: Füssen (larger station nearby, you’ll have to take a bus to the castle)
Tip: In our experience, booking trains between major European cities ahead of time is best to get the best rate. Ticket prices go up as the availability of seats goes down. You wouldn’t want to plan a whole itinerary only to get stuck without a ticket by waiting until the last minute to book.
Where to fly into
As I mentioned above, we choose this itinerary based on accessibility from both Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH) international airports.
Both have reasonably priced flights from just about anywhere in the world, so either of these make good jumping off points.
Tips for visiting Europe in winter
After 4 winter trips to Europe, we’ve made our fair share of mistakes and learned some valuable lessons. We have a whole article full of European Christmas market tips, but here are a few things to think about while planning your winter Europe trip.
Compare hotels and Airbnbs
In some cities, hotels are a much better option as Airbnbs have strict regulations and there aren’t many to choose from. Alternatively, there are other cities where Airbnbs are far superior (and cheaper!). Do a side-by-side comparison and see what is best for each place on your itinerary.
Include some activities other than visiting Christmas markets
The markets are one of the main reasons for this trip and they are truly magical. However, they can get a little redundant if you don’t mix in some other activities. Here are just a few ideas:
- Hike to a mountain hut
- Go sledding (you can rent toboggans)
- Take a food tour
- Go on a walking tour
- Go skiing
- Take a cooking class
- Tour a historic castle
- Take a cable car to the top of a mountain
More resources for Christmas markets and winter in Europe
Planning a trip to Europe for the famous Christmas markets can be pretty overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, I’ve done this 4 times now (and counting!) and I’ve put together some info-packed guides that will be super helpful as you plan your trip.
What to expect at European Christmas Markets
If this is your first time visiting Christmas markets in Europe, you’ll want to read our essential tips. This guide is packed with helpful information like how to avoid the mistakes we’ve made so you can save money (and time!) during your visit.
Christmas Market foods you have to try
One of the best things about the Christmas markets in Europe is the food (of course!). We’ve got a guide to all the must-try foods so you don’t miss any.
Best Christmas markets in Europe
This isn’t another copy-and-paste roundup filled with stock photos and the same big-city markets you’ve seen a hundred times. We’ve personally explored these markets, from the famous ones to the charming, lesser-known gems, and come up with a list of our personal favorites. Every photo and tip you’ll see in this article comes from our own experience.
Best winter holiday destinations in Europe
Dreaming of twinkling lights, festive markets, and snow-dusted cobblestones? We’ve rounded up the best winter holiday destinations in Europe—from cozy alpine villages to atmospheric historic cities—so you can plan a trip that feels straight out of a storybook. If you’re craving a little winter magic, this list will spark all the wanderlust.
What to pack for winter in Europe
We’ve created the ultimate Winter in Europe packing list that has all the essentials, as well as what NOT to pack. Plus, we’re sharing what to wear to Christmas Markets and how to curate a perfect capsule wardrobe.
Don’t miss your chance to grab our Winter in Europe Packing List!
We’ve organized everything you’ll need to pack for a winter trip to Europe into a handy, printable checklist.
Just enter your email and get a FREE printable PDF of this checklist sent right to your inbox!
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We want to hear from you!
Are you planning a winter trip to Europe for Christmas markets? Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
What a fabulous blog you have written!! Thank you, thank you!! Since you have been 4 times, do you have three other itineraries? Sorry if I missed that along the way in reading.
Thank you
Shelley