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Whether you are a culture enthusiast or simply dream of one day witnessing the timeless magic of a cobbled medieval town, Europe is probably at the top of your bucket list.
While a majority of travelers deliberately avoid winter and take transatlantic trips in summer, when it’s warmer, the colder months are actually some of the best for experiencing the Old Continent, as they concentrate a large number of events and towns that would normally be crowded suddenly become eerily quiet.
If you don’t mind the cold, or if you think old towns with red roofs are even more picturesque when dusted with snow, we offer you 4 of the most beautiful but less obvious European places to visit this winter:
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, known as “Europole”, is a French city straddling the border with Germany. In fact, you can easily travel between Strasbourg city center and Kehl, a German border town on the other side of the River Whine, along which the border runs, in just under half an hour.
Needless to say, due to its proximity to Germany and its status as a former German city lost following a succession of wars, Strasbourg has retained a Germanic characteras evidenced by the many half-timbered houses that line the narrow streets of the old town and the locals’ strong preference for beer rather than wine.
With its emblematic cathedral, its gigantic flying buttresses and its magnificent Gothic clock, and its bucolic canal district of Petite France, it is one of the most beautiful cities in France, and each season has its charm, but we would have tendency to say Strasbourg is the prettiest in winter.
It is at this time that the famous Christkindelsmärik, or Christmas market, is held between the cathedral and Place Kléber. One of the largest in Europe, it attracts millions of tourists each year, drawn by Franco-German delicacies, the smell of rich Alsatian sausages and mulled wine.
Thousands of Christmas lights are also spread along the old town, creating an enchanting atmosphere. not easy to find at other times of the year.
Even if Strasbourg does not welcome non-stop transatlantic flightsIt is easy to access from Pariswith high-speed TGV trains running between the two cities and cutting the journey time to just under two hours – quicker than the five-hour drive.
Freiburg, Germany
Not far from Salzburg, on the German side of the border and at the gateway to the mysterious Black Forest, is Freiburg im Breisgau, most often abbreviated to Freiburg.
House for an old town in pastel colorsan imposing cathedral that survived two world wars, one of Germany’s oldest universities, and canals that run the length of the historic district and, according to urban legend, will force you to marry a local if you ever accidentally step into Firstly, it’s a small German town full of intrigue.
As it is not as popular as Nuremberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauer, two of Germany’s other best-preserved medieval towns, Friborg may seem less touristy and therefore more pleasant to stroll around, especially in winter when the summer and autumn crowds have left.
If you are lucky enough, you can visit it on a snowy day, when the red tone of the roofs is barely visible through the pristine white, and street vendors selling hot sausages and melted chocolate beside the canal Little Venice will help you feel warm. and comfortable inside.
Just like Strasbourg, Friborg has a historic Christmas market it’s a must, open every day from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from the start of winter to mid-January.
The closest major airport to Freiburg is Frankfurt International Airport, the entry point for many Americans flying to Europe in the off-season.
Tallinn, Estonia
In the far east of Europe, just before Russia, Estonia is a country that most Americans tend to ignore when planning a winter trip across the continent, either due to ideas false concerning security, or by simple lack of knowledge about its territory. an inestimable cultural wealth.
It may share a border with a hostile state, but it is a member of both the European Union and NATO, officially safer than many Western countries because it is considered a Tier 1 destination by American authorities, and with a medieval heritage that highlights other European countries. nations to shame.
Tallinn is the cultural heart of Estonia and a city that strangely seems to come to life in winter; When medieval fairs are held and the natives dress accordingly, Christmas lights are turned on and there is a good chance that snow will settle along the winding cobblestone streets.
The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval cores in Europe, and it’s a magical setting to get lost and explore in winter.
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is a country best known for its pristine Adriatic beachesancient ocher-colored citadels, and Game Of Thrones filming locations, but it can make for an incredibly idyllic winter getaway.
Zagreb, the extremely neglected capital, has been repeatedly crowned as one of the best Christmas destinations in recognition of its huge Christmas market, among the largest on the Balkan Peninsula, and its festive decoration.
The old town of Zagreb is divided between the upper and lower parts, and taking the funicular up to the Lotrscack Tower you will encounter a breathtaking panorama of the majestic domes and majestic buildings and tall modern skyscrapers extending beyond the medieval core.
Some of the best things to do in Zagreb in winter include getting up early to buy local produce at Dolac Market, climbing the Lotrsack Watchtower for a privileged view of the Old Town and its red roofs, visiting the Church of St. Marc, easily recognizable for his colorful tiles representing the Croatian coat of arms and going to dinner on Tkalciceva Street, a bohemian corner filled with unusual bars and restaurants.
Zagreb is a great starting point to explore central Croatia, also:
In order to escape the busy city life, you can always take a bus to Sljeme Mountain, a hiking spot often covered in snow, the Frozen Plitvice Lakesand Varazdin, a small traditional town in northern Croatia, near the border with Hungary.
Learn about incredible European winter destinations that aren’t overrun with tourists and won’t break the bank. here.
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This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com