Source link : https://love-europe.com/2024/11/22/news/10-best-places-to-travel-in-europe-january/
January can be a tough month: the holidays are over and it’s cold across most of the U.S., Give yourself something to look forward to by booking a January trip. Depending on where you go, January can be an affordable month to travel and, in addition to cheaper prices, you’ll find far fewer crowds. If you don’t mind the cold, there are dozens of places to go across Europe, whether you want to see the northern lights or go skiing. If you’re after some sun, you’ll have to head south, but it can be done. Read on for the 10 best places to visit in Europe this January, and then keep the winter doldrums at bay by planning a getaway.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Roman Babakin/Getty Images
If you’re looking for a destination in Europe with guaranteed snow in January, Rovaniemi is the perfect place. Ride a snowmobile, dog sled, or reindeer sleigh, and try sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing. Rovaniemi is also a great walking city, and there are several tours and museums to experience to learn a little more about this Finnish town. Consider buying the Culture Pass, which gets you into three attractions for one price. With it, you can learn about the history of Lapland and Arctic research at Arktikum, get to know northern contemporary art in the Korundi House of Culture, and familiarize yourself with the northern forests at Science Centre Pilke.
Norway
Getty Images
Take a Hurtigruten cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast this January for a unique winter vacation. The cruise line offers trips that take you to the Arctic Circle and North Cape, where you’ll be awed by picturesque winter scenery. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll see the northern lights; Hurtigruten even has a Northern Lights Promise for certain trips. Be sure to spend some time in the country’s capital, Oslo, where you can take a fjord cruise or learn about Nordic history at the Norske Folkemuseum. Try sledding at toboggan run Korketrekkeren and, while you’re there, visit Frognerseteren, an old-fashioned cafe that has views of the Oslofjorden and serves apple pie, hot chocolate, and Norwegian waffles.
The Canary Islands
Stephanie Pollack/Travel + Leisure
This Spanish archipelago just off the coast of Morocco is one of the best warm winter destinations in Europe; it’s sunny every day, and the average high is 68 degrees. While it might be a little too chilly in January to enjoy the beaches, there are plenty of other activities on the islands. Take time to go off-roading on sand dunes and enjoy local dishes such as roasted cheese with mojo, a tasty Canarian sauce made with either paprika or cilantro, plus garlic, cumin, olive oil, and vinegar.
Hikers can climb volcanoes like the famous Mount Teide on Tenerife or try tackling Roque de los Muchachos; at nearly 8,000 feet, it’s the highest point on La Palma and it’s cold enough at the top to call for winter gear.
A New Year’s swim on the first day of the year is a Canary Islands tradition in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Be sure to also check out the Canary Islands Music Festival, which happens in January and February and is split across Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Vienna, Austria
Getty Images
Vienna is famous for its Christmas markets, but you can enjoy its unique history and culture in January without the holiday crowds. Stop into a cafe to experience Viennese coffee house culture, and warm up with a toasty beverage after a day of touring the city; a charmingly old-school choice is the lovely Café Sacher, inside the luxury Sacher Hotel, where the Sacher-Torte was invented in 1832. If you’re in Vienna for the New Year, try following the Silvesterpfad, a New Year’s Eve trail that takes you to different stages with live music. Stop and enjoy a glass of mulled wine or champagne to say goodbye to the current year and ring in the new.
Bavaria, Germany
Achim Thomae/Getty Images
Southern Germany is lovely throughout the year, but it turns into a snowy wonderland during the winter months. Think about basing yourself in Munich, the world’s most walkable city, where you can visit the BMW Museum, 16th-century beer hall Hofbräuhaus München, and Munich Residence, the former home of the royal family and largest city palace in Germany. The city is also a good base for day trips; Salzburg, Austria is an hour and a half away by train, and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle is under two hours by car. This castle is known as the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World, and it’s going to look even prettier covered in snow.
London, England
Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototr/Getty Images
Take in this historic city in January and avoid the holiday crowds. Though the days in winter are short and wet, you can take refuge in London’s dozens of museums, many of which are free. This includes the kid-favorite Natural History Museum, the National Gallery — which has works by van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo — and the Victoria and Albert Museum, whose collection of 2.3 million pieces comprises jewelry, furniture, and clothing, among other items.
Between museums, visit historic sites like the Tower of London (where you can view the Crown Jewels) or Westminster Abbey. Warm up with afternoon tea, or in a cozy pub with a pint and some fish and chips.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Steven Allan/Getty Images
January is the best time to visit western Switzerland. There’s tons of great skiing, with runs to fit every level — from beginner to expert. You can even try night skiing at Rinderberg, which stays open late and turns on its floodlights on Fridays. Each year, the nearby town of Château-d’Oex hosts a nine-day hot air balloon festival, and the snow-capped mountains make a perfect backdrop for the hundreds of colorful balloons that decorate the sky. For an ultra-luxe stay at a long-time celebrity favorite, book a night at Gstaad Palace and warm up with fondue.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Merten Snijders/Getty Images
Consider ringing in the new year in the party city of Amsterdam. By day, tuck into a locavore lunch at farm-to-table restaurant De Kas, and visit the Van Gogh Museum, where you can see the “Sunflowers” paintings up close. Come evening, go out in hipster haven De Pijp, known for its retro pubs.
Each January, Amsterdam is filled with art installations for the Amsterdam Light Festival, which lasts until January 19. There are more than two dozen light installations to explore around the city. Then, try ice skating at Ice Amsterdam at Museumplein (open until early February), or celebrate National Tulip Day on January 18, where you can pick up a tulip in Dam Square.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Massimo Bettiol/Getty Images
January offers a taste of the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix (every May) with the Monte-Carlo Rally, held at the end of January. When the F1 is in town, Monaco is jam-packed, but January sees fewer crowds while still bringing a wave of parties and excitement.
While in Monaco, be sure to check out the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, made famous in the James Bond films and books. If you’ve got kids in tow, be sure to visit the family-friendly Oceanographic Museum to learn about marine life. Craving a croissant? Pop over to Nice, France, just 20 minutes away by train, or take the train 30 minutes east to Ventimiglia, Italy, and tuck into a pizza.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Irina Sen/Getty Images
For great skiing without the frigid temperatures, try the southernmost ski region in Europe in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain. This resort area has more than 68 miles of trails, with lots of routes for beginner and intermediate skiers.
What makes this ski station so unique is its location, just 45 minutes from the beautiful Alhambra in nearby Granada. The UNESCO World Heritage site — a walled palace dating to the 13th century — is known for its gorgeous Moorish tiles throughout and its gardens, alive even in January.
Author :
Publish date : 2024-11-15 00:45:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
The post 10 Best Places to Travel in Europe January first appeared on Love Europe.
—-
Author : love-europe
Publish date : 2024-11-22 11:50:03
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.