Best winter destinations in Eastern Europe

In the market for magical winter vacation? Here we present the best winter destinations in Eastern Europe, from snow-shrouded cities that host sparkling Christmas markets, to scenic ski locations. Also covering some of the most beautiful places in Eastern Europe, after reading this you’ll most likely be left longing to spend the whole of winter in eastern Europe. 

If you're new to the region, be sure to read our first-timers guide to Eastern Europe. Our handy trip ideas tool will also provide inspiration for your Eastern Europe winter vacation.

1. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Ringed by alps and snow-filled meadows, Lake Bohinj is enchanting through the frostier months. In fact, in our view, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Eastern Europe to visit for winter wonderland magic.

While we also rate Slovenia’s Lake Bled as one of the best places to visit in eastern Europe around the year — it’s a glorious green destination, in all senses of the word – Lake Bohinj is a quieter alternative in winter.

Located in Treglav National Park, just an hour's drive from Ljubljana, winter sees the lake transformed into a magical landscape of snow-capped peaks and peaceful forests, with the lake’s icy stillness reflecting the rugged Julian Alps.

Many folks are drawn here to skate on the lake, or to go downhill or cross-country skiing at the nearby Vogel ski resort. 

Not into winter sports? It’s a wonderful place to walk, relax in cozy mountain lodges, and visit charming local villages, many of which are famous for their fruit brandy.

How to get there

Traveling from the US? Fly into Ljubljana Airport (LJU) via European hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam. 

From Ljubljana, Lake Bohinj is a 1-hour drive or a 2-hour bus/train ride.

Where to stay

Want to wake up to lovely lake views? Consider staying in Hotel Bohinj — it’s located right on the lake and comes with Alpine-style furniture and a great restaurant that serves delicious local dishes.

Want to wise up on more of the the best winter vacation destinations? Discover some of the best places to travel in February around the world.

2. Gdańsk, Poland

For a mix of old town atmosphere and coastal charm, visit Gdańsk in Poland. Here, the magic of winter in eastern Europe can be experienced in a rather special form, thanks to the port town’s location on the Baltic coast.

Known for its dramatic medieval warehouses and gothic churches, Gdańsk is especially enchanting in winter, not least when its medieval architecture is dusted in snow. 

From November, its Main Town comes alive with festive lights, particularly around Long Market (Długi Targ) and the iconic Neptune Fountain. 

Then, as December approaches, the Christmas market delivers seasonal cheer, crafts, and warm mulled wine, while cozy cafes and restaurants serve hearty traditional Polish food that’s well-suited to the chillier temperatures.

How to get there

Folks coming from the US can fly to Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa airport via European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Warsaw. 

If you’re coming from the UK, direct flights are available from London, Manchester and Edinburgh, and take 2-3 hours.

Where to stay

PURO Gdańsk makes a good mid-range option thanks to its location near the waterfront and a stylish, modern décor.

On a budget? Try Moon Hostel, which offers affordable rooms in a central location.

First-time visitor to Europe? Read up on how to plan a trip to Europe.

3. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade — capital of Serbia — is one of the best winter destinations in Eastern Europe for travelers who are looking for lively nightlife in a somewhat lesser-visited capital, not least if you head to the city’s iconic floating clubs and bars.

The city’s festive spirit is at its liveliest around Knez Mihailova Street — think bustling holiday markets and cozy cafes serving traditional Serbian rakija or hearty dishes like sarma and ćevapi.

At the same time, snowy weather makes Belgrade prettier, so go exploring, and don't miss the Kalemegdan Fortress, which looks rather lovely when dusted in snow, and offers panoramic views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers.

How to get there

From the US, flights to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport connect via European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Vienna.

From the UK, direct flights from London take 2.5–3 hours.

Where to stay

For a luxury stay in an historic hotel in the city center, head to the handsome Hotel Moskva.

At the other end of the scale, Hostel Bongo is a modern, budget-friendly option.

4. Druskininkai, Lithuania

Druskininkai — a picturesque spa town in southern Lithuania — is hands-down one of the best winter destinations in Eastern Europe for winter wonderland scenery, and for Eastern European vacations with wellness aspects.

Set in the Dzukija forest, close to Grutas Park along the Nemunas River, it’s loaded with old-world charm and natural beauty, with its year-round indoor Snow Arena complex transformed into a wintertime hub for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Meanwhile, you can indulge in spa treatments using the town’s renowned mineral-rich waters, and head to the huge indoor Druskininkai Aquapark to enjoy its saunas and pools.

Outside, lakes and snow-covered parks are perfect for serenely scenic walks, with seasonal events and markets upping the atmosphere.

How to get there

From the US, fly to Vilnius International Airport via European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Warsaw.

From the UK, direct flights from London to Vilnius take 2.5–3 hours.

From Vilnius, Druskininkai is a 1.5–2-hour drive (130 km).

Where to stay

We rate Art Hotel and Europa Royale Druskininkai as elegant mid-range options, while SPA Vilnius Druskininkai is hard to beat if you’re looking for luxury.

Trying to stick to a budget? Check out Galia Hotel.

Love the sound of Lithuania? Read up on the best things to do in Lithuania, and contact our local travel experts to curate your perfect trip. 

5. Krkonoše, Czechia 

While Prague, capital of Czechia, remains one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe in winter for Christmas markets and old town charm, Krkonoše is a dream vacation destination for those traveling Eastern Europe in winter for outdoor pursuits.

In fact, Krkonoše was deserving of attention in our feature on where to experience hiking and history in Czechia.

Offering a mix of pristine snow-covered trails and charming villages, this Czechia's largest mountain range, and it's also home to Sněžka — the highest peak in the country.

Winter sports are popular in resorts like Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou, which boast well-maintained slopes, cross-country trails, and cozy après-ski spots.

Meanwhile, Krkonoše National Park is a beautiful place to hike.

All that considered, it’s clear why visiting Krkonoše is one of the best ways to enjoy winter in Eastern Europe.

Keen to visit? Contact our local travel experts.

How to get there

From the US, you can easily fly to Prague’s Václav Havel Airport via European hubs. 

From the UK, direct flights from to Prague take 2–2.5 hours.

After arriving in Prague, Krkonoše is a 2.5-hour drive or a 3-hour train/bus ride

Where to stay

Coming to ski? Base yourself in the resort town of Špindlerův Mlýn and stay at Hotel Soyka or the high-end Harmony Club Hotel.

6. Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia

If want to spend winter in Eastern Europe without the crowds of very popular tourist destinations, consider heading to Ohrid. 

Located on the shores of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of North Macedonia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is simply enchanting in off-season winter. 

Think cobblestone streets and historic architecture dusted with snow, including the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid and Samoil's Fortress. 

And all this with a lovely lakeside backdrop. On that subject, be sure to visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo — it’s perched on a cliff overlooking the lake.

To mix things up, head to nearby ski resorts like Popova Shapka.

How to get there

From the US, you can fly to Skopje International Airport via European hubs like Vienna or Istanbul. 

Meanwhile, if you’re coming from the UK, direct flights to Skopje take 3–4 hours with airlines like Wizz Air. 

From Skopje, Ohrid is a 2.5-hour drive or a 3-hour bus ride.

Where to stay

Most visitors to Macedonia base themselves around Lake Ohrid, which means you have a fair few options when it comes to choosing where to stay. 

For example, you could look to book Hotel Belvedere — a friendly 4-star right opposite the lake.

For more luxury, Villa Mal Sveti Kliment offers boutique charm near the lake, while Hotel Tino is a cozy mid-range option with lakefront views.

7. Budapest, Hungary

For classic Christmas markets and old town enchantment, Budapest is hard to beat as one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

Though the Hungarian capital is a rewarding year-round destination, come winter, the city’s iconic landmarks — among them the Parliament Building, Buda Castle and Chain Bridge — look even more magical under twinkling festive lights.

Visit in November or December, and you’ll also get to soak up the magic of winter markets, such as the one at Vörösmarty Square, where you can enjoy delicious treats like chimney cakes and mulled wine, and pick up handcrafted gifts. 

Meanwhile, thermal baths, like the historic Szechenyi Baths and Gellért, provide a warm retreat from the cold.

How to get there

From the US you can fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport via European hubs like Frankfurt or Amsterdam, while UK travelers can take direct flights (2-3 hours) from London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Where to stay

As revealed in our guide to the best areas to stay in Budapest, the city isn’t short of accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

We especially recommend accommodation in the Castle District for first-timers. Perched atop Castle Hill, it’s the crown jewel of Budapest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to boot.

For example, for panoramic views of Budapest with a central location in this historic district, try Monastery Boutique Hotel Budapest.

Inspired to visit? Talk to our local travel experts about curating your dream vacation.

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Offering outdoor ice skating, Christmas markets, hearty traditional food, and a laid-back festive atmosphere, Tallinn is one of the best winter destinations in Eastern Europe for a wonderful weekend break.

In fact, it’s fair to say Estonia's capital exudes serious fairy-tale vibes in the winter months, when its medieval Old Town of towers and spires is blanketed in snow.

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square also happens to host one of Europe’s most picturesque Christmas markets from late November to early January, complete with a towering Christmas tree and festive stalls selling piparkoogid (gingerbread) and mulled wine. 

How to get there

US travelers can fly to Tallinn Airport via European hubs like London, Helsinki, Frankfurt and Amsterdam — expect a total travel time of 10–14 hours.

Traveling from the UK? Direct flights from London or Manchester take 2.5–3 hours.

Where to stay

For 5-star style, try the historic Hotel Telegraaf, while mid-range Savoy Boutique Hotel offers elegant rooms in the heart of the Old Town.

Thinking of spending more of winter in Eastern Europe? Read up on the rest of Estonia.

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a very different city during winter. With far fewer tourists than during the very packed summer peak season, you’ll get to enjoy the best things to do in Dubrovnik in more authentic fashion, with the city’s winter festival serving seasonal atmosphere, and seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

At the same time, Croatia's mild coastal winter climate is ideal for exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, city walls and Fort Lovrijenac free from crazy summer crowds.

As such, if you’re seeking an Eastern Europe winter vacation with added history, you might want to push Dubrovnik to the top of your travel wish-list. 

How to get there

From the US, you can fly to Dubrovnik Airport via European hubs like Frankfurt, Vienna, or Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, the UK is served by multiple direct flights that take 2-3 hours.

Where to stay

First-timers wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik would do well to consider accommodation in the Old Town. 

With its maze-like alleyways and imposing town walls, almost all the accommodation here is in historic houses, with the Prijeko Palace boutique hotel coming especially recommended. 

It’s housed in a fabulously restored 14th-century mansion with a Michelin-listed restaurant on the amazing roof terrace.

Alternatively, boasting dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline, accommodation in Boninovo is conveniently located between the historic Old Town and the ferry port at Gruž.

Want to visit Dubrovnik? Check out our customisable Croatia itineraries, or contact our local travel experts to kick-start planning your perfect trip. 

10. Stary Smokovec, Slovakia

Located in the High Tatras Mountains, Stary Smokovec is a charming Slovakian winter destination of picturesque snow-covered landscapes and tranquil alpine atmosphere. 

Known for its historic architecture, and for being a gateway to the Tatras, it’s the perfect place for outdoor adventuring and relaxation.

While winter activities include skiing at nearby resorts like Hrebienok, snowshoeing, and exploring frozen waterfalls, the region’s serene snow-capped peaks and pristine forests make a peaceful — and pretty — alternative to larger Alpine resorts.

In fact, skiing here is among the best things to do in Slovakia.

How to get here

From the US, you’ll need to fly to Košice Airport via European hubs like Vienna or Frankfurt. 

From Košice, it’s a 2-hour drive or train ride to Stary Smokovec.

From the UK, 2-5-hour direct flights run between London and Poprad-Tatry airport.

Alternatively, fly to Košice or Krakow and travel by car or train to Stary Smokovec.

Where to stay

For all-out luxury, check out Grand Hotel Stary Smokovec — an historic alpine hotel with modern spa facilities.

Meanwhile Villa Kunerad is a good mid-range option, and we rate Hrebienok Resort for a fancy, affordable, family-friendly apartment stay.

Inspired to take a winter trip? For more ideas, browse our pick of the best places to visit in winter – for sun and snow.

You might also want to make use of our handy trip ideas tool for inspiration for your Eastern Europe winter vacation, and beyond.