Winter Destinations in Europe 2026–2027: TripAdvisor Rankings

The 2026–2027 winter season is shaping new priorities for travelers. TripAdvisor has compiled a travel index and identified ten European destinations that are drawing the most interest from tourists for the period from November through February. Euronews recently reported on this. The ranking includes cities with Christmas markets, Arctic regions, and mountain resorts.

We’ll tell you which locations topped the list and what’s worth experiencing in each of them in the article below.

Planning a winter trip to Strasbourg, Tromsø, or Zakopane?

A travel guide from the Visit World portal will help you plan your itinerary and choose attractions and experiences for your trip.

Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Winter Destinations in Europe

Strasbourg, France, was named the most popular winter destination in Europe for the 2026–2027 season. Second place went to Tromsø, Norway, and third place went to Ghent, Belgium. The rest of the top ten consisted of mountain resorts, cities with Christmas markets, and the capital of Latvia. The ranking covers eight countries and shows where travelers plan to go during the cold season. The full list is as follows:

1. Strasbourg (France).
2. Tromsø (Norway).
3. Ghent (Belgium).
4. Saariselkä (Finland).
5. Chamonix (France).
6. Zakopane (Poland).
7. Bruges (Belgium).
8. Nuremberg (Germany).
9. Salzburg (Austria).
10. Riga (Latvia).

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Why do tourists choose cold countries for winter vacations?

This winter, travelers are more likely to plan trips to regions with snow and freezing temperatures than to warm resorts. Tripadvisor analysts reached this conclusion after studying search queries from residents of the United Kingdom. The data was collected from August 1 through October 31, 2026, and pertained to trips planned for the period from November 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.

Aarushi Kumar, Deputy Director of Research and Analytics at the Tripadvisor Group, noted that Britons have noticeably shifted their focus toward vacations in cold climates. She attributes the popularity of Arctic destinations, Alpine towns, and cities with Christmas markets to tourists’ desire to enjoy the winter season.

Read more about Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets in 2026 — follow the link.

Europe’s Christmas Markets 2026: Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Salzburg

These three cities from the TripAdvisor ranking attract tourists primarily with their festive markets. Strasbourg, at the top of the list, will host its market for four weeks, starting November 27. Visitors can stroll among the wooden huts under festive lights and visit the Strasbourg Cathedral of Our Lady. This Gothic landmark is known for its stained-glass windows and astronomical clock.

Nuremberg took eighth place in the ranking. In addition to the Christmas market, visitors are advised to explore the medieval Kaiserburg Castle, which offers a view of the Old Town, and go on a snowy hike. Salzburg came in ninth. Highlights of a visit to the city include the Christmas market, the 17th-century Baroque Salzburg Cathedral, and the Winterfest festival in the Volksgarten.

Planning a trip? It’s helpful to know about transportation strikes in Europe in November 2026.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Europe: Tromsø and Saariselkä

For viewing the Northern Lights, TripAdvisor recommends two destinations from its ranking: Tromsø in Norway and Saariselkä in Finland. The Norwegian city took second place, while the Finnish town ranked fourth. Both locations offer travelers organized tours, as well as winter activities with reindeer or huskies.

In Tromsø, you can view the aurora during a minibus or boat tour. The program also includes reindeer sleigh rides and fishing in the fjords. In Saariselkä, tourists can enjoy photo sessions to capture the Northern Lights, husky safaris, and snowmobile rides along scenic routes.

Where to celebrate New Year’s 2027 in Europe — read about it in this article.

Winter Vacations in the Mountains: Chamonix and Zakopane

Among mountain destinations, Chamonix, France (5th place), and Zakopane, Poland (6th place), made the list. Both resorts combine winter activities with sightseeing of local landmarks and mountain scenery. According to the study, Alpine towns, along with cities hosting winter fairs, top travelers’ winter preferences. TripAdvisor’s recommendations for these locations:

• Chamonix: a trip to Mont Blanc with a ride up to Aiguille du Midi, ski touring, and a visit to the new Mont Blanc Museum.
• Zakopane: thermal springs, a stroll down the pedestrian street Krupówki, and taking in the views from the “Gubalówka” funicular.

Read also: Europe’s Most Underrated Travel Destinations for 2027.

Europe’s Old Towns in Winter: Ghent, Bruges, Riga

Ghent, Bruges, and Riga made the list thanks to their historic centers and cultural offerings. Ghent, Belgium, took third place. Its main attraction, the Counts’ Castle, is the only medieval castle in Flanders with a moat, and its defensive system has been almost completely preserved. Bruges ranked seventh, while Riga rounded out the top ten.

In Bruges, it’s worth climbing the Belfry for a panoramic view of the city, taking a walking tour that includes a canal cruise and chocolate tasting, and going ice skating in King Albert I Park. In Riga, tourists are advised to take a walking tour of the Old Town, see the sights from a boat on the canals, and go on a husky sled ride.

Europe’s best culinary cities — listed here.

By the way! The tour guide from the Visit World portal will help you prepare for a winter trip through Europe. It will be a handy tool when planning your itinerary to cities with Christmas markets, Arctic regions, or mountain resorts. With the guide, it’s easier to decide which sights and experiences to include in your trip.

Order the Visit World travel guide and plan your winter vacation in advance!

Just a reminder! We previously reported that airfare in Europe could rise significantly in 2027.

Photo: Magnific

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