Winter Walks in Europe
How about tasting Icelandic beers and local cuisine, exploring the Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon, then witnessing the Northern Lights in remote areas? Hike glaciers and visit black-sand beaches, discover Reykjavík's history and geothermal baths. Iceland in winter is absolutely spectacular, but that’s not it! How about Finland and Norway? Lapland and Sweden? The list goes on!
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- Choose from 19 Europe tours
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Jennifer • traveled in September
A thoroughly enjoyable trip! The scenery was stunning, the route - well thought, allowing for Plan B in case of bad weather conditions, challenging at times but well worth it for the beautiful views from the summits. The hotels were good enough, considering this tour is not boutique (simple, but clean). I would highly recommend this tour, but make sure you prepare physically before you arrive! This was a great trip and seamlessly arranged by Traventuria. Loved it.
Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
10 best Winter Walks in Europe
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Iceland (Winter): Geysers & Glaciers
- Off The Trails - Snowshoeing tour
- Journey Through the southwest, East and north of Madagascar 21 Days
- Picos de Europa in Winter - snowshoeing and Winter Hiking 8 Days
- Lapland Winter Getaway - 4 days
- Exclusive Finland 7 Days
- Snowshoeing in the Sesto Dolomites - Winter Adventure and feel-good hotel (7 Days)
- Around Iceland - On the ring road
- Snowshoeing in South Tyrol's Funes Valley (7 days)
- Snowshoeing in Anterselva Valley (7 days)
Snowy paths wind through Europe's northernmost landscapes, from Thingvellir National Park's ancient trails to Snæfellsnes Peninsula's mystical routes. The tour features guided visits to Hallgrímskirkja Church and glacier hiking at Vatnajökull.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Secret Lagoon, Geysir, Skaftafell, Reynisfjara, Hraunfossar, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi, Stykkisholmur Age Range Ages 18-32 Operator Topdeck From
- US$2,669
Off The Trails - Snowshoeing tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The landscape, snoeshowing, Finnish saunas, and the culture were incredible. Overall, a brilliant trip.”
Nikita, traveled in February
Snowshoes carry you through Hossa's winter wonderland, covering 7-8km daily. The route crosses frozen Lake Jatkonjärvi, passes historic Lounatkoski rapids, and reveals ancient rock paintings. Peaceful forest trails and ridge walks connect cozy cabin stays at Jatkonsalmi and Huosiusjärvi.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hossa Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Upitrek From
- US$1,288
Ruka has 39 ski slopes and 240km of groomed trails, reached by hourly ski buses from Veskarenta Sky View Village. You'll do a 10km husky safari, 20km snowmobile ride, and Northern Lights expeditions. The trip includes a reindeer farm visit for sleigh rides and a stop at Santa's cottage.
Duration 6 days Destinations Ruka Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$4,686
Stay at Hotel Rebeco in Fuente Dé for five guided winter hikes through Picos de Europa National Park, reaching 2,353m at Cabaña Verónica refuge. You'll snowshoe to Coriscao summit at 2,234m and ride the cable car that climbs 800m in 4 minutes, then visit Salvorón glacial lake.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Fuente De, Picos de Europa National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,944
Head to Rovaniemi for 5 days with private transfers and a 3-star hotel stay. You'll do a 10km husky safari through the snowy wilderness and visit Santa Claus Village where you cross the Arctic Circle. Optional snowmobiling and ice fishing let you try different winter activities.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rovaniemi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,825
15% Off- US$1,551You save $274
Sleep in private compartments on an overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, crossing 830km through Finland's winter landscape. You'll spend three nights at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort in panoramic cabins with breakfast and dinner included, plus a 3-hour Polar Explorer icebreaker cruise.
Duration 7 days Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Vaattunki Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
15% Off- US$2,887
This 7-day snowshoeing trip from Hotel Kreuzbergpass takes you through the UNESCO Dolomites, trekking to Dürrenstein hut and Coltrondhütte across Prato Piazza plateau. You'll hike around 9km daily with 350-450m ascents through Braies Nature Park, stopping at Nemas Alpe (1,880m) and the Three Peaks viewpoint.
Duration 7 days Destinations Braies, Sexten Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Operator ASI Reisen From
15% Off- US$1,654
What our customers ask about Winter Walks in Europe
When is the best time to go on a Winter Walks tour in Europe?
Winter Walks in Europe are at their peak from December through March. The best snow conditions appear in January and February. The Julian Alps in Slovenia offer reliable winter walking conditions from December to March around Triglav National Park. Finnish Lapland's winter season starts earlier in November and extends through March particularly in areas like Hossa National Park. A TourRadar traveler noted about their winter walk in Slovenia: "The scenery was stunning in winter the route well thought out allowing for Plan B in case of bad weather conditions."
What fitness level is required for a Winter Walks tour in Europe?
These walks need moderate to good fitness as daily walks last 4-6 hours in snow. Tours in Romania's Carpathian Mountains require walking 8-12 miles each day while Finland's snowshoeing routes cover extensive wilderness terrain during 6-hour excursions. A TourRadar traveler reviewing a Bulgarian winter trek shared: "You do have to be very very fit to do this. If you are confident walking in the Lake District or Scotland this trip will be suitable for you."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Winter Walks tour in Europe?
The accommodations blend comfort with authentic local experiences. Options range from mountain lodges to family guesthouses often positioned for Northern Lights viewing. Notable stays include the eco-friendly Hotel BB Park in Ljubljana traditional wilderness cabins like Dom na Komni mountain refuge at 1527m in Slovenia and Villa Hermani in Romania's Magura village. A TourRadar traveler noted about Bulgaria: "The last guesthouse was especially nice a real gem with such friendly people and delicious home-cooked food."
What unique winter experiences can I expect on these tours?
These tours go beyond standard winter activities. Travelers can snowshoe through Finnish forests watch the Northern Lights from Icelandic mountain lodges explore ice caves in Slovenia's Julian Alps and track wolves in Romania's Carpathians. Some tours mix hiking with local culture like at Hotel San Martin in Slovenia's wine region where winter walks pair with wine tasting. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Everything about this trip was incredible - the landscape snowshoeing Finnish saunas the culture and even our guides!"
What wildlife might I encounter on Winter Walks tours in Europe?
Winter creates special chances to spot local wildlife. In Romania's Carpathians travelers can track brown bears wolves and lynx. Bulgaria's mountains host chamois goats while Finnish Lapland offers reindeer sightings. Many itineraries include stops at wildlife centers like Romania's Libearty Bear Sanctuary. A TourRadar traveler in Romania reported: "We had amazing chances to spot wildlife tracks in the snow - bear prints wolf trails and even lynx tracks through the pristine winter landscape."
What is the typical duration and route coverage of Winter Walks tours in Europe's Nordic region?
Nordic winter tours typically last 7-8 days. Iceland's Ring Road spans 1700 km of winter terrain. Routes balance major sites with comfortable pacing like the 320 km Golden Circle from Reykjavik to Vik with multiple scenic stops. Accommodations such as Fosshotel Vatnajökull near Hofn put travelers close to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The route was perfectly planned with enough time to explore each location especially around Lake Myvatn where the winter landscapes were absolutely magical."