Are you dreaming of a snowy Christmas? Here are the 5 snowiest cities in Europe

This article was originally published in English

Christmas is always more festive in the snow. Whether you’re making snowmen or sitting by the cozy fire watching the snowflakes fall outside, discover the five best European destinations to spend Christmas.

With the snow gradually disappearing in many Western European ski resorts, traveling further abroad may be the only way to catch a glimpse of the flakes during the holidays.

The company Holidu for the rental of recreational facilities found out the five snowiest cities in Europe based on the average number of snowy days per month during winter.

5. Helsinki, Finland – 16.5 snow days per month

With 16.5 days of snow per month, the Finnish capital Helsinki rises to fifth place. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, get a “pulkka”, a type of sled that you can buy around the capital. Sinebrychoff Park is a popular destination for sledders with great hills to slide down.

Once you cool down, do it like a local and go to the sauna to warm up and relax. There’s no shortage, including the famous Löyla, which has three heated saunas, a restaurant and an outdoor pool if you’re feeling particularly brave.

If you are lucky enough to visit the city in the dead of winter, you can even walk on the frozen Baltic Sea. Join the local ice skating, skiing and ice fishing activities.

4. Turku, Finland – 16.75 snow days per month

Still in Finland, Turku is the oldest city in the country. On the southwest coast you can visit several medieval castles from the 13th century.

One of the most original ways to explore the city is to put on skates. In winter, the Aura River, which winds through the city, completely freezes over. You can skate there or walk along the river and visit different places.

If you want culture, visit to the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova museumwhich brings together works of modern art and ancient objects under one roof.

3. Erfurt, Germany – 17.25 snow days per month

In third place is the small city of Erfurt, the capital of the German state of Thuringia. If you’re looking for a quiet winter getaway, this city of 213,000 might be the destination for you.

With 17.25 snow days per month, Erfurt stands out for its medieval architecture unique, especially the Cathedral of St. Mary, where Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, was consecrated in the 8th century.

The Krämerbrücke Bridge with its postcard buildings is the perfect backdrop for your winter holiday photos and the St. Severu is a stunning Gothic five-nave building worth exploring.

2. Vilnius, Lithuania – 18.5 snow days per month

In second place is Lithuania’s Vilnius with an average of 18.5 days per month. The country’s bustling capital, Vilnius, is known for its baroque architecture in the historic center, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

For board sports enthusiasts, Liepkalnis ski resort is only 5 km from the city and offers an amazing view of Vilnius.

And for a more cultural escape, why not visit the Lithuanian National Museum of Art and learn about the country’s rich art historyor enjoy the city’s unique range of street art as you explore it on foot.

1. Tallinn, Estonia – 20.5 snow days per month

The city of Tallinn in Estonia takes first place with 20.5 days of snow per month.

The country’s capital, the center of culture in Estonia, is very romantic in winter. The UNESCO-listed old town of Kesklinn is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

If you’re into winter sports, the Tallinn Song Festival venue turns into a hub of activity in the winter, offering snowboarding, skiing and ice skating.

If you want to discover the history of the city, visit the church of St. Olaf, which dates from the 13th century. The tower was struck by lightning a dozen timesso don’t forget to go there on a clear day.

What are the other snowy cities in Europe?

The top 10 snowiest European cities include Kyiv, Ukraine, with 16 days of snow per month, Kaunas, Lithuania, with 16 days, Grenoble, France, Riga, Latvia, and Innsbruck, Austria, all with 15.5 days.