Like pretty much every country where it gets nippy at this time of year, Hungary offers its own menu of delights both frosty and toasty. In fact, this central European country is a veritable winter wonderland, whether it’s ice-skating in fairytale castle grounds; browsing luminescent Christmas markets; warming your hands and mouth with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine; or bathing in a historic thermal spa. Check out these half dozen options and you’ll see what we mean:
Strap on Your Skates
W
by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
As soon as you set foot in Austria‘s fourth largest city, near the German border three hours west of Vienna, music is in the air. Whether you arrive at the airport or the train station, Mozart tunes are piped in, which puts you in a happy mood. Dating back to Celtic settlements of the 5th century BC, followed by Roman Juvavum, Salzburg today is Austria’s city of castles, gardens, music, and sweet, tempting delicacies.
The Altstadt (Old Town) here is also quite
SCStock
Did you know that this picturesque Central European country is home to one of the world´s most photographed places? With a permanent year-round population barely cracking 750, the fairytale town of Hallstatt on the shore of the eponymous lake is located in the mountainous Salzkammergut region stretching east of Salzburg, roughly three hours from Vienna by car or rail. In fact, according to Instagram it´s the world´s most beautiful town, famed across the world (the Chinese are so enamoure
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with attractive and picturesque views of landscapes, historic towns, and cities across the country attract tourists and visitors alike. From the dangerous slopes of the mountains and the beautiful snow feeling of the Swiss Alps to the calm and beautiful environment of the lakes and lovely villages, Switzerland is an attractive travel destination for any traveller. Whether you are visiting a country packed with provocative activitie
Part of the magic of travel for me is the historical events and life stories of the areas I visit. Aboard Viking Cruises´ 930-passenger Jupiter, we crossed the Baltic Sea from Scandinavia to Rostock, on Germany´s Baltic coast, and popular as a jumping-off port for all of the Nordic countries. Now this coast´s third largest city (pop. 210,000), it was part of Communist East Germany from the end of World War II till German reunification in 1990. The area was bombed by the Allies duri
by Felice Hardy
Did you know that you can ski in 274 countries - even including Hawaii and South Africa? The skiing countries of the world certainly do vary a lot, but if you're yearning for world-class winter sports outside cute, classic little chocolate-box villages with friendly family-run hotels and chalet-style architecture like the gingerbread house out of Hansel and Gretel - and perhaps cosy, gemütlich mountain eateries serving heart-warming comfort food - the Austrian Alps are yo
by Marita Acosta
Especially as the weather starts warming up again, I find I have a soft spot for northern Germany’s most vibrant city. As a European looking for a stimulating city break, I consider Hamburg a sweet spot for quenching the thirst not just for some tasty local Pilsner but also culture, art, and the creative scene in general (with fabulous design hotels to stay in all the while). Come with me – it’s springtime for Hamburg, and no more so than in two of its coolest neighbourhoods o
pxhere.com
It's still winter, of course, and we've been reading about (and a lucky some of us even participating in) the frosty fun for which Europe's most extensive mountain range system is famous. But summer is coming, too, and it's not too early to consider your getaway options. The Alps provide a great way to enjoy your holiday with family and friends, and you will find it a fantastic experience and opportunity for bonding.
There's a lot to choose from, because, they stretch approximatel
Booking a stateroom for an Elbe River cruise excursion during a colorful October in Germany made my seasonal travels a complete success. The Elbe River extends through a part of Germany that I had yet to explore with Viking River Cruises. I'd previously done the Rhine and Rhone Rivers with Viking and enjoyed the included excursions. This travel mode allows for seeing a wonderful part of the world at river barge speed, with interesting stops, and in cruising elegance.
This cruise up the Elb
