Written by Ana Elefterescu
The snowflakes drifted lazily through the air as I stood in heart of London, wrapped in three layers of clothing and still questioning my life choices. On Instagram, winter in Europe looks like a magical snow globe; twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and cosy cafes. But in reality, I had just spent twenty minutes defrosting my fingers after trying to take a picture with my gloves off. Was I living the dream or barely surviving the cold? The answer, I realised, was both.
The Fairytale: Christmas Markets & Snowy Wonderlands
Europe in winter is straight out of a storybook.
Iconic Christmas markets.
In Amsterdam, the Christmas markets are warmth in a bottle (figuratively, because physically, you’re absolutely freezing). Stalls selling roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and gingerbread make the air smell like a holiday candle.
Stunning architecture.
I also wandered through a small town called Linz an Rhein in West Germany, where golden lights bathed the (literal) medieval buildings in a warm glow, and for a moment, it felt like I had stepped into a scene from a Game of Thrones.
Picturesque views and amazing food.
Then there was Castellon, Spain; a tiny seaside village that looked too perfect to be real. The apartment building all painted in vibrant pastels, the roaring ocean you could hear and inhale in every corner of the town, the 1€ hot chips and perfect espressos, and all I could think was: What if I just stay here and live my best life as a barista.
The Nightmare: Cold, Chaos & Questionable Choices
For all its beauty, winter in Europe also tests your patience, endurance, and ability to function in sub-zero temperatures. Here’s a cold, hard reality check:
It’s freezing.
I thought I understood cold—until I arrived in London during a -5°C wind chill. If you underestimate European winters, you’ll end up wearing every piece of clothing in your suitcase like Joey from Friends.
Weather = travel disruptions.
Snow looks magical until it cancels your train, and your bus, and especially your goddam plane. I learned this the hard way when my journey from Romania to London turned into a stressful game of transport roulette. Pro tip: Always have a backup plan.
Things are expensive.
The fairytale costs money, and if you don’t budget properly, that extra hot chocolate will cost you your next meal. (Speaking of which, shoutout to Lidl bakery for keeping me alive.) The £ mighty £ pound is twice more powerful than any Australian student’s best attempts to be money savvy.
Surviving & Thriving: My Winter Travel Hacks
If you’re planning a European winter adventure, here’s how to make it more fairytale, less frostbite:
Layer like your life depends on it.
A thermal base layer, fleece, and waterproof outerwear are your only chance of survival. Gloves and good boots are non-negotiable. I would start in the heat tech section at Uniqlo.
Book early.
Popular winter destinations sell out fast, so lock in accommodation and train tickets before prices skyrocket. Yes, even ice skating is full before you click check out.
Vintage is cool.
Europe has some of the best thrift scenes in the world and the quality of second hand clothes there is unmatched. Just google “vintage store near me” and trust me when I say you will find pieces that will define your wardrobe and your style for years to come, and best of all, won’t cost a frostbitten arm and soggy socked leg.
Final Verdict?
So, was winter in Europe a fairytale or a freezing nightmare? Truthfully, a bit of both. There were moments I questioned my sanity (mostly while shivering at a bus station), but then there were the golden lights of London, the taste of a warm waffles, and the feeling of fresh snow crunching under my boots.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely, but next time, I’m packing extra socks.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
