Winter is a magical time to discover Europe. Cities are decked out in their most beautiful lights, Christmas markets take over the streets and the atmosphere is festive. Travelling by train is an excellent way to discover these European cities, avoiding the hassle of traffic and enjoying the winter scenery. What's more, thanks to OUIGO, you can travel on low-cost TGVs or classic trains at very affordable prices. So go ahead and discover Europe by train this winter!

Brussels

In Brussels, you can book a train ticket and discover the Christmas markets, go shopping at the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, drink hot chocolate at Pierre Marcolini's, rediscover the work of Van Gogh through an immersive exhibition, and enjoy the city's unique festive atmosphere, with its Christmas decorations and illuminations.

Christmas markets : Belgium's biggest Christmas market is held in Brussels as part of a major event entitled Plaisirs d'Hiver.

Access by train : Trains to Brussels usually depart from the Gare du Nord in Paris. It takes an average of 1 h 28 min to cover the distance between Paris and Brussels by train.

Vienna

Christmas activities : In Vienna, you can visit Christmas markets, sample local specialities such as hot chocolate, hot orange punch and cream-filled brioche, visit historic sites such as Schönbrunn Palace and the cathedral Saint-Étienne, and enjoy the city's unique festive atmosphere, with its Christmas decorations and illuminations.

Christmas markets : There are 12 main Christmas markets in Vienna. The most popular are the "Viennese Christmas Dream on Rathausplatz", the "Christmas Market on Stephansplatz", the "Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace", and the "Art Advent on Karlsplatz".

Access by train : Trains to Vienna usually depart from the Gare de l'Est in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Vienna takes around 4 hours and 2 minutes.

Strasbourg

Christmas activities : In Strasbourg, you can visit the Christmas markets, which are among the oldest in Europe. Strasbourg is known as the "Christmas Capital". You can also visit the big Christmas tree on Place Kléber, and enjoy the many events on offer throughout December.

Christmas markets : There are several Christmas markets in Strasbourg, including the Christkindelsmärik on Place Broglie.

Access by train : Trains to Strasbourg usually depart from the Gare de l'Est in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Strasbourg takes approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes.

Copenhagen

Christmas activities : In Copenhagen, you can enjoy open-air ice rinks, stroll through the Christmas markets, discover the city, take time out for a good coffee and pastries, and discover the magic of Christmas at Tivoli Gardens.

Christmas markets : Christmas at Tivoli Gardens, Højbro Plads Julemarked, Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market in Nytorv.

Access by train : Trains to Copenhagen usually depart from Gare du Nord in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Copenhagen takes around 16 hours 54 minutes.

 

Stockholm

Christmas activities : In Stockholm, you can warm up in the Széchenyi thermal baths, try out Europe's largest open-air skating rink, visit the Christmas markets, see the Christmas lights, and enjoy the city's many attractions. take a trip back in time with the Christmas Tramways.

Christmas markets : Stortorget Christmas Market, Kungsträdgården Christmas Market, Beckmans Christmas Market, Hovstallet Christmas Market, Skansen Christmas Market, Rosendal Trädgård Christmas Market.

Access by train : Trains to Stockholm usually depart from Gare du Nord in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Stockholm takes around 20 hours 28 minutes.

Prague

Christmas activities : In Prague, you can visit the Christmas markets, discover the wonderful characters of the Czech Christmas imagination, swoon over the huge illuminated Prague Christmas tree, and enjoy a good hot glögg, delicious spiced pepparkakor or even Julbord, the traditional Swedish Christmas meal.

Christmas markets : Old Town Square Christmas Market, Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, Havel Market ('Havelská').

Access by train : Trains to Prague usually depart from the Gare de l'Est in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Prague takes approximately 15 hours 13 minutes.

Budapest

Christmas activities : In Budapest, you can warm up in the Széchenyi thermal baths, try out Europe's largest open-air ice rink, visit the Christmas markets, see the Christmas lights, and take a trip back in time with the Christmas trams.

Christmas markets : Christmas market at Vörösmarty Tér, Christmas market at St Stephen's Basilica.

Access by train : Trains to Budapest usually depart from the Gare de l'Est or Gare de Lyon in Paris. The train journey from Paris to Budapest takes approximately 15 hours 33 minutes.

Conclusion

Whether you're a fan of Christmas markets, a history buff or simply looking for a winter getaway, these seven destinations European cities have something for everyone. Each city has its own unique atmosphere during the Christmas period, and travelling by train allows you to discover these cities at your own pace. So pack your suitcase, book your train ticket and embark on an unforgettable winter adventure across Europe!