Sunset over the pier at the beach in Blankenberge, Belgium (AZUR_MEDIA-Adobe Stock)
As the seasons shift to the cooler months, a new flurry of activity begins to spin up. Festivals start appearing (Oktoberfest and Cannstatter Volksfest, anyone?), and it’s easy to get lost in the myriad of things to do. However, while these new events pop up, others begin closing shop and putting away their signs for the winter months. The clock is ticking if you want to stroll through fragrant flower fields or take a few last-minute rides at the amusement park.
Gardens
Spring and summer are the perfect times to walk through European gardens. From the tulips in Keukenhof to the summery blooms in Kew Gardens, fall is a great chance to squeeze the last drops of sunshine from these beautiful spots. While most gardens are open year-round, many transform into winter gardens, seasonal winter wonderlands or festive illumination displays for the holidays.
Beach Towns
During the warmer months, almost everyone flocks to beaches surrounding the Mediterranean and even the frigid waters of the North Sea. As autumn approaches, the crowds disperse, and the charming beach towns can breathe and enjoy a few more weekends before closing up shop. The coastal town of Blankenberge, Belgium, is a great example. Bursting with visitors in the summer, it becomes a virtual ghost town during the winter. From mid-to-late November through mid-March it’s more common to see closed signs and empty storefronts than to see open ones. If you’re debating whether or not to go, go.
Amusement Parks
While Disneyland Paris Resort is one of the happiest places in Europe all year, riding on the Astro Orbiter in freezing temperatures with rain pelting can make your visit not quite so chipper. During September, many European amusement parks begin reducing their hours and have seasonal festivals. Europa-Park hosts “Traumatica - Festival of Fear” before transitioning to “Winter Magic” for November and December and closing in early January for two months during winter. Similarly, LEGOLAND Deutschland closes the summer season in early November before opening up for five weeks in winter. From late November through the first week of January, it transforms into Winter Wonder LEGOLAND.
In the mountains, alpine coasters and sommerrodelbahns run through the end of fall or until it snows. Once it becomes too cold, many businesses trade in the rails for actual toboggans and sleds to use on the hills instead.
Castles and Palaces
Castles, manors and palaces are a perennial summer draw. Thriving gardens, guided tours and even reenactments keep visitors busy and entertained. As the tourist numbers drop, so do the opportunities to visit some of these stately buildings. Although the changing of the guard occurs every day at Buckingham Palace, tours are not available in winter. The nearby Royal Mews (Royal carriages and stables) close from November through February. Others, such as Dover Castle, reduce their hours to weekends from November through February.
London, UK: Buckingham royal palace (agota kadar @m3.2)
In Germany, the famed Neuschwanstein Castle remains open, but the bridge may close due to snow or ice. The fairy tale-esque Burg Eltz closes from November through March, although you can still hike the path for that perfect Insta shot. Just be sure to take care on the trails and check websites before you go.
Cruises
Cruising along the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean when winter is blowing in its full fury sounds fantastic. But, alas, reality kicks in as you fire up your computer to book that trip and realize you may have missed a good window. September through November is one of the best times to cruise in the mediterranean. Fantastic weather and fewer tourists mean a perfect opportunity for you. After November, the seas become more unpredictable, and cruise lines begin redeploying their ships to other regions such as the South Pacific and Caribbean. Due to the rough water and weather, even Italian ferry services become much less reliable during the late fall and winter months.
Viking River Cruises recently announced they will continue Rhine and Danube River cruises year-round if you still want to jump on a cruise. During December, they offer Christmas Market cruises beginning in Amsterdam and sailing the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland. Even though it’s not the warm, sunny spots of the Mediterranean, it’s still a unique and relaxing opportunity for Christmas market exploring.
Whether you’ve been busy with various camping activities with the kiddos or trying to do some epic hikes during the summer, you still have time to catch some of Europe’s favorite activities before they say “Auf Wiedersehen” for the season.
