The 7 Best Winter Adventures for Non-Skiers in Europe

If you’ve never set foot on a pair of skis (or simply prefer to keep your feet on solid ground) this guide is for you. Winter offers plenty of magic beyond the slopes, and with Christmas fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season’s most festive experiences. Here’s our pick of Europe’s best winter adventures and activities. No skiing required.

7. Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of the most popular wintertime activities, and with good reason. Across Europe, there are hundreds of renowned ice skating rinks that make the experience that little bit more special. From thriving winter wonderlands to bustling indoor rinks, ice skating is beloved across the world. If you're looking to go ice skating in Europe, you're in the right place. 

Head to Strasbourg, Budapest, London, or Amsterdam for the best ice rinks in Europe! Whether you're a beginner or a professional, Europe's skating rinks are perfect for you. What's more, you don't just have to skate, as most of the time you can make a proper experience out of it too, from exploring markets to partaking in various festive activities. 

6. Ice Caving

Ice caving is one of the more unique wintertime activities you can experience. Did you know that Europe is home to the largest ice cave in the world? Austria's Eisriesenwelt Cave is renowned for its stunning stalagmites, stalactites, and ice formations. Austria also has the Dachstein Ice Cave, which is just as beautiful as its larger counterpart. Open from May to the end of October, it's the perfect activity to ring in the start of winter. 

Prices for entering Eisriesenwelt cost around €30-40, depending on your age. For more ice caves across Europe, check out Slovakia's Dobšinská Cave, or Langjökull Glacier in Iceland, which is open year-round.

5. Christmas Markets

As winter approaches and Christmas is just around the corner, Christmas Markets are likely on everyone's minds. And, Europe is the perfect place for exploring the festive stalls. Home to the world's oldest Christmas Market, it's no wonder Europe is a hot spot for the activity. Christmas Markets are thought to have originated in Germany in the 15th century and have since become a Christmas tradition. 

Christmas Markets usually take place from late November to early January, making them a peak wintertime activity. Head to Dresden or Cologne in Germany, Edinburgh in the UK, Budapest in Hungary, or Strasbourg in France. These places are renowned worldwide for their markets and Christmas celebrations. If you want to try some hot mulled wine, specialist German wursts or pretzels, or immerse yourself in a festive wonderland, head to a Christmas Market this winter. 

4. Hot Springs / Thermal Baths

One of the best ways to escape the cold and also feel like you're on holiday is to experience a hot spring or thermal bath. You can find these natural pools in abundance across Europe, from Budapest's Szechenyi Baths (the largest in Europe) to Iceland's iconic Blue Lagoon. Heated by geothermal energy, bathing in these pools feels like you're in a hot tub, only with mineral-rich water. 

Most thermal baths contain minerals like silica, sulphur and calcium, among many others. Water temperatures can reach around 40°C in the most popular thermal baths across Europe. For a unique and beneficial experience, try a hot spring or thermal bath on your next trip this winter. 

3. Winter Holiday

If you're one of those people who thrive in hot weather, you'll likely be looking for a way to escape the approaching cold snap. Fortunately, there are a ton of winter holiday destinations across Europe where the weather is warm pretty much all year round. For the ultimate winter holiday, head to Spain's Canary Islands, Portugal's Azores, or Malta's capital, Valletta. 

While these places won't exceed 30°C, they remain consistently mild to warm all winter. The Canary Islands have a reputation as the warmest place in Europe from December to January. So, if you're not ready for summer to be over, a winter holiday is the perfect way to prolong the warm weather.

2. Dog-Sledding

Want to experience a unique wintertime thrill you've likely never experienced before? Then go dog-sledding. There's a small collection of places across Europe that offer dog-sledding trips, such as Finnish Lapland, the Pyrenees or Iceland. Known for their snowy landscapes, these places are hotspots for this activity. 

Be pulled on a sled by enthusiastic husky dogs as you view beautiful snowy scenery and landscapes – truly, what could be better? Plus, the dogs that pull you along are truly in their element and well cared for, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Head to Rovaniemi in Finland, or areas of Northern Scandinavia for the best dog-sledding excursions. 

1. View the Northern Lights

Now, perhaps the all-time best wintertime adventure of them all. The Northern Lights are the world's most highly sought-after natural phenomenon. And, even better, you have the best chance of seeing them in the winter. Scandinavia is the top contender for Aurora Borealis viewing, thanks to the Polar Night, which occurs from November to January. 

Many northern areas of this region experience long periods of darkness, making them the perfect viewing spots for the signature green lights. If you want a more fulfilling experience than just skiing, then you won't get better than this.