Where to visit in Europe in January?

[chrism007]

Hi Everybody,
As it turns out I have to head from Sydney to Dusseldorf in early January for work. I figured it’s a long way to fly for just a couple of days of business so wanted to know if people had any suggestions for other parts of Europe worth visiting that time of year?
Yes I know it will be very cold and very wet but I was hoping there would be somewhere a little further south that would have a little more daylight/sunshine to make it worth a visit?
I’m going to have a fair bit of luggage with me (computer equipment) as well so want to try and keep it as simple as possible and just entertain myself for 3-4 nights?
I love my food and my wine so anything with that sort of a theme would be a bonus
Cheers
Chris

 

[docjames]

The weather will be generally better (but not necessarily hot) the further south you're prepared to go. For me personally, i'd be choosing south of france, spain or portugal.

Another option would be to have a stopover in asia (SIN or HKG would be my choice), or if you go with EK or EY a couple of days at a resort hotel in AUH or DXB on the way over (often you can get this included in the fare), and the time change (read: jetlag) is not as severe as Aus:EU or SEAsia:EU.

 

[Dalescott]

Hit ski slopes even if you have never tried. Also the night life is amazing, food, wine, wom.... well you know what I mean. Europe is the centre for all things snow.

 

[TimB]

As it turns out I have to head from Sydney to Dusseldorf in early January for work. I figured it’s a long way to fly for just a couple of days of business so wanted to know if people had any suggestions for other parts of Europe worth visiting that time of year?
Yes I know it will be very cold and very wet

It will be cold, but not unbearably so. And because it's so cold, it's more likely you'll get snow than a lot of rain.

but I was hoping there would be somewhere a little further south that would have a little more daylight/sunshine to make it worth a visit?
I’m going to have a fair bit of luggage with me (computer equipment) as well so want to try and keep it as simple as possible and just entertain myself for 3-4 nights?
I love my food and my wine so anything with that sort of a theme would be a bonus

I've been to Europe once in summer, and three times in January. I much prefer Europe in winter.

For me, the whole point with visiting Europe is that it's completely different to Australia. So why not embrace that, and not try to escape the climate? Explore the history and culture, and try to fit in with the locals, who'll be going about their daily business whatever the weather.

From Dusseldorf, you should consider a trip to Cologne and Aachen, both beautiful towns with plenty of history. You should be able to find plenty of good hearty food, and gluhwein (mulled wine), which is perfect for keeping the chills away.

If you want to venture further afield, grab a cheap flight to Prague or Vienna, and enjoy these beautiful cities without the crowds of tourists that descend on them in summer. Go ice skating at night on the open-air ice rink in front of the town hall in Vienna, or enjoy the lights on the Prague castle that Mick Jagger paid for.

Whatever you choose to do, approach it with an open mind (and good Icebreaker thermal underwear), and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[danielc]

I have good friends living in Cologne so I have been to Germany many times to visit in Jan/Feb. Like others, I find winter in Europe to be a good time to visit. Check out the German rail system for cities that are just a few hours away (ie Brussels is about 2 hours, Paris is about 4 hours).

Cologne is also the home-base of a great low-cost carrier, GermanWings, that flies to just about everywhere in Europe. (www.germanwings.com) During one of my visits I was able to get very cheap fares to Prague and Budapest, but if you are looking for somewhere warmer they also serve many mediterranean destinations.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Postcode]

All the above replies have excellent suggestions. I have spent January in Paris for the last 9 years and as I decided to come to France a little earlier this year will be gone by then. Lovely city in the winter. No crowds, everything worth doing is still there. Skies often grey though.

The south of France is an excellent idea as well. I'm in Nice right now. It's not as cold and quite pleasant with lots to do and see. Weather usually OK except two years ago when I was in Marseille and we had 30cm of snow. All part of the fun though. That's why I travel.

Have you considered Lisbon or elsewhere in Portugal? Lovely place as well.

Embrace the cooler weather. It beats a hot humid Australian summer anytime and summer holiday crowds.

Whatever you decide go with an open mind. It's winter but what a wonderful way to experience it!

 

[ellen10]

My son and his mate spent 6 weeks in Europe in Dec/Jan. They travelled by rail and the weather did not hinder them at all.

Whilst in Germany they really enjoyed Berlin and did a great walking tour and met lots of other young people. They also spent 5 nights in Munich and surrounds.

They loved Paris and again did a great walking tour.This was their favourite place, so much to see and do and Paris is beautiful at any time and certainly has delicious food and wines. Paris would be a short flight from Germany or the trains are excellent in Europe.

Actually it is great oportunity for you to visit any number of wonderful cities, but Paris would be my choice

 

[Lucky Pierre]

I'm with Tim B. I love European winters. Spending this Xmas/New Year in Berlin then off to Copenhagen and Malmo, Sweden for a couple of weeks. I know I'm getting too old for those Berlin NYE type celebrations but it is sometimes hard to let go of our youthful past.

 

[blueflamenco]

Chris, are you in Sydney this weekend? I just noticed an advert for a Europe travel expo on Sunday. This might give you some ideas?

 

[flychrisfly]

I agree with many of the post on this thread about embracing the difference of a European winter to an Australian, well, any season. I'd think about heading to Scandinavia and enjoying their winter wonderland. Train to Copenhagen and then into Sweden and beyond

 

[MissBurrill]

All the above replies have excellent suggestions. I have spent January in Paris for the last 9 years and as I decided to come to France a little earlier this year will be gone by then. Lovely city in the winter. No crowds, everything worth doing is still there. Skies often grey though.

Thank you for reminding me of Paris in December 2006 . Holding hands, drinking wine and not really visiting any tourist attractions. Me having to practice my French by doing all the ordering as my friend was fluent and didn't need the practice. I want to return.

 

[Flashback]

My son and his mate spent 6 weeks in Europe in Dec/Jan. They travelled by rail and the weather did not hinder them at all.

Whilst in Germany they really enjoyed Berlin and did a great walking tour and met lots of other young people. They also spent 5 nights in Munich and surrounds.

They loved Paris and again did a great walking tour.This was their favourite place, so much to see and do and Paris is beautiful at any time and certainly has delicious food and wines. Paris would be a short flight from Germany or the trains are excellent in Europe.

Actually it is great oportunity for you to visit any number of wonderful cities, but Paris would be my choice

http://www.newberlintours.com/ is probably the walking tour he would have done.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Go north up past the artic circle. Midwinter is cold but dry. During the "day" is a nice twilight with nio direct sun, and there is the chance of seeing the aurora. Ivalo airport is about 90min from Copenhagen, and Finnair fly direct to Bangkok for flight home.