While much of the world makes plans for sunny summer vacations, winter travel in chilly Europe gets far less attention. Yet, winter family vacations offer something unique. A time to see Europe in a different light, with rail travel the key to exploring far and wide in cozy comfort.
Many of these experiences are available as a customizable Rail Escape journey and are perfect for a winter getaway. With that in mind, we’re exploring what makes a European winter family vacation by rail such a compelling option, including some of the destinations that shine brightest in the coldest months.
Why Trains Work Best for Winter Vacations with Family in Europe
European cities are packed with potential to excite children and parents alike in winter.
Early winter sees Christmas markets pop across the continent, from grand spectacles in historic city squares to community gatherings in villages. As winter progresses, snow transforms mountainous regions, heralding a season of winter sports and photogenic rail journeys through glistening landscapes.
Meanwhile, you won’t find tourist crowds at world-famous landmarks and normally busy museums. And food-loving travelers can look forward to seasonal menus revealing more of Europe’s varied gastronomy.
While the weather may not always be welcoming, the trains keep running, connecting fairy-tale destinations without the hassle of driving on icy roads or navigating crowded airports with tired children.
The Advantages of Winter Family Vacations by Train
The biggest benefit of seeing Europe by train is an interconnected network linking cities across the continent, with frequent high-speed rail services hopping between neighboring countries.
Many of our most popular rail tours offer the chance to immerse yourself in one culture by visiting different cities or embark on a multi-country odyssey filled with contrasts.
The advantages of rail travel don’t end there.
Train stations in city centers mean departing and arriving in the heart of the action, instantly pulling you into the local flow.
You get to hop on and off the train with your luggage in hand. No lingering at the luggage carousel or digging around for your passport as you wait at customs.
In fact, once your family is in the Schengen Area of 29 open borders, you can look forward to gliding across borders without stopping. From Norway to Spain, Portugal to Poland, you get to travel like a European.
On board, you can look forward to a spacious seat with room to stretch. Many highspeed trains have dining cars and Wi-Fi, and even tables for families to bond over.
With the heating typically cranked up, you’re cocooned from the elements as you watch snow-dusted landscapes flash by.
Wide doors, level boarding at major stations, and trained staff make logistics manageable, whether traveling with a stroller or suitcases packed with winter warmers.
With many grand old capitals a few hours apart, trains easily beat flying when maximising precious vacation time. For example, the fastest trains can take you from Paris to Brussels and onto Amsterdam in little over three hours travel time.
Rail travel also wins on sustainability. A more relaxed and efficient journey, with far fewer emissions than flying.
Cities that consistently delight young travelers and their parents during the offseason feature in our most popular rail tour destinations. It’s a diverse list, so we’ve picked out a few destinations to consider when planning the best winter vacations with family.
The Alpine Express: Switzerland’s Winter Playground
Switzerland is the home of picture-perfect winter family vacations. Perched on and around the Alps, the confederation hosts some of Europe’s most breathtaking rail routes that sparkle in winter and summer. Among them are the fabled Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
Travelers head to Switzerland for Christmas market tours or to hit the ski slopes in chic resorts. Some take the trains simply for the views.
Our Scenery and Elegance Swiss train tour exemplifies the potential, crossing from Germany’s Munich north of the Alps and heading along gorgeous routes through the Alps to Milan in Italy, south of the Alps.
Along the way, stopping in the beautiful Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. The highlights are trips on trains specially-adapted for ultimate viewing pleasure, the Glacier and Bernina Express, intended to showcase the wonders of the Alpine landscape. A thrill for adults and younger family members that links three contrasting countries that offer something for all interests in winter.
Christmas Market Circuit: Germany’s Festive Magic
Germany is the home of Christmas markets and the place where many festive traditions began. Finding a Christmas market rich in color and character in Germany is easy. Deciding which ones to visit is a little harder.
Our German Christmas Market Tour weaves together contrasting cities hosting celebrated festive markets.
From the Bavarian charms of Munich’s Old Town to one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets in atmospheric Augsburg. Followed by another festive gem in historic Nuremberg. Before finding time to visit the multiple Christmas markets unfolding in the Rhineland city of Cologne.
That’s one idea among a Santa’s sack of possibilities. With trains criss-crossing Germany, customizing your vacation to visit Christmas markets you’ve dreamed of visiting is easy. Not to mention the ticket to an unhurried vacation that reveals more of Germany and its famed Christmas traditions.
Nordic Capitals: Winter Jewels of Scandinavia
The Nordic capitals, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, star in our Highlights of Scandinavia tour, coasting from Denmark to Sweden and then Norway. A rail journey made for views and offbeat escapades.
Snow-dusted landscapes and routes along the icy Baltic abound as you discover whatmakes these northern cities tick in winter, from the cozy hygge cafes of Copenhagen to the sophisticated charms of Oslo. Cities experienced in making the most of winter.
Modern Scandinavian trains feature amenities families appreciate, and there is truly something for all ages at every stop; from history kids adore at the fascinating Vasa Viking ship museum in Stockholm, to the iconic impressionist art of Edvard Munch on display in Oslo.
Wrapping up warm is a must, but seeing Scandinavia in all its winter glory is surely worth a few extra layers!
A Winter Romp Through the Alps
The Alps are Europe’s winter playground. The mountain range hides upscale ski resorts and towns built for the off-season, not to mention Europe’s tallest mountain, offering some of the best winter vacations with family.
Eight contrasting countries border the Alps. All connected by rail, making it possible to craft an alpine adventure like no other.
Our popular Alps rail tour visits three of them, linking Munich in Germany with Zurich in Switzerland. With stops in Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria, all the time staying in the shadow of the snow-covered Alps.
The interlinked regional rail network whisks curious travelers from the iconic bierkellers of Munich to the sophisticated charms of Zurich. Along the way, calling in at Mozart’s home, Salzburg, and making time for winter sports and panoramic alpine views in Innsbruck, high in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps.
For winter wonderlands, this European region has it all for winter family vacations that live long in the memory.
Tips for Stress-Free Train Travel with Kids in Winter
A few tips can elevate winter family vacations so that all ages enjoy every moment.
Pack for the weather. Layers are essential when bouncing between heated trains and icy streets. Appropriate footwear for snow and ice is crucial on some routes and helpful on often treacherously wet cobblestone streets in the old medieval quarters of many cities.
Pack for the journey. Although you can access your luggage anytime, a travel pack with snacks, Wi-Fi-enabled devices, and whatever your young ones need can rest under your seat or on the rack above. Consider packing light to make the transition from train to hotel even easier.
Find the right accommodations for your family near stations. A key feature of Rail Escape tours is finding premium hotels that ease you from the station into the heart of the city. These hotels are typically in high demand over Christmas; book early to maximize your time in Europe.
Time your journeys for your family. Timing matters if the views matter, as evenings arrive early in winter.
Work with the rail timetable. You often find slow and high-speed trains on the same routes, so pay close attention to journey times.
Book seats together. Reserve grouped seating when available. A table can transform family time, providing space for games and meals together. Many European trains allow advance seat selection.
Go first class. First-class travel on high-speed intercity services is a treat and always reserved on Rail Escape tours. More legroom and quieter cars are the reward, although you even get snacks and dining service at your seat on some services.
Customizing Winter Rail Tours for Your Family
A European Christmas might be the star on the tree. But Europe’s vast rail network hides all sorts of gifts for families eager to build their own unique adventure.
Great winter family vacations work in lockstep with your family’s pace and interests. From busy winter sports resorts to empty beaches along the temperate Mediterranean, uncrowded heritage sights to comforting winter cuisine, some experiences are only enjoyed in the coldest months.
Trains can bring Europe’s most popular winter destinations together in one vacation without compromise. Ideal for families who want to build their own adventure.
Contact our team of rail travel specialists who customize winter rail vacations to thrill all family members, locking in the best rail connections and superior hotels in all the right locations. All you have to do is get every family member to agree where to go, which might be the biggest challenge of all…
