European Winter Sun Holidays by Train: A Romantic Itinerary Through Central Europe

If you’re looking to escape to the magic of Europe in winter — where Christmas markets glow, spa towns steam, and fairytale cities beckon — this train-based itinerary is for you. My partner and I designed this route with cozy romance, culture, and scenic train rides in mind, avoiding rushed one-night stays and skipping flights whenever possible.

From the thermal waters of Tuscany to the festive charm of Vienna and the grandeur of Budapest’s Parliament lit up at night, here’s how we planned an unforgettable winter holiday across six countries — with hot baths, hearty beer halls, and glittering palaces at every stop.

Stop 1: Montecatini Terme, Italy

1 night (optional as a stopover)
What we loved: Spa indulgence, quiet charm

We started our journey with a relaxing overnight in Montecatini Terme, one of Italy’s lesser-known spa towns. While it’s not strictly a “winter sun” destination, the warm thermal waters of Terme di Saturnia (accessible by car or arranged transfer) made for a blissful beginning. It’s a peaceful town perfect for slowing down before the cultural sprint that follows.

Train tip: From Florence or Pisa, Montecatini is an easy regional train ride. Ideal if you’re already in Italy or using this as a soft landing.

Stop 2: Venice, Italy

1–2 nights
What we loved: Gondolas in the mist, quiet canals, winter romance

Venice in December is atmospheric and crowd-free — especially magical if it’s your first time. While I’ve visited before, my partner hadn’t, so we made it a brief but meaningful stop. Think: Piazza San Marco with winter fog, Doge’s Palace, and a gondola ride (weather permitting). For food and nightlife, we stayed in Cannaregio, away from touristy areas but still accessible.

Winter tip: The lack of cruise ships makes winter Venice feel intimate again. Perfect for couples.

Stop 3: Budapest, Hungary

4 nights
What we loved: Thermal baths, ruin bars, ice-skating in a palace courtyard

Originally, we planned to fly from Venice to Budapest, but winter flight schedules were sparse and inconvenient. The better alternative? A scenic train to Vienna, then onward to Budapest — or reverse the order entirely.

In Budapest, we explored both Buda and Pest, ice-skated at Vajdahunyad Castle, relaxed in Szechenyi Baths, and wandered the Christmas markets with mulled wine in hand. Don’t miss a nighttime Danube river cruise for incredible views of the Parliament building.

Stop 4: Vienna, Austria

4 nights
What we loved: Imperial cafés, festive markets, art and opera

Vienna in December is a cultural feast wrapped in Christmas lights. Our highlights included:

• Rathausplatz Christmas Market and Karlsplatz Christkindlmarkt

• Cozying up in Café Central

• Exploring Hofburg Palace, the Mozarthaus, and attending a classical concert or opera

• A visit to Belvedere and Schönbrunn Palaces, both adorned in winter charm

Pro tip: Vienna’s train station connects easily to Budapest, Salzburg, and Munich, making it a central hub for winter rail travel.

Stop 5: Salzburg, Austria

2 nights
What we loved: Old town magic, fortress views, and Sound of Music vibes

In Salzburg, we explored Mirabell Palace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and attended a dinner concert for a memorable night out. The city center is compact and perfect for walking. On day two, we took a scenic day trip to Hallstatt, which feels like stepping inside a snow globe. If you’re into film, opt for a Sound of Music tour that combines key locations with Hallstatt in one go.

Stop 6: Füssen, Germany

1 night (to be reconsidered)
Why we went: A sunrise at Neuschwanstein Castle

This was our one exception to the “no one-night stays” rule. Our goal was to visit Neuschwanstein Castle either early or late to beat the crowds. Staying in Füssen overnight gave us flexibility to do just that — and Marienbrücke offered incredible winter views.

However: If you’re tight on time or prefer a slower pace, consider a day trip from Munich or skipping it in favor of more time elsewhere.

Stop 7: Munich, Germany

4 nights
What we loved: Beer halls, Bavarian charm, optional day trips

After all the fast-paced sightseeing, we let Munich be our wind-down. We sipped steins at Hofbräuhaus, strolled through Marienplatz, and hit up the Viktualienmarkt for treats.

Optional day trips:

• Nuremberg: A must if you love Christmas markets — it’s world-famous.

• Regensburg: UNESCO-listed old town with fewer tourists.

• Augsburg: Quieter, historic, and closer than the others.

We chose just one — Nuremberg — and spent the rest soaking up Munich’s cozy winter vibe.

Optional Route Add-On: Slovenia Detour (Trieste – Ljubljana – Lake Bled)

If you love slower travel and want to skip flights entirely, consider this scenic add-on:

• Take the train from Venice to Trieste, then onward to Ljubljana.

• Spend 1–2 nights exploring Slovenia’s underrated capital.

• Visit Lake Bled — a winter wonderland, even if the town itself is sleepy.

• Continue by direct train to Budapest.

Final Thoughts: What Worked and What We’d Change

What we’d repeat:

• Prioritizing 3–4 night stays to avoid packing stress

• Using trains over planes (especially scenic daytime or efficient night routes)

• Visiting major cities like Budapest and Vienna in winter — they shine with seasonal events

What we’d reconsider:

• Back-to-back 1-night stays — they look good on paper but don’t allow for real connection with the place

• Füssen might work better as a day trip unless castle timing is crucial

• Flying between cities in winter — train routes are not only more scenic, but more reliable

Planning Tips for Your Own Winter Sun Holiday in Europe

• Pack for warmth: Layers, waterproof boots, and thermals are your friends.

• Book train tickets in advance via sites like ÖBB, MAV, and DB for the best prices.

• Choose your Christmas markets wisely — Vienna, Budapest, and Nuremberg top our list.

• Don’t over-schedule: Winter days are short. Build in café breaks, long lunches, and spontaneous evenings.

Ready to plan your own winter escape? This itinerary covers six cities, three countries (or more), and countless magical memories — all with minimal flying, maximum relaxation, and a focus on culture, comfort, and connection.