When we think of European travel, we often think of our favorite countries in the summertime. We picture a sunbathed Eiffel Tower, bustling crowds on Riviera beaches, and Austrian mountain wildflowers. We imagine ourselves hiking through ancient forests, exploring romantic marketplaces, and watching lush pastoral scenes stream by our railcar windows. We forget winter tourism exists in Europe! Some of the most satisfying European travel experiences can be had when the snow is flying.

1. Less expensive attractions

Prices for some winter attractions, such as skiing, can be high. However, in most places, winter attendance is low, so prices are lower. Because they still welcome many visitors, large cities have fewer reasons to reduce prices, but small towns are more likely to offer discounts. Some attractions close down for winter—check schedules for your favorite destinations before traveling.

2. Smaller crowds

In summer, hundreds of millions of visitors flood into European countries to fulfill dreams of foreign travel. It can be difficult to book hotels and purchase tickets. Lines are longer and travelers must plan extra time to accommodate crowds. Not so in winter! Cold weather travelers enjoy shorter lines, with less time wasted waiting.

3. Winter events

To experience some of Europe’s most exceptional events, one must travel in winter. A famous example is Christmas markets. Entire itineraries are centered around these magical affairs. If you wear proper clothing and footwear, this could be one of the best places in the world to immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of winter.

4. Beautiful scenery

If you’re not a winter person, you may not be excited by snow-covered hills, gently falling flakes, or icicles hanging from architectural wonders. However, with an open mind, you can experience traditional European scenery on an exciting new level in winter. Far-north destinations such as Scandinavia take special pains to incorporate ice and snow into attractions. Don’t forget, the mild south still offers beaches, sundrenched greenery and warmer temps.

5. Local encounters

With smaller crowds and a slower pace, winter travel in Europe offers a very special advantage: more opportunities to meet the locals. It’s natural for residents to withdraw from teeming crowds in summer. When temperatures cool and crowds thin, there’s time and space to slow down and meet visitors. Research off-the-beaten-path restaurants, trails and remote destinations.

6. Easy travel

Transportation in all forms can be better during European winters. Trains, cabs, rental cars and boats all are more laid-back. Winter scenes, viewed through the windows of your favorite mode of transportation, are likely to be much more enjoyable when not blocked by crowds of people. Summertime sidewalks often are crowded with bodies heading every direction. In winter, it’s easier to get around and more enjoyable to walk.

7. Indoor adventures

Some indoor attractions gear up especially for winter and provide robust offerings not available during warmer months. One exciting example is concerts in beautiful architectural venues. Many cities know tourists will be looking for memorable winter experiences, so they pay special attention to organizing cold weather adventures. Don’t forget to add museums, libraries, houses of government, indoor shopping centers, and famous homes to your list of wintertime trip activities.

8. Souped-up shopping

Breathtaking Christmas markets and other winter shopping experiences can be one of the most satisfying European winter activities. Wintertime crowds are forced indoors. As a result, shopping venues provide special events and beautiful displays not found during summer. Shop owners are often thrilled to see new customers and treat them with special care.

9. Beaches

Admittedly, southern Europe in the winter cannot offer the sunbaked, sultry beach experiences many crave. Instead, winter beachgoers love having large expanses of sand to themselves—a perfect place for walking, spending time with loved ones, thinking, and leaving the cares of daily life behind. Although many attractions close for the winter, any location is likely to offer at least a few diversions. In these regions, prices are lower and travelers can further reduce costs by walking between destinations.

10. No bugs

The lack of annoying little creatures of the outdoors can make winter one of the best times to travel in Europe. Simply slip on a hat, scarf and jacket, and trade your sneakers for boots, to keep cold breezes at bay. This winter travel advantage will lie at the top of your list if you really hate bugs and at the bottom if you don’t mind them.

For better or worse, European winters offer interesting alternatives for travelers. Cold-weather continental adventures can be especially attractive to those who have traveled to Europe before and are looking for something new and different. Don’t let winter keep you from exploring the world and enjoying the pleasures of European travel!