3 In Europe

European Weekend Getaway Ideas: Mountain Views, Cosy Villages And Hidden Beaches

European Weekend Getaway Ideas: Mountain Views, Cosy Villages And Hidden Beaches - Check out these unique locations recommended by travel bloggers for your next weekend getaway in Europe! www.togetherintransit.nl #travel #vacation #weekendgetaway #europe

From mountain views, small cosy villages, hidden beaches and locations to mingle with locals, this European Weekend Getaway Ideas post is exactly for you.

More and more are we looking for unique locations to explore together with friends, family or solo. You’ve come to the right place! This list of 22 European weekend getaway ideas is just what you can read to get inspired for your next unique destination. Each post is written by a contributor, happily sharing the top things to see, do or eat in their chosen location. The locations in this list are cute and somewhat unknown places that you may not have even considered!

European Weekend Getaway Ideas

So let’s get started with this mega list of locations you may never have heard of. This list is written by travel bloggers to share their European weekend getaway ideas to share with you!

1. Matera, Italy

Contributed by Lyndsay from The Purposely Lost

Hiding down in the heel of Italy is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Chosen as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2019, Matera, Italy, is a beautiful city frozen in two different times. On the hills surrounding the city, are caves that were once inhabited by our Paleolithic ancestors. However, the city is best known for its Sassi di Matera. This area is a network of homes, which are thousands of years old, built and carved into the rocks of its hillside.

While today, most people living in Matera live outside of the historical center in the modern areas of the city, the Sassi does have dwellings that are still lived in, and some businesses still occupy retail space. Walkthrough this historic center and pop into shops you find along the way.

If time allows, take an opportunity to explore the Palombaro Lungo, a now unused, underground water cistern – the largest in the ancient city.

While Matera is a gorgeous city to explore in the daytime, it’s even better at night. In the evenings, the city comes alive. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, their main square, is filled with families and friends out for after-dinner strolls. Matera is a gorgeous city, with artisan shops, great food, and incredible history. It’s a perfect place for an effortless, restful weekend getaway in Italy.

2. Gmunden, Austria

Contributed by Maria from A World Of Destinations

Gmunden is a small town in Upper Austria, nestled between mountains and lakes. It’s a dream destination for every outdoor-active traveler and nature lover. There are numerous mountains to climb and hiking trails to explore for every skill level. From the summits of the mountains you have a stunning view of the surrounding mountain peaks and lake Traunsee. Experienced hikers might even climb the imposing Traunstein (1,691 m above sea level), which is the most famous mountain of the region.

The short hike to Laudachsee is a must. It takes about an hour of hiking to get there and the hike is suitable for every level of fitness. Once you reach the top you get to a beautiful little lake and a restaurant from where you can admire the impressive mountain and lake views.

In summer you can try wake boarding, water skiing or stand up paddling on lake Traunsee. If you’re a less adventurous traveler, you can enjoy a day at the lake or take a cable car up to Grünberg.

Warm summer nights invite to have drinks by the lake and eat the catch of the day for dinner. Traditional Austrian dishes are not to be missed during a stay in Gmunden. Austrian cuisine is especially famous for its desserts, such as the Apfelstrudel or the Sachertorte.

Gmunden is a great place to take a break from everyday life and to reconnect with nature. There’s so much to explore that you’ll never run out of new things to do. If you’re looking for a calm town with beautiful nature and lots of things to do, Gmunden is the right place for your European weekend getaway.

3. Howth, Ireland

Contributed by Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages

One of my favourite hidden gems for a great weekend getaway in Europe is the tiny coastal fishing town of Howth in Ireland. It’s actually super easy to take a day trip to Howth from Dublin, as it’s conveniently located just a 30 minute bus ride away! Since Howth is located right on the coast, there are so many amazing outdoor activities, with my most recommended being to do the Howth Cliff Walk. There’s a few different routes with varying difficulties, but each one still offers amazing views of the water. I suggest packing a lunch and having a picnic on the cliffs! There’s a few flat areas to sit that are perfect for munching on food. Be warned that if you don’t like heights, you definitely won’t like this hike! There is nothing between you and the edge of the cliff face, so make sure you visit on a day that it isn’t raining and wear good walking/hiking shoes.

Another great place worth visiting in Howth is Howth Harbour. There’s a bunch of cute restaurants along the harbour and you can spend forever watching all the boats come in. Directly across from Howth Harbour is Howth Market, a lively little place to grab some snacks and mingle with locals. There’s an awesome gelato shop in Howth Market called Amore Gelato! You could also stop by Balscadden Bay Beach. You can actually swim here, but it’s fun to just go down to the beach and soak in the amazing views.

4. Gijon, Spain

Contributed by Dagney from Cultura Obscura

Gijón, Spain is the perfect European weekend getaway, especially for anyone looking to go somewhere less touristy, or explore the outdoors. Nestled in the Asturias region of Northern Spain, Gijón has the best of both worlds: easy access to the outdoors, and the abundance of city life activities.

The Asturias region is in the heart of the Camino de Santiago, and paths are well marked if visitors are interested in taking day hikes. One of the most popular nearby hikes is Senda del Cervigón. There are also many beautiful green spaces within Gijón, such as Pericones Park and Atlántico Botanical Garden

As it is on the coast, a lot of Gijón is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches, which are great for relaxing. The most popular beach is Playa de San Lorenzo, but there are many hidden beaches within a 30 minute drive for those with cars. Alternatively, head for a walk along the coast to admire the arresting Monument to the Mothers of Migrants or enjoy the amazing views from the Batería alta de Santa Catalina in Cimavilla.

If it gets rainy, you can pop into the Museum of the Asturian People (includes the International Bagpipe Museum), check out some of the city’s cute, trendy cafés, or enjoy a cider drinking experience at a local Sidrería.

5. Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom

Contributed by Emily from Dalton’s Destinations

Just a short drive from the capital city, Cardiff, is Caerphilly Castle. Known to be one of the largest castles in the UK (next to Windsor Castle) it boasts to have a tower that leans more than the Tower of Pisa!

From the castle, travel to Brecon Beacons National Park. Here you can see beautiful mountain ranges and wild horses! Stop by the Libanus Visitor Center for some souvenir shopping! From the terrace, there are good views of the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan and, Corn Du!

After soaking in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, journey towards Brecon Town for a bite to eat. There are several options to choose from, Brecon Tap (great pies!), Chang Thai Cuisine (very popular in Wales!), or Easts of Brecon (homemade goods). If you have some free time after you eat, stop by the Brecon Cathedral.

There are many of these stones all throughout the UK – Stonehenge is one of the more popular ones, but don’t miss Maen Llia in Wales!

Starting to plan your trip already, here is a weather guide to help! Wales can be stunning in the summer – Highs of 70°F (20°C). But the good weather also attracts the crowds. Spring and Fall can be a beautiful time to visit Wales. However, Spring can be on the rainy side. Be sure to pack a light rain jacket and rain boots! It can get chilly in Wales during the winter, low of 40°F (6°C) and snowfall does occur. Remember to pack a warm hat and coat!

You will enjoy every minute of your weekend in Wales! For a country that is the size of New Jersey, there is so much to explore in this beautiful country!

6. Sighnaghi, Georgia

Contributed by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Sighnaghi in Georgia is the perfect European weekend getaway if you are looking for a small cute village. This small town is only 2 hours away from its capital, but a world away from the hectic city life. Sighnaghi is all about having a relaxed time with delicious food and a great glass of Georgian wine.

Sighnaghi serves as the gateway to Georgia’s wine region called Kakheti. If you come in autumn you will be able to see the wine harvest in action. Families gather in the fields to pick the grapes and lorries full of grapes drive on the roads in Kakheti.

The wines from Kakheti are available throughout the year though. Either in reused plastic bottles at the bazaar or in one of the excellent restaurants. Sighnaghi also has plenty of homestay-like accommodations where you can have dinner and try their homemade versions.

Sighnaghi is also home to the ancient 9th century Bodbe monastery. This nunnery is an important pilgrimage site, because of the relics of St. Nino. An important female evangelist within the Georgian orthodox church.

There are more of such old churches and monasteries in the area. Most are tucked away in the mountains or on the top of a hill with beautiful views over the valleys below. Sighnaghi too is on the top of a hill and the views with sunset are absolutely stunning.

7. Saint-Emilion, France

Contributed by Alex from Alex Getting Lost

Saint-Émilion is a tiny Medieval village in the French countryside, filled with winding alleyways and cobblestone lanes- and surrounded by lush green vineyards. This village is so quaint that I’ll be honest, walking around the streets of Saint-Émilion made me feel as if I was strutting around in the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast. There are over 800 wine producers in this region of France, so for wine connoisseurs or just low-key wine fans Saint-Émilion makes the perfect weekend getaway.

Located not far from the city of Bordeaux, accommodation in Saint-Émilion ranges from beautiful little gîtes found on Airbnb, to luxury chateaux set in their own vineyards.

Make sure you check out the Cordeliers Cloister, right in the centre of Saint-Émilion. This crumbling old monastery is now the home of ‘Crémant de Bordeaux’ sparkling wine. The garden of the cloister is a beautiful place to sit in the sunshine and sample a glass or two of bubbly, and you can also order a picnic from the little bar here. Glorious! Entry to the Cordeliers Cloister is free, however if you want to tour the wine cellars that run underneath the village, you can join a ‘tour and tasting’ for a small fee.

Saint-Émilion, France

8. Seville, Spain

Contributed by Jiayi of The Diary Of A Nomad

Seville is a remarkable place to travel to for a weekend especially if you enjoy sun, great food, and music! In fact, this city was the birthplace of both tapas and flamenco, so the perfect Seville itinerary would be incomplete without trying the most delicious tapas in Espacio Eslava, one of the best restaurants in town, or watching a flamenco show at Tablao El Arenal, which is deemed as “the best place in the world to enjoy flamenco” by the New York Times.

Other amazing things to do in Seville includes exploring the magnificent Plaza de España, taking a stroll in the colorful Barrio Santa Cruz, exploring Casa de Pilatos, visiting Metropol Parasol, learning history at the Royal Alcázar, and climbing up the Giralda Tower. I also recommend taking a walk by the riverfront near Torre del Oro, and then experiencing a bit of local life at the Triana Market, which not only has lots of fresh produce, but is also a great place to make new friends!

During your time here, I highly recommend trying two local drinks: rebujito and tinto de verano. The first one is a mix of Sprite and sherry and is really refreshing especially on a hot day. The latter is very similar to sangria but a lot more authentic to Seville; in fact, one of my top tips is to avoid sangria and order tinto de verano instead. You’ll dodge the tourist prices and discover a local specialty!

9. Lake District, United Kingdom

Contributed by Emma from Forever Lost In Travel

If you’re looking for European weekend getaway, they don’t come much more beautiful than the amazing Lake District National Park in England. Leave London and head to the North West county of Cumbria. Visit quaint little villages and trace the history of popular literary figures like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Pack a lunch and amble along one of the many walking trails, and of course enjoy breathtaking scenery at every turn.

I love visiting Ambleside, the small village with some quaint shops and one of the best bakeries in the Lake District, The Apple Pie. Accommodation tips: Try The Gables B&B in the village for a reasonable price, or The Langdale Chase hotel for a luxury stay with lake-view rooms just outside of Ambleside.

Then there’s the market town of Keswick with great shops and tearooms as well as plenty of walking trails from the town. Didn’t make it to Stonehenge? That’s OK, Keswick has its own stone circle, and it’s FREE to visit. Castlerigg stone circle is just outside of the town and offers great views of the countryside from the field where the stones stand. Local’s tip: Go later in the day and catch a spectacular sunset but get there early as a lot of photographers love this spot if it’s a nice day.

The Lake District is one of my favourite places in the UK, and although I may be biased because I grew up there, I still don’t think I’m wrong. There are camping sites or hostels if you want to keep to a budget, friendly local Bed & Breakfasts if you prefer a mid-range accommodation with a great meal to start your day, and of course some luxury hotels with picturesque views. However you spend your time, just enjoy being away from the big city for a weekend.

10. Mont St. Michel, France

Contributed by Nancy from Traveling With Purpose

Discover a place that will transport you back in time to the 14th to 16th centuries when knights roamed the land and monks dedicated their lives to transcribing holy manuscripts. Le Mont-Saint-Michel is only a 4-hour drive or train ride from Paris. This enchanted Gothic-style Benedictine Abbey, and Medieval village is perched on an island straddling the border between Normandy and Brittany.

Wear good walking shoes to enjoy wandering through the winding staircases and arched stone passages of these magnificent structures dating back to 708 AD. Pick up a free self-guided tour brochure or an audio tour to learn about the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided and themed tours are also offered.

Don’t miss the largest tidal changes in continental Europe while you’re there. On days when the tides are most drastic there can be a difference of up to 15 meters (50 feet) between low and high tides. On the most extreme days you may not be able to access the causeway that connects Mont Saint Michel to the mainland, so be sure to check in advance. The waters in the bay rush in very quickly and it’s extremely dangerous to walk on the bay floor after low tide unless you know what you’re doing. Bay tour guides are available to help.

TIP: During tourist season try to arrive early or stay late to avoid the peak times of 11:00 am to 4:00 pm when throngs of people and tour busses crowd in.

To avoid the crowds, we arrived in the afternoon, wandered the Abbey, then ate dinner at Auberge Saint Pierre on the Grande Rue, the main street of the village. That night we stayed a mile away in La Caserne, on the mainland.

While you’re in Normandy, be sure to taste “The 4 C’s of Normandy France Cuisine”.

11. Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

The Netherlands is a pretty small country, but did you know it has 21 National Parks? We want to share with you a weekend getaway trip to one of these: The Hoge Veluwe. Located close to the cities of Apeldoorn and Arnhem, the Hoge Veluwe is easily reachable by car.

Once in the park, you can use the free bikes to cycle around or enjoy the pathways through the forest on foot. There are some specific routes marked that you can follow, depending on the distances you want to hike/cycle. Most go through the middle of the park, where you can sit at the restaurant for some refreshments. I can suggest a pancake here!

For staying a weekend, it is not possible to stay inside the National Park. However cute locations and campsites in Otterloo or at one of the other entrances to the park is perfect for the stay.

If you think this is a great country for a European Weekend Getaway, you can check also more Netherlands locations here!

12. Eger, Hungary

Contributed by Cris from LooknWalk

Located close to Budapest, Eger is a great option for a European weekend getaway. Despite being so easily accessible, it doesn’t get overcrowded with visitors (even during holiday weekends). Eger is well known for its wonderfully preserved castle and excellent wines, offering the chance to have a lot of fun and relaxation.

You will be spending the bulk of your time exploring this charming gem on foot. The historical center is dominated by Eger Castle (Egri Var). It comprises several sections that you can visit and comes with an amazing view of the town.

Close by, you can also find the Minaret. It is the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe and the tallest in Hungary. Standing 42 m tall, it is a symbol of the Turkish occupation. It has 97 steps but the whole experience is quite claustrophobic (so better check it out from outside if you don’t feel comfortable in tight spaces).

Next, you have to check out the wines. The main place to go for wine tasting is the Valley of the Beautiful Women. It’s about 15-20 min walk from the town. (Feel free to take a taxi on the way back). The vendors offer a variety of wines to try but make sure to buy a bottle of the famous Egri Bikaver (Bull’s Blood).

And if you feel like having an adventure, there is a great horse-riding center close by, too (about 5 min by car). The scenery is great every season as you’d be passing by vineyards, up the hill, into the forest, and across beautiful fields.

Eger is an excellent choice for an anniversary weekend. And that’s exactly what we’ve done some years back.

13. St Anton, Austria

Contributed by Deborah from Grand Adventure Story

St Anton, high up in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria, is the perfect destination for a summer weekend getaway in the mountains. In the winter there is an array of red, blue and black runs, skiers, snowboarders and apres-ski bars. In the summer, the slopes are alive with wildflowers, hikers and mountain bikers.

Every visitor to St Anton is issued with a Sommercard (each visitor pays a small tourist tax on top of their accommodation price to cover this) giving them access to the summer programme which includes guided hikes, free E-bike hire and even yoga. It also gives each visitor access onto the cable cars and chairlift for a whole day at no additional charge.

A succession of three cable cars will bring you close to the top of the Valluga mountain at 2,650m (8,694ft) where the adventurous can attempt a Via Ferrata route. For a more chilled out experience have lunch at the top of the Galzigbahn and enjoy walking the 5km (3mile) Panoramaweg Mutspuren.

Pick up a walking map at the tourist office and hike the trails from the village, chasing waterfalls cascading down from the mountains. Hire an E-bike (10+) to explore the mountain-biking trails or take a more leisurely ride along the Verwallweg.

Each Sommercard allows a single entry to St Anton’s stunning swimming pool. It is possible to swim from the indoor pool to an outdoor egg-shaped jet-propelled flume – a magical experience in winter. There is also a large outdoor pool with plenty of seating around, and a café.

After working up an appetite with all that fresh air and exercise enjoy some traditional Austrian cuisine in one of the many restaurants around town or on the mountain.

14. Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

Located at the south of the United Kingdom, is the beautiful island of the Isle of Wight. This small island, only a boat trip away from the mainland, is a pretty and relaxed choice for a European weekend getaway location.

From award winning beaches to rich royal history (such as Osborne House) the island has a bit of everything. This location is perfect for those who want to get out into the nature, such as a peaceful walk in the local forest or red squirrel spotting. Alternatively, find your adventure side in the many fun activities you can do. Some of the energetic activities includes hiking, cycling, sailing and horse riding.

There are also some amazing places to dine at, from locally caught fish at Steephill Cove to typical English pubs like the Spyglass Inn. For shopping, you can find yourself within one of the many local boutiques or walk along the small high streets of the villages.

You can find lots more to do and on the Isle of Wight here!

Ventnor Beach and Cove, Isle of Wight

15. Nuremberg, Germany

Contributed by Emma from Emma Adventures

Nuremberg is one of the most beautiful yet underrated cities in Germany, and is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Just one hour north of Munich, Nuremberg is often skipped over by tourists but the historical and beautiful city is well worth a visit. Nuremberg was home to the Nazi rally parties during the war, and later, the Nuremberg trials, so there’s a lot of history. It built itself up from the ashes, and today stands as a charming and historical city. 

Spending a perfect European weekend getaway in Nuremberg is easy as there is something for everyone. Admire the architecture and views from the top of Nuremberg Castle, wander and explore the Old Town and bridges, and learn about the dark past of the city at the Documentation Centre and Nazi Rally party grounds. During December, Nuremberg is home to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets. 

There’s also endless spots to stop for a coffee, gelato and drink in the areas surrounding the Old Town, which is the best place to shop and explore. There’s so many amazing restaurants and bars too, but I recommend Frank’ness for a cosy yet cool meal, and Vintage Bar, a favourite among locals which does great cocktails. Of course, you should make sure you try a traditional Nuremberg Bratwurst with a German beer while you are there!

16. Rye, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Contributed by Sarah from In Search Of Sarah

Visiting Rye, East Sussex is like stepping into a fairy-tale.

Only 1.5 hours from London by car or 2.5 hours by train and you’re transporting yourself into medieval village full of whimsy. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the quirky yet charming architecture, browse unique shops ranging from art, handmade goods, furniture and antiques, and see numerous historic sites. This little village is rich with history dating back to the mid-1200s.

There’s no shortage of sites to see during your visit to Rye all throughout the year, including the Ypres Castle, the Rye Museum, and the Rye Model – including a vintage arcade above! Climb the church tower at St Mary’s to get a view of the town from above.

Have lunch at the Mermaid Inn. This iconic restaurant and hotel was re-built in 1420! There have even been reported ghost sightings during the night.  There are adorable tea rooms dotting the town, such as the Cobbles Tearoom, Fletchers, and the Outlook.  Mariner’s Fish & Chips is a popular spot for a quick bite, or enjoy dinner at The Union for some locally-sourced options.  Get your fill of cozy English pubs by visiting The Globe Inn, The Strand, or The Ship Inn.

Rye is a happening place so be sure to book your accommodations early. There’s always some type of event every month to take part in, from gastronomy to art festivals – there is something surely to please people of all ages. You’ll leave here feeling enchanted and yearning to return.

17. Bruges, Belgium

Contributed by Juliet from Live Your Dream TODAY

When someone asks me about weekend getaway destinations in Europe, Bruges is the first place that comes to my mind. Located only a short train ride away from Brussels, it can be easily accessible from many other European countries that are worth visiting.

Widely known by its authentic medieval atmosphere, the town of Brugge became famous thanks to a couple of cinematic appearances, the most iconic of which is called “In Bruges”. Since the premiere of that movie in 2008, this charming little town pulls more and more tourists from all over the world every year.

The main areas of Bruges can be easily covered on foot in one or two days. I’d recommend finding a free walking tour for your dates as they’ll tell you a lot of town legends, interesting historical facts, describe the meaning of some architectural signs, and show the best places to taste Belgian fries and beer. If you get a good guide, they might even let you in on some local secrets like how to tell places that sell real Belgian chocolate made in Bruges from the many tourist traps that sell Chinese imitations.

Strolling along the beautiful canals with a range of cute bridges and watching numerous horse carriages move around the tiny cobblestone streets will make your weekend as memorable as it can get. Don’t forget to try Belgian waffles as they are never the same in other countries!

18. Polignano a Mare in Puglia, Italy

Contributed by Jess from JessOBSESSED

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar, hidden gem European weekend getaway destination, you should 100% consider Polignano a Mare. A picturesque seaside town in the Puglia region of Italy, although I find it to be more reminiscent of Greece. Puglia is known as the “heel of the boot” and is often overlooked in favor of Italy’s flashier coastal region, the Amalfi Coast.

Polignano a Mare is the the closest town to Bari and Brindisi, the gateway (and main airport hubs) to the Puglia region. Polignano a Mare makes for a great weekend getaway because it’s small enough to experience fully in one weekend that includes both historic sightseeing and crystal-clear beach time. Spend one morning at Cala Porto beach, a small slice of turquoise heaven set against magnificent gray cliffs, then head back up the cliffs to take in the sweeping views from the Roman bridge that borders the beach.

Have breakfast or lunch in Polignano a Mare’ main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, and spend your weekend afternoons licking gelato off your chin, while wandering through the little side streets of the main town, which are filled with local delicacies and souvenirs.

Polignano A Mare is also where the famous cliffside restaurant, Grotta Palezze is located. If that view is on your bucket list go, but be warned it’s hard to get a reservation, you have to make sure you’re sitting outside, and I’ve heard the food is expensive and overpriced. I personally decided to skip it during my visit, as there’s no shortage of amazing views in Puglia.

Want to explore more of the Puglia region? Read this Road Trip Through Puglia complete itinerary.

19. Obidos, Portugal

Contributed by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

The medieval walled town of Óbidos in Portugal is most often visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but it really deserves more time than that. I recommend basing yourself at The Literary Man hotel in Óbidos for the whole weekend, and perhaps exploring a bit more of the region from there. An additional benefit of staying in Óbidos is that you’ll be able to enjoy it in peace and quiet in the early morning and the evening, once all the day-trippers have left.

Once you’ve taken a walk along the top of the town wall and seen all the streets and whitewashed houses from above, head down into the town to explore its lesser-known nooks and crannies. You’ll be surprised to find more than a dozen bookstores here, some of which are located in the most unusual venues. For example, what looks like a church next to the entrance to the castle has actually been converted into a bookshop. And the organic market down the street sells many more books than fruit and veg. Arco da Cadeia, a medieval-themed wine bar, is the perfect place to try the local cherry liqueur, called ginjinha.

And of course, you’ll also want to explore the grounds of the castle, which has been named one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Just a few kilometers outside of town is the Óbidos Lagoon, which has some very nice beaches and is also great for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

20. Mörbisch am See, Burgenland, Austria

Contributed by Alina from World Of Lina

Mörbisch am See is a gorgeous village in Burgenland, a small federal state in Austria. It’s located right at the Lake Neusiedl which is the largest endorheic lake in Central Europe. Mörbisch am See is not only a popular weekend destination for many Austrians. Thanks to its convenient location right at the border, Hungarians love this lovely village as well.

Burgenland is one of the major wine regions in Austria and there are numerous vines around Mörbisch am See as well. Thus, the village is perfect for any wine lovers out there! In the evening, one of the best things to do is to visit one of the so-called “Heuriger” – a typical Eastern Austrian tavern. There you can enjoy a fine glass of muscatel or any other of the many regional types of wine. During the day and when the weather is nice, head to the lake and take a boat-ride to learn everything about the rich flora and fauna. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool to cool off on very hot days. In summer, the annual “Seefestspiele Mörbisch” – a music festival – takes place. The stage can be found at the lake as well which makes the ambience even more special.

Mörbisch am See might not offer a lot of different activities, but the quaint village is perfect for people, who seek a quiet and relaxing weekend.

21. Poznan, Poland

Contributed by Or from My Path In The World

Perfect for a 2 or 3-day European weekend getaway, Poznan is an enchanting little city in western Poland. A weekend in Poznan is enough to experience the best of it. Including visiting its top museums, seeing its beautiful landmarks, relaxing at its parks and gardens, indulging yourself in Polish food, and just strolling through its charming streets.

The Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Poznan, as it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s landmarks and museums like St Stanislaus Church, the unique Merchants’ Houses, and the Croissant Museum, which is dedicated to a local pastry called St. Martin’s croissant. It’s also a great area to admire the city’s architecture. Savor a cup of coffee at a cozy cafe (like Weranda Cafe or Rozove), and stroll through quiet, colourful streets.

If you’re looking for a change in scenery, more than 25% of Poznan are green areas where you can unwind and breathe some fresh air. A couple of places to check out are the gorgeous botanical gardens and the Cytadela Park.

Other visit-worthy spots in Poznan include the impressive Imperial castle, the 10th-century Poznan Cathedral (the oldest one in Poland), and Lake Malta, but this city is full of many more surprises you’ll need to discover on your own.

Getting to Poznan: International and national flights arrive in Poznan’s airport daily, but you can also take a train from other Polish cities.

22. Strasbourg, Germany

Contributed by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

Located in the famous Alsace Wine Route in France and very close to the borders of Germany is Strasbourg, a city straight out of fairytale! Strasbourg has been fought over by Germany and France for centuries, before becoming part of France after the WW2. This resulted in a distinguishing french-german blend that is evident in the city’s architecture, culture, language and food. Not to forget that Strasbourg is also the centre for many European Institutions. 

Traditional half timbered medieval houses, soaring gothic cathedrals, colourful architecture along old town (known as Grand Ile which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), lovely canals, an array of food and wine to savour, Strasbourg makes it a compelling choice to visit. Strasbourg is truly an all year destination. The city enjoys good European weather from spring through autumn and in winter, Strasbourg transforms into a magical festive land. Apparently, for this reason, Strasbourg is christened as the Capital of Christmas. 

While you are here, do not miss out visiting Strasbourg Cathedral that dominates the skyline. The pink hued architecture and soaring spires are magnificent, so are the views from the top of the cathedral, if you dare to climb 300 spiral steps! Take a stroll along the canal, visit the postcard perfect La Petite France, which is also surrounded by many famous restaurants and cafes, or take a boat tour, you will not be disappointed. Alternatively, pay a visit to European Quarter, that is home to 20 European institutions, easily making Strasbourg the Capital of Europe! Some of the famous institutions include Council of Europe (European Court of Human Rights), European Parliament, Palace of Europe, European Documentation Centre, just to name a few.  

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Strasbourg to keep you busy which is why Strasbourg is a perfect European weekend getaway in Central Europe. The city is also bicycle friendly and has good tram network. However, to experience the best of Strasbourg, I recommend exploring it by foot. And don’t forget to savour the Alsatian tradition foods. 

Summary European Weekend Getaway

These 22 locations for a European Weekend Getaway have been contributed by others, and I can highly suggest to check out their amazing websites for further information on their locations. I myself will definitely add a few of these to my travel bucket list! 

Pin for later:

Thank you for sharing my European Weekend Getaway Ideas post!

You Might Also Like

3 Comments

  • Reply
    Nancy
    16th June 2020 at 3:08 pm

    Wow! Some great sites that I hadn’t heard of before. I look forward to checking some of these out the next time I’m in Europe. Thanks for gathering them all in one place.

  • Reply
    Krystianna
    16th June 2020 at 9:36 pm

    I haven’t been to so many of these places! It’s just fueling my wanderlust! So happy to have been apart of this collab! 🙂

  • Reply
    Sarah Camp
    18th June 2020 at 4:55 pm

    Thanks so much for the opportunity to contribute! These are all fabulous ideas and I can’t wait to get back to Europe and explore some more!

  • Leave a Reply

    %d bloggers like this: