Dynamic art or traditional carnivals – Winter holiday destinations in Central Europe

Dynamic art or traditional carnivals – Winter holiday destinations in Central Europe

Fancy going skiing or visiting a museum? Hiking through snowy landscapes or browsing in the warmth of a unique design shop? How about drinking a good coffee and trying out new food? It’s time to set foot in Kraków, Sofia, Brasov or Szentendre—cities with plenty of opportunities for winter fun. We’re here to show you where to go!

Kraków, Poland—where old and modern and city and nature meet

Kraków, the second largest city of Poland, lies on the southern part of the country, on the banks of the Vistula. Kraków’s history dates all the way back to the 7th century, with the city serving as the capital until 1596. It’s one of the cultural and art centres of Poland and Kraków’s Old Town and the Wawel Royal Castle became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. Even though Kraków is the most visited city in the country, during the colder months, many people travel to the “winter capital of Poland”, Zakopane, instead. Before heading to the mountains to put on our ski boots, it’s well worth spending a few days exploring Kraków—especially since according to a study conducted in 2020, the city is considered a “green island” compared to the smog-stricken areas surrounding it, in more aspects than one.

There’s no shortage of culture even during the winter. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków or MOCAK for short, not only provides exciting and contemporary art exhibitions reflecting on the relevant issues of today, but the building itself is worth a visit as well. The museum’s nest-like roof harmoniously complements the environment, while its modern style and how its space is arranged result in an airy, bright structure. Cricoteka showcasing avantgarde artist Tadeusz Kantor’s works, is another must-see of the city. The building situated on the banks of the Vistula opened in 2014, and was designed to serve as a continuation of Kantor’s unconventional, dynamic artistic vision.

It’s worth paying attention to Polish design. Ulica Józefa, in the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, is the design centre of Kraków, where the design-thirsty city dweller can find exciting items like the unique, hand-made or locally manufactured clothes and accessories of Mapaya. IDEA FIX, Kraków’s first concept store opened in 2009, is also in the area offering products of Polish artists and brands such as clothes, jewellery, accessories, design pieces, and cosmetics. If you feel like acquiring a piece of famous Polish poster art with you, head to the Kraków Poster Gallery!

Well-known dishes and drinks with a twist. Fancy a popular winter drink that still feels exotic for a traveller? Try mulled beer found on the menu of many bars around town! This delicious, cosy cocktail is made by slowly simmering beer just before it reaches its boiling point and seasoning with different spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Besides classic flavours, you can also find one of the traditional staples of Polish cuisine, pierogi, made according to the creativity and vision of contemporary chefs. If you’re open to trying more adventurous flavour combinations, Pierogi MR Vincent is well worth a visit where delightful pierogies can be enjoyed in an interior inspired by the artist’s paintings.

Winter Wonderland. After the first snow falls, a long walk in the magical Planty park caressing the Old Town or in Krakus or Kościuszko Mound overlooking the city, is always a good idea.

Sofia, Bulgaria—shining bright in the shadows of history and Vitosha Mountain

Bulgaria is usually visited by people from landlocked countries during summer time for relaxation on the beaches of the Black Sea or enjoying the lively Mediterranean atmosphere of the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019, Plovdiv. Situated on the western part of the city, Sofia—the capital of Bulgaria since 1879—is also worthy of attention where different historical eras and cultures, architectural styles and religious traditions merge and create an enthralling medley. The area’s been inhabited for more than 10.000 years and its appearance was shaped by the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Russian Empires as well as the USSR. While walking around the city, you can stumble upon the Church of Saint George built in the 4th century and also socialist-style Largo architectural ensemble from the 1950s.

A mountain on the edge of town. What makes Sofia an attractive tourist destination even in the winter is the defining sight of the main street, Vitosha Mountain, situated on the edge of the city, rising close to 2300 metres above sea level. If you’re a hiker, you can conquer the peak of Cherni Vrah, check out the (frozen) Boyana Waterfall or the so-called Golden Bridges, the longest stone river of Vitosha Mountain, stretching over two kilometres. However, if you’re more of the sporty type, Aleko ski resort will be your place where whether you are a beginner or a pro, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy your passion for winter sports (even during the night)! Staying in the beautiful scenery is also an option, for example at Hotel and Spa Moreni, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Bulgarian history in unique places. On your way to Vitosha Mountain, the National History Museum chronicling the history of Bulgarians from the prehistoric ages up until the 20th century, is worth a stop. Once there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The paintings in the Museum of Socialst Art tells the story of the communist era with depictions of happy peasants and heroic steel factory workers.

From coffee to pins—places to spend a few pleasant hours. When you fancy a cup of energising coffee or flavourful tea, Drekka is your place. The cosy café also offers unique cards and notebooks to take home with you as souvenirs. For a delicious breakfast, head to Fabrika Daga. Into local artists and designers? Head to Magazinche shop or GIFTED cultural centre—an exhibition space slash design store. In both of these places you can find all kinds of items from special prints and bow ties to maps and cool pins.

Local markets and parks are integral parts of the city. If you’re one of the people whose travelling experience is not complete without visiting an authentic local market, we offer the Women’s Market (Zhenski Pazar), where you might find yourself struggling to bargain in English. After checking markets off of your travel list, unwind in one of the parks situated close to the city centre such as Borisova Gradina or West Park by taking a delightful stroll in the chilly weather.

Braşov, Romania—black stones and white atmosphere

In the south-eastern part of historic Transylvania, around 160 kilometres from Bucharest, is where Braşov is located. The city used to be a cultural and economic centre where many different nationalities merged during the times when Saxons, Hungarians and Romanians and Calvinists, Catholics and Orthodox people lived together—the signs of which are still visible, creating a unique atmosphere that makes Braşov hard to miss—and not only because of the huge Hollywood-like sign on Tampa Mountain.

Some cities just go well with winter. The fog creating an air of mysteriousness or soft, quiet snowfall looks great on Braşov, so you’re in for a treat if you decide to visit during the colder months. If you get hungry after checking out the third narrowest street in Europe and the famous Black Church, followed by walking around aimlessly on the cobblestone streets, head for La Ceaun or Restaurant Ograda, offering traditional local cuisine in a modern setting. For a coffee or tea to warm you up, look no further than Tipografia or Café NOLA.

The area is filled with shorter and longer hiking routes. Whether you decide to visit the fortress walls, the Raşnov Fortress—one of the biggest of its kind in Transylvania—, the Stones of Solomon or the crater of a volcano in Racos lying a little further away, it’s advisable to choose a place to stay where you can replenish your energies. Close to the edge of the forest, located on a side of a hill, Casa Olandeza has magnificent views of the Carpathians, however, if you prefer to stay close to the hustle and bustle of the city centre, modern and comfortable Hotel Belfort is your ideal choice.

A joyful goodbye to winter. Needless to say, you don’t need to go far to find opportunities to immerse yourself in winter sports. Just south of Braşov, Piana Brasov at the foot of Mountain Postavarul is the most modern, biggest, and luxurious ski resort of Romania. When visiting during the end of the winter months, head to Apața to say farewell to the cold in a traditional way—with a colourful carnival.

Illustrations: Benjamin Kalászi - Essence of Hungary

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