Chic midwinter
Moscow may be renowned for its ridiculously cold winters and Siberian snow flurries, yet Muscovites embrace their winters with gusto. Outside the GUM department store on Red Square sits a beautiful ice-skating rink which is overlooked by the imposing Kremlin and candy coloured domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Of course, Red Square looks sensational in the snow but don’t miss wandering along Tverskoy Boulevard, lined in historical buildings, including the popular Cafe Pushkin named after the famous poet. Gorky Park, Moscow’s largest green space, is truly a winter wonderland with flooded ponds turned into natural ice rinks, ski paths and a snowboarding zone. visitrussia.org.uk
Prague’s defining landmark is the stupendous Charles Bridge, completed in 1402. This elegant sandstone structure stretches across the River Vltava and connects the New Town to the Old Town. It may be flanked by two defence towers but that hasn’t stopped it witnessing a battle or two.
It has played a starring role in Hollywood blockbusters and has even been the site of executions.
Standing guard on high ground is the fairytale 9th-century castle. When winter comes and the snow falls, the whole city takes on an ethereal air. It’s our favourite time to go.
prague.eu
Think Milka chocolate scenes and Grindelwald will tick all your boxes. Snow-covered peaks, trains trundling through villages with slopes dotted with wooden houses, this charming area is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, home to Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch.
Summer sees mountain climbers testing their mettle on the north face of the Eiger and walkers following in the Von Trapp family’s footsteps over alpine pastures.
Come winter, the region becomes a snowy wonderland of frozen lakes and snow-covered hills. Surprisingly, walking during these months is still hugely popular with trails leading you across magical landscapes, past glaciers, and if you’re game, there’s the odd toboggan run too. Skiing is divided into three pistes, accessible by train.
grindelwald.swiss