Activities to do while winter camping

By: Mary Deasy

Winter in Europe means mulled wine, festive comfort food, and an open fire. Despite the cold weather that appears in many European countries during the winter, it is the perfect time to pack up your gear and go camping. Winter camping can be accompanied by many winter-specific activities depending on the weather and location. Be aware when choosing your European winter camping destination to pack accordingly and check the weather.

Winter camping has so much to offer with many activities to choose from. If you are looking for some inspiration, then look no further as we lay out our favorite activities to do while winter camping.

Winter Festivals

Amsterdam explodes with holiday cheer each year - offering many winter festivities during the holiday season from Oliebollen stands on every corner to winter festivals. Book a night with Angelina and Melvin located near Amsterdam along the Amsterdam Rhine canal and experience frost covered Holland like never before. Explore the nearby Nightevecht fort and enjoy a breathtaking sunset before warming up in a sauna or jacuzzi. Don’t forget to visit the famous light festival in Amsterdam and enjoy dozens of different light art installations along the canals. Feel like going ice skating? Then book a ticket to ice amsterdam located in museumplein!

Wildlife spotting

The UK is one of the most spectacular places to spot wildlife during the winter. From white mountain hares and spawning pikes in Scotland -  to red squirrels in Wales -  and stunning starling murmurations in Northern Ireland, The UK is the perfect place to go practice your winter photography skills while enjoying winter’s wildlife spectaculars. If you are a bird spotter, then make your way to The Netherlands and camp at the sustainable Landgoed Rorik before exploring the nearby Ijmuiden sand dunes - don’t forget to pack in layers, the North Sea can be unforgiving during the winter; however, it is worth the effort since it is one of the best places to spot seabirds such as purple sandpipers, goldeyes, turnstones, and rock pipets. If birds aren’t your thing, then check out these great places to view beavers, porpoises, and other great wildlife.

Christmas markets

You will not be able to walk through the streets of any city in Europe without feeling like you’ve entered a Christmas fairytale. Most large cities host incredible Christmas markets - most famous of which are the German and Belgium markets. Dusseldorfs’ Christmas market is often considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany and is located throughout the bustling city centre. The 5-week market is a must see. Couple the trip with night at an old mill just outside of the city.  

Bruges’ Christmas market is part of the town's annual Winter Glow Festival. Explore the main square as it comes alive in holiday cheer with light installations, homemade ornament stalls, rich hot chocolate, and delicious food. Conclude the day at Eline's campsite - bring an instrument to play around the campfire and you may be treated to an Aartrijk beer.

 These markets provide a great opportunity to get Christmas presents for your family or just enjoy the holiday cheer during your winter camping trip!

Winter sports

• Skiing/Snowboarding

Whether you are looking to try a winter sport for the first time or you are a seasoned athlete, Europe offers breathtaking slopes which are the perfect addition to your next winter camping itinerary. Stay with Thomas near Munich and enjoy the onsite fireplace and a barrel sauna as well as the nearby mountains of Zugspitze and the Chiemgau Alps. With famous ski resorts spotting these mountains bordering the austrian-german border, it is the perfect activity for the entire family on your next winter camping trip

• Toboggan

Similar to sledding, Tobogganing uses a flat bottomed light sled with one end curved up. This fun winter activity can be done on any hill or mountain covered with snow- Though be careful that it’s not too steep or already designated for skiers or snowboarders. One of the best places to go tobogganing, especially if you didn't pack a sled, is the Snowdome in Tamworth, UK. With it’s 170-meter main slope and the option to rent tubes as well, this place is a fun adventure for anyone. Stay just 30 minutes away at south Derbyshire countryside retreat with David and his family.

• Snowshoeing 

Experience winter like never before by walking on snowshoes. This activity is easily learned and allows you to access beautiful environments that you otherwise would not reach during the snowy season. Pitch your 4-season tent in Wallonia, Belgium and explore the gorgeous snowshoeing trails that vary from easy to hard. Choose your difficulty preference, strap on your snowshoes, and go see Belgium covered in a blanket of white. 

Get outside this winter and stay at our campspaces. Cook some cozy food and bundle up at your campspace enjoying the fresh, crispy, winter air. Accompany one of our favorite winter-specific activities with your next winter camping adventure and let us know what you think!