Iceland, Norway, Germany: Where to find the best European beaches in winter

13.01.2025 - 04:21 / euronews.com

In 2024, much of Europe sweltered during record-hot summers, prompting some holidaymakers to postpone their trips to cooler months.

As part of this shift towards ‘coolcations’ - shoulder season and winter breaks or those in cool countries - beaches have found renewed appreciation as cold weather attractions.

Whether taking cold water dips and blustery, bracing walks is a long-standing passion or something you fancy trying for the first time in 2025, here are 11 stretches of sand which look truly glorious in winter.

Stokksnes beach, on the Icelandic peninsula of the same name, is a stretch of coastline which undergoes a breathtaking transformation in winter.

This is not only due to the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, but because of the way the jet-black sand clashes with the bright white chunks of glacier ice scattered across the beach.

You’ll also find numerous weird and wonderful rock formations here, many topped with wigs of frozen moss.

This rugged beach is located on Moskenesøy, one of Norway’s Lofoten Islands. You’ll find it near the northern tip of the island and it’s only accessible on foot, which makes it the ideal spot for anyone seeking some crowd-free time out.

It’s also a popular camping spot - pitch your tent on the grassy turf behind the golden sands and ward off the winter chill by building a fire with the driftwood which washes up here.

Unless that is, you visit in February, when you’re probably better off staying in one of the fisherman’s cabins available to rent - since temperatures can regularly plummet to -3°C.

This Donegal beach is known for its clear water - hence its Blue Flag designation.

It’s a prime place to give cold water immersion therapy a go, but probably best to stick to dry land during the winter months if you’re a beginner.

The stretch of sand is found on the Rosguill Peninsula and it’s a magnet for photographers - nothing beats staring over the water to watch the sun sink behind the jagged silhouettes of the Derryveagh Mountains.

It’s also just a short walk from The Singing Pub, a cosy inn where you can warm up by the roaring fire, with a pint of Guinness sipped beneath low-slung beams.

Away from the coastline, Norway’s Lake Storsjön is a draw during the colder months.

The area known as Vinterplayan (winter beach) fills with families keen to make the most of winter sun.

Deckchairs (and blankets) are provided free of charge, and when it’s time to warm up, you can head to the lakeside Vinterbadet, to relax in the sauna, soothe aches and pains in the wood-fired hot tub and (optionally) finish with a cold plunge into the lake’s icy waters.

The entire Langeoog Island, one of the East Frisian islands found off Germany’s Lower Saxon North Sea coast, is a brilliant spot for