Bregenzerwald, Austria

The Zermatt of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is the Bregenz Forest. You have a good chance of spending a lot of time alone enjoying this winter beauty because there are several kilometers of paths available. This is the ideal location for stargazing and night walks because of the clean air and clear skies.

In fact, the region is well-known for its full-moon snowshoeing excursions into the forest and its Damüls "cuddle path". A romantic five-kilometer journey is more enjoyable at night. Start at the public house Zum Glöckle and continue past colorful wooden huts to the Alpe Unterdamüls hut. Although the hut isn't open during the winter, the nearby country inn and restaurant are a great place to stop for a cup of hot chocolate on the way. A simple stroll across the powdery snow is made possible by the endless starry sky. The Bregenz Forest's Au and Bezau towns provide quick access to ski trails, sledding, sleigh rides, and winter hiking. When you need to escape the chilly weather, there are also lots of indoor activities available, such as visiting art galleries, museums, and shops featuring local handicrafts.