All across Europe, from Bruges to Copenhagen to Zurich, snow and ice are the protagonists, and white is being worn by cities, towns and villages. Picturesque scenes from the fairytale land of Bavaria, or monumental cities such as Vienna and Tallinn, are made still more beautiful by a covering of snow. The wonderful natural landscapes of the north, frozen city canals and lakes are all worthy of picture postcards. For skiers, skaters and photographers, there's a special attraction, of course. Winter breaks are fun, but maybe you don't fancy travelling if the weather may cause hold ups, so we've brought the European winter to your screens. And it's clear that the colour of the season is white.
On the South Bank, the London Eye dominates London's skyline, dwarfing even Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament across the Thames
The snowy mountains of Germany are a must in winter for skiing enthusiasts
The fairytale castles and villages of Germany offer an unforgettable sight in the snow
In Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle, built by Ludwig II, was the inspiration Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland
The city canals that have earned Bruges the nick-name of 'the Venice of the north' often freeze solid in winter
In the Belgian city of Bruges, ice skating is a popular winter activity
Copenhagen, the Danish capital, hasn't escaped the snow
This icebound boat gives some indication of how cold it's been in Denmark
Snowmobiles are a great way to get around the forest tracks and roads that link Lapland across the north of Finland, Norway and Sweden
The archipelago of Gothenburg, Sweden, comprises around a hundred islands whose main communication is by boat and ferry
The Old Town of Tallinn, capital of Estonia and European Capital of Culture this year, is picturesque at any time, but especially so under a covering of snow
The remote Spanish town of Teruel, with its mix of architectural styles, is hot in summer and very cold in winter
The Tiergarten, one of the 'green lungs' of Berlin, is located in the heart of the city and the perfect place for a stroll through the snow
Vienna's Schonbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' summer residence, is spectacular in winter
The Swiss city of Zurich, one of the world's main financial and cultural centres, isn't immune to the winter weather
