The best off-season destinations, according to Interrail travellers

Narvik, Norway 

The stunning landscape in northern Norway is amazing, in every season. From Narvik, you can travel easily to Lofoten or Tromsø.  

— Lucas 

Poland 

It has always felt magical to travel through Poland in February: the deep snow, the trains that still manage to get through the snow, eating a warm khachapuri. I'll never forget the memory of sitting in a warm train and gazing at the snowy landscape.  

— Martin 

Côte-d'Or, France 

Only in autumn, away from the crowds, just after the grape harvesting season can one truly understand why it is called Côte-d'Or. 

— Nico 

Italy 

We used Eurail to travel to Italy in February of 2024. It was an absolutely magical trip. We stayed a month in Florence exploring the Tuscany region, then went to Munich, Salzburg, and Wiesbaden. Being able to travel by train from London to Florence allowed us to see so much beautiful countryside, and we especially loved the transition from the rugged, snow-covered mountains in northern Italy to the golden beauty of Tuscany. 

— Shadra 

Scottish Highlands 

There are several superb rural rail routes through gorgeous mountain scenery, sometimes with tantalising sea views thrown in. We took a slow train through mid-winter snow to Arisaig and alighted there to find a welcome from seals basking in December sunshine on the beach. 

— Nicky 

Málaga, Spain 

During the off-season, Málaga has a mild climate, plenty of sunshine, few tourists, and no waiting times to see the sights. And of course, the trains are less crowded in winter. 

— Valentin 

St. Moritz, Switzerland 

We had a lovely time in St. Moritz in the middle of May. There were no crowds, snow-capped mountains, and we had the Bernina Express and Glacier Express for entertainment. 

— Stephen 

Ireland 

I cherish wandering through Ireland in its mist-veiled winter, where wild seas kiss the rugged coast beneath storm-laden skies. 

— Ilenia 

Netherlands and Italy 

Italy without the crowds is great in the off-season, and the weather is much better in winter in many places. Flowers at the Keukenhof Gardens are wonderful from mid-March to mid-May. 

— Jerry 

Algarve, Portugal 

In February and November, the Algarve offers balmy air, mild temperatures, and empty beaches. Catch a morning sunrise at your hotel or the evening sunset at Cabo de São Vicente (the southwestern-most point of Europe). Visiting this place feels refreshing, without being overwhelmed by mass tourism or hot temperatures. 

— Kevin 

Brno, Czech Republic

Every second year we attend the Janáček Brno Festival. It is generally in October or November, sometimes going into December. I love the cold weather, and sometimes our trips coincide with Christmas markets. 

— Eric

France and Spain

The weather is generally mild in October/November, and there are not so many tourists, because schools and universities are back in session.  

— Gisela

Paris, France  

I have been to Paris twice, both times in late autumn. It was still fairly busy in Paris's hotspots but it was not overwhelming. I loved Paris' rainy streets, and being able to walk around without masses of people limiting where I chose to go.  

— Maddie

Switzerland and Italy

My wife and I went to Switzerland and Italy with the Eurail Pass in March/April 2025. Though it was considered off-season, we found it to be perfect. We are planning to visit Belgium, Netherlands and Germany in March/April 2026 — it will be exciting and fun. 

— Raj

Denmark

I love Denmark. There are fewer queues in winter, and travelling with the Eurail Pass makes trips easier, with more seats available during the off-season. Day trips into Sweden or even Germany are easy to do as well. 

— Jeffrey

Seville, Spain

Sevilla in October is not too crowded, it’s easy to find good accommodation in the city centre, and weather conditions are usually perfect at 20-25°C. It has a wonderful atmosphere.

— Bernhard

Rome, Italy

In October, I went to Rome with a group I initially didn't know. However, I had the best time getting to know everyone along the way. The city was so beautiful, I ate so much pasta, and the weather was still so good.

— Sophie

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

I usually go to Amsterdam in January during the Amsterdam Light Festival. As the sun sets, the canals turn to a magical art gallery of dancing lights. During the day, I enjoy walking along the beautiful streets. Without the huge tourist crowds, you get to feel the city more.

— Kaan

The Baltics

The nature is breath taking — not so many mountains, of course, but the forests and swamps are totally enchanting. It's fairytale-level excitement you feel, and when visiting during winter or fall, you can truly see the seasons change.  

— Rebecca

Ticino, Switzerland

The beautiful lakeside towns of Locarno, Ascona, and Lugano are amazing without the crowds — especially the colourful houses of Ascona.

— Odin

Athens, Greece 

I stayed in Athens for my Erasmus from February until June. Especially until the end of May, it was less crowded, so I had the chance to enjoy a lot of places, like the Acropolis,  without having to wait in line for hours.

The climate is much warmer and more comfortable than in most European countries during the off-season, and it is not as hot and dry as it is in summer. Even if it is cloudy, nearly every day the sun will come out for at least for one or two hours. 

— Geko 

Nice, France 

In Nice, there is everything you could wish for: a beautiful beach, nice places for a walk, stunning views, the typical Mediterranean feeling of "savoir-vivre" and so many places to explore, like the old town, the harbour and a lot of museums.

In summer, Nice is quite crowded, but when you travel in spring, you have all to yourself! And it's so much more affordable!  

— Sarah 

Germany 

Germany in the off-season is underrated. Fewer tourists, cosy towns, and it’s way cheaper than in peak season. Christmas markets in late fall are the best! 

 — Vivek 

Barcelona, Spain  

Although it's never off-season when it comes to Barcelona, I really enjoy less crowded streets, the Mediterranean sun, and the playful architecture of the city.   

— Banu 

Sicily, Italy 

The amazing history, nice temperature, not too many tourists, and above all Mount Etna. 

— Margreet 

Carcassonne, France

In the autumn, without the crowds, this is a magical place. We had perfect weather — sunny but not too hot.

— Gail

Northern Italy

My girlfriend and I went to Lake Como in early spring last year, and it was the most mesmerizing and heavenly place we have ever seen.

— Bartek

The Greek Islands

Greece is simply beautiful, but sadly, during high season, it is also very crowded. But during the off-season, the sights are as beautiful as they are during summer. And the prices are more affordable, especially for students like me.

— Isa

Spain, France and Italy

During the spring of 2012, at age 60, I went on a Eurail trip from London from Rome via Florence, Marseille, Barcelona and Paris. I travelled alone and had an amazing time. There was beautiful wisteria in Barcelona, in particular. No crowds and great accommodation in hostels all the way.  

— Priscilla

Edinburgh, Scotland

I visited Edinburgh at the beginning of the year and totally fell in love with it. The city has such a unique vibe — full of history, beautiful streets, and this magical atmosphere. It's the perfect place to wander around and get lost in.  

— Maja