Where will you be celebrating New Year's Eve?
If you're planning an InterRail trip in Europe at the end of this year, you'll want to choose a memorable place to welcome in 2012! Read our suggestions of Europe's New Year's Eve hotspots that you can visit by train with your InterRail Pass. Which city will it be?
London
Join the crowds gathering along the South Bank of the Thames, as you wait with suspense for the eruption of one of the world's most spectacular firework shows. After Big Ben has chimed midnight, the display explodes over the London sky for ten minutes with around a quarter of a million people in attendance. A unique way to experience this special night is aboard a party boat, taking you from Festival Pier all the way to the Thames Barrier and then back to Big Ben for the new-year crescendo. You can then continue the night in one of London's top bars or clubs. Many places are ticketed, so you'll need to book in advance for the best places.
Berlin
New Year's Eve or Silvester as it is known to the German's (in celebration of St. Sylvester) is one huge party in Berlin. The main focal point is around Brandenburg Gate, attracting over a million party revellers. You'll be wowed by impressive light and laser shows, a massive firework show and a decent line-up of well-known bands and musicians. For a literally mind-blowing experience, make your way to Berlin's longest bridge, Oberbaumbrücke for New Year's chaos. Be prepared for firecrackers and fireworks coming at you from ever which way – not advised for those with a nervous disposition! However, the cobwebs of the old year will be blown right out of you! Party animals won't be short of marathon party opportunities. The Berghain and Panorama Bar is the place to go for techno-lovers. The former power plant, houses a minimalistic interior and perfectly demonstrates Berlin's underground scene of concrete, steel, hedonism and endless partying.
Edinburgh
Join the Scots in Edinburgh for a good ol' four-day knees up to welcome in 2012. The New Year's assault begins two days before the end of the year and carries on through to 2nd January. On New Year's Eve, thousands of people descend upon Edinburgh's streets to breathe in the electric atmosphere of the Hogmanay Street Party. Enjoy the annual Hogmanay Concert, held on an outdoor stage in West Princes Street Gardens. This year Scottish alternative rockers, Primal Scream will be gracing the stage! As the clock strikes midnight, Edinburgh Castle becomes a stunning backdrop as the firework show illuminates the city's skyscape. Simultaneauosly, locals and visitors alike will break into song with the yearly (drunken) rendition of Auld Lang Syne, linking arms for the final rapturous verse. On New Year's Day, if you're feeling fit (and slightly stupid) take part in the Loony Dook, which involves stripping down to your swimming costume or ridiculous fancy dress (preferred!) and running into the freezing waters of the Forth Estuary. As a reward afterwards, you can fill up on a warm Scottish breakfast (think bacon, sausage and eggs!) followed by your first beer of the day!
Prague
Prague is guaranteed to light up your New Year's Eve celebrations. Book a ticket for one of the city's popular party boats; float along the Vltava river as you enjoy great food, drinks music, plus enviable views of the midnight firework display. Alternatively, if you don't mind being in the midst of it, join the large crowds gathering in the Old Town Square and welcome the New Year in with a bang – the Czechs love setting off their own fireworks so you've been warned! Charles Bridge is another great spot to watch as the New Year explodes across the background of this enchanting city. Spend the rest of night crawling the city's inexpensive bars and clubs.
Amsterdam
There are a number of great spots where you can get sucked into the buzzing atmosphere of Amsterdam's Oudjaarsdag (Old Year's Day), including Museumplein, Rembrandtplein and the Leidseplein. Parties start on the streets with people wrapped up warm and nibbling on Oliebollen – traditional dough balls covered in icing sugar. To welcome 2012 in with a bang, head to Magere Brug on the Amstel river to watch as the pyrotechnic show lights up the city. There are parties galore across Amsterdam that will keep you up all night, including dress-up parties with 80's disco, and a good selection of house and techno. Get tickets in advance to avoid being left out in the cold. The Netherlands has its own New Year's Day dip – the largest and most famous is in Scheveningen. Join the crazy Dutchies as they surge into the biting North Sea!
