Yep, the salt they use to de-ice the roads is really bad for bikes. I once wasted a chain in almost no time, that especially seems to hate salt! But bikes in general do not have the same level of corrosion prevention as cars do, so all visible parts are in danger of at least losing their shine. Would be wise to wash the bike thoroughly after each day.. probably won´t happen during a trip, though!
Once rode down from north Germany to Spain in mid-November, and then came back early February. Both times it was do-able, no snow or ice on low-lying areas (in the daytime at least)... but very, very cold, foggy, and miserable. Looking at the news, I wouldn´t even try that right now, it does look pretty wintry also in Central Europe (though not like in Helsinki, we´ve got around half a meter of the white stuff here!!)
Winter over there doesnt usually last very long, but for the moment, I´d stay somewhere warm, and follow the forecasts. If you absolutely must ride, then try to do that only in the daytime, even though it is a bit short. Darkness & ice on a bike is a very scary combination!
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