Winter is only exciting for people who love to hit the slopes or indulge in adrenaline-inducing activities in the snow. Others will play with snow for a bit, enjoy it, and then retire into their cozy blankets with cocoa by the fireplace. For adrenaline junkies, winter paints a perfect landscape with thrilling undertakings. But that isn’t to say that we muggles can’t enjoy the cold season.
Yes, the season’s icy grip offers us gloomy skies and runny noses, but it also brings us pristine frozen lakes, and English cottages set against a perfect winter backdrop that could be your rom-com like The Holiday, ski vacations, and stunning European Christmas markets. To inspire you to get out of your sweats and into the beautiful white world, here are the 15 best winter wonderlands from around the globe. These are the finest places to enjoy your winter vacation.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
One of the most stunning winterscape, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO-protected village in central Japan. Tucked into the mountains like real-life snow globes, the village is worth visiting year-round. But during the cold months (from December until March), Skirakawa-go becomes a winter heaven, especially after freshly fallen snow.
The World Heritage Site has over 40 inns and guesthouses built in gassho style or traditional Japanese architecture. Shirakawa-go is a serene and untouched hamlet that still retains its old-world charm. It is surrounded by towering peaks and crisscrossed by gentle streams that draw people year-round.
Lapland, Finland
Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland is a scarcely populated area known for its widespread subarctic wilderness, ski resorts, and natural phenomena that include the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. It is one of the best places in the world to see, especially during winter.
Lapland offers experiences like snow buildings such as igloos and ice saunas, snow hotels, and the popular Lainio Snow Village. You can stay at imaginative lodging in rooms and suites made of ice, or eclectic cabins with private hot tubs. The region turns into one of the most idyllic winterscape where you can experience the most northern experience, including a reindeer sleigh ride or sleeping under the Aurora Borealis in a bubbled sled.
The Dolomites, Italy
One of the most breathtaking places on the planet, the Dolomites are impressive year round but they become heavenly during the cold months. The majestic mountain range has something to offer everyone whether you are an avid sports enthusiast, photographer or a nature lover. The towering mountain peaks and narrow valleys brim with stunning views at all times of the year.
You can access the region via public bus, train, or bus tours. Or you can plan a day road trip from Venice on the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, which is one of the world’s most beautiful alpine drives. You can explore Lake Braies; Alpe di Siusi or Seiser Alm, the biggest plateau in the region; towering Cinque Torri Mountain group that looks like a small castle; or visit the most picturesque town of Santa Magdalena.
Cotswolds, England
Cotswolds is one of the best places to visit in England all year round. But in winter, the region, classified as an ‘area of outstanding natural beauty,’ becomes ethereal with frost-kissed landscapes, quaint towns, and charming villages twinkling with lights.
If you want an unperturbed country vacation, the region has cozy pubs, a flurry of winter events, and stunning landscapes to offer. This winter wonderland is one of the most picturesque places in the UK and looks straight out of a painting with its chocolate-box villages, undulating hills, and cozy country pubs.
Lake Minnewanka, Canada
The glacial Lake Minnewanka is located in the eastern part of the Banff National Park, offering epic views of the Canadian Rockies. For anyone who loves pristine natural views, this lake is a must-see in the winter.
It is also a popular destination in the winter for activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter walking, and even viewing the northern lights if the weather conditions are optimal. The emerald lake is about five kilometers northeast of the Banff townsite.
Switzerland
It may sound too much on the nose, but Switzerland is surrounded by the Alps and is one of the most beautiful places in the world, regardless of when you plan to visit. In colder months, however, the country transforms into a winter wonderland. There are tons of activities to do for adrenaline junkies including hitting the powdery ski slopes, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and exploring the frozen lakes.
St. Moritz is great for winter sports and admiring the breathtaking scenery. Davos, the highest town in Europe, is a winter sports hub with a large ski area and mountain views. Zurich, on the other hand, lets you explore many ski regions nearby and cultural activities in the city. Moreover, there are many winter festivals that you can enjoy during your visit. Interlaken Town and Grindelwald Village are perfect for traditional and quaint places in the country.
Hallstatt, Austria
European villages are possibly the most stunning things humankind built that preserve their old-world charm without losing relativity in the modern world. Austria’s Hallstatt village is on Lake Hallstatt’s western shore in the mountainous Salzkammergut region. The village is lined with 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways dotted with cafes and shops.
It is a charming space where you can set up a base and explore the Echern Vallery glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall. It simply looks like a postcard town. The snowy mountains and candlelit eateries are perfect to enjoy during winter without the crowds of tourists.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is blessed with astonishing beauty. It’s like a slice of heaven placed between the wooded hillsides of Jelovica and Pokljuka, the mountain peaks of the Julian Alps with Mount Triglav, and the Karawanks. The region is picturesque and turns into a frozen wonder in winter.
You can explore the church-dotted islet, and castle, and go boat riding in the pristine waters if not frozen. You can take a six-kilometer lap around the lake or enjoy a horse carriage ride soaking in the views. If the lake is frozen solid, you can cautiously skate or walk on the lake’s surface.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
When you think about vacation, the Arctic Circle may not top or be on your list. But this pristine region is less crowded, free of light pollution, and offers natural beauty in all its glory. Norway’s Lofoten archipelago is blessed with dramatic vistas, surrounded by fjords, islets and towering mountains. You can enjoy views of Himmeltindan Mountain on Vestvågøya Island, along with Lofotr Viking Museum which has a Viking longhouse reconstruction.
During the winter, the region turns into a glorious landscape. You can go on snowshoe hikes, winter kayak tours on the fjords, and wildlife safaris out in the sea. There are many former fishermen’s huts turned into cozy cottages on the islands for visitors. Many fishing villages like Henningsvær have colorful buildings lining their waterways. The best part? You get to enjoy the stunning Northern Lights all the time when you are there.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
One of the best biodiversity hotspots in the US, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is much more enjoyable in winter due to lesser crowds. The Teton Range gets blanketed in snow and wildlife ventures out for food and water as a peaceful lull falls over the landscape. It may not suit many people, but this is the best time to explore this winter wonderland.
There are numerous activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or riding a fat bike on powdery snow, that can be undertaken here. Or you can go ice fishing and horse riding in the park. And if you are lucky, you could get a glimpse of a Moose, elk, bison, wolves, trumpeter swans and other local wildlife.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the best places to visit during winter, the 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle sits on a rugged hill at the foothills of the Alps in southern Germany. It is in the Swabia region of Bavaria and offers a magical winter wonderland experience as the Bavarian landscape transforms into a frozen beauty. It almost creates a fairytale-like atmosphere.
The best part about visiting this picturesque location during winter is that you encounter smaller crowds and incur minimal traveling expenses. Since there is less tourist activity this time of the year, you get to enjoy the castle and the small town of Schwangau at its foothills in full festive décor without bumping into the crowd.
Bergen, Norway
Another Norwegian location, Bergen city sits on the country’s southwestern coast surrounded by mountains and fjords, which includes Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest. The city is an amazing place to explore during the colder months.
You get to enjoy Bryggen, a series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings lining the side of the harbor in the city. Take the Fløibanen Funicular up to Fløyen Mountain for stunning views and hiking trails. Or visit the Edvard Grieg House of the famous music composer. You can also watch the dancing Aurora Borealis.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital city of Slovenia is a real-life setting for a fairytale with its breathtaking castle, city cathedral, and even better architectural monuments in the historic old town. The small town offers a magical Christmas if you happen to visit around that time. There are many winter activities as well including ice climbing
You can explore the castle perched atop a rocky cliff with a network of secret tunnels. Take a stroll down the beautiful town and snaking Ljubljanica River. The entire setting is so enchanted that it looks like straight out of a book. The best part is that you can explore and sightsee the entire town in a long weekend, making it a perfect winter getaway.
Also Read: Best Christmas Airbnbs in the US for a Picture-Perfect Holiday
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen is one of the most famous ski spots in America. The mountain town is nestled amidst four monumental ski areas. The Roaring Fork Valley becomes ethereal in the winter. Aspen offers a powdery playground for skiers and snowboarders while simultaneously providing fun for all ages such as tubing and snowcat escorts for fireside dinners at the mountaintop.
The ski resort town is also known for its amazing restaurants and boutiques. Aside from playing in the winter landscape, you can enjoy Aspen’s museums as well.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Loch Ness and Outlander fans will appreciate this winter wonderland more than anyone. You can explore the UK’s largest National Park in Cairngorms. The Scottish Highlands are a wonderful winter destination. You can explore local castles and stay at the Fife Arms, a former Victorian coaching inn in the town of Braemar.
Inverness is another amazing place to see in the Scottish Highlands. It is perfect for nature lovers with many cycling and hiking trails running along canals, lakes, and forests. The city center has Victorian-era marketplaces, a cathedral, and museums.
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