Winters usher impeccable mornings, and that’s when snow blankets cover iconic places around the globe.You can feel chills while crossing Fifth Avenue street to reach south Manhattan, and Oxford Street in London gets dusted with snowflakes, turning the city into a winter wonderland. Chilling winters of Oymyakon in Russia attract adventure freaks, and those who love to take challenges plan for expeditions like Chadar Trek to test their endurance. Whether you are interested in a leisurely winter break with your significant other or planning an amiable escape, here are the famous destinations in winter that offer unmatchable holidaying experiences to wanderers from across the world.
11 Famous Destinations in Winter
If you are planning a vacation this winter and looking for the best snowy experiences, then check out the below-mentioned famous destinations in winter across the globe:
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
A magical, almost-too-perfect-to-be-real Alpine village, perched 10,000 feet above sea level, offers plenty of snow. Some ski slopes are ideal for practising your moves, be they novice or pro. Ensconced beautifully in the foothills of the Matterhorn, this is where you can ride a ski lift or sit tight inside a serene resort and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Places to visit: The Matterhorn, Mountaineers’ Cemetery, Gorner Gorge, Sunnegga
Things to do: Skitouring, skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, sledging
Also Read: Matterhorn Mountain
2. Svalbard, Norway
Do you have a hankering for checking out the Northern Lights, do you? Why not do it in winter at Svalbard, Norway? Being the highest mining town, it is emerging as one of the best places to catch sight of Northern Lights. If you visit from November to January, you will be one of those fortunate people who can experience Polar Nights. Sometimes, the sun doesn’t rise at all, painting even the day sky in blues. If you love sleeping in a cosy place under a warm blanket, this has to be one of the best places to spend the winter months.
Places to visit: Pyramiden, Svalbard Museum, Svalbard Brewery, North Pole Expedition Museum
Things to do: Dog-sledding Northern Lights safari, Snowcat Northern Lights tour
3. Lake Baikal, Russia
Russia is known for its will-freeze-your-bones-off winters, but visiting it in this snowy weather is a treat for the eyes! Sacred Lake, or Lake Baikal in Russia, is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the world. And during the winters, it becomes completely frozen, leaving a gigantic ice rink ideal for locals and tourists to skate, sledge and snowmobile over. And if you feel a little too brave, after a few vodkas, rafting and diving are also on offer at places where the lake hasn’t fully frozen.
Places to visit: Olkhon Island, Svyatoy Nos, Listvyanka, Irkutsk
Things to do: Skating through Olkhon, attend the Ice Sculpture Festival, bathe in Mineral Springs
Related Post: Lake Baikal
4. Vienna, Austria
During winter, Vienna looks almost the same as any other major European country. But what makes it such a treat for the eyes is when the Christmas season comes into play. The colourful decorations and fairy lights, coupled with the mulled wine that makes you see the world through rose-tinted glasses, transform the city into what you might imagine Santa’s town looks like—one of Europe’s most famous destinations in winter. From skating rinks to winter fetes, from carousels to stands selling everything from hot potatoes to grilled sausages, Vienna will give you a warm feeling that will chase away the chilly winds.
Places to visit: Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna State Opera
Things to do: Visit Christmas markets, attend New Year’s Concert, visit breweries, go ice skating
5. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, where he is said to be deep in work all through the year with his elves. Plan to ride the Santa Express, which can start from the city centre. Stay in an igloo hotel room, visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, enjoy many winter sports, and much more. Here, you get to enjoy being in one of the most spectacular winter places in the world.
Places to visit: Santa Claus village, Arktikum, SantaPark, Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy
Things to do: Go on northern Lights tours, reindeer sleigh ride, husky-sledding, snowmobile ride
Related Post: Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi
6. Rjukan, Norway
At Rajukan, you can find more than 150 ice climbing trails for beginners and experts. You can also check out frozen waterfalls here, which are a natural rarity. Enjoy guided tours, or take the road-less-travelled to discover icy canyons glittering with green-blue ice when the sunlight is perfect for a day out with friends and family.
Places to visit: Gaustatoppen, The Sun Mirror, Visitor Centre Hardangervidda National Park, Krossobanen
Things to do: Ice climbing, sledging, hiking up to Gaustatoppen mountain
7. Kashmir, India
If you wish to capture the true escapades of Kashmir, then winter might be the best time for you. The weather here varies from brilliantly blue skies without clouds to dreamy swirls covering the entire valley for days. Kashmir can offer you warmth in your heart that not many home-grown winter wonderlands can. It is one of India’s best places to enjoy a white winter.
Places to visit: Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Zanskar Valley, Leh
Things to do: Go for a shikara ride & gondola ride, skiing, cable car ride, camping
Related Post: Places To Visit In Kashmir
8. Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mt. Fuji probably looks just as magnificent and statuesque in any weather, but the winters and snow make it look even more striking than usual. The snow covering its peaks seems like a soft serve spooned carefully over the sides of a waffle cone. With the air being much more precise in Japan during the winter, it becomes even easier to get a clearer view of Mt. Fuji. After a fresh snowfall, you can enjoy a few snowball fights with your travel mates!
Places to visit nearby: Kawaguchiko Lake, Houtou Fudou, Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, Fuji 5th Station
Things to do: Hiking, camping, attending Shibazakura Festival
9. Alaska, USA
Where on earth will you find more than 3 million lakes? Why Alaska, of course. And on some, like Bear Lake in Kenai Fjords National Park, you will see glaciers looming over you. You can also check out the Northern Lights here, apart from some snow sports that will ensure you are all warmed up when you go into a snack on those delicate little salmon cakes. All this and so much more makes this place one of the top destinations this winter.
Places to visit: Chena Hot Springs, Mendenhall Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kodiak Island
Things to do: Sledging, fat tyre biking, witness northern lights, snowmobiling
Related Post: Alaska Travel Guide
10. Harbin, China
With snow lasting more than six months, winter is not a season in Harbin; it’s a lifestyle. Every year, Harbin hosts the International Ice and Snow Festival, attracting adventurers worldwide. You can climb over and into gigantic ice sculptures and even hotels. Apart from snowsports like sledging and skiing, there are also other things to enjoy, like catching the fireworks display.
Places to visit: Sun Island, Yabuli Ski Resort, Harbin Ice & Snow World, St. Sophia Church
Things to do: Snow skiing, bathe in a hot spring, enjoy Chinese New Year celebrations
11. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
If you are looking for a glacier that never melts, then Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is the place to go. This glacier is growing in size as well as in reputation. You can witness the icy-blue glacier and take a boat ride to capture a closer look. It is considered one of the most famous winter places in the world. Don’t forget to encounter the thrills of a glacier cave. So, what are you waiting for? Add Perito Moreno Glacier to the list of famous destinations in winter 2024.
Places to visit: Perito Moreno National Park, Cave of the Hands, Carlos Gradin Museo de Arqueologia
Things to do: Trekking, boat ride, hiking
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Argentina
Winters bring comfort that might not be evident at first glance for some, but who’s stopping you from taking a second look or even spending some time staring in awe at the thick blankets of snow covering all that you see? Plan your next trip to international destinations and enjoy vacationing like never before!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Destinations In Winter
Which are the best winter destinations around the world?
The globe is replete with destinations you can visit during winter. Some of the best ones you can consider include Zermatt (Switzerland), Svalbard (Norway), Lake Baikal (Russia), Vienna (Austria), Rovaniemi (Finland), Rjukan (Norway), Kashmir (India), Mt. Fuji (Japan), Alaska (USA), and Harbin (China).
Are international destinations open for travel now?
Looking at the current Covid situation, most of the countries are lifting travel bans. However, before planning a trip, research wisely and stay updated with the travel advisories of the destinations you plan to visit. Make sure to abide by the guidelines and stay safe at all times during your travel.
Which are the best experiences to enjoy in Vienna in winter?
Vienna offers a plethora of experiences during the winter season. The best things you can enjoy on vacation include: 1. Go on a ring tram tour, 2. Visit several Christmas markets, 3. Enjoy a walking tour of Vienna, 4. Try ice skating at Vienna Ice World, 5. Attend a musical show or concert; 6. Spend a joyful Christmas, 7. Savour delicacies at top restaurants/cafes, etc.
Which are the significant attractions in Kashmir?
There are numerous places in Kashmir offering you to enjoy the best of the destination. Some areas that you can add to your Kashmir itinerary include Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Leh, Doda, Kargil, Pulwama, Yusmarg, Patnitop, Baltal, Amarnath, Aru Valley, and more.
How many days are enough for a Tasmania trip?
A trip of 4-5 days is enough to witness the best of Tasmania. During your trip, you can visit several tourist attractions and also indulge in activities without rushing.
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Loves coffee, overthinking and procrastination; in that order. Loves to read any sort of fiction; and non-fiction only if its about travel, especially if they are witty! She sums up her life in journeys, and decides if the year was good or bad based on how many trips she had that year.
