From Japan to Finnish Lapland to Oregon, these winter getaways are anything but gray.
Whenever the first flurries of winter begin to fall, you might start to daydream of breaking out your skates, witnessing the aurora-lit skies of Lapland, and cozying up in English cottages that look like they belong in storybooks read beside a log-burning fireplace. The next time you find yourself yearning for the joy of a snow day, we invite you to plan an impromptu trip to explore Europe’s best Christmas markets or ski the Swiss Alps—places where winter is anything but gray. From Oregon to Japan, here are 21 gorgeous winter destinations filled with ice and snow that are sure to inspire your next trip.
Lake Minnewanka, Canada
Banff National Park has no shortage of beautiful lakes (Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are standouts), but we love the glacial Lake Minnewanka. Located in the eastern part of the park, its epic views of the Canadian Rockies should not be missed.
Switzerland
Surrounded by the Alps, Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world, no matter when you’re visiting. Come wintertime though, it becomes a veritable wonderland, with powdery ski slopes, frozen lakes, and the most luxurious resort towns you’ll ever see.
Harbin, China
Every January in northern China, upwards of a million tourists flock to an attraction unlike anything else in the world: a temporary city made entirely out of ice. The annual Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival has taken place since 1963, covering some eight million square feet with frozen, LED-covered skyscrapers, palaces, and sculptures.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The 611-foot-tall Multnomah Falls flows through Oregon’s lush Columbia River Gorge like something out of a fairy tale. The double cascade has been known to freeze over during extremely cold weather, offering one of the most unique views in the Pacific Northwest.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, and probably one of the most idyllic winter scenes you’ll ever come across. There aren’t many places where you can visit Santa Claus, take a reindeer sleigh ride, or sleep under the Northern Lights in a bubble sled—but Lapland offers all three.
Vienna, Austria
Visitors are particularly fond of the Austrian capital in the winter when you can double down on hot chocolate and Sacher torte, listen to classical holiday concerts, and Instagram Schönbrunn Palace and St. Charles Church covered in snow.
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are the cozy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area’s powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s most beautiful alpine drives—and a perfect day trip from Venice.
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Ask anyone who’s been on an Alaskan cruise and they’ll tell you: Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of the entire state. Spanning one million acres, the park is one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet—expect to see whales, moose, wolverines, mountain goats, and grizzly bears among the 100+ pristine lakes.
Tromsø, Norway
Located 217 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the destination for travelers looking to spend winter at the top of the world. Famous for its midnight sun during the summer months, don’t forget that the Norwegian town also experiences polar night, where sunlight is extremely limited, from late November to late January. These unique conditions make for prime viewing of the Northern Lights, and winter is also the best time of year to watch humpback whales at the fjords, stay in an ice hotel, and dash through the powder on a dog sled.
Blue Pond, Japan
The Japanese island of Hokkaido is a poster child for natural beauty, with its volcanoes and lakes becoming even more stunning come wintertime. One notable example is the Blue Pond, whose protruding trees and azure waters really know how to work those layers of ice.
Hallstatt, Austria
Its lakeside views and 12th-century buildings make Hallstatt one of those postcard-pretty towns. Visit during the winter, and you’ll get to enjoy the snowy mountains and candlelit restaurants without the hordes of tourists.
Antarctica
There are few places (if any) more stunning than the world’s southernmost continent. Although 99 percent of Antarctica is covered with ice, the landscape still manages to be incredibly diverse: surreal blue glaciers, active volcanoes, the rough waterways of the Drake Passage, and 360-degree views of untouched snow. And those views are made even better when an emperor penguin or humpback whale makes an appearance.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
With its church-dotted islet and waters begging for rowboat rides, it’s no wonder Lake Bled is one of the most popular destinations in Slovenia. The site gets even more postcard-worthy when the surrounding Julian Alps become covered with snow and a fog settles over the lake.
Prague, Czech Republic
Known for its historic pubs and incredible Baroque architecture, Prague somehow becomes even better in winter. Even the most jaded travelers will find warmth in the city’s Christmas markets and mulled wine.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Just off Norway’s northwestern coast, the Lofoten Islands have clear blue waters that rival the Mediterranean, craggy mountains that rival Iceland, and enough edgy museums and fishing villages to rival…well, just pick any Scandinavian hot spot. Yet while Lofoten’s sites may draw some comparisons, the beauty here is truly unparalleled: Think colorful fishing villages, majestic fjords, and tons of opportunities to see the Northern Lights in the winter.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
The glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach are considered a natural wonder of Iceland, with black volcanic sands providing a stark backdrop for the chunks of ice that wash ashore.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein famously served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. But unlike the royal home in Anaheim, this clifftop structure gets to transform into an ethereal snow castle during the Bavarian winters.
Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mt. Fuji is easily one of (if not the) most beautiful places in Japan. Whether you see it framed with cherry blossoms in the spring or capped with snow and mist in the winter, the 12,388-foot mountain will absolutely leave an impression.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
The 16 terraced lakes of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park are connected by waterfalls and vary in shades of blue, resulting in something that defies the imagination—especially when the falls freeze over.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital city is a real-life fairytale setting, come sunshine or snow flurries. Book a trip after the holidays, when you’ll have tons of room to stroll the pedestrian-only Old Town and sip coffee by the riverside cafes.
Yamanouchi, Japan
This town in the Japanese Alps is known for its many historic hot spring resorts, such as Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen, that date back to the country’s Nara period, over 1,300 years ago. Kicking back to relax and rejuvenate in the natural springs is not just for Yamanouchi’s human settlers: The destination is equally known for its population of Japanese Macaques, or snow monkeys, which gather around to bathe in Jigokudani Monkey Park.
CN Traveler by Kat Chen and Caitlin Morton, October 28, 2024
