Chasing Winter: The Best Place To Visit This Winter
For those who love the magic of winter, there’s nothing quite like embracing the cold and escaping to a destination where crisp air, snow-dusted landscapes and cosy evenings are all part of the experience. From fairytale European cities and charming alpine villages to spectacular Nordic wildernesses and icy adventures beneath the Northern Lights, winter offers some truly unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of festive city breaks, scenic snowy escapes or once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventures, discover our pick of the best places to visit this winter for a holiday filled with seasonal charm, breathtaking scenery and plenty of winter magic.
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Lapland, Finland
best for: magical winter wonderland
Finnish Lapland is a magical winter destination, offering snow-covered forests, husky sledding, reindeer safaris and the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky. Visit Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, for festive experiences and enchanting winter activities, before heading to Ruka for excellent skiing, scenic slopes and a charming alpine atmosphere. Whether you're seeking adventure on the pistes or cosy evenings in a log cabin, Finnish Lapland is the perfect destination for an unforgettable winter escape.
Best time to visit: December - March
Hotel Recommendations:
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Rovaniemi
Tromsø, Norway
best for: the northern lights
Tromsø is a spectacular Arctic destination surrounded by snow-covered mountains, dramatic fjords and beautiful winter landscapes, making it one of the best places to experience the magic of winter. Visit between Nov and March for the chance to see the Northern Lights, enjoy sledding and embark on unforgettable whale-watching excursions . With its excellent restaurants and charming Nordic atmosphere, Tromsø is the perfect blend of Arctic adventure and city escape.
Best time to visit: November - March
Hotel Recommendations:
Zermatt
best for: classic alpine scenery
Zermatt, Switzerland, is a picture-perfect winter destination nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn, offering spectacular alpine scenery, charming wooden chalets and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. Renowned for its world-class skiing, visitors can enjoy pristine pistes, scenic mountain railways and breathtaking panoramic views across the snow-covered Alps. After a day on the slopes, unwind in a traditional mountain restaurant or indulge in après-ski in this elegant Swiss resort.
Best time to visit: January - March
Hotel Recommendations:
Reykjavík
best for: dramatic winter landscapes
Reykjavík, Iceland, is a wonderful winter escape, combining colourful Nordic streets, cosy cafés and geothermal hot springs with some of the world's most dramatic natural landscapes. Venture beyond the city to discover spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand beaches, or join a Northern Lights excursion in the hope of seeing the aurora illuminate the night sky. With its unique blend of Arctic adventure, Icelandic culture and welcoming city charm, Reykjavík is perfect for an unforgettable winter getaway.
Best time to visit: December - March
Hotel Recommendations: