Winter can be a magical time for those brave enough to take the cold head on. There’s just something about powdery white snow and rosey faces hiding behind thick scarves and silly jackets that make you quickly forget about the warm days of summer. Here are some noteworthy places to see during the coldest days of the year.
When in Denmark during the winter, head on to the ski slopes of Hedeland where you’ll find its largest alpine skiing facility. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to ski, beginners are always welcome as Hedeland offers ski training for newbies. And when you want to take a break from the cold, head on to the clubhouse to warm yourself with delicious food and drink.
Tivoli Gardens is a leisure and theme park in Copenhagen, and is the biggest tourist attraction in the city. Winter and autumn would be the best times to visit the park which holds over 27 rides like roller coasters, bumper cars, as well as kiddie rides, and hosts over 300 concerts a year for everyone to enjoy. Every corner is picture perfect, so don’t leave your camera at home!
During winter, many ice skating rinks pop up around Denmark. One of the most interesting ones is Peblinge Lake as it freezes enough to become an outdoor sledding and skating park. And the best part? It’s open to the public, free of charge!
Could there be anything more beautiful than Norway’s northern lights? There aren’t a lot, thus making chasing this stunningly beautiful phenomenon a must-have in anyone’s bucket list. The lights are best viewed between October and March in the cities of Alta and Tromso.
The city of Alta, Norway isn’t at all touristy and can be a very intimate hideaway for families or couples in search for winter activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Imagine yourself dog sledding in Tromso, the largest town in Northern Norway. The cold wind in your hair as you mush towards the sunset. Or channel your inner Santa Claus and go reindeer sledding instead!
Skiing originated in Norway and is no doubt the best place to lace up a pair of skis. Experienced skiers can hit the steeper slopes, while beginners can take a leisurely sightseeing ski session along the flat snow-covered fields.
Every winter when it is cold enough, the Ice Hotel in Sweden is given new life by commissioned artists who painstakingly craft each room. With each room treated as a piece of art, this world famous hotel doubles as one of the world’s biggest ice and snow exhibits. If living like an eskimo in a cold room isn’t for you, the Ice Hotel offers warm rooms as well all year round.
Take a picturesque cruise in subzero temperatures along the frozen rivers of the Swedish Lapland in their renowned ice breaker cruise and finally live out your dreams of becoming an arctic explorer!
True to its name, there is nothing in this world quite like Iceland and its glaciers. Explore and marvel at their beauty by going on a frozen glacier hike or go ice caving. Make sure you book in advance though as these activities are quite popular during the winter!
Go on a winter adventure of a lifetime by going snowmobiling across the icy tundras of Iceland. Be sure to bring your driver’s license with you, as only those with valid licenses will be allowed to operate a snowmobile.
One of Japan’s biggest winter festivals is the Hokkaido Snow Festival which is held every February. The whole capital is illuminated in dazzling Christmas lights and is fitted with giant snow sculptures of anything your mind can conjure.
There are three main sites to visit during the festival, namely Odori Park, Susukino Site, and Tsudome Site. These places are filled with lots of winter activities like ice skating, snowboarding, and snow sliding, and food stalls to keep visitors’ tummies warm and jolly.