Updated May 29, 2020.
Cooler temps are here and winter’s a-comin’! If you know me at all, you know I’m a displaced island girl, but sometimes even a summer lover gets a hankering for a frolic in the snow! Here’s a quick run-down of some of the best snowy, wintery places I’ve visited that I can highly recommend to you!
1. Switzerland
Switzerland is no secret winter playground–it’s a popular winter destination! Whether you want to see fairytale-style villages covered in snow, snowboard down the Matterhorn, or marvel on the Glacier Express, Switzerland is truly a winter wonderland!
Check it out: Ultimate Guide to Snow Hiking in the Alps
2. Washington, D.C.
I may be a bit partial, having lived here almost 10 years, but winter is, in my opinion, the best time to visit D.C.! If you haven’t already, check out my D.C. in Winter post to find out exactly what there is to do. The crowds are lighter, everything is open, and it’s absolutely stunning if you’re lucky enough to be here when we get a big snow! Best thing to do? Bundle up and walk the monuments and memorials!
Related: D.C. Tours You Never Knew You Could Take
3. Montreal, Quebec
When my husband asked where I wanted to go for Valentine’s Day weekend last year, he was shocked when I mentioned Montreal! I may not love cold for no reason, but there is something cozy and romantic about being somewhere historic and lovely in the snow. Carriage rides, fondue, and knowing everyone there knows what to do in the snow (unlike points south where everyone just freaks out!) were all tons of fun!
Keep reading: Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Montreal
4. Iceland
Iceland is such a hot destination right now, and has been for a few years. And it’s easy to see why! Long days in the summer mean lots of time to explore, but long nights in winter make for a perfect opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis! And don’t worry, there is enough daylight to get some epic exploring done during the day! Like the hike to the crashed DC-3 plane:
More here: Road Tripping Iceland’s South Coast
5. Alaska
Ready for a true adventure? Head up to the Last Frontier–Alaska! In just a week I got to go hiking, ice climbing, ice skating, rappelling, cold weather camping, eating Alaskan Salmon, and even try my hand at flying a 2-seater plane! Here I am learning to ski. Check out the unbelievable backdrop!
Keep reading: 10 Reasons to Visit Alaska in Winter
6. Norway
Hoping for Northern Lights? Head up to Tromso. Want a scenic train ride? Take the Norway in a Nutshell trip from Bergen to Oslo! Want to feel like you’re in Frozen? Stay in Bergen for a couple of days. Just bundle up!
Check out more on our Scandinavia Page!
7. Liechtenstein
I’ll be quite honest: we loved little Liechtenstein! Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, cozily set among the Alps, this tiny country boasts some of the friendliest people, most stunning views, and a real castle to boot! We only spent a couple of days here, but I’m ready to go back and spend a week. Skiing, snow hiking, and more await you in this most adorable of principalities my friends!
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Liechtenstein
What’s your favorite winter destination, and what makes it worth visiting? Tell me in the comments section below!
And for more winter travel tips, take a look at the Seasons Section on my Travel Tips Page!
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