While the weather is undoubtedly chilly during the winter months, it’s also one of the most beautiful and magical times of the year.
There are a number of stunning places that you should consider visiting during this time of year, if you’ve finally managed to get a few days off.
Here’s a list of 5 beautiful destinations to bulk out your travel bucket list this winter.
Prague
The ‘City of a Thousand Spires’ is world-renowned as a beautiful winter destination. With its spectacular architecture, archaic history and snow-covered buildings, Prague is definitely a destination that you need to add to your bucket list this winter.
There’s plenty of classic Czech cuisine to enjoy that’s sure to warm you up during the cold spells. After indulging in a hearty dish of soup or stew, make sure to head to Prague Castle where you’ll get to admire the beauty of the largest castle complex in the world. It will also be the perfect place to warm you up, and you can take a good wander around and enjoy the views of the snowed-in river and bridge.
The buildings in Prague are entirely unique and offer plenty of stunning photo opportunities, especially from the top of the castle, as well as while walking across Charles Bridge. Prague is an absolute haven for history buffs as well, and there’s so much for you to see, do and explore while in Prague.
Tallinn
The medieval town of Tallinn in Estonia is considered to be beautiful regardless of the time of year, but it really comes into its own during the winter months.
Estonia’s long winters mean that Tallinn offers visitors the most beautiful snow-covered scenery. Make sure to take a leisurely walk around the fortified area of Toompea and remember to stop off for a warming winter dish.
Tallinn is also home to a Gothic Town Hall, a historic main square that’s glorious to explore, as well as plenty of ancient churches and gorgeous cafes and shops. You’ll also be prone to plenty of excellent photo opportunities while in Tallinn as everywhere you look, you’ll be greeted with truly stunning scenery. The old buildings, castles and town squares all contribute to the unique beauty of Tallinn.
Lapland
Lapland is a place that’s synonymous with beautiful winter destinations. Home to our beloved Santa Claus, Lapland is a stunning place to visit at all times of the year. However, it is best visited during the winter months, when the nearness of Christmas will truly spark your imagination, and have you planning out your gift list.
You’ll get to interact with Santa’s reindeer, enjoying husky and reindeer rides as well as visiting Santa’s workshop where all the Christmas magic happens. If you ever wanted to come here as a child, you can now make that wish happen for yourself, and you can instantly feel younger and lighter on your feet.
You can also enjoy various winter activities in this beautiful destination, including skiing, hiking and snowboarding. If you prefer the less adventurous winter getaway, head to one of the stunning log cabins where you’ll get to tuck into various hot beverages and delicious wintery treats. And just taking a walk in the snow will do wonders for your health and stamina.
Lapland is also a perfect place to get a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights which is sure to be an experience that you’ll never forget. Just make sure to look for a clear night, and turn your gaze upward.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada and is located in the Rocky Mountains. The stunning mountain peaks, gorgeous glacial lakes and the snow-capped towns and villages make this a truly beautiful winter destination to add to your bucket list.
The entirety of the park spans over 6,641 square km, and is home to some of the world’s most impressive lakes, mountain ranges, glaciers, ice fields and stunning forestry; plus, so much more! If you are even a bit of a nature lover, this could be your ideal getaway!
You can enjoy a plethora of activities in Banff National Park, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking and even camping! It’s one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a winter break as you’re sure to find it covered in snow, accompanied by the most wonderful views.
There are even horse-drawn sleigh rides, glacier skywalks and plenty of lakeside excursions for you to enjoy while visiting Banff National Park. Just make sure to judge your stamina level correctly, and don’t take on a hike you can’t master.
Neuschwanstein Castle
The incredible 19th-century palace is thought to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles –one that has become so iconic both on screen and in Disneyland.
Residing in Bavarian Germany, the Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute dream to visit during the winter. The idyllic setting of the castle makes it such a fairytale place to visit and it’s clear to see why it was the inspiration for Walt and his stories.
The surrounding forest is smattered with snow during the winter, giving it an even more ethereal and magical feel! It’s also one of the most visited castles in the whole of Europe so make sure you don’t miss out this winter and get yourself to one of the most spectacular castles in the world! You can truly feel like you’ve walked into a fairy tale while there, which is not something you can say for many other places in the world.
The world is home to so many beautiful winter destinations that you should add to your winter bucket list, so it can be very hard to narrow it down to just a few.
Whether you enjoy a sleigh ride in Lapland while enjoying the magic of the Northern Lights or you pretend to be a princess at Neuschwanstein Castle, you’re sure to have the most beautiful and memorable winter break!
