Winters are undisputedly lovely, to say the least! Some choose to enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, while others prefer to embrace the frigid wind during lengthy drives. Snow enchants us with its hypnotic and breath-taking beauty throughout the winter, and if you live in a warmer climate, seeing snowfall may be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Winter is generally associated with gloomy skies and runny noses, but there is a lovely aspect to the season that is frequently neglected. We're talking snow-covered Italian Alps, crystal-clear frozen lakes, and English homes that rival Norman Rockwell paintings. While we urge you to visit these places at any time of year, we won't criticize you if you prefer to meander around winter wonderlands from the comfort of your (warm) computer. So grab a mug of hot chocolate and put the summer behind you for a time.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland, surrounded by the Alps, is certainly one of the most beautiful nations in the world, no matter what time of year you visit. In the winter, though, it transforms into a winter paradise, complete with snowy ski slopes, frozen lakes, and some of the most opulent resort towns you'll ever see.
2. Russia's Baikal Lake
Lake Baikal in Siberia is the world's oldest and deepest freshwater lake, with depths of one mile and a surface area greater than Belgium. The lake becomes a snowy wonderland in the winter, with jagged ice caverns enclosing what amounts to the world's largest ice skating rink. The lake also happens to be home to the world's only freshwater seals.
3. Iceland's South Coast
On a winter vacation in Iceland, there are so many areas to visit, but we'll never get tired of the south, which has some of the most stunning sights. In the winter, Skogafoss, Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and Fjaorargljufur Canyon are all must-sees in the south. Before your Northern Lights wake-up call, you'll want to get cozy at Ranga, one of Iceland's top hotels.
4. Iceland's Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lake and its Frozen Beach are regarded as a natural marvel of Iceland, with black volcanic sands providing a striking backdrop for the pieces of ice that wash up on the beach.
5. Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming's winters are not to be missed: The mountains are blanketed in snow, elk have descended from the peaks, and the environment is serene. It's the ideal time to take in the Teton range's sights, whether on skis or from the comfort of a warm fireplace.
6. Oregon's Crater Lake
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet. It is composed completely of glacial runoff and precipitation, which accounts for its purity and strong blue hue. Outdoor winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ranger-guided snowshoe hikes are available from November through May.
7. BULGARIA, RILA
The picturesque village of Rila is worth a visit, but the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria's, and the Balkan Peninsula's highest are what you really want to see in the winter. The shot above was taken from Mt Musala, the range's highest point, at slightly under 3,000 meters. Northwestern Rila is the most frequented region of the mountain, where you can see the Seven Rila Lakes and the famed Rila monastery.
8. Paris
We adore Paris when it's hot, but under a blanket of snow and Christmas lights, the City of Light shines even brighter. What is the most magical of all? The famous lineups to enter the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are reduced to a fraction of their original length.
9. Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park
There are more than 3 million lakes in Alaska, but when it comes to Bear Lake, we have tunnel vision. The region, which is part of the Kenai Fjords National Park, is known for its huge glaciers, year-round water sports (kayaking, ice skating, dog mushing), and Northern Lights viewings from September to April.
10. Japan's Kussharo Lake
In Japan's Akan Mashu National Park, Lake Kussharo is a magnificent caldera lake. Hundreds of whooper swans go south from Russia to set up camp for the season, making the lake even more lovely in the winter.