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Top 10 countries to visit in winter

By Staff, AccuWeather

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To many, winter is the best time of the year to take a vacation. Not just because of the festivity that comes with it, but also because of the temperature. However, taking a vacation in winter will require you to have a considerable understanding of where to go and what to do. There are places with beautiful sites and temperature during winter, and they are the best countries to visit.

Finland

The beauty of Finland is what makes it quite incredible. It has a massive number of places that can be visited by tourists during winter. There are places like Rovaniemi and Lake Saimaa. The beautiful rivers and sizeable natural area in Rovaniemi make it a spot for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. In winter, it is a home for skiers and those who love snow. You can ride on a dogsled safari, learn to drive reindeer sled, cross-country skiing for miles and watch the amazing and stunning northern lights. Finland for children is the best. During winter, Rovaniemi is said to be the home of Santa Clause. The thrilling atmosphere of Christmas, coupled with the beauty of Rovaniemis’ winter makes this best tourist destination.

Lake Saimaa is a beautiful site to visit. It is a dominant lake to visit in the country. Due to enormous width, it is known as the lake of a thousand islands with an area of about 1350 square kilometers.

Red Ponies of Iceland

Photo by redcharlie

Iceland

As the name suggests, Iceland is the home of ice and the abode of beautifully vast and high seas, rivers, and streams. There are several beautiful sites and places that one can call the best places to travel. There are places like Svinafellsjokull Glacier waterfall with its lovely color. It is spectacular to watch during winter because of the beautiful snowbanks around and within it. It will also be great to visit the DC-3 plane wreck site at Solheimasandur Beach. Ever since the plane crash, people visit the site in winter to see the astonishing manner in which the snow and the plane make a beautiful and colorful combination. Another place to visit is Svinafellsjokull Glacier, which is one of the most beautiful and large glacier tongues in Europe. You can also visit Kirkju Fell and Gullfoss. Many tourists also visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula due to its beauty and an excellent spot for taking pictures and videos. Iceland is a very safe place to travel to, and there are several hotels available, where you can be comfortable.

Russia

Many tourists visit Russia for to the beauty, uniqueness, and history. However, there is another side of Russia that is equally as important, the winter side of Russia. When visiting Russia, one must have in mind that several places will keep us marveled. As the saying goes, there is no Russia without Moscow. In winter, Moscow is a beautiful sight to see. The cold is astonishing, and there are sparrow hills that will leave you surprised.

Another place to consider is the famous Lake Baikal, which for so many, is the world's freshwater lake. It is a huge tourist attraction. It is about 1600 meters in size and becomes solid in winter. It gives the appearance of clarity, just like glass.

The third vacation destination in Russia should be St. Petersburg. In winter, it can be described as a world of its own. Some claim visiting it in winter is like traveling into a Russian novel.

Canada

Canada is a beautiful and peaceful place to go to in winter. There are places like Whistler, which is a popular place for skiers. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also a place for sports. The Niagara Falls in Ontario is remarkably charming, with the falling ice in winter and the beautiful colors it displays at night as a result of the light from the city. Another excellent place to visit in Canada during winter is Quebec, which is the birthplace of the famous Quebec winter carnival. The carnival is held every February and is a beautiful place to be for you to see the culture and life. There are several hotels with elegant environment and at affordable prices.

Austria

 When visiting Austria, the first place to go should be Vienna. It is known to be the home of Christmas. The beauty of Vienna is in the music and streets as they lay side by side with snow. When considering a vacation to the rural area, there is no better place to be than Oberaichwald. Its quietness makes it a place for those who want to stay out of the noise of the city. 

It can be said that one’s visit to Austria is not complete without music. The next place any tourist should go to is the Vienna philharmonic orchestra New Year concert. The city of Salzburg is another musical city that is both known for its music and its color. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart.

Estonia

Estonia is a country with over 1500 islands and beautiful forests. The landscape, rivers, streams are the best in winter. The capital city of Tallinn can be said to have its top to bottom covered in snow. Apart from it being an ancient city and part of the UNESCO world heritage sites, it also has the best Christmas market. Another fantastic place to visit is Hiiumaa, with its beautiful beaches and lakes. The city in winter is like a paradise in white. The light that extends at night displays rainbows on the snow. It is a must-see for any tourist.

Jackson Hole, WY

Photo by Joel Holland on Unsplash

USA

The United States is not just a nation of power and economic progress, it is also a nation of exceptional beauty. Several places in the U.S. will wow even the most well-traveled tourist. One site is Whitefish, Montana. The city is filled with mountains that turn white in winter, giving the town a Hallmark Christmas movie feel. When considering a place with water, you may want to consider Lake Tahoe. The snow-covered trees can be breathtaking as they encompass the lake and mountain.

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is also a beautiful site to visit in winter as one goes through the park's underground tunnels. The beautiful landscape is also something to check out. There are other places to visit, such as Midway, Utah, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Matanuska Glacier in Alaska.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is an excellent place anyone should visit. When visiting the Netherlands, one must first consider the festivals. One of which is the Dickens Festival, which is celebrated in memory of the writer Charles Dickens. There is a re-creation of 19th-century life on the street. People dress as characters in his books to show their appreciation of his work. Every year many tourists visit Deventer for this festival.

Another place to visit is Valkenburg and the beautiful Christmas market. The place is filled with love and tourists as they visit miniature villages, sand sculptures, and Christmas stalls. Another thing to look forward to is the fairytale Christmas parade in Valkenburg. When going through the street, you will see beautiful colors the city emit and will feel the love of winter.

Norway

Norway is a country with the best sites for tourism and adventure. The first place to consider is the city of Oslo, apart from it being the capital city, there are several ice ski jumping sites. While there, you can also visit the Oslo opera house.

A trip to Norway is not complete without a visit to Bergen. Many consider it to be the second capital of the country. There are several museums and architectural structures to view. There are traditional wooden buildings that cannot be found in any other country in the world.

Slovenia

One country any tourist should not miss is Slovenia. The first place to visit is Lake Bled. Many claim it is the most beautiful place in Slovenia. First, due to its mirror-like surface as it shows the forest and mountain. During winter, a lot of people use its picture for postcards.

Ljubljana is another beautiful place to visit. Besides being the capital of Slovenia, it is famous for the Christmas market along the Ljubljana River. 

Lake Bohinj is an excellent site for any tourist to visit. It is known to be the biggest lake in Slovenia. People visit this site during winter because it reflects people's image like a mirror. It is a haven for anybody that wishes to visit.

Related:

Understanding U.S. State Department Travel Advisories
Best Time to Travel to Hawaii
Best Things to Do in New York City in December
Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve
How to Keep Your Pets Warm in Winter
How to Winterize Your Home in 5 Simple Steps
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