9 Underrated Winter Destinations Around the World
Avoid the holiday crowds but keep the holiday spirit at these quieter seasonal alternatives.
The holiday season is a magical time when charming villages come aglow with fairy lights and you can explore the snowy countryside by ski, snowshoe, or even one-horse open sleigh. Unfortunately, many A-list winter wonderlands are overrun by visitors at this time of year, putting a damper on your Yuletide cheer. So, instead of heading to a famous holiday hotspot, get your festive fix in one of these lesser-known wintery destinations across the globe, each of which offers postcard-perfect snowscapes without the tourist throngs.
Murmansk
Russia
Most people flock to spots such as Reykjavik, Tromso, and Rovaniemi come winter to experience the arctic atmosphere and spot the northern lights, but Murmansk and the surrounding Kola Peninsula bordering Finland is an equally dazzling (and chilly) viewing point. The largest city in the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is an ideal jumping-off point for Aurora Borealis–hunting expeditions, as well as dog sledding adventures and day trips to the nearby slopes for skiing and snowboarding. You can even visit traditional Sami villages and connect with reindeer herders to learn about their Indigenous culture.
Transylvania
Romania
Soak up the alpine atmosphere without having to take on the crowds in the Alps by adventuring instead to Transylvania in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Thick pine forests covered in snow, medieval towns surrounded by steep slopes, and imposing castles overlooking the quiet valleys form a timeless backdrop for snowshoe hikes and wildlife tracking expeditions to spot signs of the local wolf and bear populations. Venture into gorges and canyons to marvel at some of the most spectacular winter scenery in Europe and be sure to visit Transylvania’s headliner: Bran Castle, legendary home to Vlad the Impaler who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Tatra Mountains
Slovakia and Poland
Slovakia’s majestic Tatras include more than 300 peaks in the highest stretch of the Central Carpathian Mountains and its UNESCO-listed Tatra National Park is thick with beech and spruce woods, spectacular glacier lakes, and world-class hiking and skiing in the High Tatras. Explore this dramatic alpine landscape on snowshoes, by husky sled, or horse-drawn sleigh — you may spot bears and other local wildlife along the way. You can also take a winter dip in natural hot springs, hop on a scenic train to Strbske Pleso, or ski down the exhilarating slopes in some of Slovakia’s top resorts.
Want more underrated winter destinations? Head to Viator for the full article.
Author: Rebecca Winke
Rebecca’s first visit to Italy was a coup de foudre and her affection for Il Bel Paese has only grown over almost 30 years of living here, during which time she has mastered the art of navigating the sampietrini cobblestones in heels but has yet to come away from a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with an unsullied blouse. She covers Italy travel, culture, and cuisine for a number of print and online publications.
