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There is just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special.
Carol Rifka Brunt, American Writer
When you think of winter travel, what comes to mind? Do you see yourself jet-setting off to a warmer location in search of sand and sun?
If so, consider this: winter travel doesn’t have to be about escaping the cold. You can embrace it and have a snowy adventure that’s sure to create some of your favorite memories.
Not only does winter travel permit you to avoid the usual tourist crowds, it’s a time when popular destinations transform into magical wonderlands and offer experiences you simply cannot find in other seasons.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a beautiful place to unwind, these unique winter activities and destinations should be at the top of your winter travel list.
Unique Winter Activities Around the World
Winter is a time to try something different — something you might not find on a typical vacation itinerary. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best winter activities around the world, complete with recommendations on where to stay to make the most of your trip.
Stroll Through a European Christmas Market
There’s something timeless and enchanting about wandering through a European Christmas market. Twinkling lights, artisan crafts, the smell of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts . . . there’s nothing more festive than this. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or simply soaking in the ambiance, these markets are the epitome of winter magic.
Christmas Market | Old Town Square, Prague
Prague, Czech Republic: The red roofs of Prague make this city a particularly charming place to get into the holiday spirit. Wander through Old Town Square, where the Christmas market is set against the backdrop of Gothic Baroque architecture. Don’t leave without trying trdelnick, a chimney-shaped pastry with sugar and nuts.
Where to Stay: You’ll want to pair your Prague market adventure with an equally majestic home base. Consider the luxurious Almanac X or the elegant Mandarin Oriental, both located in the heart of Prague.
Gingerbread Stall | Nuremberg Christmas Market
Nuremburg, Germany: Famous for its Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg’s market is filled with one of the oldest and most traditional in Europe. With 180 wooden stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers and the city’s signature gingerbread, you’ll have plenty to peruse while savoring a steaming mug of mulled wine.
Where to Stay: Book a stay at the charming Karl August hotel, a modern retreat in the heart of the city. From here, it’s easy to explore the market stalls, festive decorations, and all that Nuremberg has to offer.
Hotel Bristol | Vienna
Vienna, Austria: Vienna has several Christmas markets, all a blend of old-world elegance and festive charm. The most famous is the Vienna Christmas Dream at Rathausplatz, where the Gothic-style City Hall sets a stunning backdrop for over 150 stalls offering handmade crafts and seasonal treats like hot chestnuts, strudels and fragrant mulled wine. Glide across the ice-skating rink or listen to live carolers beneath the sparkling lights when you’ve finished shopping.
Where to Stay: Enjoy a stay at the sophisticated Rosewood Vienna, the cozy-yet-luxurious The Guesthouse Vienna, or the historic Hotel Bristol (one of my favorites), all offering easy access to the city’s enchanting markets.
Viking River Cruise Ship | Budapest (Danube)
Viking River Cruises: What could be more magical than cruising through snow-covered Europe? How about a Christmas market river cruise like Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine, Christmas on the Seine, or Danube Christmas Delight? Cruises like these allow you to visit multiple markets while cruising through some of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Imagine exploring a market in the morning, and then watching the snow-covered countryside drift by from the comfort of your cabin.
Go Ice Wine Tasting
Ice wine is a rare and decadent treat, made from grapes harvested at freezing temperatures. This unique process concentrates the flavors, resulting in a wine that’s rich, sweet, and perfect for sipping by the fire. Where’s the best ice wine?
Purs Hotel Wine Tasting Room | Mosel Valley
Mosel Valley, Germany: Nestled along the winding Mosel River, this region’s steep, terraced vineyards are home to some of the world’s finest ice wines. Visit during the winter harvest season to see frozen grapes being carefully picked and transformed into sweet, concentrated vintages bursting with flavor. Tour the cellars, sample a variety of ice wines, and learn about the unique winemaking process that makes this region so special.
Schloss Leiser | Mosel Valley
Where to Stay: Enjoy a castle-like experience at the Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection, a beautifully resotred manor offering sunning river views and easy access to nearby wineries. Or, opt for the intimate and charming Purs Hotel & Restaurant, where personalized service and gourmet dining make it the perfect place to savor the flavors of Mosel’s wine country.
Vineyard on Keuka Lake | Finger Lakes, New York
Finger Lakes, New York: California isn’t the only intriguing wine country in the United State. The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its cold-climate wines, and its ice wines are a standout. In the heart of winter, the vineyards become a serene landscape and create the ideal backdrop for ice wine tasting. Here you can enjoy guided tasting along the eleven unique Finger Lakes, explore vineyard trails and cozy up by the fire with a glass.
The Inns of Aurora | Finger Lakes, New York
Where to Stay: Rustic charm meets refined luxury in the Finger Lakes. Book a stay at The Lake House on Canadaigua to enjoy stunning lake views and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Or, stay at The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, where you can combine wine tastings with wellness activities, guided winter hikes, and even cooking classes.
Gear up with Unique Winter Sports
Want an action-packed winter holiday? Think beyond the traditional ski and snowboarding resorts and try out a new thrilling winter sport.
Reindeer Sledding
Dog or Reindeer Sledding: Imagine gliding through a snowy landscape, pulled by a team of energetic huskies or graceful reindeer. For this quintessential Arctic experience, head to Tromso, Norway (and stay at the stylish Moxy Tromso). For a similar experiece closer to home, head to Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and fat tire biking across the Grand Tetons.
Guided Glacier Treks | Sheldon Chalet | Denali National Park
Guided Glacier Skiing & Treks: For a true backcountry adventure, guided glacier skiing and trekking in Alaska offer breathtaking views (and a powerful adrenaline rush). Stay at the remote and exclusive Sheldon Chalet, perched on a glacier in Denali National Park. It doesn’t get more wintery than this!
Heli-Skiing: If you’re a thrill-seeker, heli-skiing should be at the top of your list. Head to Iceland and stay at Eleven Deplar Farm where you get access to the untouched powder fields by helicopter and return tothe luxurious lodge for apre-ski relaxation.
Spend a Night Igloo Camping Under the Stars
Igloo Camping at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort | Lapland, Finland
For a truly magical winter experience, igloo camping offers the chance to sleep beneath a canopy of stars. And, if you’re lucky, you may even sleep under the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines the thrill of Arctic exploration with the comfort of modern design, making it an ideal way to experience the rugged beauty of the far North.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland: Located deep in the heart of Lapland, Kakslauttanen’s iconic glass igloos offer panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness. Watch the Northern Lights dance overhead from your heated glass dome. Or bundle up for an adventurous day of reindeer sledding, ice fishing, or a visit to Santa’s home nearby. With the option of larger Kelo-Glass igloos, featuring private saunas and fireplaces, you’ll have the perfect balance of rustic coziness and modern luxury.
Wool Sock Nature Walk | Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland: For a different take on igloo camping, head to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. Each stylish cabin offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the snowy forest. Set high on a hilltop, the hotel’s igloo-inspired suites are designed to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the winter landscape. After a day of dog sledding, wool sock nature walking or snowmobiling, return to your snug hideaway and watch the sky light up in a dazzling display of colors.
Art Suite | Icehotel, Iceland
Icehotel, Iceland: For a more traditional igloo experience, try the famous Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi. Here, every suite is sculpted from snow and ice. You’ll even snuggle up in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed made entirely of ice, surrounded by intricately carved ice art and softly glowing lights. You can explore the breathtaking frozen landscapes, take part in a guided igloo-building workshop, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or try your hand at ice sculpting.
Cold Plunge & Sauna Experiences
The invigorating tradition of alternating between a cold plunge and a hot sauna is practiced around the world, particularly in Nordic countries. This contrast is said to have numerous health benefits, from boosting circulation to relieving stress.
Blue Lagoon | Iceland
Iceland: Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is more than just a geothermal spa. It’s an otherworldly oasis set against a dramatic volcanic landscape. Get ready to soak in warm, milky-blue waters surrounded by snow-dusted lava fields. The mineral-rich waters are known for their healing properties, making it the perfect spot to unwind and rejuvenate. After a relaxing soak, take a quick dip in the cold plunge pool to invigorate your senses and experience the traditional Icelandic approach to wellness.
Seljandsfoss Waterfall | Umi Hotel Experience, Iceland
Where to Stay: Book your stay at the nearby Umi Hotel, nestled along the South Coast of Iceland. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea. It is the perfect peaceful retreat after a day of geothermal spa hopping. With easy access to other natural wonders like Seljandsfoss waterfall and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, Umi is an ideal base for exploring Iceland’s geothermal beauty while enjoying a serene and comfortable stay.
Wyoming, USA:For a Western take on cold plunge therapy, head to Wyoming. Here, you can unwind in a private sauna before taking a brisk plunge into a frigid mountain stream. The contrast of hot and cold stimulates circulation, boosts energy, and leaves you feeling revitalized.
Patio King Room | Brush Creek Ranch
Where to Stay: Whether you’re looking to ease sore muscles after a day of snowshoeing or simply want to indulge in a mindful wellness experience, Brush Creek Ranch offers the perfect setting. Choose from upscale lodge rooms, private cabins, or luxe glamping tents. All options have easy accessibility to the ranch’s extensive spa and wellness services.
Bask in the Beauty of the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list trip for many of us, and the next few years are expected to offer some ideal viewings. For the best chance of seeing this phenomenon, travel to high-latitude destinations during winter.
Arctic Bath Spa | Sweden
Sweden: Experience the Northern Lights in a truly unique way by staying at one of Sweden’s most iconic winter retreats. Arctic Bath, set on the Lule River, offers a floating spa surrounded by water. It freezes over in winter creating a magical setting for watching the lights above. Relax in the open-air hot tub, take a cold plunge under the stars, and enjoy holistic spa treatments.
Iceland: Iceland is another popular destination for Northern Lights seekers. Located in the heart of Southern Iceland’s countryside, Hotel Ranga is a remote oasis without the light pollution of larger towns. Prepare for unobstructed views of the aurora borealis on clear nights, as well as stargazing from their observatory. In the daytime, explore Iceland’s other natural wonders, like the Hekla volcano or the famous Golden Circle.
Finland: For an unparalleled view of the Northern Lights, we’re heading back to the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland. Their signature glass igloos will give you a front-row seat to the shimmering light show while you stay warm and cozy inside. During the day, venture out on husky safaris, snowmobile tours, or even try your hand at ice fishing.
Ready to Embrace Winter’s Wonders?
While you may be missing the summer, there are endless opportunities to explore the world in ways that just aren’t possible in the warmer months.
From festive Christmas markets and thrilling winter sports to cozy wine tastings and rejuvenating spa experiences, there’s something magical waiting for every kind of traveler. So, why trade in the beach towel for a pair of snow boots and make this winter one to remember?
I can’t wait to help you make the most of this winter. Reach out today to start planning your unique winter activities and destinations.
