10 Underrated winter destinations around the world
Ten Underrated Winter Destinations Around the World
It’s still winter in many parts of the globe, and instead of feeling stuck inside, why not embrace the winter chill and all the fun activities it can provide? Each of these destinations might be considered “underrated,” but they all have one thing in common: longer winters mean better attitudes towards the cold season, which means more opportunities for fun! Continue onward to learn more about some of these awesome destinations, courtesy of Viator, that might not be top-of-mind for many, but should be this year, especially for winter lovers.
Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk, Russia is the largest city closest to the Arctic Circle, so you can rest assured that residents know how to make the best of the dark days and snowy weather. Bordering Finland, travelers here can enjoy dog sledding adventures and day trips to traditional Sami villages, where they can learn about reindeer herding. It’s also a great, lesser-known destination from which to view the stunning Aurora Borealis.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region and offers some of the best attractions the far north can offer. Between visiting reindeer farms and watching the gorgeous Aurora Borealis, travelers can eat in a restaurant carved entirely from ice and can even meet Santa Claus and his elves at the Santa Claus Village, making it a fun destination for the whole family, especially during the holidays.
Transylvania, Romania
Most recognized for the home of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous historic figure that inspired the fictional character of Dracula, Transylvania is also a great winter weather destination that offers less crowds than the Alps. The Carpathian Mountains offer charmingly hidden medieval towns, thick pine forests and castles that tower over the landscape, offering beautiful winter scenes. Travelers to the region can enjoy taking snowshoeing tours around the countryside, sighting wolves and even a bear or two! Another great attraction is, of course, Bran Castle, the home of Vlad the Impaler.
Tatra Mountains, Slovakia and Poland
In Slovakia and Poland are the less recognized but no less incredible Tatra Mountains, composed of over 300 majestic peaks that offer great opportunities for skiing and hiking within the UNESCO-recognized Tatra National Park. Here, thick forests combine with the mountains and glacial lakes to offer a pristine outdoor paradise. Travelers can explore by snowshoe, husky sled or even a horse-drawn sleigh! A scenic train winds through the land to Strbske Pleso, one of its most beautiful lakes, while other areas of the national park offer hot springs in which to soak out sore muscles.
Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is a city located on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and it’s become notable in Asia for the ways it’s embraced the winter season and all its activities. The city even hosts a dazzling annual Snow Festival each February! From November through April, the city and its outskirts is covered in snow, offering incredible skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Visitors can visit some of the city’s biggest winter attractions, like Shirohige Falls or the Aoi Ike pond, which both freeze over in the winter. After a day of exploring in the cold, travelers can soak in a nearby hot spring, or onsen.
Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa, Vietnam isn’t known as a traditional winter destination, but rather a summer destination. Home to verdant terraced mountain peaks and cloud-shrouded temples, this northern Vietnamese destination takes on quite a different atmosphere when it’s covered in a blanket of snow during the winter. Travelers looking to visit the destination for cheaper should visit during the winter months, when hiking through the region becomes quieter and even more meditative.
Yongpyong, South Korea
Yongpyong Resort is South Korea’s most famous ski destination, having hosted the downhill slalom events during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Located within the Baekdudaegan Mountains, Yongpyong offers a ski season from November through April, ensuring great weather throughout the season. With more than thirty slopes, as well as lifts and even a gondola ride, travelers can enjoy all the winter activities they desire, both active and more relaxed.
Banff, Canada
Banff National Park is spread out over 2,500 square miles, offering a perfect socially distanced excursion destination in which to experience the wildlife, awe at the mountains and explore via snowshoe or even horse-drawn sleigh. Attractions such as Lake Louise, the Athabasca Glacier, the Johnson Canyon and the Icefield Parkway are especially fun to experience during the winter. After a day of exploration, travelers can check into one of Lake Louise’s luxurious lakeside resorts and hotels to thaw out.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is getting more popular each year. It’s popular for its active winter adventures within the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, which can be explored with a group tour or excursion, or with your own travel group. Snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling are just some of the fun and active winter experiences in the region, where it can snow over 500 inches a year!
Seneca Falls, New York
The town of Seneca Falls, New York celebrates the winter and its holidays with charm, offering an It’s a Wonderful Life Festival each year, complete with some of the best holiday experiences, like caroling, bonfires and wagon rides. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, it’s also home to a wine culture that’ll ensure a fun, cozy winter holiday for even the most indoorsy traveler.