Winter is not a time to stay indoors and wait out the cold, it is a time to explore the icy paradise that the blistering cold brings with it while discovering a new side to summer treasures that present a chilly façade unique to this season. It is for this reason that we’ll be taking a look at Europe’s most sought-after countries as far as winter holidays go.
1. Norway
Norway, the country where the sun greets your slumber in the dead of night, hence the name “Land of the midnight sun”, is a freezing home to nature’s very own magical show: the Aurora Borealis. Better known as the Northern Lights, this is a beautiful phenomenon arising from the collision of radioactive particles whose results are a beguiling wavy skyline jotting with a mesmerizing mix of violent, green and blue among other shades. The display is especially prominent at the core of winter availing several beautiful nights to set up camp under the tent of dancing stars. The Aurora is not all that Norway has to offer, with the onset of winter revealing popular snow-laden outposts like Atlanta and Tormos as well as an expansive canvas of white for some good old skiing and dog-sledding.
2. Croatia
Croatia is known for its warm summertime adventures encompassing sailing the Adriatic and taking breaks on islands rife with endearing sands but the Balkan nation takes on a new concept of vacation when the cold grasp of winter takes hold of the country. Plitvice Lakes in the similarly named national park, for instance, is transformed into a cascading freeze of water features while the white-peaked mountains of Papuk and Mèdvednica provide endless skiing terrains. Winter also comes with the benefit of cheaper accommodation rates across the country. Winter also might be a good time to explore many apartments for sale, since winters can be cold for people not used to it.
3. Iceland
It’s not hard to see why Vikings were intent on conquering Iceland thousands of years ago as this chilly nation is a charming haven in subzero temperatures. Also boasting the Aurora Borealis factor, the “land of fire and ice” is also known for the imposing icicles of Gullfoss and Silfra’s fiery volcanic fissures that provide an oasis of hot springs across this icy desert. From whale watching to snorkeling, Iceland is the very definition of an excellent winter holiday.
4. Finland
This list would certainly be lacking if it failed to give a shout to a country where Santa Claus “officially” resides. If Christmas is among the top reasons for your winter tour, Finland goes all in during this time to provide a surreal experience that brings the reindeers and cheery stores of movies into life. The streets are sprinkled in all the festive cliché known to man with markets overflowing with Christmas goodies and bells chiming to the symphony of jingle bells.
5. Austria
Also undoubtedly deserving of a berth herein is the country that has built a name as the planet’s snowboarding and skiing central. Boasting alpine resorts and snow trails that host winter Olympics every so often, it is a country for those primarily interested in winter sporting though it conceals beautiful historical leftovers from ancient eras for those fascinated with tales of past empires.
Also undoubtedly deserving of a berth herein is the country that has built a name as the planet’s snowboarding and skiing central. Boasting alpine resorts and snow trails that host winter Olympics every so often, it is a country for those primarily interested in winter sporting though it conceals beautiful historical leftovers from ancient eras for those fascinated with tales of past empires.
A winter vacation in Europe is just as good, and perhaps even better, than a summer holiday in the continent and these five countries are excellent proof of that.