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In winter, there is so much more to do than just winter sports. Experience winter in a completely different way than you might be used to. The world is full of fun and unique winter experiences. Discover the Northern Lights in Scandinavia, the frozen waterfalls in Plitvice Park in Croatia or go to fairy tale Estonia. We are happy to share 8 unique winter destinations with you, for an unforgettable holiday.
1. Enchanting Vienna
During the colder months of the year, Vienna is best known for its classic European charm. The beautiful architecture, church towers and the famous Danube River look like they were made for this season.
Wander around one of the various Christmas markets in the city. There's no better way to discover the local culture than by eating, drinking and making your way through the festive stalls. Enjoy the countless stalls, not to mention the ice skating rink.
Stay at the Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol, for the perfect location. You will find almost all sights within walking distance.
2. The Northern Lights, a fantastic phenomenon
The pictures from the books of the green light on the horizon. Everyone has seen them pass by, the northern lights. No one wants to miss this natural phenomenon, which is why many people have it on their bucket list, and we understand that better than anyone. You can spot the Northern Lights in Lapland when it is dark.
The winter months are the best period for this, because the days are short, and the nights are long. Many of us therefore assume that the months of November, December and January are the best to spot the most beautiful version of the Northern Lights. But we can tell you that is not the case, it is in September and March. The days around the equinox (every year around September 22) are statistically the best days of the year to see the Northern Lights. Also, the month of March is statistically a good month. In this period there are relatively many eruptions of the sun and the chance of seeing the northern lights is high.
Stay at the Northern Lights Village Saariselkä to complete your experience.
3. Estonia under a blanket of snow
Estonia is simply beautiful in winter. Cold temperatures and a white blanket of snow certainly make the country a winter wonder paradise. You can visit different places when you are in Estonia. For example, you can go to the capital Tallinn, where you can enjoy high churches and their beautiful views. Start your route through the capital in the square next to the Town Hall, which used to be the center of medieval Tallinn. Make your way through the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Otepää is also called 'the winter capital'. You don't have many mountains and opportunities for skiing in Estonia, but there is one place to have winter fun, that's here! It is a bit of a drive, but then you have something.
Step into the world of luxury at Swissôtel Tallinn, the city's tallest building, with commanding views of the Old Town and the Baltic Sea.
4. The Dolomites for winter sports enthusiasts
The beautiful rocky peaks of the Dolomites, a thick layer of snow and a clear blue sky is surely the best combination for a winter sports holiday. It is an excellent opportunity to deviate from the usual destinations such as Austria and France.
The area is a must for both skiers and non-skiers. Skiing in Val DI sole: the valley of the sun or enjoying the wellness, it is all possible. You will find few bars here full of partying people. What you do find a lot here are wellness resorts where you can get acquainted with Northern Italian cuisine. That is certainly not a punishment, because the food is delicious.
You can book your stay at the comfortable luxury Hotel Bellevue Suites & Spa. From here you can do everything on foot, what more could you want!
5. An unforgettable train journey through Switzerland
When the first snowflakes fall, Switzerland slowly turns into a magical winter paradise. A unique way to view the snowy landscape is from a train. Winding past atmospheric villages and impressive mountains, where you always enjoy a new view.
The Glacier Express is a legendary train ride, which begins in the chic mountain town of St. Moritz and crosses the Alps. During this 8-hour journey, you will drive through 91 tunnels and cross 290 bridges. You can also opt for the Bernina Express. UNESCO has declared this railway a World Heritage Site. The highlights of this trip are: the Landwasser Viaduct, the Bernina Pass and the Spiral Viaduct.
You can stay in the city center of Zurich, at Storchen Zurich - Lifestyle Boutique Hotel. From there you can easily go to the boarding point of the trains.
6. Reindeer Safari in Lapland
Reindeer and Lapland are inextricably linked thanks to the Sami. Traditionally, the reindeer have played an important role in this culture. The reindeer roam free most of the year in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway. You can see them everywhere along the way.
During the reindeer safari, you form a real team together with the animal. You sit in the sleigh behind the reindeer, and you make sure that he follows the correct course. Take an unforgettable ride through the snowy forests and let yourself be taken through a winter wonderland that you normally only see in photos.
Combine your safari with a stay at the Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, and experience the interior too!
7. The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia
Plitvice is the oldest national park in Croatia. Many tourists visit the park in the spring, summer or fall. But what few knows is that the park turns into a white world in winter. In this part of Croatia the temperatures can go well below zero and there is also snow. As a result, the 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls are covered with snow and ice in the winter. And that is breathtakingly beautiful.
The park is partially open in winter and accessible from one entrance. There are no tourist trains running at this time of year, and the boats only sail from April. The advantage of a winter visit to this special place is that it is still very quiet, and the tickets are cheap, converted around 4.50 euros.
Hotel Jezero is located in the heart of the national park and only 300 meters from the largest lake, Kozjak.
8. Dog sledding on the Swedish lakes
Sweden's most adventurous winter destinations can be found in the province of Dalarna. The characteristic red stugas (houses) here stand out beautifully against the white, snow-covered landscape.
How wonderful would it be to admire this area from the sled? Definitely worth it in our opinion. You feel the power of the dogs pulling the sled through the white surface at a considerable speed. And don't forget that when you're on the sled, you're actually gliding across Sweden's lakes.
Combine your trip to the Swedish Lakes with a visit to Stockholm, which is about a five-hour drive away. Then stay at the NOFO Hotel, BW Premier Collection.
Book your flight to one of these unique winter destinations via Flightgift.
