Embrace The Magic: The Best Places to Visit in Winter 2026

Winter transforms the world into a crystalline wonderland where snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights and cosy fireplaces create some of the year’s most magical travel experiences. Rather than escaping wintery weather, celebrate the season’s unique beauty through snow-dusted mountains, frozen fjords and charming villages that seem lifted from fairy tales.

The best places to visit in winter are those that embrace the seasonal landscapes and winter cultural traditions. From the dancing Northern Lights above Scandinavian landscapes to steaming hot springs nestled beneath snow-capped peaks, our recommended winter travel destinations provide authentic experiences that reconnect travellers with nature’s most dramatic seasonal displays and related culture.

Winter’s Transformative Appeal: Creating the Best Memories

Cold weather creates unique opportunities for experiences that are impossible during other seasons: think dog sledding across a frozen wilderness or sipping mulled wine in centuries-old Christmas markets illuminated by twinkling lights.

When recommending the best places to travel in winter, we’ve considered everything from outstanding natural beauty, winter-focused cultural heritage, and of course luxury accommodations that provide warm refuges for relaxation between winter adventures. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway or your annual winter family vacation, these carefully selected destinations are sure to leave you with uniquely magical seasonal memories.

Norway: Aurora Borealis and Arctic Majesty

Norway is one of the best destinations in Europe in winter, thanks to its spectacular combination of natural phenomena, pristine wilderness and sophisticated Nordic hospitality. The country’s dramatic fjords become even more breathtaking when framed by snow and ice, while the famous Aurora Borealis dances across dark winter skies in displays that leave observers speechless. Traditional Norwegian winter culture embraces the season through outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and reindeer sledding, so you’ll have plenty of things to keep you busy.

Bergen is Norway’s perfect winter gateway, where historic charm meets modern comfort in a setting that captures Scandinavian winter at its most accessible and refined. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront provides stunning backdrops for winter photography, while the nearby fjords offer opportunities for snowy cruises beneath dramatic rocky scenery. You’ll enjoy perfect combinations of outdoor adventure and indoor cultural exploration thanks to the traditional fish markets in the harbour, cultural institutions showcasing Nordic art such as the Bergen Kunsthall, and inviting cafés with seasonal delicacies—we love Bakeri 29 by the fortress. February also sees the Winter of Soul festival returning to the city, following the success of last year’s events.

Bergen Harbour Hotel serves as an ideal gateway to these snowy fjord cruises and winter lights experiences, providing elegant accommodation that makes the most of the city’s waterfront location. The hotel’s sophisticated amenities offer perfect opportunities to unwind after exploring the snow-covered landscape. The dependable concierge team will be happy to arrange authentic Norwegian winter outings for you too: from hunting tours in Aurora-spotting locations, to curating your experience of winter festivals that celebrate art, music and food.

Canada: Wilderness and Wellness in British Columbia

Canada’s reputation for exceptional winter experiences reaches its peak in British Columbia, where snow-capped mountains provide world-class skiing alongside luxury spa resorts. The province’s diverse winter landscape encompasses everything from pristine wilderness areas—perfect for snowshoeing and wildlife viewing—to charming mountain villages with authentic local hospitality.

British Columbia’s unique appeal lies in its ability to combine thrilling winter sports with therapeutic wellness experiences, such as the natural hot springs that provide soothing relief after a day of skiing or hiking through the snow-covered landscapes. The region’s commitment to sustainable tourism also ensures that winter activities preserve the area’s natural beauty, while also providing unique encounters with Canadian wilderness and First Nations cultural traditions that have celebrated the winter season for thousands of years.

Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort exemplifies this perfect balance of winter adventure and wellness luxury. Positioned near excellent snow trails as well as offering direct access to therapeutic thermal springs, this luxury accommodation is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery that you just can’t help stopping to stare at. Among the finest winter resorts in Canada, this property’s comprehensive amenities support active winter holiday travellers as well as those seeking more of a restorative spa retreat. It’s perfect for a winter weekend getaway or a whole week stay, where you want to try a little of everything.

Germany: Storybook Villages and Christmas Magic

Each year, Germany transforms into a winter wonderland where regional Christmas markets, storybook architecture, and traditional culture create some of Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations. The country’s diverse regions offer distinct winter experiences, from fairy-tale castles dusted with snow, to stunning ski resorts, and traditional Alpine villages where life has continued largely unchanged for generations. Wherever you are in the country, German winter culture celebrates the season through elaborate Christmas markets, traditional crafts, and seasonal cuisine that highlights regional specialities developed over centuries of cold-weather living.

The Allgäu region represents Germany’s winter appeal at its most concentrated and authentic. Located at the far south of the country in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, and bordering Austria, Allgäu’s mountainous landscape is home to stunning villages, modern skiing facilities and some of the finest luxury accommodations in southern Germany. Wherever you look, you’ll be met with snow-covered meadows, traditional chalets, and dramatic peaks that create awe-inspiring backdrops for your winter activities. Local highlights include cross-country skiing, downhill sledding, the Hohenschwangau and the Neuschwanstein castles, and winter specialty dishes that will warm your soul.

bigBOX ALLGÄU Hotel in Kempten positions guests perfectly for exploring this winter paradise, with convenient access to premier ski resorts and winter trails whilst providing contemporary comforts and events at the bigBOX centre. Combining traditional German hospitality with modern luxury, the hotel is ideal for cultural tours and winter ski trips thanks to its proximity to the event hall hosting opera and dance performances, the best winter sports destinations and other local attractions.

Sweden: Scandinavian Style and Hygge

Sweden epitomises Scandinavian winter elegance through its sophisticated approach to cold-weather living, where design excellence and natural beauty combine to create uniquely stylish winter experiences. Swedish winter culture embraces the renowned hygge philosophy through cosy gatherings, traditional crafts and seasonal celebrations that transform long winter nights into opportunities for connection. The country’s famous commitment to design and innovation extends to winter activities and accommodations that provide supreme comfort whilst maintaining a connection to the season’s natural beauty.

Stockholm showcases Swedish winter at its most magical and luxurious, where historic architecture provides stunning settings for snowy city exploration alongside award-winning cultural institutions like ArkDes. Sophisticated dining spots can be found in all the central neighbourhoods, from the wood-panelled glamour of Pelikan in Södermalm to the cosy Copine by Jim&Jacob in Östermalm. The capital’s archipelago becomes particularly beautiful during winter months, when ice formations and snow-covered islands create completely different landscapes that are accessible through winter boat tours and ice-skating adventures.

Hotel Kung Carl is perfect for a stylish winter retreat in the heart of Stockholm, combining Swedish elegance, an on-site jazz club, and views over the surrounding streets from the rooftop terrace. For a sophisticated winter getaway, this immersive hotel provides a central location to support you in exploring the local cultural hotspots, as well as offering curated enhancements for all kinds of winter escapades.

Switzerland: Mountain Magic and Swiss Luxury

When it comes to Switzerland, luxury alpine winter experiences are defined by the dramatic mountain scenery, world-class skiing facilities, luxury shopping, and sophisticated hospitality. Over the years, the country has set international standards for winter tourism excellence. The country’s diverse regions offer everything from Alpine countryside to cosmopolitan resort towns, where luxury amenities complement the natural mountain beauty.

Lugano presents a unique Swiss winter experience where the beauty of the Alps meets Mediterranean sophistication, thanks to its location on the border with the Italian Lakes region. For a distinctive winter vacation that combines snow sports with international cultural exchange, Lugano offers elegant urban amenities, theatre and dance at the LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), and attractions that showcase Swiss–Italian heritage through art, architecture, and shared culinary traditions.

Villa Sassa offers serene luxury accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and Lake Lugano. This hotel’s sophisticated spa facilities and elegant rooms create perfect locations for you to unwind in-between winter outings. The team are also well versed in arranging curated experiences to suit your interests, from scenic excursions around the region, to recommendations for local cuisine, through to snowsports activities that will satisfy even the most discerning of winter travellers.

Your Winter Adventure Awaits

These great places to visit in winter all offer transformative experiences that celebrate the unique beauty and cultural significance of cold weather months. With this winter travel inspiration under your belt, you’re ready to start planning your next adventure and looking forward to authentic experiences on your winter holiday break.

Explore WorldHotels properties in the best winter destinations today and discover your perfect cold-weather escape.