Winter travel is not as popular as summer travel. But there are cities that acquire special magic and charm during the cold season. Visiting some of these places in winter can be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Photo: Cesar I. Martins from Jundiai, Brazil / Wikimedia Commons
Remember the castle from Disney's Sleeping Beauty? It was the fabulous majesty of Neuschwanstein that inspired Walt Disney to create it.
The construction of Neuschwanstein Castle was personally directed by King Ludwig II. It is surrounded by picturesque forests covered with snow in winter. Once here, you can also visit the village of the royal castles of Hohenschwangau, where the family home of King Ludwig is located, taste the traditional local dish Kaiserschmarrn and wash it down with aromatic hot chocolate.
2. Ohrid, Macedonia
Ohrid is known as a great place for sunbathing and swimming. But the city is no less charming in winter, when its narrow streets are covered with snow.
A small cozy settlement located on the shores of Lake Ohrid and consists of traditional Ottoman houses and Byzantine churches. There is nothing better than enjoying a Macedonian breakfast and strong local coffee on a snowy morning.
3. Brasov, Romania
Tourists love Brasov more than any other place in Romania. There are many reasons for this. Brasov is a classic small town that still retains the spirit of 13th century Transylvania.
From here you can easily get to the mountainous Carpathian region and the Bran Castle, which keeps many legends about Dracula. The picturesque streets of snow-covered Brasov are becoming homely cozy. In addition, nearby is the Poiana Brasov resort, where ski lovers come from all over the world.
4. Harbin, China
Harbin Winter Festival Photo: Elijah Wilcott / Wikimedia Commons
Winter Harbin invites travelers to enjoy one of the most memorable ice and snow festivals. Here, magnificent ice sculptures are created that you will not find anywhere in the world. They look especially beautiful at night under the light of multi-colored Chinese lights.
5. Abisko, Sweden
Abiska, "Swedish Lapland", has a picturesque national park and beautiful views of such a natural phenomenon as the northern lights.
In addition, here you can get acquainted with the life of the Sami people, go dog sledding, mountain skiing, ice fishing and other outdoor activities, admiring the enchanting winter views.
6. Svalbard, Norway
This place is loved not only by polar bears, but also by travelers seeking to enjoy the beauty of the wild nature. In winter, the period known as the polar night begins here. The sun does not set below the horizon and paints the nearby snow-capped mountains in semi-twilight tones. It seems that you have fallen into some other reality, where time has stopped.
7. Tallinn, Estonia
No machine-readable author provided. Nathan lund assumed / Wikimedia Commons
Have you ever imagined that you can experience the magic of Disney movies in real life? This becomes possible in winter Tallinn, when the medieval buildings and picturesque streets of this stone city are covered with a snow-white blanket of snow.
Christmas views give this place some special charm, where you can enjoy local hot dishes, go ice skating or sledding, and then warm up in the traditional sauna.
8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
In winter, this ancient Bavarian city is simply fabulous. Here you can stroll along the narrow, winding streets that lead to the old town hall, or visit the Christmas market, where, since the 15th century, local craftsmen have been presenting various delicacies and souvenirs.
9. Richmond Park, London, UK
Richmond Park covers over 900 hectares of land and is the pride of Londoners. It was founded in the 17th century and was often used as a hunting ground for royals. Today, here you can see wild deer and fallow deer grazing freely throughout the park.
In winter, tourists visit Richmond Park to have fun playing winter games in the fresh air, or just admire the beauty of the local scenery.
10. Lake Tahoe, California, USA
Lake Tahoe Photo: KenWalker / Wikimedia Commons
Another place whose winter landscapes will forever remain in your memory is Lake Tahoe. There are numerous ski resorts nearby, where ice skating and skiing enthusiasts will find something to do. Here you can also enjoy the hot springs, watching the birds or admiring the twinkling of the stars in the night sky.
