12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the World That Are Straight Out of a Fairytale

Winter’s arrival brings a magical transformation to some of the world’s most stunning destinations. With snow covering the landscapes, they transform into real-life wonderlands, perfect for exploration and photography.

Yes, snowfall occurs in many parts of the world, but not all of them transform into fairytale-like scenery. If you are looking for beautiful winter destinations, you are in the right place. This article covers these destinations to help you experience the best that winter brings.

From the serene villages in snow-covered valleys to dramatic mountain ranges blanketed in white, the winter destinations we reveal here offer a tranquil and breathtaking beauty. Whether seeking a quiet escape or a holiday full of adventure, you will find peace and relaxation in these 12 world destinations that transform into winter wonderlands.

Table of Contents

Lapland, Finland

Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, also stretches across Norway, Sweden and Russia. While you can visit the region in these other countries, the Finnish Lapland is most known for transforming into a storybook winter wonderland. While there are so many spots to explore in the Finnish Lapland, the main towns include Rovaniemi, Levi, and Saariselkä.

The region is dotted with snow-covered forests, forests, and untouched wildernesses. If lucky, you may spot the northern lights since Lapland is within the Arctic Circle.

Make sure to experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of huskies or reindeer through the snowy wilderness. These safaris offer an authentic taste of Lapland’s traditional ways of life and are a great way to take in the beautiful scenery.

Hallstatt, Austria

There is something magical about experiencing a winter wonderland in a small, charming village, and Hallstatt could just be the best place to do it. Hallstatt is a small village located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt and surrounded by the Dachstein Alps, both of which enhance the village’s winter scenery.

In winter, this picturesque village is usually covered in snow, with its charming, colorful houses making the scene pop even more. The snow-draped forests, mountains, and serene lake make Hallstatt a photographer’s dream. You can explore the village, find a spot to enjoy the lake’s beauty, or head out to the Dachstein ski areas for action – the choice is yours.

Tromsø, Norway

12 Beautiful Places for Winter Landscapes in the World Tromso, Norway — © Blickfang / Adobe Stock

Tromso is another destination that is a real-life winter fairytale. For starters, it is one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights, thanks to its location within the Arctic Circle. Speaking of location, Tromso is also surrounded by mountains and fjords, which make it even more beautiful in winter.

In your exploration, you will be surrounded by snow-covered mountains and picturesque fjords like Kvaløya and Lyngen Alps. You will like that there is so much to do in Tromso during the winter. You can join tours that go away from cities to chase the northern lights, go whale watching, dog sledding, or hiking. You can take the Fjellheisen Cable Car up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords and mountains for better scenery.

Tromsø is a destination that caters to a wide range of travelers, whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to soak in the stunning scenery. From chasing the northern lights to whale watching, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you engaged.

Zermatt, Switzerland

There is something irresistible about Suisse winters that you have to experience at least once. While there are many spots within the country, Zermatt’s scenery will leave you with a lasting impression. Zermatt lies on the foot of the Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest and most picturesque peaks. Views of the Matterhorn covered in winter snow are nothing short of spectacular.

In Zermatt, you can soak in the alpine beauty or explore snow-covered chalets and streets. You can also ride the Gornergrat Rail, Europe’s highest open-air cog railway, to the Gornergrat summit. The train journey offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. At the top, you can enjoy more breathtaking panoramas, skiing, and winter hiking trails. If you prefer to get active, you can head out to ski; Zermatt is one of the world’s best ski destinations.

Also, Zermatt is car-free, adding to its tranquility and charm.

Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Japan

Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in central Japan offers something unique for every winter enthusiast. From snow-covered landscapes to hot springs, ski resorts, frozen lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests covered in snow, the scenery in this park never fails to enchant winter enthusiasts.

Whether looking for adventure on the slopes, a peaceful hike through snowy forests, or relaxation in a traditional hot spring, you will find your slice of paradise at Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.

If you are into active adventure, you can go skiing in Shiga Kogen, famous for its extensive ski area, which includes over 20 interconnected ski resorts. The powder snow and varied terrain make it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. You’ll find the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park within the park, where you can observe Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.

After a day of winter activities, relax in one of the park’s many hot springs. The town of Kusatsu is particularly famous for its onsen, offering a traditional Japanese bathing experience in a beautiful winter setting.

If you like road trips, you will like that this park has scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the winter landscape. Don’t miss out on the Shiga Kusatsu Route, a popular drive that winds through the park’s mountains and forests.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park spans across three U.S. states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with the majority of the park located in Wyoming. It is considered the first national park in the United States and the entire world. Now, the geothermal features of Yellowstone amidst snow are something you want to experience. The park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, which continue to bubble and steam even in winter. The Old Faithful Geyser, periodically erupting against the snowy backdrop, is such a scene.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Do not miss Yellowstone Lake, Lower Falls, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, which are perfect spots for soaking in the park’s winter splendor. You can also just drive around admiring the vast forests, mountains, and landscapes blanketed in snow. Lastly, Lamar Valley is a must-visit for anyone interested in seeing wolves, bison, and other animals in their winter habitat.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the European destinations that transform into fairytale-perfect winter landscapes. Now, before we go any further, Reykjavik is one of the prime northern lights viewing destinations in the world. Then, the city itself is usually covered in snow, which contrasts beautifully with the buildings.

Besides, the city and its surroundings offer a range of winter activities, from exploring ice caves and glaciers to enjoying geothermal hot springs and snowmobiling. Lastly, the city is home to several geothermal pools and hot springs, including the famous Blue Lagoon located nearby. These provide a warm, relaxing experience against a backdrop of winter scenery.

Yosemite National Park, USA

Located in the Sierra Nevada National Mountains, Yosemite National Park is another American destination that offers beautiful winter landscapes. The park is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows, all of which become even more stunning under a layer of snow.

Yosemite is also a haven for winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Badger Pass Ski Area is one of the places winter sports enthusiasts should not miss. Other spots that become even more magical with the winter effect include the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Cook’s Meadow.

You can drive along Yosemite Valley Loop and Glacier Point Road for stunning views from the comfort of your car. However, remember that some roads get closed due to snow, so check the conditions before heading out.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, China

Returning to Asia, Jiuzhaigou Valley is another destination that transforms into a snowy paradise. In winter, snow covers the valley’s forests, lakes, and waterfalls, adding a layer of beauty to the already stunning scenery. The park’s famous multi-colored lakes and waterfalls often partially freeze in winter, creating beautiful ice formations. The frozen lakes reflect the snow-covered landscape, enhancing their beauty.

You can admire the winter reflection on Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake, visit the Tibetan villages within the village, or get active with photography. This park is truly a photographer’s paradise, especially in winter.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful villages you will ever visit. Now imagine the scenery when the village’s historic architecture is covered in snow. The traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses become particularly picturesque when covered in the heavy snowfall that the village experiences.

The snow-covered roofs, streets, and mountains accentuate the village’s beauty and historical charm. Nature aside, this village hosts the Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up Festival, which typically takes place in January and February. The festival illuminates the village’s historic homes with soft lights, creating a magical atmosphere. It is truly a great place to experience winter.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, offers one of the best winter sceneries in the world. Yes, it can be visited all year round since it is generally picture-perfect, but the snowy landscapes amplify the park’s beauty. Snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and a vast expanse of pristine wilderness, this park in winter is not just a feast for the eyes but a little heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter in Banff is a serene and peaceful experience, offering a perfect opportunity to unwind amidst the quiet beauty of nature. With enhanced serenity, winter is also a great time to spot wildlife such as elk and deer, and if you’re lucky, even wolves in their natural habitat.

Some unmissable highlights include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Vermillion Lake, Bow Falls, and Johnston Canyon. When the winter temperatures get a little too harsh, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters while enjoying views of the surrounding snowy mountains.

Black Forest, Germany

Lastly, the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is another top-tier winter destination in Europe. This region is known for its picturesque villages, mountainous landscapes, and dense forests, all of which transform into beautiful landscapes when covered in snow. If you are into charming villages, do not miss Triberg, Gengenbach, and Freiburg.

The Black Forest region is more than natural beauty; it is a haven for winter activities like skiing. There is nothing as beautiful as skiing against the picturesque backdrop of the Black Forest’s landscapes. Feldberg and Todtnau are known for offering the region’s best winter sports opportunities.

You will also like that this region hosts traditional Christmas markets, which add to its winter charm.