12 Cities With Winter Landscapes That Could Double as Holiday Postcards

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Winter transforms some cities into beautiful landscapes. Snow covering streets and rooftops, lights twinkling, beautiful natural backdrops, and even northern lights—the world offers amazing opportunities to experience winter wonderlands.

Unfortunately, not all cities experience this magical shift. Knowing which destinations offer the most captivating seasonal charm is essential for those who dream of witnessing a true winter wonderland.

Are you looking to take a winter vacation to a beautiful destination? You are in the right place. In this article, we look at 12 cities around the world known for their stunning winter landscapes.

Reykjavik, Iceland

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Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, perfectly defines a winter wonderland. Its unique blend of natural and urban landscapes and the city’s proximity to some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural attractions make Reykjavik a charming and beautiful winter destination.

When the snow covers the town, contrasting beautifully with the colorful buildings and the surrounding mountains, it creates a surreal ambiance. The rugged coastline, covered in frost, and the nearby frozen lava fields offer dramatically beautiful scenery.

Also, snowfall in Reykjavik is typically a bit longer-lived; with good planning, you will not have to worry about missing the scenery. Traveling to Reykjavik in winter is also a great opportunity to spot the northern lights.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is often called Santa Claus’s official hometown. Winter in Rovaniemi offers an opportunity to see the northern lights, explore an Arctic wilderness, or just see a city covered in a sea of snow. The town is also usually surrounded by vast forests and untouched snowy landscapes.

You can head out to explore the snow-clad forests, see the frozen rivers like the Kemijoki River, or just sit back and bask in the glory of Polar nights. Polar nights are natural phenomena where the sun barely rises, casting a soft, blue twilight over the landscape.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the Santa Claus village or the reindeer tours. For the best winter experience, stay in ice igloos, where you can watch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a picturesque alpine city that comes alive in winter. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is known for its blend of historic charm and world-class winter sports. Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and its Olympic heritage is still evident in its world-class winter sports facilities.

Winters here are a combination of adventure and stunning scenery. Start your winter vacation by just sitting back and soaking in the beautiful views of the Austrian Alps. The Nordkette mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the city, with snow-capped peaks visible from almost every corner of the city.

You can then head out to the city’s Old Town to admire the medieval buildings covered in snow. In December, the city is typically decorated with twinkling lights. The view of snow and the festive lights create a cozy and enchanting atmosphere. The Inn River, partially frozen and flanked by snow-covered trees, adds to the picturesque winter setting.

If you like exploring the city on foot, you will certainly like taking the cable car from the city center to the Nordkette. The ride offers breathtaking views of the city and the snow-covered Alps. Lastly, do not miss out on the Christmas markets when visiting during the festive season. Innsbruck has some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city known for its stunning Gothic architecture. It is a magical winter destination that offers historic beauty and stunning cityscape views against a wintery backdrop. Prague’s architectural landmarks, including the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square, look even more enchanting when covered with snow.

The city’s medieval streets and bridges have a particularly romantic feel in winter, making it a perfect destination for people who appreciate historic charm. Some of the best places to experience Prague’s winter landscape include the Vltava River, Wallenstein Garden, and the Petřín Hill parks.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is a coastal city in Norway known for its dramatic fjords, mountainous surroundings, and charming wooden houses. While the entire city and its surroundings turn magical in winter, the star of the show will have to be Bryggen, the historic harbor district, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colorful buildings in this district look incredibly charming, especially when surrounded by snow.

Other unmissable highlights of Bergen in winter include the snow-dusted mountains and the icy fjords surrounding the city. For the best views of the city and its surroundings dusted in snow, take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen. This is one of the best spots in the city to appreciate Bergen’s winter beauty.

Above all, you will see that despite its northern location, Bergen enjoys a relatively mild winter climate due to its coastal location. So, if you are looking to enjoy beautiful winter landscapes without the harshness that may come with it, Bergen is a good destination to consider.

Tromsø, Norway

There is something irresistible about Nordic winters that could have us going on and on. Tromsø, dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is another beautiful destination where you can experience the best Nordic winters. Tromsø is surrounded by stunning fjords and snow-covered mountains and is also one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. What more could you ask for in a winter vacation?

The sight of the northern lights illuminating the snow-covered terrain is a breathtaking spectacle.

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Other than viewing the northern lights, you could enjoy polar nights, Arctic activities, and beautiful scenery. You could also head out to explore the snow-capped fjords or ride the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen, which offers panoramic views of Tromsø, its fjords, and surrounding mountains.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is another European destination that transforms into a winter wonderland. With its medieval architecture, charming streets, and vibrant festive atmosphere, Krakow’s winters are something you should experience at least once.

With its Gothic churches, cobblestone streets, and historic squares, Krakow’s medieval Old Town becomes even more captivating when dusted with snow. St. Mary’s Basilica and Cloth Hall look especially enchanting and covered in snow; do not miss out on them. Make sure to head up to Wawel Castle for fantastic views of the city. From its hilltop location, you can enjoy views of the city and rooftops covered in snow.

Krakow is also known for its beautiful Christmas markets, particularly in the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny). The festive lights, decorated stalls, and local delicacies create a warm and inviting atmosphere amidst the winter snow.

Nagano, Japan

Nagano is nothing short of breathtaking all year round, but its scenery is even more magical in winter. This city, located in the Japanese Alps, is known for its surrounding mountain landscapes and for blending historic charm with natural beauty.

Explore the city and discover its historic temples and castles covered in snow. They look even more breathtaking against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

For adventure lovers, you will find some of Japan’s best ski resorts in Nagano. Nagano is also big on the onsen (hot spring) culture, offering the perfect way to relax and warm up after a day in the snow. Soaking up with the hot natural springs and stunning mountain views is undoubtedly one of the most magical things you will ever experience.

Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a destination that offers a quintessential Canadian winter experience. There is so much scenery to see in this city during winter. Start your winter sightseeing at Parliament Hill. Take in the sight of the building covered in snow, or snap some Instagram photos. The hill is beautifully illuminated during winter evenings, creating a magical backdrop for a stroll. You may also like the scenery from Nepean Point, which offers panoramic views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the surrounding area. Nepean Point is a fantastic place to capture the real essence of Ottawa’s winters.

You can then head to the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest frozen skating rink. The thrill of skating here is one great way to experience the adventure and beauty that Ottawa’s winter comes with. In February, the city also hosts the Winterlude Festival, which features ice carving competitions, skating, and snow tubing.

Zurich, Switzerland

Another picturesque winter destination you should consider is Zurich. Winter in this Swiss city features stunning scenery interlaced with festivities and outdoor adventure. You can walk around the snow-covered streets, pop into Christmas markets, or head out to Zurich Old Town, which is even more picturesque in winter.

You can also find a spot and enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered Swiss Alps from a distance. The city is just a short train ride from the Swiss Alps, making it a great base for exploring the region and its world-class ski resorts. The parks surrounding Lake Zurich are also often covered in snow, which beautifully reflects on the lake. It is such picturesque scenery to soak in.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a charming winter destination that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The city’s Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and ancient walls, becomes enchanting when covered in snow. Its Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, so seeing its architecture transformed into a snowy paradise would be a magical experience.

For the best winter experience, head up to Toompea Hill. The views from Toompea Hill, overlooking the Old Town and the Gulf of Finland, are breathtaking in winter. The snow-covered rooftops and spires create a postcard-perfect scene. While on Toompea Hill, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which becomes particularly striking in winter.

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If you are into active adventure, you can go ice skating on Harju Street. Skating while surrounded by snow-covered historic buildings and festive lights is a great way to experience the city’s winter charm.

Anchorage, Alaska, US

Anchorage is a winter destination offering some of the world’s most breathtaking and rugged natural landscapes. The city is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and vast wilderness, all of which transform into a snowy wonderland in winter. The surrounding Chugach Mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the snowy city. The nearby glaciers, such as Portage and Matanuska Glacier, are particularly beautiful in winter.

For the best views over Anchorage, hike the Flattop Mountain. It offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, Cook Inlet, and the surrounding mountains. Another perfect sightseeing spot is the Glen Alps Overlook.

Anchorage is also one of the best places in the United States to see northern lights. Lastly, Anchorage has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you warm in case the outdoor weather gets harsh.