The World's Most Beautiful Frozen Places

Most vacation plans focus on escaping blistery conditions. Yet for its all irritations, winter can also be incomparably beautiful, causing us all to slow down and revere the power of Mother Nature.  For snow globe-like cities and villages across the world, this reverence is a way of life. Whether you’re seeking unusual travel inspiration or trying to find the best in these long, cold days, admiring the world’s most beautiful frozen places like those listed below may help. 

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Apostle Islands, Wisconsin | The Mainland Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands off the coast of Lake Superior are a wintry marvel to behold. Accessible only on winters when the Superior ice is thick enough to take the two-mile lake walk, the caves’ magnificent stalagmite-like ice formations are definitely worth the trek.

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Tromsø, Norway | TheCAPITAL of the Arctic, Tromsø brings out the imperial beauty and magic of winter.  Experience the dancing wonder of the northern lights or take in the mountainous views wrapped in furs on an exhilarating evening dog-sled ride. 

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Anchorage, Alaska | Brimming with wildlife and an unexpected abundance of fine restaurants, Anchorage approaches winter with grace and stoicism. Go on a whale and glacier tour, feast on salmon caught fresh from Cook Inlet or take in the bracing views from the heights of a unique aerial tour. 

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Khövsgöl, Mongolia | The northernmost of Mongolia’s 21 provinces, Khövsgöl is a destination for rugged adventures. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, join in a hunt for the taimen, the world’s largest salmon, or ride Mongolian ponies in search of reindeer.

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Moscow, Russia | Experience the wintry world of Tchaikovsky and Chekov in Russia’s stately, if not spirited,CAPITAL. Below the towers of the Kremlin, warm your chilled bones over a cup of coffee at a bohemian café or take a stroll through the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum.

Reykjavík, Iceland | Legend has it that this Northern European land was so named to detour “outsiders” from exploiting the beauty of this remarkable place. Fortunately, Icelandic attitudes have changed and visitors from across the globe now come to Reykjavík for its divine thermal pools and diverse landscapes.

Nagano, Japan | Since the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano has continued to be enjoyed as an inviting winter destination. The Japanese Alps make for excellent skiing and the humor of watching the Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is hard to resist.

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Rovaniemi, Finland | Located in Finland’s northernmost province, Rovaniemi is the ‘official’ home of Santa Clause, but this town is more than a Christmas destination. Arktikum is among Finland’s best museums and a key starting point for learning more about Finnish history and culture.