Real winter wonderlands with Northern Lights, glaciers and snow-dusted forests

25 December 2023 , 07:00

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Europe is full of gorgeous winter wonderlands (Image: Lonely Planet Images)

Europe is full of beautiful places, but come winter there are a host of towns and national parks that transform into real-life winter wonderlands.

We're talking the stuff of storybooks with snow-dusted forests, night skies lit up by the Northern Lights, epic glaciers, ski resorts and plenty of festive cheer, including some of the world's best Christmas markets. There are some popular locations such as Lapland in Finland or Tromso in Norway, but also lesser-known hotspots in the likes of Slovenia and Montenegro.

For a dose of wintery wanderlust, we've rounded up some of the prettiest real-life winter wonderlands to be found across Europe - so grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, curl up and start dreaming about your next enchanting getaway!

1. Lapland, Finland

Lapland has been a firm favourite with families for years (Getty Images)

A gorgeous snow-covered town that's also home to Santa's Village was always going to be top of the list. Every year thousands of Brits flock to Lapland aka Rovaniemi in Finland, to spend time with Father Christmas and his Elves, and enjoy plenty of festive magic. However, even if you're not going to see Santa, there's heaps to see and do in Lapland all winter.

Highlights include Northern Lights safaris, husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing hikes, ice fishing and plenty of brilliant spas and saunas if you need to relax amidst all of the adventures.

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2. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt in the Austrian Alps looks like something out of a fairytale (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A town that's said to have inspired Disney's Frozen was always going to have major winter wonderland credentials. Hallstatt in Austria looks like something straight out of a storybook thanks to its gorgeous lakefront location and snow-capped mountains that make up the rest of the scenery. In the village itself you can expect cosy lodges, 16th century buildings and heaps of boutiques and cafés.

However be warned if you're planning to take heaps of photos; locals have been fighting back against crowds of tourists who block the roads, so make sure you're aware of your surroundings when you stop to pose for a selfie!

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

On a clear night you can spot the Northern Lights from Reykjavik itself (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There are so many incredible places to visit in Iceland over winter from awe-inspiring glaciers to remote wintry spots with near-perfect views of the Northern Lights. Reykjavik can be an ideal base from which to go exploring whether you're heading on an Aurora safari (although you can sometimes even see the Lights from the city!), are planning a trek along the snow-capped forests or even want to drive out to some of those black sand beaches created by the country's volcanic landscape.

Then of course there are those gorgeous thermal spas including the iconic Blue Lagoon as well as the Sky Infinity Pool, both of which boast warm waters from which you can enjoy views of the snow-covered landscapes.

4. Bled, Slovenia

Bled transforms into a completely different landscape when it's covered in snow (Getty Images)

In the summer, Lake Bled is popular with those who want to enjoy the 6km loop around its water's edge, and the fun nightlife to be found in Bled itself. However, in the winter it transforms into a completely different but equally beautiful destination. The waters turn to ice, the lush green forests become dusted with snow, and it's easy to forget you're not on a film set. There's plenty of fun to be had too whether you're having a go at ice skating and sledding, or just want to enjoy a scenic wintry walk along the lake.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has everything you could want for a festive city break (Getty Images)

If you're lucky you may enjoy some snow over the winter months in Prague, but what really makes this a wonderland is the city's gorgeous Christmas markets and twinkling lights over the festive season. After all, there's a reason why Prague is repeatedly tipped to have one of Europe's best Christmas markets. The Old Town Square is where you'll find the bulk of the action with everything from hundreds of craft stalls to carol singers and a giant Christmas tree. Meanwhile the city is full of breathtaking landmarks from Prague Castle to the beautiful Charles Bridge (make sure you head over at sunset for some truly incredible views of the city).

6. Tromso, Norway

Tromso needs to be on your bucket list if you've always wanted to see the Northern Lights (Getty Images)

One of Norway's best places to see the Northern Lights, Tromso has long been a hit with Aurora-seekers. Of course there's never a guarantee you'll see the natural phenomenon but the good news is that you'll still have plenty to enjoy on a mini break including the likes of husky sledding, fjord cruises, reindeer feeding, and snowshoe hikes. Oh, and make sure to leave time on the itinerary for a trip to the incredible Arctic Museum!

7. Montenegro

Montenegro is an underrated winter spot for Brits - which can make it a budget-friendly option (Montenegro Tourism Board)

An underrated winter spot in Europe, Montenegro boasts some gorgeous national parks and budget-friendly ski resorts in the winter. Tipped as a 'natural winter wonderland', its Durmitor National Park has a whole host of picturesque trails along frozen lakes and ice caves, while the ski resort Kolašin boasts some impressive snowfall and cheaper ski pass prices compared to other hotspots on the continent.

Julie Delahaye