When it comes to winter towns, you probably imagine immaculate snow blanketing everything in fine, powdered snow packs.
But honestly, winter looks awful in most towns around the world. Wet, muddy and slippery roads―maybe some sleet if you’re lucky.
But, there are still a handful of towns around the world where one can still experience a white, fairytale winter! Places with stunning mountain ranges, lakes and forests all awash in the gorgeous embrace of winter.
So, here is a list of the best places to see and spend a white winter at:
Hamnøy, Norway
We start in the little fishing town of Hamnoy, where the little outcrop it sits on is surrounded by tall rock cliffs and the dark waters of the Norwegian Sea.
During winter, the sleepy little fishing town transforms a winter wonderland as pure white snow caps the steep fjord cliffs and covers the town.
And it’s not just snow you’ll see during winter, because the famed Northern Lights make an appearance too!
The town also has these charming little red Rorbuer cabins where fishermen used to stay but have become accommodations for visitors. The vibrant red paint contrasting beautifully with the pristine snow makes for a great snapshot!
Banff, Canada
Next up is the resort town of Banff in Canada, which was the first Canadian town to be incorporated in Canada’s first national park!
With stunning views of the towering Rocky Mountains, the magnificent Lake Louise and vast Columbina Icefield, the town is just the place if you want to catch the wild side of winter.
Besides sightseeing, adrenaline junkies will also find various activities to their liking, such as skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, over a frozen lake, no less!
Bulla, Italy
In the South Tyrol region between Italy and Germany lies the charming little hamlet of Bulla, which is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite Alps.
In winter, the green plains transform into pristine snowfields while the white peaks of the Castelrotto, Ortisei and Secada mountains watch over the village.
The town’s 13th-century St Leonard church tower also contrasts beautifully with the peaks of the mountains. You can easily spend hours hiking around the village and taking that picture-perfect winter village shot!
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Japan’s world-famous Shirakawa-go village and its “prayer hands” houses always look picturesque no matter the season, but its winter coat is a breathtaking sight to behold.
Vast hills and forests blanketed with snow border the village. Meanwhile, snow-covered houses poke out of fields of white, looking almost like gingerbread houses with frosting on top!
And that’s not all! Every winter, the houses are also lit up at night, further adding to the winter wonderland feel of the village!
Hallstatt, Austria
If you’re looking for a winter sight that supposedly inspired the movie Frozen, then look no further than the town of Hallstatt!
Like the fictional town of Arendelle, Hallstatt is right at the edge of a large lake, with a steep mountainside behind it. Glancing out at the lake, you can see majestic mountain ranges embracing the shores of the deep blue lake.
For the classic Hallstatt view, head on to the viewpoint just out of town during the mornings or evenings and look back―you’ll be greeted by the gleaming lights of the town shing out towards the dark lake while the ancient mountains look on.
Besides sightseeing, skiing down the slopes of the nearby Krippenstein Freesports Arena or visiting the local Christmas Market are the perfect activities to experience winter in Hallstatt.
So these are the five best towns and villages to spend a white winter at! Whether West or East, a resort town or small hamlet, in the mountains or near the sea, winter is absolutely the season of magic and wonder!
Are there any other towns or villages that look great during winter? Let us know!
