Are You a Winter Lover But Always Want to Avoid Crowded Places? This Article is For You
Are you planning a snowy getaway soon? As you already noticed we are going to present you 15 most beautiful places to visit during the winter. We chose the most stunning towns that are also great off-season. You may need a pen and a paper to write down all these beautiful destinations. Are you ready to plan your holiday?
Winter destinations are known for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. However, if you want to spend your free time just to enjoy the picturesque surroundings you can do it in the destinations found below. Exploring towns that are popular during the winter off-season can reveal a side of these locations that is often overlooked but undeniably fascinating. Also, as we grow old, we feel the need for silence and peace, which cannot be found in crowded places and popular destinations during the main season time.
Here are the most beautiful 15 towns that should be visited off-season in winter if you want to have the best experience:
1. Malmo, Sweden
You may think that the best time to visit southern Sweden is summer, which is completely wrong! Don’t miss the chance to see the southern side of Sweden during winter! A good thing about Malmo is that the city is never very crowded, so if you visit it off-season, you’ll basically have it just for you and your travel buddies.
The city is popular for its saunas, so a sunny winter day would be amazing to enjoy The Ribersborgs Kallbadhus (Open-Air Bathhouse). This is one of the city’s most popular saunas.
2. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is a very popular choice for winter holidays and most visitors are re-choosing this destination yearly. It’s not just an amazing place for winter sports, but also has incredible picturesque views since it’s nestled in the Austrian Alps. The most visited spot is probably The Old Town, where the Christmas Market is held every year, in December. Even though you choose to travel to Innsbruck off-season, you’ll still have a lot of things to do. Simple walking while admiring the beautiful landscapes can charge your batteries to their fullest.
3. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is spectacular in every season, but winter there really feels like a wonderland. It’s one of the most expensive ski resorts in Europe and all the hotels are decorated in Art Noveau style. St. Moritz offers a glamorous experience you should have at least once in your lifetime.
Kulum Hotel opened in 1856, was the first hotel in St. Moritz. The hotel remains an emblematic location and is a must-see for every visitor. Note that their spa has an amazing view over the lake. You wouldn’t want to miss that!
5. Estes Park, Colorado
It’s a charming mountain town, perfect for a winter getaway. Besides the serenity and breathtaking mountain views you can also have more fun by doing all kinds of activities. If you feel adventurous you can have a great time skiing, ice climbing, or sledding. You’ll for sure not get bored.
6. Hallstatt, Austria
Is it worth visiting Hallstatt in winter? 100% yes! Hallstatt is a unique city and it’s considered one of the most beautiful places to see during the winter. The city’s amazing views will shock you. Tourists say that the most beautiful photos can be taken when the sun rises or when the sun goes down. The wonderful colors created by nature, reflect beautifully in the Hallstatt Lake, creating an unforgettable experience for the viewers.
7. Niseko, Japan
The biggest attractions in winter are snowboarding and skiing. A lot of tourists want to visit Niseko just to experience the powder snow, which has become really popular across the globe. Niseko is considered the place where the perfect powder snow can be found. Each winter around 14 meters of snow falls on average, turning the forest into a winter wonderland.
8. Helen, Georgia
The Helen area is popular for its fantastic waterfalls. The city has a population of around 600 people, which makes the place really special and worth visiting. It’s by far one of the most relaxing and beautiful destinations if you want to relax and just enjoy the snow and the winter, without doing any crazy activity.
9. Lake Placid, New York
Even though the location is best known for the Winter Olympic Games, there are a lot of different activities you can enjoy here. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.
A popular attraction is the Mirror Lake, located in the heart of Lake Placid village, which freezes over in winter, creating a unique place for ice skating or ice fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a walk around the lake on the maintained ice path.
10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
If you want surroundings that make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, you need to book a hotel in Rothnburh od der Tauber for your next winter holiday. The area is truly idyllic during wintertime, and you can spend your time shopping for Christmas ornaments or visiting the German Christmas Museum.
Note that the Christmas Market has been there for more than 500 years and is, by far, one of the best you can see in Europe.
11. Sedona, Arizona
Crimson cliff formations from Sedona are a very popular attraction during winter holidays. But what about visiting them off-season? It’s true, that they tend to be more beautiful when dusted in fresh snow, but they are still breathtaking, no matter the season. A popular local activity is to explore the surroundings with a jeep tour.
Sedona also offers a stress-relieving experience. There can be found a 24,000-square-foot Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort. So, if you are not a winter sports lover, you’ll also enjoy spending time in Sedona. You can opt for replenishing massages and body treatments. What would be better than that?
12. Tromso, Norway
One of the most common reasons to visit Tromso is by far the wish to see the Nothern Lights. Tromso is situated within the Arctic Circle, making it one of the best places in the world to experience this natural phenomenon. From September to April, Aurora can be seen, proving an unforgettable spectacle.
Another unique thing to do in Tromso is to watch the whales at sunrise. It is a memorable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Chamonix, France
Chamonix is situated in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc and is one of the most popular winter destinations in the world. It” a must-visit location for those who love winter sports. One of the most popular activities and also, most loved by tourists is the cable car ride from the valley floor to the high alpine terrain in just a few minutes. The ride offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Alps.
14. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s premier winter destinations and is known for its stunning alpine scenery and rich cultural heritage. The city is located in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cortina’s luxurious accommodations include spas, gourmet restaurants, and stunning views of the Dolomites. Sleeping in this kind of hotel is a unique and unforgettable experience.
15. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a picturesque mountain village located in the Swiss Alps. It offers a blend of outdoor adventure and luxury.
Remember that in Switzerland you should take the train as often as possible to enjoy as many incredible views as you can. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
On Amazon, you can find a map of Switzerland that would be super useful if you consider visiting Zermatt soon. It will help you find out the travel times for trains, making your experience unique. Taking the train is a MUST in Switzerland considering the breathtaking views that can be found all around the country, not only in the areas popular during winter holidays.
In which part of the year were you born? It’s believed that the month you were born in can influence your favorite time of the year. What do you think about that? Is it true? Write us in the comment section.
If you are not a winter lover, we also thought about some summer activities you’d love. You can find another travel related article on our website: 8 Random Things You Can NEVER Take On a Cruise Ship.
