10 beautiful winter landscapes for snowy scenery

Beauty is, famously, in the eye of the beholder. For some, it’s in carpets of flowers or cherry blossoms covering the trees. For others, it’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear seas. There’s no denying that these things are beautiful. But for some of you, the most spectacular views are winter landscapes.

There’s something about snowy landscapes. Frost makes everything sparkle. Trees become sculptures. Lakes turn to glass. And the sky, which is often clearer and brighter in winter, can take your breath away.

Winter isn’t just a cold off-peak travel season. It’s a whole new way to experience the world. With fewer crowds, slower travel, and cozy local stays, it’s a chance to see familiar places differently — or explore unusual ones most travelers overlook.

In this guide, we’re sharing 10 of the world’s most beautiful winter destinations. Let’s dive in.

Why travel in winter?

Winter travel is underrated. But it shouldn’t be. For one, it’s quieter. No long lines. Minimal crowds. Just space to breathe and explore at your own pace. Winter landscapes are completely different. Mountain ranges feel bigger. Cities seem more peaceful. The light is different, too, and sunrises and sunsets are more vivid.

It’s also a great time to connect with locals. With fewer tourists, you get a deeper, more personal experience. You could attend a winter festival or share a comforting meal in someone’s home.

And the best part? You don’t need to ski to enjoy winter. You can snowshoe, soak in hot springs, ride horses through the snow, or just admire the views. So, bundle up and embrace the chill. Winter might just become your favorite time to travel.

10 best wintry landscapes to see in 2025

Winter is about much more than the cold. Imagine snow-covered landscapes and gorgeous icicles. Not to mention the unique patterns and interesting shapes that are hidden in warmer months. Grab your camera bag and check out these must-see winter scenes for your next getaway.

1. China

China in winter is full of surprises. It’s not just temples and tea. It’s ice, snow, and a serious wow-factor.

Start in Harbin, in the north of China. Every January, the city turns into a glowing glacial kingdom during the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Massive sculptures — entire castles — are carved from blocks of ice and lit up at night. It feels like stepping into another world.

Hangzhou’s West Lake is usually packed in warmer months. But in winter, it’s peaceful, misty, quiet. A perfect time to stroll and reflect. Head to Huangshan to see rocky peaks and flat-topped pine trees sparkling with frost; it feels like a Chinese painting brought to life.

Elsewhere, places like Beijing and Xi’an are quieter in winter. You can explore ancient palaces and city walls without the crowds. Crunch through snow as you walk the Great Wall; it’s less crowded, more enchanting.

Winter is off-season in many parts of China, so you get more space to explore. Add in spicy noodles, steaming hotpot, and friendly locals, and you’ve got a trip to remember.

2. Uzbekistan

Ancient cities, snow-dusted domes, and silent deserts… Uzbekistan is full of a quiet winter wonder. Start in Samarkand. The blue-tiled mosques and madrasas look even more striking under a layer of snow. The crowds are gone. You get the Registan Square almost to yourself.

Wander through Bukhara’s old town. In winter, it feels timeless. Narrow lanes, steam rising from tea stalls, and a golden glow on ancient brick.

Then, head to the Kyzylkum Desert. It’s frigid, but the landscapes are wide, still, and peaceful. Stay in a yurt, heat up by the fire, and listen to stories from local hosts. Uzbek cuisine is made for winter. Think hot soups, lamb stews, and fresh bread from clay ovens.

With the right gear and a local guide, winter here is unforgettable. You’ll discover a slower, deeper side of Central Asia — and a warmth that comes from more than just the food.

3. Georgia

Georgia is a nation worthy of fairy tales. Winter here is raw, wild, and beautiful. And best of all? You’ll often have it all to yourself.

Start in Tbilisi. Cobbled streets, colorful houses, and steaming sulphur baths make it a perfect winter city break. Don’t forget the wine — Georgians have been perfecting the art of winemaking for thousands of years.

Then head for the mountains, where Georgia’s winter landscapes shine. Think ancient villages tucked into steep-sided valleys. Crumbling watchtowers rising from the snow. Monasteries perched on hilltops, dwarfed by the towering Caucasus.

The secrets of Svaneti are waiting to be uncovered, and are fantastically remote, dramatic, and magical in winter. You can snowshoe between villages or just enjoy the silence. The food is hearty and warming, perfect after a chilly day. Try khinkali (meat-filled dumplings) and khachapuri (cheesy bread).

4. New Zealand

Winter in New Zealand flips the script. While the Northern Hemisphere swelters, New Zealand cools down. The South Island becomes a snowy playground. Plus, you’ll probably share the trails and lookouts with more sheep than people. Queenstown and Wanaka offer great skiing, snowboarding, and alpine views. There’s hot chocolate by the fire and glacier walks during the day.

Want something gentler? Take a road trip through Central Otago. The winter landscapes are crisp, quiet, and golden. Vineyards sleep under soft frosts, and the sun’s luster is pure magic.

Further north, Rotorua’s hot springs and steaming geysers are even better in cooler weather. Soak in a thermal pool while the mist rises around you. It’s peaceful, surreal, and totally relaxing.

5. Iceland

Iceland’s winter landscapes feel like another planet. It’s frosty, yes. But that’s part of the charm. Take a bracing hike, then duck into a cozy café to defrost with a coffee or hot chocolate. In the evening, snuggle by the fire or head out for the northern lights.

The aurora borealis dances across the sky on clear nights. During the day, the low sun casts a golden half-light that makes everything glow. Spend your daylight hours exploring. Walk through dramatic landscapes — past waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers. Visit small, colorful villages that look like storybook scenes dusted in snow.

Iceland is raw and rugged in winter. The roads are quieter, the ambiance is softer and sometimes, you’ll feel like you’re all on your own.

6. Italy

Italy in winter is calmer, cooler, but just as beautiful. Contrasting winter landscapes range from alpine scenes to fine Mediterranean warmth, and every version is charming in its own way.

Start in the north. The Dolomites are made for snow lovers — perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or sipping espresso in a mountain lodge. The views are dramatic, with jagged peaks rising above white valleys.

Cities like Venice and Florence are quieter. You’ll find no summer crowds, just misty mornings, empty streets, and time to linger in museums or cafés. Alternatively, head south to Sicily or the Amalfi Coast for a mild and equally crowd-free break. The sun still shines and the sea sparkles, even if it’s too frosty to swim. The sunsets are unmissable, too.

Winter is also the opera season: try an evening at La Scala in Milan or a smaller venue in Rome. Then enjoy hearty dishes like risotto, roast meats, and rich pasta, perfect for cooler nights.

7. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are two of Central Asia’s best-kept winter secrets. They share a deep nomadic culture and the mighty Tien Shan mountain range. Winter here is intense — bitterly cold, but breathtaking.

The winter landscapes look like they’ve been frozen in time. Waterfalls turn into delicate ice towers. Some of the Tien Shan Lakes, like Issyk-Kul or Kaindy, become even more striking — picture icy blues framed by snow-covered peaks. The silence among the towering peaks is something you can almost feel.

Surprisingly, both countries also offer great skiing. Shymbulak in Kazakhstan is modern and scenic. Karakol Ski Base in Kyrgyzstan is smaller but welcoming, with big views and fewer crowds. Off the slopes, you’ll find steaming plates of hearty food — laghman noodles, manti dumplings — and the warmth of a yurt or guesthouse.

Winter brings fewer tourists, more space, and a raw kind of beauty. If you’re after something a little off the beaten path, these two countries are absolutely worth the layers.

8. Mongolia

Mongolia in winter is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The cold can be a little intense. Temperatures drop far below freezing. But the winter landscapes are absolutely stunning: think wide open steppes covered in snow, frozen rivers, and skies so clear they feel endless.

You can stay in traditional gers (yurts) warmed by stoves. Drink salty milk tea, eat hearty stews, and experience a way of life that hasn’t changed much in centuries. Travel to the north for Lake Khövsgöl, which will be frozen solid and surrounded by pine forests. Or visit the Gobi Desert, where winter brings peaceful silence and dramatic light.

Winter is also eagle hunting season in the west. Watch skilled hunters ride through the snow with golden eagles perched on their arms — it’s like stepping into another world. If you’re after solitude, big skies, and unforgettable cultural encounters, Mongolia is one of winter’s most unique and powerful destinations.

9. Japan

Japan in winter is pure contrast — tranquil temples, snowy peaks, and steaming bowls of ramen. The winter landscapes are quiet and beautiful as snow settles gently on rooftops, rivers steam in the icy air, and the country slows down a little. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and utterly unforgettable.

Head north to Hokkaido. The ground is covered in deep, powdery snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a must, with massive frozen sculptures and glowing lanterns lighting up the evening.

Further south, visit Kyoto or the Deer Park in Nara. Ancient temples dusted with snowflakes feel calm and timeless, and fewer tourists mean more space to explore.

Want something truly unique? Watch snow monkeys bathe in natural hot springs in Jigokudani. Then try some hot springs for yourself — Japan’s onsen culture is made for winter. Of course, the food is just as warming for the soul: whether it’s gourmet cuisine or hotpots, steaming noodles and grilled fish, everything tastes better when it’s chilly outside.

10. Norway

Norway in winter is a wonderland. The days are short, but the soft, golden light gleams. Snow covers everything — rooftops, pine trees, frozen lakes. It’s peaceful and stunning. When you think of winter in Norway, you imagine toasty cabins, big skies, and nature at its wildest. Whether you’re in it for the adventure or the atmosphere, it’s a winter dream come true.

Chase the northern lights in Tromsø or Alta. On clear nights, the sky dances green and pink, and Norway is one of the best places in the world to see them. Explore fjords dusted with snow, ride the scenic Flåm railway, or take a husky sled through the Arctic wilderness. Pure exhilaration awaits.

City life doesn’t stop, and Oslo and Bergen are festive in winter, with cozy cafés, quiet museums, and twinkling lights. When you’re ready to settle down over a hearty meal, try local dishes like reindeer stew or fresh-caught cod.

What to know when traveling in winter

Traveling during the winter months is amazing, but comes with its own set of rules:

• First up, daylight: In many places, winter days are short, which means planning is key. Start early and prioritize what you want to see. Save indoor activities for the late afternoon or evening.
• The weather can be unpredictable: Snowstorms, icy roads, and flight delays are all part of the package. Always check forecasts and leave extra time between connections or excursions. Flexibility is your friend.
• Layering is essential: You’ll be moving between cozy indoors and freezing outdoors constantly. Think about breathable base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
• Hydration and sun protection still matter: Cold air can be drying, and snowy landscapes reflect sunlight, so pack things like lip balm, hand cream, and sunscreen.
• In remote areas, not everything runs year-round: Double-check that tours, accommodation, and transport are open before you go.
• Lastly, embrace the slow pace: Winter isn’t about rushing. It’s about enjoying quiet moments, hot drinks, and beautiful, frost-covered landscapes.

Winter travel packing list

Packing smart makes winter travel way more comfortable. Here’s what to bring:

• Base layers – Thermal tops and leggings
• Mid-layers – Merino wool sweaters or fleece
• Outer layer – Waterproof coat and trousers
• Accessories – Snug hat, scarf, and insulated gloves
• Footwear – Waterproof boots with good grip
• Socks – Thick wool or thermal pairs
• Day bag – For carrying gear like a water bottle or snacks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – For bright snow glare
• Lip balm and moisturizer – Colder air dries skin faster
• Swimwear – For hot springs or saunas
• Hand warmers – Especially useful in icy climates
• Power bank – Batteries die faster in the cold
• Copies of documents – In case weather delays cause tech or signal issues
• Camera and extra batteries – For that epic photograph, you’ll want your camera bag

Make it happen

Winter brings out a different kind of beauty — quieter, starker, and often more magical. From frozen lakes and snow-dusted cities to wild mountain ranges and steaming hot springs, winter landscapes offer unforgettable travel experiences.

Whether you want adventure, culture, or just a peaceful escape, there’s a cold-weather destination with your name on it. Ready to plan your dream winter getaway? Get in touch today and let our local experts craft a trip you’ll never forget.