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Lofoten, Norway
While perhaps not as famous as destinations like Tromso, Troindheim, or Olso, the Lofoten Islands in Norway, located north of the Arctic Circle, attract visitors with their pleasant climate and pristine yet majestic natural landscapes. The first inhabitants of the archipelago centuries ago named one of the islands (now known as Vestvågøya) Lofoten, which in Norwegian means "lynx footprints." Another island (now Flakstadøya) was named "wolf footprints," referring to the geographical shape of the islands resembling animal footprints.
Today, the archipelago, collectively known as the Lofoten, forms a district within the Nordland county of Norway, renowned for its natural beauty – peaceful islands, mountain ranges stretching across the coast, lush green foliage, clear skies, and abundant sunshine that make visitors feel as if they have stepped into a fantasy novel; especially in the tranquility of winter, with towering mountains lining the inlets, isolated fishing villages at the water's edge, and long, deserted white sandy beaches...
Vik, Iceland
The village of Vík is located about 180 km east of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, on the main road around Iceland. With a sparse population of around 300 people, it is nevertheless a must-see destination when traveling to Iceland.
In 1991, the American travel magazine Islands Magazine named the coastline of Vík village one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Due to the humid climate, many species of seabirds take refuge on the western cliffs of Vík village, one of the most famous and beloved species among the locals being the Puffins.
Not far from Vík village lies the Dyrhólaey sandbar, the remnants of an ancient volcano, preserved to this day by seismic activity, the ravages of time, and erosion by sea waves. From here, during the winter months, you can capture stunning photographs that perfectly capture the natural beauty of Iceland: barren, solitary, and arid, yet standing firm against the waves.
Tallinn, Estonia
With its beautiful natural landscapes and unique medieval architecture, the ancient city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a fascinating and attractive destination in Northern Europe. The city covers an area of approximately 159 square kilometers.2Located in northern Estonia, on the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn has flourished since the Middle Ages. Even today, despite being the capital of Estonia, the city retains its ancient charm, surrounded by sturdy city walls, winding cobblestone streets, and numerous historical buildings.
Especially in winter, when it snows, the city transforms into a fairytale world. Here, visitors can explore more than 20 fairytale towers and the Song Festival Grounds. Additionally, from mid-November to early January, visitors can discover the Christmas market at Town Hall Square.
Vienna, Austria
As the capital and largest city of Austria, Vienna is located in the northeast, at the foot of the Alps, beside the tranquil Danube River. For centuries, it has been an ideal location inspiring countless artists; it is also the economic, cultural, and political center of Austria. In 2001, this historic city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, Vienna scores 99.1/100 in the Economist Intelligence Unit's ranking and was named the world's most livable city in 2019.
Especially in winter, Vienna at night becomes enchanting under the colorful lights of the decorated shops along the streets, the fragrant, hot street food, and the warmth of the crowds in the bustling city. It is also the birthplace of the snow globe, invented in the 1900s.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, also known simply as Chamonix, is a town located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, at the crossroads of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Comprising 16 small villages stretching from north to south, the town sits at a record altitude in France, ranging from 995 to 4,809 meters above sea level, and is famous for skiing, mountaineering, and skydiving. It is particularly renowned for Mont Blanc (the highest peak in Europe), at 4,810 meters, which remains snow-capped year-round, attracting numerous tourists and mountaineers from around the world.
Not only is Chamonix the ski capital, but it is also famous for its cable car system, which holds the record for the highest in the world. The cable car starts from the center of Chamonix at an altitude of 1,035 meters and ascends to the summit of Midi at 3,842 meters in just 20 minutes. In addition, Chamonix has a cogwheel railway that goes all the way to the summit of Mer de Glace, allowing visitors to admire the majestic scenery of the second largest glacier in the Alps.
Strasbourg, France
As the capital of the Alsace region, located in northeastern France, more than two hours by TGV high-speed train from Paris, Strasbourg boasts picturesque streets, historic buildings, a Christmas market, and unique traditional festivals.
Combining elements of medieval villages with modern European factories, Strasbourg is both tranquil and bustling, vibrant and prosperous. Here, you can enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life in a small village, stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with roadside eateries, or explore the many streets filled with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture, rivaling even the grandeur of the French capital.
In winter, Strasbourg is one of the coldest places in France, with snow blanketing the streets, pathways, and bare branches of trees, creating a rustic yet dreamy scene.
Hallstatt, Austria
The picturesque ancient town of Hallstatt lies west of Lake Hallstatter See, surrounded by lush green hills. In winter, the village is blanketed in snow, creating a fairytale-like scene with colorful, ancient houses nestled against the mountains, facing the lake with grace. Gone are the red tiled roofs, yellow walls, and vast expanse of turquoise water; instead, everything is an endless expanse of white.
With a long history dating back over 5,000 BC, this place is considered the world's first salt mine. Besides its stunning natural scenery, the most striking and unmissable feature of Hallstatt is its medieval castles, boasting a charming and ancient European style. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets, some over 7,000 years old, enjoying the timeless atmosphere reflected in every pebble and corner.
South Tyrol, Italy
With its historic castles and churches, along with numerous archaeological and art museums, the province of Alto Adige in northern Italy – more commonly known by its German name, South Tyrol – has captivated countless hearts. Located in the far north of Italy, South Tyrol is a stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains and characteristic Mediterranean scenery. The jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites make up a significant part of the region. Winter here is the ideal time for skiing or snowboarding down the slopes. The area is also a delightful destination for many other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, golf, and fishing.
In addition, the rivers and valleys that cut through the hilly terrain create many beautiful lakes and waterways in South Tyrol. It is also one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, offering visitors many opportunities to tour, learn about the production process, and enjoy fine, warm wines even during the cold winter months.
Krakow, Poland
Nestled beside the picturesque Wisla River, at the foot of Wawel Hill, the over 1,000-year-old city of Kraków is one of Poland's largest former capitals, located approximately 250 km from Warsaw. It is a leading center for science, culture, and art in Poland. The city also boasts a rich Central European cultural identity and traditions, with impressive Gothic and Renaissance-style churches and museums, along with stunning urban landscapes.
When winter arrives, the dreamy city is enveloped in white snow. Not too noisy, Kraków is an incredibly peaceful destination for romantic travelers who appreciate history and old European architecture.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, Zermatt is a ski resort that anyone would dream of visiting. Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by its charming roads lined with wooden bungalows and the fresh air. Situated at an altitude of over 1,600 meters, Zermatt possesses all the characteristics of the Alps, nestled amidst towering valleys and majestic snow-capped mountains. Completely devoid of motor vehicles, the only sounds are the tinkling bells of sheep and goats leisurely strolling through the streets. At night, Zermatt is enchanting and magical, like a scene from a fairy tale.
During the peak of winter, the small town of Zermatt can accommodate over 20,000 people. In summer, visitors also flock here to experience skiing at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters. Zermatt offers a wide variety of trails for ski enthusiasts, from basic to advanced and thrill-seeking. For professional mountaineers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, Zermatt is famous for its ski runs on the renowned Matterhorn peak, its rich ecosystem and flora and fauna, as well as numerous beautiful hiking trails.
