Unique winter travel experiences around the world.

In regions near the Arctic Circle, winters are long and extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping below 0°C, and snow blanketing roads and endless pine forests. The ice and snow not only create picturesque landscapes but also beckon adventurers from around the world with many unique experiences. Below are some of the most popular activities.

Sleeping in an ice hotel on a mountain in Romania.

In winter, Lake Balea in Transylvania freezes over, becoming a "hotel." From December to April, visitors to Romania experience drinking beer, enjoying food in sub-zero temperatures, and relaxing on cool ice beds.

Visitors can also hike on snow-covered slopes, climb mountains over the frozen Balea waterfalls, and ski in the most remote areas of the Fagaras Mountains.

Discover the frozen Lake Baikal.

Lake Baikal (Russia) is the largest and deepest freshwater lake on Earth. From approximately January to April, temperatures drop extremely low, causing the lake to freeze, creating an incredibly spectacular sight. The lake transforms into a giant, transparent mirror. The ice on Lake Baikal is 1.5 to 2 meters thick and can support a weight of about 15 tons. The water is so clear that people can observe objects at a depth of 40 meters with the naked eye.

Those who visit Lake Baikal in winter have many ways to explore and experience it, such as ice skating, hiking, and spending the night on the lake.

Soak in the Uunartoq hot springs.

Uuniartog Island is located in southern Greenland, a remote and uninhabited area with no direct road access. The only facility on the island is a small hut. To reach Uuniartog, visitors need to take a boat from Qaqortoq or Nanortalik. The island features hot springs nestled amidst moss fields overlooking the coast. These are the only hot springs in Greenland warm enough for bathing year-round. Remarkably, the water temperature remains between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius even during the freezing winter months. Visitors can relax and soak in the springs while enjoying the spectacular views of icebergs and mountain peaks surrounding the springs.

Participate in the ice fishing festival in South Korea.

CNN once called the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival in South Korea one of the "Seven Wonders of Winter." Held in Hwacheon, a county in Gangwon Province, from January to February, the ice fishing festival is deeply rooted in local culture. It attracts millions of people who flock to cast their lines through holes in the ice to catch sancheoneo – a type of freshwater trout that lives only in very clean water. Visitors can also jump into the water to catch the fish with their bare hands.

Travel to Norway to witness the aurora borealis.

Visiting areas near the Arctic Circle, tourists will have the opportunity to admire a fascinating natural phenomenon – arc-shaped beams of light moving in various colors against the night sky. This is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. A famous place to see the aurora borealis is the city of Tromso, the largest urban area in northern Norway. The period from October to April is the best time. Tourists can cruise along the Norwegian coast, combining aurora hunting with enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Lyngen Alps, about 350 km from the Arctic Circle.

Visiting the Sami market in Lapland.

For 400 years, in February, the Sami people of Lapland have gathered in the small town of Jokkmokk to hold their winter market. This bustling market, held under falling snow, which reflects the Sami people's reindeer herding traditions, has gradually evolved into a three-day cultural festival. Visitors often combine their market experience with dog-sled rides into the deep forest, watching the aurora borealis in the night sky. In addition, visitors shouldn't miss the handicrafts and listening to local stories.

"Winter-Chasing" Dance at Kurento Vanje Festival, Slovenia

In northeastern Slovenia, every February, kurents—local people dressed in shaggy sheepskin costumes and masks—dance through the streets. The sounds emanating from their bell-studded hoops are meant to "drive away winter." This custom marks the end of the winter months and the beginning of spring. The highlight of the festival is the Kurento Vanje—a masquerade parade culminating in a street party with homemade cookies, mulled wine, and giant donuts.

Slide down the world's largest natural ice rink in Canada.

The Rideau Canal, connecting the Ottawa River and the Rideau River, was built in the 19th century and remains largely intact today, retaining most of its original routes and structures. Between January and March, the canal freezes, creating the world's longest natural ice rink winding around Ottawa. Joining locals on the 7.8 km ice skating ride offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the city streets from downtown to Dows Lake. For those seeking a more nature-inspired experience, head north of the river to Gatineau Park or hike the 200 km ski trail nestled among endless pine forests.

Take a train ride to see the snow in Switzerland.

Switzerland boasts 18 railway lines running throughout the country. These trains take passengers through majestic mountain landscapes, allowing them to fully appreciate the gifts of nature bestowed upon this land, especially the breathtaking scenery of the famous Alps. In winter, Swiss railways traverse some of the snowiest mountain passes in Europe.

The most famous train is the Glacier Express (Zermatt-St Moritz). This is the slowest train in the world, lasting 8 hours and connecting the ski paradises of Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Explore Lapland, Finland, by riding in a husky-sled.

Embarking on multi-day dog ​​sledding trips allows travelers to realize that this is not just a means of transportation, but a way of life in Finland, the home of Santa Claus. Passengers find joy in caring for and guiding the dogs as they traverse snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. The journey can cover up to 40 km a day. Throughout the trip, travelers immerse themselves in the wild nature as they travel through the icy taiga forest, before the aurora borealis appears in the night sky.

Walking on snowshoe in northern Italy.

In Italy's Lombardy region, snow hikes offer a fun winter activity. These hikes often take place in the evening, allowing participants to stargaze and enjoy local cuisine. An annual event in February attracts over 4,000 people around Vezza D'Oglio to conquer a 10km snow trail at night. During the day, more challenging hikes can be found in Stelvio National Park, below a mountain peak reaching 3,000m.

Kayaking in the Lofoten Islands during winter.

Lofoten is an archipelago in the Nordland district of Norway. In late winter, the islands come alive as schools of fish migrate to their waters. In Lofoten, there's a village dubbed "one of the most beautiful places in the world," with its majestic mountains and picturesque, crystal-clear beaches. With its calm, mirror-like surface, the fishing village of Reine is famous for kayaking. The kayak trip from Reine leads to the village of Arnes. As you paddle, you can leisurely enjoy the peacefulness of the village with its small, red wooden houses nestled along the shore.

Phuong Le