Beautiful Places That Look More Magical Covered in Snow
Chicago, Illinois.
The Windy City is no stranger to snow, and a frosty coat of ice and snow makes Millennium Park (known for its modern art installations) seem completely unreal.
Neushwanstein, Germany.
King Ludwig’s Castle may be a nineteenth century architectural marvel, but in the wintertime it could just as easily pass as Elsa’s ice castle from Frozen.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Wake Forest University makes for the perfect winter postcard with white trees framing its iconic chapel.
Flakstad, Norway.
A white coat of snow on the ground is the perfect canvas from which to admire the dazzling Northern Lights in this Norwegian town.
Prague, Czech Republic.
This European capital may be known for its assortment of eye-catching architecture (from Gothic churches to its old town square) but every building looks even more quaint surrounded by flurries.
Vineyards In Spitz, Austria
Situated along the Danube River, this town in the Austrian wine country is a charming market village that looks like something out of a picture book.
Tromso, Norway.
Known as the capital of the Arctic, this lively city is filled with vivid wooden houses that are hundreds of years old. At night, the Aurora Borealis adds even more color to this snowy locale.
Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Yep, even this southwest natural wonder gets blanketed in white — and visitors can experience the striking scenes with far fewer crowds than in the warmer months.
Godafoss, Iceland
Iceland’s incredible waterfall isn’t surrounded by snow year-round, but winter snow drifts make its blue waters look otherworldly.
Areches-Beaufort, France.
This French mountain village resort is the perfect place for skiing, eating fancy French cheeses, and cuddling in a cottage during the wintertime.
Swedish Coast.
Along the Baltic Sea, the Swedish coast gives off a rustic charm that seems even more idyllic with a fresh sprinkling of snow.
Shirakawa-Go, Japan.
Nestled in the Shogawa River Valley, this remote Japanese village was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are over 250 years old. Bonus: You can even stay in one overnight — just make sure to book early.
Ingleborough, United Kingdom.
This English mountain seems like something out of a science fiction film when its rocky exterior is covered with pure white snow.
Park City, Utah.
Park City’s Old Town offers plenty of shopping, eating, and art galleries for visitors, and its picturesque multicolored buildings offer a nostalgi vibe.
Paris, France.
The city of love and romance seems even more seductive with a dusting of snow. Cold weather is better for snuggling, anyway.
Kakslauttanen, Finland.
Ever dream of staying in an igloo? At this Finnish resort, glass igloos make it possible to stay cozy while also marveling at the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Yosemite, California.
This national park may be a wonder in any season, but its majestic wilderness looks even more breathtaking after a snowfall.
Toronto, Canada.
The capital of Ontario has its fair share of breathtaking parks that become magically white landscapes after a blizzard.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Portland’s Head Light stands at the entry to Portland Harbor, making it a landmark in any season. This is one very historic lighthouse — construction began in 1787 at the directive of George Washington.
Kyoto, Japan.
Home to plenty of Shinto shrines, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and iconic wooden buildings, this quiet Japanese city seems to settle into a calming slumber under a sheet of snow.
Jämtland, Sweden.
This historic province along the border between Sweden and Norway is filled with spruce forests that are home to plenty of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and foxes.
Prince Edward Island, Canada.
This Canadian province may be beloved for its beaches in the summertime, but once winter hits, its colorful fishing towns settle down for a calm winter season.
Central Park, New York
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Macy’s holiday windows, Manhattan’s famed Central Park becomes a winter wonderland under a thick coat of powdery snow.
Les Trois-Moutiers, France
Particularly, the castle Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers (we spotted it on Instagram!), which was abandoned in 1932 after a fire. Today, it looks like a chateau fit for an ice princess during the dead of winter.