There’s just something about the snow falling gently and covering the ground with a lovely blanket of white that is pure magic. Wintertime shows us that beauty can be found even when the world is cold and stark. During my travels, I have seen snowy landscapes that took my breath away and wanted to share some my favorites photos of them as well as some from some fellow travel writers that make me long to experience winter in different parts of the world. So, here are 20 photos that will prove that winter really is a Wonderland.
“Trekking Musala Peak in the winter is an absolutely awesome experience. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the winter scenery and to enjoy views covering the whole of Bulgaria. The entire adventure is one of a kind and the landscapes are breathtaking.” – Bilyana- Owl Over The World
“During the winter months of November through March, northern Minnesota turns into a winter wonderland! With half-frozen waterfalls, jaw-dropping cliffs, jagged coastlines, and the wondrous Lake Superior, it’s quite the area to explore.” – Sophie – The Wanderful Me
“A two-hour drive from Santiago, the capital of Chile, lies Cajon Del Maipo; a picturesque location in the midst of an incredibly rocky gorge, surrounded by the San Francisco glacier and mountain peaks unlike any you’ve seen before. Situated so close to the capital city, this area of the Andes Mountains is one that leaves you in total disbelief of the beauty of this earth.” – Kate- Travel For Difference
“Visiting the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile was a unique experience. I arrived in San Pedro de Atacama in July, which is winter in South America. Therefore, the beautiful volcanic landscape was all covered up by snow, some roads were even not accessible. It was freezing, but the views were wonderful.“ – Patrick – German Backpacker
“Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the primary stops on the Golden Circle tour which is a popular Southern Iceland route just outside of Reykjavik. The unique feature of this waterfall is the curvature which resembles a staircase. The landscape during the summer is lush and green surrounding the falls but our favorite season to view it is in the winter when it is surrounded by snow which creates the perfect winter wonderland landscape!” – Brian and Amanda – Eat Work Travel
“Typical Russian winter scenery; a lot of snow, pine trees, frozen river, cloudy, difficult to see snowflakes are big and keep falling right into your face. Cold and snowy December day in Catherine park, St.Petersburg, Russia. With that much snow, you can build many snowmen or start a snowball battle.” – Alya and Campbell – Stingy Nomads
“Maruyama Park is a large park in Sapporo that used to be a testing ground for cedar and katsura trees during the Meiji Period. Now, it is a recreational park for locals and tourists. In winter, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland where snow covers the ground and the tall trees. Here, you can also find the Hokkaido Shrine and the Maruyama Zoo. Walk through the Torii gates into the sacred world of the gods and present your offerings when you pray at the Hokkaido Shrine. At the Maruyama Zoo, get up close with the brown bears and spot the polar bears that seem to be camouflaged in the white snow.” – Michelle – The Munching Traveller
“Brasov, Romania is a fairy tale city in Eastern Europe. It’s absolutely gorgeous—especially in the winter time. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, epic churches, and castles: Brasov is for you!” – Amy and Nathan – Two Drifters
“When the winter months roll around most cities bundle up but Quebec City celebrates winter like nowhere else. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets of the historic Petit-Champlain District (made even more charming with snow and ice sculptures) then take a thrilling toboggan ride with views of the iconic Le Chateau Frontenac. For two weeks every January and February Quebec City celebrates the Winter Carnival, the biggest winter festival in the world.” – Brianna – Casual Travelist
“I think Salla in Finnish Lapland is definitely one of the most magical winter destinations we’ve ever been to. Salla is a couple of hours away from Rovaniemi, one of the most popular places to spend winter in Finland, and it has the feel of a small village, with only a few hotels and chalets in the vicinity of ski runs. You can enjoy all the quintessential Lapland winter activities like reindeer and husky sled tours, snowmobile rides, and naturally, you can also see Northern Lights, if you’re lucky!” – Margherita – The Crowded Planet
“The 3-mile walk to reach this amazing Glacier in Jasper was totally worth it! We fell in love with these adorable dogs in Jasper. They were so lean but as we were told, all muscle and they proved it! This adventure was one we will never forget!” – Sherrie – Travel By A Sherrie Affair
“If you’re a mountain lover with a fondness for snow-capped peaks, Banff is the place for you! Located in Alberta, Canada, Banff has no shortage of mountain views and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination to frolick in the snow on a winter trip.” – Kelsey – Kelsey Social
“In summer this beautiful mountain lake is a hotspot for people looking for a beach in Austria, but in winter this place turns into a picture-perfect winter wonderland with a beach full of snow. There is small ski resort called Pertisau, which is only popular with locals as for Austrian standards it is really small with only 12km of groomed tracks. Though the views from the top of the mountain are to die for and really worth going for a day skiing. In Pertisau there are no lines at the lift and you can still find fresh tracks after a good powder day. To me, this is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria and the best off the beaten path mountain.’ Tom – Traveltomtom
“Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is known to Civil War enthusiasts who travel from all over to take in the history of the town and its battlefields. I traveled there simply to take in everything this quaint town has to offer during the holidays and found the perfect photo opportunity as a light snow began to paint the area white.” – Fadra – All Things Fadra
“The Berkshires in Massachusetts are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit but during the winter the Berkshires transform into a picture perfect holiday postcard. The lovely towns are covered in snow and lit up so beautifully you feel as if are walking inside of a snowglobe. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what the holidays are like in a Norman Rockwell setting then head to the Berkshires to enjoy all of the winter magic.” – Susan – She’s On The Go and Mom On The Map
“Park City, Utah is the place to be for all things Winter. You are surrounded by gorgeous mountains and every single winter activity you can think of. The views from high atop the ski slopes are truly breathtaking!” – Susan – She’s On The Go and Mom On The Map
As you can see, cold weather aside, Winter is really is a Wonderland in every part of the world. Where is your favorite place to enjoy the season? Let us know in the comments. In the meantime, I’m going to sit by a nice warm fire and wait for the next snowfall to come!
Susan is a Travel/Lifestyle Writer & Photographer. She’s Mom to four children ranging in age from 13 to 24 and is an avid solo and family traveler. She’s always on the look-out for her next adventure and loves to share each of her journeys along the way!
I’m dying to go to Lapland and that picture from Margherita only reaffirms that!
These are all so beautiful! I love pics of winter scenery. Growing up in Maine gave me a great appreciation for winter.
Believe it or not, I have never been to Maine in the Winter! I’m going to have to change that!!