Is winter to be avoided or embraced? Do you crave a snowy idyll or warm weather? A short hop or a far-flung adventure? Perhaps the lure of the aurora borealis colours your plans (pun very much intended). Such musings are at the heart of choosing your ideal winter holiday. Let’s delve in further…
Can you picture yourself enjoying winter in snowy Lapland? Here cosy log cabins in snow-shrouded forests combine with thrilling wilderness activities and the electrifying prospect of seeing the northern lights. Or is exploring Iceland’s remarkable natural features and surreal landscapes top of your winter wish list? You’ll be hoping for glimpses of green here too!
Perhaps the idea of turning winter on its head, geographically speaking, and journeying Down Under for the austral summer is tempting. Coastal road trips, lush hiking trails and wonderful wildlife encounters can all be weaved into an epic adventure. Do penguins and pristine scenery get your heart racing?
Whatever your preference, there’s a lot to ponder. Read on for a few super cool suggestions.
Lapland – winter as it should be
The far north of Sweden, Finland and Norway are where to head for a quintessential winter break. That is, snow-laden forests, winter activities in Narnia-like landscapes, cosy and stylish places to stay plus dark night skies ideal for aurora watching.
Fully-inclusive in Finland
The snow seems heavier and deeper in Finland. Miles of snow-cloaked forests and fells create a dazzling winter wonderland usually reserved for imagination. The Arctic beauty of Finnish Lapland is the picturesque setting for excellent value wilderness breaks that capture the essence of winter.
A collection of stylish resorts nestled in the forests around Lake Inari provide the base. All meals are included and a full programme of winter activities. Husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more. Young families may relish the chance to meet Santa. Choose the duration and accommodation style that suits. From hotel rooms to log cabins with saunas. Glass-roofed aurora cabins to lakeside villas.
For your added convenience, there are direct flights from London available on set departure dates between December and March. If the set departure dates don’t suit you, you can fly via Helsinki any day of the week throughout the winter season.
Stylish Sleeps in Swedish Lapland
The Swedes know a thing or two about amazing hotels. Back in 1990, the now world famous Icehotel first opened in the tiny village of Jukkasjärvi. The brainchild of founder, Yngve Bergqvist, who the year before had turned his art gallery built from snow and ice into a makeshift hotel.
This is the original ice hotel and remains one of the world’s most amazing places to spend the night. You’ll invigorate your senses and be blown away by the incredible blend of artistry and imagination. High above the Arctic Circle and surrounded by true wilderness, there’s a huge range of adventure activities available too, from husky sledding to ice-sculpting – a simple pleasure you never knew you needed.
Aurora hunters should pair a stay at the Icehotel with a night in Abisko National Park. It’s regarded as one of the best places to see the northern lights due to little cloud cover. We’ll whisk you up to the Aurora Sky Station by chairlift for 360° views of a near cloudless night sky.
Keeping with the theme of unique retreats, about an hour inland from coastal Lapland, connecting with nature takes on new heights… literally! The intriguing Treehotel is a thrilling hideaway of eight grown-up treehouses. Each is unique and offers uninterrupted views of the treetops and Lulea River Valley. Your potential room for the night might be a giant bird’s nest, an otherworldly UFO or a discreet Mirror Cube. There’s a host of thrilling winter activities available too. Naturally.
We recommend fusing your forest adventure with a stay in a cosy log cabin near Lulea overlooking the frozen archipelago.
Romance or relaxation? Both come into play at Arctic Bath Hotel, another concept property from the team behind Treehotel. This spa hotel floats over the Lule River during summer and is frozen in place during winter. The main building, clad in reclaimed timber to resemble drifting logs, houses the wellness centre, with individual cabins gracing the shoreline.
Island hopping and seafood in Northern Norway
Imposing mountains and picturesque islands provide the special ingredient of winter breaks in Northern Norway. Like Finland and Sweden, a resort stay at fjord-side Malangen features a menu of activities including husky sledding and snowmobiling. But venture to the island of Senja and a wildlife boat safari might combine with Arctic bathing in specially designed floatation suits. Not your average ocean dip!
This is also the season to sample seafood at its best from shellfish to salmon. Once you’ve had your fill of the day’s catch, prepare for nature’s light show. Of course there are no guarantees, but whether you’re cosying up in a rorbuer cabin after a day island hopping around the Lofoten Islands or sipping a night cap in a waterfront apartment, all are in prime northern lights locations.
The Arctic city of Tromso is the gateway to the action in Norway’s north and adds an energetic urban vibe to your winter getaway. Take in the striking Arctic Cathedral, the aquarium and the Polar Museum or indulge in a spot of retail therapy in a city nicknamed the ‘Paris of the North’.
Coastal Cruising in Norway
How about linking ports along Norway’s elongated coastline all the way to the top of Europe? The iconic coastal cruise route lights up with the promise of the aurora in winter on the northern stretch between the Lofoten Islands and Kirkenes. Soak up the scenery and embrace slow travel aboard modern and environmentally friendly ships from Havila.
Read more about embracing slow travel on a coastal voyage >
Iceland – natural wonders and hot tubs
With average winter temperatures near 0°C, Iceland is a milder prospect for a winter escape than Lapland. It’s another standout northern lights destination, with a collection of countryside properties perfect for aurora watch. You can soak in a hot tub and gaze at the night sky and with luck, a dazzling northern lights display. You can go snowmobiling, glacier hiking, and ice climbing on a winter break in Iceland, though thanks to its easily accessible glaciers, these are not the reserve of winter. How about snorkelling between the earth’s tectonic plates? Whale watching in Iceland is also year round, but for spotting orcas, February and March are best.
Iceland’s unique appeal are the striking and sometime surreal landscapes. From frozen waterfalls to steaming geysers, snow-dusted volcanic mountains to windswept black sand beaches. Iceland is a land of contrasts. The island’s abundant geothermal energy, which translates into many bathing opportunities, comes into its own in winter. The colder the temperature, the more indulgent the soak!
Whereas Lapland breaks focus on wilderness resorts, Iceland winter holidays offer a diverse choice of adventures. Road trips, city breaks, escorted tours all feature. Hop between countryside hotels exploring the south coast at your own pace on a self-drive or tap into the expert knowledge of your driver/guide.
Canada – encounters with the ice bear
Hopping across the pond to Canada and the polar bear capital of the world is something wildlife fanatics might consider. Every year, just before autumn’s ‘big freeze’, hundreds of the world’s largest land predator take a remarkable journey to congregate on the shores of Hudson Bay, Manitoba in preparation of their annual hunt.
Purpose built for watching polar bears on the tundra, Polar Rovers combine comfort and space with practicality to ensure the best possible encounters with these magnificent mammals. Giant tyres and a raised open-air viewing platform allow you to come within inches of this powerful predator safely.
Serious bear watchers and photographers might consider a stay at Tundra Lodge. Carefully positioned each season, this unique ‘rolling hotel’ built on wheels is situated on the vast Arctic tundra outside Churchill amid polar bear country. From dawn until dusk, you’ll be in prime position to watch bear antics, with jaunts out in a Polar Rover offering different perspectives. Arctic hare, ptarmigan and Arctic fox could also feature on your hit list. And the aurora borealis may provide the nighttime spectacle.
The short season runs from October to November, so planning is essential.
Warm weather getaways
A winter holiday doesn’t have to mean embracing the cold. It’s dry season in Costa Rica and the height of summer in Australia and New Zealand. All three countries are packed full of diverse and unforgettable experiences and we’re experts in weaving just the right amount into a trip to suit you.
Summer Down Under in Australia
If you like big, bold and laid-back, Australia is for you. Marvel at geological curiosities from limestone pillars to ancient gorges and the world’s most recognisable monolith. Take a walk on the wild side encountering a wealth of wildlife. Immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest cultures. And tickle your tastebuds sampling award-winning wines. From desert to rainforest, mountain to beach, explore this epic land by road, rail or air.
The Kiwi charm offensive in New Zealand
Oscar-winning landscapes provide the backdrop to a literal A-Z of activities in New Zealand, from abseiling to zorbing and everything in between. Hit the trail on a Great Walk – a collection of multi-day hikes that are truly world-class. Settle down with a crisp sauvignon after a day exploring. Have a whale of time encountering the giants of the deep offshore. And learn about indigenous Maori culture in the cultural heartlands around Rotorua.
Every trip to New Zealand is tailored just the way you like it.
Exotic wildlife in Costa Rica
Pivoting to Central America, December to April is the dry season in Costa Rica and the most popular time to visit. Not only are you assured balmy temperatures hovering around 30 degrees but it’s one of the best times of year for whale watching – imagine the joy of seeing humpbacks breaching offshore. Costa Rica is a delight at any time of year, but if escaping a dull, damp, cold winter is your priority, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere more colourful.
Antarctic dreaming
Adventures are rarely bigger or more far flung than an expedition cruise to the Great White Continent. The austral summer, from November to March, is when Antarctica becomes accessible. From the pristine landscapes of early season to the best time to see whales in February, this extraordinary continent is alive with seabirds and marine mammals.
Not quite an alternative to winter warmth, the perpetual daylight, however, is invigorating. As are the up-close encounters with that most recognisable and endearing Antarctic resident – the penguin.
Our collection of small ships, under 200 passengers, offer a choice of cruising styles from ex-research vessels to purpose-built expedition ships, with the latest sustainable features.
Feeling inspired?
If you’re still not sure when and were to go, you can find more inspiration in our trip ideas by month and blog on the cool things to do in the Nordics in winter.
To get straight to the action, take a look at our full collection of winter breaks then get in touch with our Travel Specialists for a chat on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.
