There is nothing so beautiful or enchanting as winter. No, we don’t mean winter in the southern hemisphere, with sunshine and flip-flops; we mean real winter – chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose – with all the trimmings. From remote Scotland to Canada, escape to one of our five favorite winter wonderland retreats.
St. Petersburg, Russia
The first-ever performance of the Nutcracker Ballet was held at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre in 1892, and the city has retained that dreamlike magic of Christmas and fairytales ever since. Wonderfully dark and atmospheric during the winter season, the sun rises gradually and reluctantly over snow-drenched palaces and decadent architecture. Keep warm with a flask of Russian-standard vodka (almost as cheap as water) as you meander through a fascinating network of intricate canals and ornate bridges.
Québec City, Canada
If it’s old world-inspired charm you’re after, you must be dreaming of Québec City, one of the earliest settlements on this side of the Atlantic. Nestled into a hillside on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and dusted with snow in the winter, it’s a perfect cold-weather getaway. Head to Old Québec, which is dominated by the majestic Château Frontenac, and drink in the atmosphere over a seasonal glass of vin chaud.
Røros, Norway
The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Røros in Norway boasts all the magic of winter in Lapland with none of the tacky commercialism that spoils it. A small town of fewer than 6,000 people, it attracts many talented artists and craftsmen, who sell their goods in local shops and workshops. Be transported through snow-capped woodland vistas on horse-drawn sleighs, with reindeer skins and torch flames to keep you warm. Visit the nearby reindeer herd on the edge of town, which you are invited to feed with lichen as you learn about the traditions and customs of the local Sámi people.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Here’s one for the die-hard partygoers among us. The six-week period between St. Andrew’s Day and New Year’s is nothing but drinking and seasonal revelry in Edinburgh. This prehistoric fort is overshadowed by the dark hills beyond, and as the bitter winter cold descends everything is covered in a formidable layer of snow. Trudge through the frost all the way up to Arthur’s Seat, if you dare – or retreat to one of the city’s many hideaway pubs for a traditional warming scotch.
Kraków, Poland
With winters as furiously cold as the summers are hot, this city welcomes a thick drift of snow every year. To experience the best of Kraków’s winter celebrations, sample a Polish wódka in one of the traditional establishments in Kraków Old Town, and don’t miss the annual festive market, where many local crafts and trinkets await you in the Rynek Glowny central square.
(Main image: © Anne08/iStock/Thinkstock)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
