Winter is magic. It has its own beauty and charm. Here are few unique places to visit and to enjoy the season!
Chasing the polar lights
Whenever you would cross the arctic circle (the latitude 66.5°) you may have a chance of admiring the dancing auroras borealis! In the Northern pole they are visible in Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland. Auroras are also often referred as the polar lights.
It's a natural phenomenon caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The colour depends precisely on the gas particle presence. For example, the most frequent green auroras are produced by oxygen molecules located about 100 kilometers above the earth. Red auroras are rare and are produced by high-altitude oxygen in over 300 km height above the earth. Blue or purple auroras are visible with the interaction of nitrogen.
Here is a short video which explains how Auroras are formed:
As you can see, there is no guarantee that you would see auroras on your trip. Each of the countries has their own Auroras NOW! forecast services that alert people, but predictable service is only up to 2 days in advance, and the most trust-worth alert is up to 1-2 h in advance. But don't worry; all the hotels are equipped with alarm services that are waking up visitors to enjoy this natural beauty.
Stay in one of the glass igloos and enjoy auroras right from your bed!
North of China
For the 36th year already, in early January, the Snow and Ice Festival will take place in the Northern China. Notwithstanding the cold, the city of Harbin becomes a popular destination, where people come to see gigantic snow sculptures which are beautifully illuminated at night. Here is a short video with the impressions from the last year (January 2019):
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is a home to a lovely Santa Clause Village in the North of the Finland. This is where our letters go! Auroras there are rare (though sometimes possible and the hotels have a wake-up call for all the guests), but it is a destination famous for the Santa Clause depart ceremony on the 23rd of December at 7 pm Finnish time. You can also WATCH IT LIVE, in direct streaming on your PC.
Hunderfossen, Norway
Just 2 hours north of Oslo, there is a beautiful Hunderfossen family park, settled in the Norwegian fairy tale castle with lots of trolls and the reindeer farm. Apart from some beautiful family hotels or typical Norwegian cabins (hytte), there is also an opportunity to stay in the snow hotel. This is also the place where you may see romantic couples getting married in the snow cathedral.
The family park is located near the Lillihammer and the Hafjell ski resorts, which allows to enjoy the winter sports too.
Here is the video of their winter park:
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's Medieval Old Town (built between 11th and 13th centuries) has a special magic in winter when the flakes fall down and cover the roofs and old streets. The Christmas Market in the Town Hall Square was voted as one of the"Best in Europe in 2019" and it is a fairy-tale location to visit.
Moscow, Russia
Russia is well known for its cold and long winters. But spending Christmas in Moscow is also an experience to be remembered! Every year it’s a time for performances, games, crafts, food at illuminated Izmaylovsky Park and Revolution Square, located right in the city center. At this time of the year Moscow becomes the capital of the luminous spectacle.
You may see some more special moments in Russia in winter in the video "Northern Light Explorer in Russia by train":
But whenever you are, enjoy the holiday moment with your family and all the little pleasures winter is offering! Upon your return you may share with us your magic winter destination by 15th January 2020!
Merry Christmas to everyone!
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