A good winter trip can reveal historic cities, snowy landscapes, and cultural experiences that take on new meanings during the season
Submitted at Mar 13, 2026, 3:00 PM
Montanhas com neve (Freepik/Divulgação)
A winter trip often reveals landscapes and atmospheres that do not appear at other times of the year. With lower temperatures and softer natural light, historic cities, mountains, and villages take on an almost cinematic dimension. For many travelers, this period is also an invitation to slow down, explore new flavors and observe architecture more closely.
In different parts of the world, winter transforms the travel experience. Among snow-covered streets, mountainous landscapes and cozy cafés, each destination offers its own way of experiencing the season. Below, we list destinations that combine culture, landscape and history to inspire your next winter trip.
Located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the best-known destinations in Europe for those who wish to experience the Alpine winter in its most classic form. The small Swiss village keeps streets free of cars and a tranquil atmosphere that highlights the surrounding natural landscape.
Zermatt (Andrew Bossi/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
During a winter trip, the destination offers everything from world-renowned ski resorts to panoramic trails and mountain restaurants. Wooden chalets, historic hotels and ever-present views of the Alps help compose an experience that combines sports, architecture and nature.
In winter, Kyoto reveals a more quiet and contemplative side. The temples, gardens and traditional houses of the former Japanese capital take on a slower pace, with fewer visitors and a landscape marked by soft tones.
Kyoto (Simone Urbinati/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
A winter trip to the city allows you to observe details of Japanese architecture from another perspective. Roofs covered with light snow, zen gardens at rest and historic streets create settings that dialogue with the country’s aesthetic tradition.
Between Andean lakes and snow-covered mountains, Bariloche becomes one of the most sought-after destinations in Latin America during winter. The city combines exuberant nature, gastronomy and a strong tradition linked to mountain tourism.
Bariloche (Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
For those planning a winter trip, Cerro Catedral concentrates activities such as skiing and snowboarding, while the historic center offers cafés, chocolate shops and buildings inspired by European Alpine architecture.
Few destinations offer a winter experience as singular as Iceland. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, serves as a starting point for exploring volcanic landscapes, lava fields and glaciers that stretch to the horizon.
Reykjavik (Christine Zenino/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
On a winter trip, the city allows you to observe natural phenomena such as the northern lights and enjoy open-air geothermal baths. At the same time, its contemporary architecture and museums reveal Icelandic cultural identity.
With cobblestone streets, historic buildings and preserved ramparts, Quebec recalls European cities of the 17th century. In winter, the Canadian city transforms into a setting that seems taken from an illustrated book.
Quebec (RogMack/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Planning a winter trip to Quebec means walking through historic neighborhoods covered in snow, visiting local markets and exploring hotels and buildings that preserve French colonial architecture.
In Brazil, Gramado has become one of the destinations most associated with winter. Located in the Serra Gaúcha, the city brings together architecture inspired by European villages, typical cuisine and an intense cultural program during the colder months.
Gramado. (Cleiton Thiele/Divulgação)
A winter trip to the region includes tours of wineries, colonial cafés and food festivals. Proximity to Canela also expands the itinerary possibilities, with natural parks and viewpoints in the mountains.
Above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is considered one of the best places in the world to observe the northern lights. The Norwegian city brings together dramatic landscapes, fjords and an atmosphere marked by the historical relationship with the Arctic.
Tromsø (Borealis/Divulgação)
During a winter trip, it is possible to take part in expeditions to see the northern lights, explore museums dedicated to polar explorations and observe contemporary Scandinavian architecture integrated into the landscape.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
