Travel after the winter holidays can prove to be the most inspiring, especially since the crowds are reduced and the prices are more affordable. There are some dream locations for those who want to truly experience the magic of winter in January. Places famous for landscapes, but also culture.
The winter holidays can prove to be a tough test for Romanians, especially in terms of expenses. Most of the time booking a winter holiday in December can prove to be a challenge. First of all for economic reasons, the prices being peppered in the famous tourist areas, and secondly because of the holiday crowds and limited places. That’s why January is one of the best travel options for those who really want to taste the magic of winter. With the end of the winter holidays, the crowds are reduced, but the prices also drop. In addition, there are areas of the world where the charm of winter is at its peak during the first two months of the year. Obviously, everything depends on tastes and financial possibilities. However, here are some dream locations that can be visited in January.
The magic of magical winters in the far north
One of the most beautiful places in Europe where you can spend your winter vacation is Lapland. It is the largest and also the northernmost region of Finland. Lapland borders the Gulf of Bothnia, Norrbotten county in Sweden, Finnmark and Troms counties in Norway, but also the Murmansk region and the Republic of Karelia belonging to Russia. Lapland is a land of snow and ice in the Arctic Circle, but with an incredible and spectacular relief.
The charm of Lapland is also given by the polar phenomena that occur, unique in the world, from the midnight sun to the impressive aurora borealis. The winter atmosphere of Lapland, the abundance of conifers but also the magic of polar nights has become associated with the fame of the real Christmas. Children all over the world know that Santa Claus lives in Lapland, and a special village dedicated to Santa has also been set up in the Rovaniemi region. Obviously, for families who want to offer a unique experience to the child, including a visit to Santa’s workshops, December is the most suitable month.
For those who are more passionate about polar landscapes and the magic of winters, the month of January is much more suitable. It is precisely because of its natural beauty that Lapland has become a top area for international tourism. It is also visited by many celebrities. Rovaniemi Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland. Inari is also another province in Lapland famous for its large number of tourists.
In Lapland, winter starts in September, but reaches its peak in December, January and February and lasts for no less than seven months. From the end of April the thick layer of snow melts rapidly giving way to polar summers. In Lapland, winter adventure enthusiasts can find a lot of incredible activities. From simple walks through the untamed nature and Finnish forests to journeys in arctic beauty by snowmobile. Ski slopes and numerous picturesque tourist facilities have been arranged on the dwarf mountains.
The most famous are those from Levi, Yllasjarvi or Ounnasvara (especially for beginners). Cross-country skiing, the national sport of Finland, is also beautiful, discovering unique landscapes. Not to be missed is the Urho Kekkonen National Park, spread over an area of 2,550 square kilometers, a dream area with rivers, waterfalls, polar plains, forests and lakes. Another unique experience in Finnish Lapland is a dog sled ride. The prices, per person, vary between 190 and 200 euros. For those who are passionate about fishing there are opportunities to be organized fishing parties on the carp or simply in the rivers that cross the polar expanses.
“If you want to step into a snowy crystal globe, escape into untouched nature and explore the Arctic Circle, you should start looking for a holiday in Finnish Lapland. It might freeze your fingers or your nose, but it’s totally worth it. Finland has become one of my favorite winter destinations because of its unique charm, access to untouched wilderness, traditional Sami culture and countless activities Sunrises merge with sunsets and the pink sky and blue hour seem to last forever. Finnish Lapland is located above the Arctic Circle in northern Finland, so you can experience a wide range of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, sleeping in a glass-roofed igloo, stargazing, viewing the Aurora Borealis, reindeer, ice skating, dog sledding, ice diving and Finnish saunas. It’s a perfect place to travel with friends, partner, family or alone! As a woman, I felt incredibly safe here.”says Angela Ligouri, a famous travel blogger on her website angelaliggs.com.
Prices for a return flight ticket from Bucharest to Rovaniemi, Lapland, start from 356 euros. You can also find accommodation for five nights, for example, at 400 euros.
The pearl of the Alps, an unforgettable journey
Winter and winter sports enthusiasts can find a real paradise in Zermatt, one of the most famous alpine resorts in the Swiss Alps. Zermatt, is in the district of Visp, in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is located at the upper end of the Mattertal at an altitude of 1,620 m, at the foot of the highest peaks in Switzerland and only 10 kilometers from the Theodul Pass, with a height of over 3,292 m, which connects Switzerland to Italy. Since the 19th century, Zermatt has earned its reputation as a mountain climbing and skiing resort in the Swiss Alps.
Until that time it was predominantly an agricultural community of the Swiss mountains. The Matterhorn, the famous Swiss alpine peak, attracts tourists like a magnet to Zermatt. And not just simple tourists but especially climbers eager to conquer it, some unfortunately at the cost of their lives. Thanks to its reputation, Zermatt has become a top tourist area with numerous facilities and ways to spend free time, both for skiing enthusiasts and for those who just want to admire the scenery and enjoy an enchanting winter. No wonder, Zermatt is a true mountain gem of Europe, full of history and natural beauty.
The town is extremely picturesque, with numerous buildings and chalets, some almost six centuries old. In addition to the picturesque and impressive architecture, Zermatt also attracts through traditional products, through bakeries with delicious dishes and top restaurants. And the landscape is a dream. Zermatt is almost completely surrounded by the high mountains of the Pennine Alps, including Monte Rosa, the highest peak in Switzerland at 4,634 meters above sea level, the Dom (4,545 m), the Liskamm (4,527 m), the Weisshorn (4,505 m) and the Matterhorn (4,478 m).
“Zermatt is one of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland. The town center is beautiful, full of log cabins and historic houses, dotted with adorable bakeries, stylish restaurants and countless ski shops. Then there are the imposing mountains, including the ubiquitous Matterhorn – one of the most recognizable peaks in the world. There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Zermatt in winter (even if you don’t ski!), including visiting the town’s relaxing spas, top, hiking to take photos with amazing views and visiting places like the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise”shows a famous travel blog, Wanderlust Chloe.
Ski enthusiasts feel like fish out of water in Zermatt. There are only a little over 200 kilometers of slopes, including the chance to ski from Switzerland to Italy, with numerous resorts, facilities for practicing this sport.
The guided mountain hikes and the fabulous train journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat are not to be missed. “The ride takes about thirty minutes, stopping at a few mountain spots along the way. We timed our ride around the first light of dawn and enjoyed some incredible views of the Matterhorn lit up by the sun. The views are mesmerizing.” adds Chloe on said blog.
To get to Zermatt you have to take the plane to Geneva. From there there are shuttles to Zermatt.
The picturesque places of home
For those who want to enjoy short winter outings and enjoy the snow in January, they can choose to stay in Romania, a country particularly offering in terms of natural beauty during the winter season. Our country abounds in mountain tourist resorts, in most geographical regions of Romania. The Prahova Valley is well known, with its famous Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal resorts. Just as famous, but in the Moldavian area, is Vatra Dornei. Not to mention the Brașov area and Poiana Brașov. However, those who want authentic experiences and avoid tourist crowds also have a very varied offer. For an extraordinary winter experience for nature lovers, Moeciu de Sus is an exceptional destination. Located at the foot of the Bucegi mountains, this mountain village offers a complete experience, from tradition, tranquility to adventure on the tourist trails accessible in winter. In addition to the joy of winter experiences in nature at Moeciu de Sus, there are many possibilities for quality culinary tourism, especially when it comes to traditional dishes.
A special experience is also offered by Păltinișul, the oldest mountain tourist resort in Romania, inaugurated precisely in 1894, in the Cândrel Mountains, 30 kilometers from the city of Sibiu. Paltiniș is a real paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, being ideal especially for touring skiing, with gentle slopes and low risk of avalanches.
At the same time, there are slopes for all categories of skiers, from amateurs to experienced skiers. Children have great toboggan runs at their disposal. There are enough tourist facilities but also opportunities to explore nature with the family. Further south of Păltiniș, this time in the Oltenia Carpathians, there is another famous resort. It is about Rânca, still a favorite of skiers of all categories, especially because there is always a satisfactory layer of snow here.
The road itself to Rânca, a resort located at over 1,600 meters above sea level, is a real delight, especially since you have to travel the famous Transalpina.
For quieter families, Căciulata, in Vâlcea county, is a top tourist destination. Especially since here there are balneo-climatic complexes for treatment and relaxation, but also easy mountain trails that can be approached by families with children even in winter. We cannot overlook Maramureş, which offers exceptional opportunities for fun and relaxation during the winter, to which is added an important dose of traditions. Obviously, in Maramureș as in Bucovina, the culinary experiences are top notch. Winter roads can also be done in Apuseni, in the heart of Transylvania, for example in Arieseni, in Alba county. In any case, in Romania, there is almost no geographical and ethnographic area without possibilities to spend a dream vacation in January.
