These are the winter scenes around the world. A collection of spectacular views you can only see on a winter trip abroad

Spectacular! Winter scenery created by Mother Nature

[Canada] The spray of the frozen waterfall is fantastic! "Niagara Falls"

Niagara Falls is one of the tourist spots on the border between Canada and the United States. It is made up of three waterfalls: the Canadian Falls in Canada, the American Falls in the United States, and Bridal Veil Falls next to the American Falls. The largest of these, the Canadian Falls, is 675m wide and has a drop of 56m, making it a very large scale. The dynamism of the large amount of water flowing into the pool can be fully conveyed through photos and videos.

Niagara Falls is also popular as a spectacular winter spot. The winter temperature in this region often drops below minus 20 degrees, and the water that flows so vigorously in the summer freezes. This creates a tranquil, otherworldly view.

There are five main spots to see Niagara Falls, and one of them, Table Rock Observation Deck, is a great spot to take photos of the cascading waterfall right in front of you. There tend to be fewer people in the winter than in the summer, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. Another popular activity is a helicopter tour that lets you see the entire Niagara Falls from above. The steam rising from the pool will make you feel like you're in a fantastical mood.

Niagara Falls

[Iceland] The world of "super blue" spreads out in the "ice caves"

Located in Northern Europe, Iceland is an island formed by volcanoes and glaciers. Vatnajökull National Park, located in the southern part of the island, is the second largest national park in Europe. It was created in 2008 by merging two national parks, Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Its size makes up about 14% of Iceland's land area.

The ice caves inside are one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, formed by meltwater from the Vatnajökull glacier, which covers an area of 8,100 square kilometers in the summer.

People from all over the world visit this place, and it is loved as "Super Blue" because of the beautiful blue glow emitted from the glacier. Why is it blue? Apparently, it is because the glacier freezes while being compressed by the accumulated snow, resulting in high-purity ice that does not contain air bubbles. Only the blue light of the sunlight penetrates the ice, making the inside of the cave appear to glow blue. You can only see this super blue during the winter. You will need to be accompanied by a professional guide, so if you are interested, make sure to apply.

Ice cave

[Norway] The Lofoten Islands, a hidden gem surrounded by mountains and sea, covered in a snowy white world

The Lofoten Islands, consisting of five islands located at around 68 degrees north latitude, are a place rich in nature where towering mountains and beautiful, expansive seas coexist. Every year from December to January, it is known for the polar nights, when the sun never appears above the ground, and it is a spot where you can see the Aurora Borealis.

The Lofoten Islands are not well known in Japan, but the charm of this place is that there is a lot of untouched nature. It is also said to be the setting for "Frozen," and the sight of the natural scenery dyed in snow feels almost sacred. You will feel as if you have jumped into the movie.

From autumn to winter, there is a boat tour activity called Nature Safari, where you can observe wild fur seals and whales. If you want to enjoy a spectacular view, we also recommend visiting Reine, which was selected as the most beautiful village in Norway. Why not enjoy the beautiful winter scenery, which is said to be like walking into a postcard, no matter where you look?

Lofoten Islands

[Denmark] Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord covered with icebergs

Greenland is located between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and most of the island is covered in ice and snow. The Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland is a fjord with a total length of about 40 km that flows from the Ilulissat Glacier to Disko Bay, and is also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

However, due to the effects of global warming in recent years, the front part of the Ilulissat Glacier facing the ice fjord has been retreating significantly in recent years. You will be overwhelmed by the sight and sound of the glacier collapsing into the fjord covered with icebergs. The glacier can collapse at any time. If you want to see this view in person, it might be best to go there as soon as possible without putting it off.

In winter, if the weather conditions are right, you can see the collaboration of icebergs and the aurora. You can also enjoy snowshoe hiking around the ice fjords and husky dog sledding tours.

Ilulissat Icefjord

[Sweden] Mysterious lights covering the sky: the Aurora

The Aurora Borealis, which everyone has wanted to see at least once, is a natural phenomenon that can be seen all year round, mainly in Northern Europe. It can be seen at night, in areas without artificial light, on clear days.

When you think of sightseeing in Sweden, you probably think of city sightseeing in Stockholm, but in winter, it's also recommended to visit the Aurora Borealis. The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko, a small village in the Lapland region, is located almost in the middle of the Aurora Belt, has a high rate of clear skies, and is said to be the best place in the world to see the Aurora.

Take the chairlift from Mount Nuorya Station to the summit. Under the clear sky and crisp air with almost no clouds, you can enjoy the aurora on the snowy mountain with a 360-degree view.

Aurora

New Year's and Winter Holidays Recommended Overseas Travel Special

*Some content was updated on October 27, 2023.

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