Everyone has a list of things they’d like to do during their brief time on this mortal coil. Irrespective of whether or not you have a formal bucket list, you can probably name a fair few things you’d rather experience along the way.
Contrary to popular belief, enjoying amazing and potentially life-changing experiences isn’t something that has to cease due to the cold weather. In fact, there are certain bucket list experiences that are either better in the wintertime, or exclusively accessible during the colder months of the year.
For those who need more convincing, here’s a quick rundown of 10 examples to drive the point home a little more clearly:
Northern Lights
First up, millions of people include trips to Iceland – Reykjavik in particular – on their bucket list. A lot of whom fail to realise this is also one of the best places in the world to gaze upon the majesty of the Northern Lights. Wherever you catch a glimpse of the Aurora for the first time, it will be a time and place you never forget.
Aside from Reykjavik, the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, lake Mývatn, and the village of Vik are the best places in Iceland to view the Northern Lights. Timing and luck still play a part in the appearance (or not) of these lights. For everything else that you can prepare, like what camper to book and things you need to pack for the trip, check out this guide to Iceland’s Northern Lights.
Husky Dogs
Dog sledding experiences are available across Canada, with some of the most enjoyable being found in and around Alberta. Popular destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary come highly recommended, serving up some of the most spectacular scenery to fly by as you cruise the snow by way of pup-power.
Whale Watching
Iceland is famed worldwide for being home to some of the most glorious whale watching opportunities on earth. There are more than 20 different types of whales that can be viewed in the waters around Iceland – many of which stick around during the winter months. And again, the scenery alone during this time of year is no less than spellbinding.
Midnight Sun
Speaking of which, experiencing the midnight sun for the first time can be an eerie, unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience. Visit Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, Russia or Greenland at the right time of year and chances are you’ll never view the sunrise or sunset the same way again.
Christmas in Lapland
You don’t have to be a hardcore fan of all things festive to get a kick out of Christmas in Lapland. That said, anyone with even the slightest fondness for the festive season is guaranteed the trip of a lifetime.
Log Cabin
The beauty of log cabins out in the wilderness is the way in which they are accessible all over the world right now. Once confined to a few select locations here and there, you can now choose from dozens of locations across Europe, the United States, Canada, Scandinavia and so on. One night in a cosy log cabin and you may never want to leave.
Tree Hotel
The original Treehotel in northern Sweden is unique for a number of reasons. One of which being the fact that it remains open throughout the winter, making it the perfect pedestal from which to watch the Northern Lights illuminating the sky above. A relaxing break and an unforgettable experience – perfect for anyone looking for a little romance.
Snowshoeing
As the name suggests, snowshoeing is an energetic and enjoyable hiking experience in places you wouldn’t normally be able to hike. You can pretty much pick from anywhere snow is guaranteed over the winter, though the stunning landscapes of the Interlaken come most highly recommended.
Ice Hotel
Another world famous destination of a different kind in Sweden, the original ICEHOTEL in the village of Jukkasjärvi is situated in one of the prettiest regions of the entire country. Take the opportunity to spend a night or two in a permanent structure made completely of ice, positioned an impressive 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
Snowmobiling
Last but not least, you can travel as near or far as you like to enjoy an unforgettable snowmobiling experience. Now widely accessible in some of the most gorgeous locations worldwide, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of taking to the snow on a machine you’ll definitely want to take home with you. From Scotland to Scandinavia to Alaska to Iceland, snowmobiling guarantees one of the most exciting and memorable half-hours of your life!
