The Most Dazzling Winter Destinations To Visit Now
From snow-covered winter wonderlands to enchanting fairy-tale cities, there are so many options for a magical escape when temperatures drop. Here, KATIE BERRINGTON chooses five sparkling destinations that are perfect for a majestic winter vacation
Lake Fuschl, Salzburg, Austria
To the east of stunning Salzburg, surrounded by frosted, forested mountains, Lake Fuschl is an entrancingly fairy-tale setting, where the outdoor pursuits are enthralling all year round – even in below-freezing temperatures. Amongst the most unique of these are winter hot-air-balloon rides, where you glide over the scenery of Salzkammergut, and boat trips that can even take guests between a few lively festive markets dotted around the lake. The recently opened Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, which sits on the banks of the shimmering waters, has revived an ancient castle that dates back to the 15th century. The magnificent lake-front chalets – with their own terraces, private saunas and warming fireplaces – boast the most breathtaking views.
The Cotswolds, UK
The Cotswolds’ chocolate-box villages become all the more irresistible during the colder months, when charming pubs beckon with a snug drink and hearty meals beside roaring fires. A stay at the newly opened The Pig in the Cotswolds promises the coziest of countryside getaways in the bucolic surrounds of Barnsley. The hotel comes complete with its own Village Pub, as well as a restaurant that boasts the ultra-local 25-Mile Menu, which means that guests’ appetites – invigorated after a wrapped-up wintry stroll – are well and truly catered for.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne enjoys a stunningly story-book location, on the shore of the lake with which it shares its name – and backdropped by the snow-topped Swiss Alps. The city’s beautifully preserved old town is beguiling in the winter months, when the centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets are illuminated with twinkling lights. A wander across the 14th-century wooden bridge that crosses the Reuss river is astounding, beneath a ceiling decorated with 17th-century paintings that depict events of the city’s rich history. As for a place to stay, an exquisite Belle Époque landmark has been transformed into the Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne, which gazes out over the lake.
Megève, France
A winter wonderland in the heart of the Mont Blanc mountain range, Megève is a movie-worthy village – think a charmingly cobbled medieval center comprising art galleries, boutiques and refined gastronomic experiences. The Four Seasons Hotel Megève, meanwhile, is a glorious, elegantly designed chalet, where stunning suites give front-row access to the mountains. New for the season is a snowshoeing ramble amidst a fir forest to an igloo, where a traditional feast of charcuterie and cheese is served, before a sunset return. There’s also dog sledding, paragliding, snowmobiling and – for the most adventurous – hot-air ballooning and ice-climbing on the glaciers.
Copenhagen, Denmark
For a glorious gastronomic trip – iridescent in sparkling atmosphere but more design-led in style than most festive-market destinations – the Danish capital has an abundance of globally renowned culinary delights, all perfect for festive feasting. Just as sumptuous, though, is the buzzy, cozy café scene that showcases hygge culture at its most inviting. Opening in 2025, 1 Hotel Copenhagen will be a sleek yet showstopping addition to the city, with a Green-Michelin-starred chef at the helm of the seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.