5 destinations where snow becomes a true experience

Zakopane in winter is a true experience city: mountains, ski slopes, snowy streets, lights, and scents. The presence of the Tatras is constant, even when you're strolling down the main street with a hot soup in hand. The rhythm of winter days works well here: activity during the day, urban vibes in the evening, all within easy reach.

To enhance the Zakopane experience, it’s worth taking a short detour to nearby Białka Tatrzańska. Here, after the ski slopes, a completely different experience awaits: outdoor thermal pools where you can sit in steaming water even in minus 10–15 degrees Celsius. Snowflakes land on your shoulders as your body relaxes – a rare contrast that’s unforgettable. This ski-and-thermal combination is not only unique but also convenient: with little travel, you can pack a lot into one day.

Lillafüred in winter feels like time has momentarily stopped. The frozen Szinva waterfall is not only spectacular but almost unbelievable: movement freezes, and water turns into a sculpture. Around Lake Hámori, the snow muffles your steps, the air is crisp, and the pace of your walk slows – not because you have to, but because it feels right.

The strength of the area lies in the harmony between nature and human presence. This resort, part of Miskolc, has gained international attention in recent years: the city ranked in the top six of the Green Destinations TOP100 competition in the “Thriving Communities” category, thanks in part to the Edible Forest initiative. This mindset can be felt even on a winter walk: a visit in winter doesn’t “consume” the place but allows time to connect with it.

Hargitafürdő in winter is a place where the mountain is not just a backdrop but a companion: the scent of pine forests, the crunch of snow, and the misty chill hovering over the slopes create that Transylvanian winter atmosphere locals know well and visitors quickly fall in love with. The family-friendly nature of the ski slopes makes this destination a great choice for those not seeking the “big Alpine” racing pace but rather a safe, enjoyable glide and closeness to nature.

In the morning, as you open the door of your accommodation, the cold almost “bites,” a lift hums in the distance, and as you ascend, the trees part to reveal a stunning panorama. By the afternoon, when your boots feel heavier and your steps slower, a hot tea or soup is a welcome treat – along with the rare feeling that here, winter is not an obstacle but a reward.

The Plitvice Lakes take on a completely different character in winter compared to summer. The waterfalls freeze, icicles carve new lines into the landscape, and the colours become more subdued, which only makes them more striking. Walking along the boardwalks, you often hear only your own footsteps and find yourself instinctively slowing down.

The park is a protected area, and visiting in winter highlights the importance of moderation. The lower visitor numbers, regulated paths, and prioritisation of nature make the experience here not loud but profound. The Plitvice Lakes also hold a Green Destinations certification, but you don’t feel it from signs – you feel it in how the place operates: it gives you time, space, and silence.

Image source

Lake Bled in winter doesn’t offer a flurry of activities but rather that rare, pure experience where all you need is a good coat, a walk around the lake, and a few quiet stops. A layer of mist often hovers over the water, the silhouette of the island slowly emerges, the mountains provide a snowy backdrop, and before you know it, you’re speaking less and observing more. Bled has an elegant atmosphere of “not trying to be more,” offering a postcard-perfect winter scene alongside a tranquillity that truly recharges you.

The green ethos here isn’t just a slogan but is reflected in how the place operates: Bled holds a Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism certification with Slovenia Green Destination Gold status and has been a member of the Alpine Pearls network since 2008, promoting sustainable mobility – something visitors experience more as an “easily navigable,” compact destination than as a set of rules. 

Image source