If you are looking for a snowy and atmospheric winter destination, you will find what you are looking for in the current "Icelandair" ranking. Hallstatt tops the list of the most magical places.
The first snow has already covered cities with a layer of white, heralding an atmospheric start to the Advent season. The Finnish airline "Icelandair" has just published a ranking of the most impressive winter destinations in Europe where snow is almost certain. Falstaff TRAVEL presents the places for cold lovers.
The evaluation criteria for the ranking were the average snowfall in January, the number of clear January days in combination with light pollution and the number of Instagram posts about Christmas markets in 60 European destinations. All criteria were equally weighted in the overall result.
1st place: Hallstatt, Austria - picture-book winter
Voted the third most beautiful village in the world by Forbes in the summer, the picturesque village in the Salzkammergut now takes first place in the "Icelandair" ranking of the most beautiful winter towns. Nestled between the lake and snow-dusted mountains, Hallstatt unfolds an almost fairytale-like magic in the cold months. With an average of 890 millimetres of snowfall in January and hardly any light pollution, the place is a paradise for winter fans and stargazers alike.
2nd place: Reykjavík, Iceland - where snow and northern lights are guaranteed
Europe's northernmost capital not only offers almost snow-sure conditions (an average of 254.6 millimetres), but also one of the best chances to experience the Northern Lights up close. Almost every fourth night remains clear - ideal for admiring the sky in the green dance of the aurora or under a glittering canopy of stars.
3rd place: Rovaniemi, Finland - At home with Santa Claus
Winter comes to life in Rovaniemi. Situated on the Arctic Circle, the landscape there is a little quieter, clearer and more sparkling than elsewhere. With an average snowfall of around 193 millimeters, it is easy to understand why this snow-covered place is considered the "official" home of Santa Claus.
4th place: Tallinn, Estonia - A Baltic fairy tale
With 134.6 millimeters of snowfall and 47 percent clear nights, Tallinn is one of the most reliable winter destinations in Northern Europe. Thanks to low light pollution (6,280 microcandela per square meter), medieval towers and church spires stand out against the starry sky. Under a blanket of snow, cobbled streets and historic buildings are transformed into a backdrop almost fit for a Christmas movie.
Place 5: Vilnius, Lithuania - Snowy and starry
Vilnius records an average snowfall of 104 millimeters and a 36 percent chance of clear nights - perfect conditions for a stable snow cover and quiet, starry winter evenings. An ideal destination for travelers looking for authentic snowy landscapes and a contemplative winter atmosphere.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic (snowfall in January: 101.6 millimeters)
Riga, Latvia (91.44 millimeters)
Salzburg, Austria (88.9 millimeters)
Ljubljana, Slovenia (88.9 millimeters)
Lucerne, Switzerland (78.74 millimeters)
