We are right in the middle of the enchanting winters! This is that time of the year when most countries in the Northern Hemisphere are covered in a blanket of snow and are cast with the crisp winter chill. Winters are also truly special owing to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, two of the most prominent festivals celebrated across the planet. This year, instead of visiting the mainstream winter destinations, opt for offbeat alternatives. Rest assured, you will avoid the crowds, and will get plenty of snow, quaint cafes and almost the entire town to yourself!

Check out these 10 amazing offbeat winter destinations to visit in 2019!

Tromsø, Norway

The Norwegian city of Tromso is stylish, contemporary and full of fun. This is the city known for its brilliant display of natural phenomenon like the famed Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. Contemporary architecture, the trendiest of restaurants and nightclubs, plenty of internationally acclaimed events, and exciting activities combine to make Tromso one of the most exciting and offbeat winter destinations.

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Reykjavik, Iceland

The northernmost capital of Europe, Reykjavik is a chic, trendy, and exciting winter destination. Reykjavik is all about vibrant, creative energy, hottest parties, modern-day designs, molecular gastronomy, and interactive museums documenting the Viking history and culture of the region. Step out of the capital, and you will be greeted by terrific volcanic landscapes, majestic waterfalls, ice glaciers and caves, hot pools and vast stretches of wilderness that resemble a land from a fantasy fiction.

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Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast bustles with new found energy and creative spirit. Today, the city is seeing a resurgence of ritzy hotels and restaurants, all adhering to a resurgent Irish spirit. Belfast’s Titanic Centre documents the city’s maritime history and the ill-fated journey of RMS Titanic. The city now has a refurbished waterfront, a sophisticated contemporary art and culture scene, delightful restaurants and pubs, and of course, the typical Irish charm!

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Gothenburg, Sweden

Often overlooked by Stockholm, Gothenburg is now gaining prominence as a tourist destination. It’s a city of beautiful landscapes comprising of an archipelago of 20 islands, stunning nature parks, year-long events pertaining to music, art, films and performing arts, and a rich culture. Gothenburg also stands on its own for its delicious array of seafood, amazing cafes and restaurants, fashion boutiques and plenty of creative vibes.

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Lapland, Finland

The home of Santa Claus, Lapland is a fascinating destination shaped by vast acres of wilderness, arctic forests, sensational natural phenomenon like Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, and the native Sami people. This is a land where you can enjoy thrilling activities like camping, dog sledging, and skiing amongst several other adventures, to your heart’s content. To keep your vacation interesting, Rovaniemi, the prime hub of the region, offers delicious Lappish food, forest huts stays, interesting architecture, and Finnish saunas.

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Rothenberg, Germany

Rothenberg is a scenic German romantic town celebrated for its well-preserved medieval centre. Rothenberg lies halfway between Frankfurt and Munich in the famed Bavaria region of Germany. The town has a picturesque Market Square with a charming Town Hall Tower, an interesting food market and a fairy-tale-like Christmas setting!

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Menton, France

Menton is a part of the famed French Riviera and is the last stop before crossing into the Italian Riviera. The town still has its quaint, old, pastel coloured houses and a beautiful waterfront lined with exciting restaurants and al fresco cafes. Yearlong sunshine, beautiful streets and a famous festival held annually in the month of February to celebrate its famous crop of lemons, make Menton truly special.

 

Cumbria, England

A fabled land that has captivated the likes of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter, is certainly a great destination to visit this winter. Cumbria is the region which incorporates the Lake District, the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, the Furness Peninsula, and part of the Yorkshire Dales. The region is blessed with pristine lakes, mountains, a charming English countryside, and villages with cosy homestays and alluring towns like Keswick and Windermere.

 

Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj is the true pearl of the Adriatic and is one of the prettiest towns of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by the deep blue sea, Rovinj has exquisite beaches, enjoyable restaurants and cafes, and a pulsating nightlife. The town has beautifully retained its medieval charm, thanks to its forested hills, cobbled streets, and piazzas of the Old Town. Additional activities like sailing, bird watching, cycling and island hopping truly make Rovinj yet another exciting winter tourist destination for 2019.

 

Positano, Italy

Positano is one of the most photographed towns of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. This picturesque town is blessed with sun-drenched beaches, colourful houses, steep streets, charming restaurants and cafes, and plenty of stylish, fashion boutiques. A true travelers’ delight, Positano is certainly among the top offbeat winter destinations of 2019.