Winter travel has a way of making familiar places look completely different. Snow-covered cities, frozen landscapes, mountain cabins, and glowing northern lights can turn an ordinary trip into something worth photographing. Travelers regularly share these kinds of moments on Reddit, where everything from snowy road trips to remote winter landscapes shows up in people’s trip photos. From Istanbul buried in snow to the Northern Lights above Finnish Lapland, these photos capture some memorable moments travelers experienced while vacationing in the winter.
Cappadocia, Turkey
A traveler shared this snowy view of Cappadocia, where hot-air balloons float above the region’s distinctive rock formations and snow-covered landscape. Reddit user bangten24, who had previously visited during summer, commented, “One of my favorite places! I’ve only went during the summer and want to go back during this time. Such a magical place to be.”
Hallstatt, Austria
A traveler captured Hallstatt covered in snow, with the Austrian village, lake, and surrounding mountains creating a particularly striking winter scene. Reddit user anette007moreno, who had visited just a few weeks earlier, commented, “It’s amazing how perfectly the mountains are reflected on the still lake. It truly is breathtaking. Beautiful picture.”
New York City, New York
A snowy morning can make New York City feel almost unrecognizable, especially when the usual noise and crowds briefly disappear beneath fresh snow. Reddit user CactusBoyScout recalled heading to Central Park during a major blizzard and said, “Being the first person to walk through those snow drifts in the absolute silence of Central Park was one of my favorite memories.”
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Reddit user sarowen shared this snowy December view of Neuschwanstein Castle after visiting during a trip to Munich. They took an early train to Fussen, walked to Schwangau, and hiked toward Mary’s Bridge despite the icy winter conditions. Reflecting on the experience, the user said, “Getting to see Neuschwanstein was one of the highlights of the trip.”
Hokkaido, Japan
A traveler shared photos from a February trip through Hokkaido, capturing the deep snow and peaceful winter scenery around places including Niseko, Otaru, Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Biei. Reddit user Aviri commented, “My favorite part of Hokkaido was the near daily snow. I just loved looking out my window after waking up and seeing a fresh blanket of snow.”
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Scotland
This traveler shared a series of winter photos from Scotland after visiting in February 2022, saying many people warned them not to go during winter, but the trip exceeded every expectation. Reddit user xomikap wrote, “Many said avoid the winter, but I could not have asked for a better trip.” Another Reddit user, sblair17, added, “One of the most spectacular countries in the world. I’ve been to about 80 countries but Scotland takes some beating.”
South Island, New Zealand
Reddit user becca-98 shared photos from their first-ever holiday, traveling through New Zealand’s South Island during winter and capturing snow-covered mountains, lakes, and dramatic scenery along the way. Reddit user Global-Excitement-31 was particularly impressed by the scenery, commenting, “I thought I was looking at a painting in that photograph.”
Budapest, Hungary
Reddit user Expert_Cabinet_5570 shared a series of photos from a winter trip to Budapest, capturing everything from the foggy Danube and historic yellow trams to the city’s famous architecture. The photographer recommended visiting in the off-season, while Reddit user DreadPirate777, who previously lived in Budapest, commented, “The city after a snowfall is absolutely magical.”
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Great Wall of China, China
Reddit user loeloempia91 shared this snowy view from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where the winter weather brought an unexpected bonus: far fewer visitors. The traveler described the usually busy attraction as surprisingly empty and serene, while Reddit user MarzipanBeanie commented, “Wow!!! Amazing scenery and you are super lucky to catch it empty.”
Zillertal, Austria
Reddit user Netsprecherin shared photos from a New Year’s skiing trip through Austria’s Zillertal, including a particularly striking shot of an old steam train surrounded by snow. The traveler said they waited an hour in the snow to capture the train, while Reddit user lucapal1 commented, “Nice pictures, thanks for posting..that first photo is particularly great!”
Rome, Italy
Reddit user forunner93 captured a rare snowy day in Rome, with the Colosseum and surrounding cityscape transformed by a layer of white. The unusual winter scene impressed other travelers, including Reddit user PaliAha, who commented, “This shot w/the Colosseum surrounded w/SNOW softens the cityscape. Lovely!”
Grouse Mountain, Canada
A traveler shared this nighttime skiing view from Grouse Mountain, with the lights of Vancouver stretching out below the snowy slopes. Reddit user Cascade425, who previously lived in North Vancouver, commented that night skiing there is “lovely for the view,” adding that the mountain is especially convenient because it is accessible by public transit.
Istanbul, Turkey
A traveler shared photos from a February 2025 solo trip to Istanbul, when heavy snow covered the city’s streets and historic buildings in white. Reddit user Softwinter422, who had previously lived in Istanbul for several years, commented, “I lived in Istanbul for several years and I have never seen so much snow.”
Paris, France
A traveler captured this striking winter view of the Eiffel Tower during a snowy day in Paris, with the landmark and surrounding areas blanketed in white. The photo clearly made an impression online, with one Reddit discussion about the image prompting user hammi05 to comment, “Why have I never seen a picture of Paris with snow.”
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Reddit user shazam7373 shared this snowy view from Norway’s Lofoten Islands after staying in one of the region’s traditional red cabins during a winter trip. They explained that they chose winter partly to hunt for the Northern Lights and were lucky enough to encounter a major solar storm. Reddit user gk615 admired the trip and photos, commenting, “I am from a winter climate and love snow, but also enjoy hiking more in the summer.”
Finnish Lapland, Finland
Reddit user Kellfunvee shared this photo of the Aurora Borealis glowing above a snow-covered road in Finnish Lapland, taken during a January 2019 trip. Reddit user HairlessBiker, who had also visited the area in winter, commented, “Amazing. Congrats on seeing it, not all that go there do.”
