Embrace the winter chill and explore the frozen wonderland
Last updated 2026-09-26 — Whether you escape the summer heat or seek warmth in winter, while soaking in hot springs or savoring steaming hot pot brings cozy comfort during the cold season, if you're tired of routine travel plans and want to challenge the extreme low temperatures of winter, why not consider...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin | Compiled & Reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department
Whether you escape the summer heat or seek warmth in winter, while soaking in hot springs or savoring steaming hot pot brings cozy comfort during the cold season, if you're tired of routine travel plans and want to challenge the extreme low temperatures of winter, why not consider traveling to New Zealand for glacier hiking, heading to Finland for sled rides, visiting Hokkaido in Japan to take an icebreaker cruise, staying at an ice hotel in Canada, or exploring the Jungfrau region in Switzerland and taking the French Glacier Express to admire ice palaces and glaciers in the snowy mountains — an ultimate winter journey to the coldest extremes.
Tired of the usual winter routine of hot springs and hot pot? Plan an exciting trip that challenges the limits of cold weather instead!(Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
1. New Zealand — Glacier Hiking
To truly appreciate the grandeur of glaciers on New Zealand’s South Island, you have to walk among them. The Fox Glacier, stretching about 13 kilometers, was named after New Zealand Prime Minister William Fox, who visited the area in 1872. The town has a simple, unpretentious charm with few tourist facilities, which is actually appreciated by true nature lovers for its tranquility. Without the noise of crowds, it’s often so quiet you can hear only the sound of guides chiseling steps into the ice with their ice axes. This silence makes everything seem still, and the glacier appears even more majestic.
Only by walking on foot can you fully experience the breathtaking expanse of glaciers on New Zealand’s South Island. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
2. Japan — Icebreaker Cruise Among Drifting Ice
As temperatures drop further, around January 20th — known as the “first day of drift ice” — the frozen sea surface of the Sea of Okhotsk becomes visible to the naked eye. This marks the start of the annual icebreaker cruise season. Board the ORORA, a drift ice sightseeing cruise that departs from Wakkanai Port, offering a one-hour journey deep into the drift ice-covered waters. Due to harsh weather conditions — bitter cold, strong winds, and heavy snowfall — warm clothing such as snowsuits, snow boots, hats, and gloves are essential.
Take an icebreaker cruise to admire the sea of floating ice along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
3. Finland — Sled Rides & Arctic Crab Feasting
With a winter season lasting up to six months, Lapland is in its prime. Admire the unique aurora borealis in the snowy wilderness, or enjoy popular activities like skiing, dog sledding, or reindeer safaris. Whether you’re learning to ski or ride a snowmobile, professional instructors will be on hand. Reindeer sleigh rides also offer a chance to visit reindeer farms and learn about their life cycle. After enjoying these thrilling snowy adventures, your polar journey continues to Kilpisjärvi to get close to the Arctic Ocean and experience another unique thrill.
Local tour operators arrange for travelers to cross the border from Ivalo in Finnish Lapland to Kilpisjärvi by bus. After changing into survival suits, visitors board high-speed rubber boats to explore the Barents Sea and witness its icy wonders. A guide provides commentary onboard, and the boat eventually anchors at a thickly frozen area where travelers are invited to jump into the Arctic waters for a thrilling float. Meanwhile, crew members dive into the deep sea to catch king crabs by hand. By following the crabs’ migratory path with the tides, they can fill their catch in just 10 minutes. Passengers can then enjoy a feast of fresh Arctic crabs on board.
Driving a sled through snowy landscapes is undoubtedly a rare winter experience. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
4. Switzerland — Visit the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch Station
The Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch Station is an icy world carved 30 meters beneath a glacier — a marvel of human effort and resources. Aside from the difficulty of excavating ice caves, the glacier shifts downward each year, requiring the Ice Palace to be rebuilt every few years to maintain its internal features.
Here, you can truly experience the magical feeling of being inside a “glacier.” Look closely at the walls of the Ice Palace to see layered traces formed by the compression of snow and ice over different years, giving you a sense of the time it takes for glaciers to form. In addition, the Ice Palace houses various animal ice sculptures. However, the floor is slippery, so tread carefully when exploring the icy tunnels.
Arriving at Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfraujoch, not only offers glacier views but also lets you stroll through the Ice Palace for an immersive experience. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
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