Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin; compiled and reported. Source / Moleskine Editorial Department
Whether escaping the summer heat or seeking warmth in winter, while soaking in hot springs or enjoying a steaming hot pot brings cozy comfort during the cold season, those uninterested in routine travel and eager to challenge the limits of winter’s freezing temperatures might consider venturing to New Zealand for glacier hiking, to Finland for sledding, to Hokkaido for an icebreaker cruise, staying in an ice hotel in Canada, or visiting the Jungfrau station in Switzerland and riding the French Glacier Express to admire ice palaces and glaciers in the chilly mountains — an ultra-cold winter adventure.
Tired of the usual winter routine of hot springs and hot pot? Why not plan an extreme cold journey that challenges your limits? (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
1. New Zealand — Glacier Hiking
To truly appreciate the magnificence of glaciers on New Zealand’s South Island, you have to walk among them. The Fox Glacier, about 13 kilometers long, was named after New Zealand Prime Minister William Fox, who visited the area in 1872. The town has modest facilities with few tourist attractions, which nature enthusiasts actually appreciate for its tranquility. Without the noise of crowds, it’s sometimes so quiet you can only hear the sound of guides chiseling out ice steps with their ice axes — a stillness that makes everything seem frozen in time, and the glacier appear even more spectacular.
Only by walking on foot can you fully take in the breathtaking, vast glacier landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
2. Japan — Icebreaker Cruise Among Drifting Ice
As temperatures drop further, around January 20th, the so-called “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. Boarding the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker “ORORA,” you can view the drift ice. The ORORA departs from Wakkanai Port, offering a one-hour cruise deep into areas where drift ice flows. Due to the extremely harsh weather conditions — freezing cold and heavy snow — warm clothing such as snow suits, snow boots, hats, and gloves are essential.
Take an icebreaker sightseeing cruise to admire the sea ice along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
3. Finland — Sled Riding and Sampling Northern Crab
With a six-month-long winter, Lapland is in its peak season. Admiring the unique aurora borealis in the snowy landscape, or opting for skiing, husky sledding, or reindeer adventures are all popular activities. Whether learning to ski or ride a snowmobile, professional instructors will be on hand to guide you. Reindeer sledding tours also include visits to reindeer farms where you can learn about their life cycle. After experiencing these thrilling snow activities, your polar journey heads to Kilpisjärvi to get close to the Arctic Ocean and try something new.
Local tour operators arrange for visitors to cross the border from Ivalo in Finnish Lapland to Kilpisjärvi by bus. After changing into survival suits, guests board high-speed rubber boats to sail into the Barents Sea and admire the icy wonders of the sea. Guides on board provide commentary, and the boat eventually anchors at a thickly frozen area, where visitors are invited to jump into the icy waters for a thrilling floating experience. Meanwhile, crew members dive into the deep sea to catch king crabs by hand. By timing the crab migration with the tides, they can fill their nets in just 10 minutes. Passengers can then enjoy a feast of fresh, plump crabs right on the boat.
Sled riding through snowy landscapes is definitely a rare winter experience. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
4. Switzerland — Visit the Ice Palace at the Jungfrau Station
The Ice Palace located inside the Jungfrau 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, so the Ice Palace must be rebuilt every few years to maintain its internal features.
Here, you can truly experience the magical feeling of being inside a “glacier.” Observing the walls of the Ice Palace, you’ll notice layers of striations formed by snow and ice compressed over different years — a testament to the long time it takes for glaciers to form. In addition, the Ice Palace features various animal ice sculptures, but the slippery floor means you’ll need to watch your step while exploring the icy tunnels.
Arriving at the highest railway station in Europe — the Jungfraujoch — you can not only gaze at glaciers in the distance but also stroll through the Ice Palace for a unique experience. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
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