European snow escapes: What to know before you go

A fusion of wild beauty that changes dramatically with the season, in winter Finland is championed as one of the best spots to enjoy charming snow-covered landscapes and a host of iceciting activities. Known for its lakes – 180,000 in total – a third of the country is taken up by its most famous region, Lapland. A beacon of festive cheer thanks to the world-famous Santa Claus village that’s complete with elves, reindeer and, of course, the big man in red, Lapland also hosts a range of deluxe hotels and experiences. 

Where to stay: You’re spoilt for choice in Finnish Lapland, where standard hotel suites are replaced by Arctic Treehouses and individual glass domes. Our top pick is Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Choose between chalets complete with a sauna and peaceful river views or traditional homes with a log fire for a typical Nordic stay. Alternatively, enjoy stunning scenes of the night sky in one of the glass-roof igloos. Available to book throughout the Northern Lights season, from mid-August to end-April, it’s the ideal way to enjoy a sighting of the natural show.

Good to know before you go: Away from Lapland, Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is world-renowned for its design and music scene and boasts island restaurants and quirky bars. A 10-hour drive from Lapland’s capital Rovaniemi, if you’re thinking of embarking on a Finnish multi-stop tour, we recommend the four-hour domestic flight. 

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Perhaps the most well-known of the Nordic destinations, Iceland’s annual tourist visitors outweighs its actual population six times over… so why not be one of the numbers for 2020? The land of fire and ice – and a monumental filming location for Game of Thrones – expect whale watching tours, natural wonders and a picturesque geothermal spa. Its capital, Reykjavik, offers breath-taking scenery. Combining a mountainous backdrop and Iceland’s south-western shore, along its centre lies a sprinkling of village-style homes, hotels, restaurants, boutiques and museums. 

Where to stay: Upgrade your typical wooden chalet experience with a stay at The Retreat At Blue Lagoon. Uber modern in style, think panoramic windows that overlook the lava field, modern furnishings that focus on clean lines and a contemporary minimalist design that’ll excite the interior buffs. Of course, a stay at The Retreat includes entry to the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Lagoon and the famous Blue Lagoon. Rich in minerals, algae and silicia the tranquil waters have many health properties for skin so be sure to soak up the natural facial.

Good to know before you go: You can’t visit this corner of the world without a trip to the Golden Circle. Tours are varied, but we highly recommend a visit to the erupting Geysir and Strokkur hot springs, the double-tiered falls of Gulfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.

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Don’t be fooled into thinking Sweden is all Ikea and delicious meatballs, instead visit under the glistening white blanket of snow in its winter months and see a whole new side to this Scandinavian nation. Perfect for skiing, choose from 200 resorts with slopes to suit every age and ability. The most popular choice, Åre, is located one-hour outside Stockholm and provides a range of courses from off-piste runs to family-orientated bunny hills. Aside from skiing, Sweden’s winter wonderland also offers dog sledding, a host of Northern Lights tours, ice fishing and snowmobile expeditions. 

Where to stay: For a unique experience, Treehotel will surpass your expectations. Each guest room is an entire art installation, suspended in the trees overlooking the stunning forest scenery. Bedrooms include a UFO-shaped cabin, a mirrored cube that camouflages into the dramatic woodland scenery and a human-size bird’s nest, a retreat inside a cluster of twigs. 

Good to know before you go: Thrill seekers, check out Swedish Lapland. Wilderness safaris will see you hunt out Sweden’s ‘big six’ such as moose and wolverines while you can ignite your adrenaline with ice driving. With 14 circuits reproduced every winter - including three official Formula 1 tracks - choose between 30 exceptional supercars and hit speeds of up to 125mph on ice.

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