A beautiful layer of snow can transform any city but during the colder months of the year, several snowy locales become genuinely magnificent. It gives a pacifying sense of tranquillity with the sound of snowflakes falling together with that dazzling white tone. If that's your notion of breathtaking beauty, make plans to visit these stunning snowy cities during the winter months.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov, a historic city with a small population, is one of the top places to visit in the Czech Republic. It isn't a well-known tourist destination, which adds to its appeal. It seems as if it walked out of a fairy-tale book, especially when the area is blanketed with fresh snow.

Its vast architectural legacy was spared from the effects of war and has managed to survive untouched. This enables visitors to experience its tiny cobblestone pathways, picturesque bridges, and a 13th-century castle.

Explore a variety of religious buildings, including the Minorite Monastery and the magnificent Church of St. Vitus. Don't forget the numerous museums and galleries, while walking through the fresh snow.

Cesky Krumlov city view

Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg, in northwest Bavaria, is one of Germany's greatest lovely little snow cities. It's like something out of a Grimm's storybook, and it's on Germany's Romantic Road.

Indeed, it was this village that inspired Walt Disney to create Pinocchio. It was also the set for the Vulgarian village scenes in 1968 from the film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

The historic fortified city radiates even more romance and attraction in winter. In the latter stages of the year, its popular Christmas market turns it into a winter wonderland. The snowy streets and squares are full of booths selling anything from handcrafted souvenirs to delectable traditional German cakes and Gluhwein.

Rothenburg street winter

Reine, Norway

Reine is a small fishing settlement on the Arctic Island of Moskenesoya in the Lofoten archipelago in Norway. It may not be a touristic destination or even known by many, but those who have been there, consider it to be the most breathtaking and gorgeous place on earth. Besides, it is one of the most beautiful snow cities in the world!

While few would disagree with that, it is even more remarkable in the winter. During this time of the year, you'll not only be able to enjoy breathtaking sea views but you'll have brilliant northern lights as a background.

reine city norway

Bled, Slovenia

When Bled was established in 1004, the Holy Roman Emperor thought it was so lovely that he gave it to the Bishop of Brixen. It's even more fascinating in winter when most of the tourists have left.

Bled Castle, it is in the middle of the picturesque Lake Bled. Magnificent, snow-capped hills surround the castle, creating a picture-postcard landscape unlike any other.

Walking in the cool air as the mist rises over the mountains and then heating up with a substantial lunch of the traditional stew, goulash, is one of the greatest ways to get to know the town.

bled slovenia covered in snow

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go is a modest Japanese village with its traditional high roofs. They were built to endure some of the world's worst snowfalls. Travelers from all over the world enjoy the gassho-zukuri, or historic thatched houses, some of which are over 250 years old.

It was poorly known to outsiders until the steep mountains surrounding it were dug down through. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous tourist destination.

The best way to experience it is to stay the night at one of the farmhouses. Several of which now function as minshuku. Many visitors come on a day excursion from Takayama or take a pit stop on the bus route between Takayama and Kanazawa.

house in mountain covered in snow