The Most Beautiful Cold Places in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the cold places you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 8, 2024 06:15

The allure of frosty landscapes, from shimmering ice fields to snow-capped mountains, has captivated countless adventurers seeking beauty in the chill of nature's embrace. This fascination with cold places exemplifies our desire to experience and appreciate the serene yet powerful aesthetic of the world's chillier locales. By curating a list where individuals can cast their votes for the most stunning frozen vistas, we create a dynamic community of appreciation and ranking that reflects a collective admiration. Such a list not only guides future travelers but also highlights the unique charm and breathtaking scenery of these icy paradises.

What Are the Most Beautiful Cold Places in the World?

1

64
votes
Iceland

Known for its stunning natural landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs, Iceland is a must-visit cold destination. The Northern Lights are also visible here during the winter months.
Iceland is a country located in the North Atlantic, known for its stunning glaciers, hot springs, active volcanoes, and Northern Lights. It is a land of contrasts, where fire and ice coexist. The country has a unique landscape that ranges from black sand beaches to vast stretches of moss-covered lava fields.

Location: North Atlantic

Capital: Reykjavik

Population: 364,260

Area: 103,000 square kilometers

Official language: Icelandic
2

20
votes
Norway

From the fjords to the Northern Lights, Norway is full of natural beauty. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities, and visitors can also take a dog sled tour or go ice fishing.
Norway is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning natural landscapes featuring deep fjords, glaciers, mountains and hundreds of islands. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who enjoy hiking, skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Official language: Norwegian

Population: 5.4 million

Capital city: Oslo

Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)

Government type: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance
3

29
votes
Antarctica

The ultimate cold destination, Antarctica is a frozen wonderland that few people get to experience. Visitors can take a cruise or fly over the continent to see the icebergs, penguins, and other wildlife.
Antarctica is the southernmost continent and the fifth largest, comprising about 98% of the Earth's inland ice, and it is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. It has no permanent human inhabitants but hosts several research stations. Antarctica is considered a geopolitical condominium, with several countries having territorial claims, but the Antarctic Treaty System ensures peaceful cooperation and scientific research.

Size: 14 million sq km

Population: No permanent human inhabitants, only researchers

Temperature: Average temperature ranges from -10℃ to -60℃

Precipitation: Antarctica is technically a desert with very little precipitation

Highest Point: Vinson Massif at 16,050 ft (4,892 m)
4

14
votes
Alaska

Known for its rugged wilderness and stunning glaciers, Alaska is a cold destination that offers plenty of adventure. Visitors can go dog sledding, ice climbing, or take a scenic drive along the scenic Seward Highway.
Alaska is a U.S. state located in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles.

Area: 1,717,854 km²

Population: 731,545 (2019)

Highest point: Denali (Mount McKinley) - 6,190 m (20,310 ft)

Time zone: Alaska Time Zone (UTC−09:00 to UTC−08:00)

Capital: Juneau
5

9
votes
Greenland

With its vast ice sheet and stunning Northern Lights, Greenland is a beautiful cold destination. Visitors can go dog sledding, snowmobiling, or take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close.
Greenland is the world's largest island located in the North Atlantic Ocean between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland is known for its stunning icy landscapes, towering ice caps, and huge glaciers. The majority of the island is covered by ice, making it one of the world's coldest places. Despite the harsh climate, Greenland is home to a small, tight-knit community that is known for its resilience, rich culture, and friendly people.

Location: North Atlantic Ocean

Size: 2,166,086 km²

Population: 56,171

Language: Greenlandic

Currency: Danish krone
6

13
votes
Patagonia

Located in the southern regions of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, or take a boat tour to see the glaciers and fjords.
Patagonia is a region located at the southern end of South America, primarily shared by Argentina and Chile. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, forests, and grasslands. The area also has a unique wildlife population, with species such as pumas, guanacos, and Andean condors.

Size: 673,000 km²

Population: Around 2 million people

Main Cities: Puerto Madryn, Esquel, Coyhaique, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, El Calafate

Languages: Spanish, English, Welsh (in some small Welsh settlements in Argentina)

Climate: Varies from subpolar oceanic in the south to arid in the north
7

8
votes

Canada

From the Rocky Mountains to the Northern Lights, Canada is full of natural beauty. Visitors can go skiing, snowboarding, or take a dog sled tour through the wilderness.
8

5
votes
Siberia

Despite its reputation for extreme cold, Siberia is a stunning destination with plenty of natural beauty. Visitors can go skiing, ice fishing, or take a dog sled tour through the snow-covered forests.
Siberia is a vast geographical region in Russia known for its harsh, cold climate and rugged terrain. It stretches from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the border with Kazakhstan and Mongolia in the south.

Area: 13.1 million square kilometers

Population: Approximately 33 million people

Climate: Subarctic to Arctic

Temperature: Winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures averaging around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) and summers are brief but can be warm, with temperatures sometimes reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)

Vegetation: Coniferous forest, tundra, and steppe
9

6
votes
Lapland

Located in northern Finland, Lapland is known for its stunning landscapes and Northern Lights. Visitors can go skiing, snowmobiling, or take a reindeer or husky sled tour through the snowy wilderness.
Lapland is a region located in the northern part of Scandinavia, spanning across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Northern Lights, snow-capped mountains, and vast forests. The region is home to the indigenous Sami people who have a rich cultural history and way of life that is closely intertwined with the natural environment.

Area: Approximately 100,000 square kilometers

Population: Approximately 180,000 people, mostly Sami

Climate: Arctic and subarctic, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers

Northern Lights: Visible on most clear nights from late August to mid-April

Wildlife: Reindeer, elk, wolves, brown bears, lynx, arctic foxes and more
10

5
votes
New Zealand

While it may not be as cold as other destinations on this list, New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Visitors can go skiing, snowboarding, or take a scenic drive through the mountains.
New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, North Island and South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.

Capital: Wellington

Population: 4.9 million

Official languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Time zone: UTC+12 (NZST), UTC+13 (NZDT)
New Zealand in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful countries in the world
- Position 8 of 10 in Most successful cricket team
- Position 10 of 10 in Most successful democracy in the world today
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beloved accent

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Ranking factors for beautiful cold places

Scenery and landscapes

The overall aesthetic appeal of the location, including breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, glaciers, and icy rivers. Consider the natural aspects, such as unique rock formations, ice caves, and auroras that make the location stand out.
Wildlife

The presence and diversity of wildlife that can be found in the location, such as reindeer, polar bears, penguins, and other species that have adapted to living in cold environments.
Outdoor activities

The range and quality of winter sports and other activities available, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and ice climbing.
Cultural attractions

The richness and uniqueness of the local culture and history, including indigenous or traditional settlements and customs, landmarks, festivals, and events related to the cold environment.
Climate conditions

The stability and predictability of the cold weather, the severity of the winters, and the length of the cold season are important factors to consider. This includes the likelihood of witnessing natural phenomena like the Northern Lights.
Accessibility and infrastructure

The ease of traveling to and within the location, the quality of roads, public transportation, and accommodation, as well as the availability of guided tours or other visitor services.
Sustainability and environmental impact

The efforts being made by the local community and authorities to protect and preserve the natural environment, including responsible tourism practices, conservation projects, and policies to reduce the negative impacts of human activity on the cold environment.
Popularity and exclusivity

The destination's popularity and the level of tourist traffic it receives can also be a factor, as some people may prefer less crowded or more secluded locations for a peaceful getaway.
Safety and security

The safety of travelers in terms of crime rates and natural disasters is an important consideration, as well as the availability of emergency services and medical facilities in case of accidents
Affordability

The overall cost of traveling to and staying in the destination, including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities, should be taken into account based on individual budgets and preferences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful cold places in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cold place is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1737 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cold place once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cold place is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful cold places in the world

When it comes to breathtaking natural landscapes, cold places often offer some of the most awe-inspiring sights. From snow-capped mountains to icy glaciers, these destinations boast a unique kind of beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a unique travel experience, the world is full of stunningly beautiful cold places that are waiting to be explored. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most beautiful cold places in the world, each with its own distinct charm and allure.