Winter adventure and experience holidays

More than a winter holiday

Winter offers so much more than snow-covered scenery. It’s a season of unforgettable experiences, from watching the Northern Lights dance across Arctic skies to gliding through silent forests by husky sled, snowshoeing across pristine woodland landscapes or enjoying the simple pleasure of a peaceful winter walk.

Our winter experience holidays combine carefully selected hotels with the freedom to choose how active you'd like each day to be. One morning you might set out on a scenic walk, while the afternoon could be spent relaxing in a traditional sauna. The next day could bring a snowmobile safari, a reindeer encounter or your first taste of cross-country skiing. Every holiday is designed to help you discover the quieter side of winter, at your own pace.

Where we recommend for winter activities

Discover Europe's most memorable winter experiences

Every destination offers something different. In Finnish Lapland, snow-covered forests create the perfect setting for husky sledding, snowmobiling and searching for the magical Northern Lights. In Norway, peaceful mountain plateaux invite you to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing before warming up beside an open fire. Across the Alps, winter walking trails reveal frozen waterfalls, dramatic mountain panoramas and charming villages, while cosy hotels provide welcoming places to relax after a day outdoors. Whatever experience you're looking for, our carefully curated collection lets you combine memorable activities with authentic local hospitality.
Holiday Winter activities Relaxation & experiences
Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs - Finland
Best for Lapland & Northern Lights
✔ Snowshoeing
✔ Cross-country skiing
✔ Downhill skiing
✔ Northern Lights
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Snowmobiling
✔ Reindeer experiences
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna
Hindsæter Hotel, Vågå - Norway
Best for authentic Norwegian winter adventures
✔ Snowshoeing
✔ Cross-country skiing
✔ Northern Lights possible
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna
Tromsø - Norway
Best for Arctic experiences & Northern Lights
✔ Northern Lights
✔ Dog sledding
✔ Reindeer experiences
✔ Other winter activities
✔ Spa / Sauna

In search of the Northern Lights


For many travellers, witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several of our winter holidays take you into regions where dark skies and favourable conditions provide excellent opportunities to see this extraordinary natural phenomenon. While nature can never guarantee an appearance, travelling during the heart of winter gives you some of Europe's best opportunities to experience the Northern Lights. 

We asked our Northern Lights guide, Dan Steinbakk, about the best time to see the Northern Lights:

“I normally say “between September and April", since all you really need is darkness, clear skies and some solar activity. But people have different preferences: some come early in the autumn, because the temperature is warmer; some come in winter, in order to combine the trip up here with other snow-based activities; and some come in the early spring to see nature as it comes back to life.”

And the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are from within the Auroral Oval, a band that stretches 66°N and 69°N around the Arctic regions, encompassing – amongst others – Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
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In search of the Northern Lights

Our expert’s tips on the best time of year to spot one of nature’s finest displays

We asked our Northern Lights guide, Dan Steinbakk, about the best time to see the Northern Lights: “I normally say “between September and April", since all you really need is darkness, clear skies and some solar activity. But people have different preferences: some come early in the autumn, because the temperature is warmer; some come in winter, in order to combine the trip up here with other snow-based activities; and some come in the early spring to see nature as it comes back to life.”

And the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are from within the Auroral Oval, a band that stretches 66°N and 69°N around the Arctic regions, encompassing – amongst others – Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Our Northern Lights Break takes you to Tromsø where we include a guided excursion to go Aurora hunting at night, while in Lapland, you venture to Ylläs, deep within the Arctic Circle.

Northern Lights holidays

Find the right holiday for you

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What to expect on Inntravel's winter experience holidays:

Expect a winter experience unlike any other, taking you away from the beaten track to explore the spectacular beauty of the season. Enjoy uncrowded destinations, picture-perfect scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes that leave a lasting memory on the winter explorer.

From our carefully curated collection of high-quality hotels, embark on an unforgettable holiday that offers a diverse array of experiences to immerse yourself in the magnificent winter landscape. Choose from exhilarating activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice canyoning, each providing a unique perspective on nature's beauty.

As you explore these stunning terrains, indulge in delicious, authentic flavours that elevate your journey, ensuring that every moment is both adventurous and enriching.
  • As well as our featured holidays above, we offer extensive options for walking & snowshoeing including holidays in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Choose Guarda or Sils for the fairy-tale surroundings, or Moso for views of the Dolomites. Weidach and Kandersteg are also great choices.
  • Cross-country skiing is a captivating winter sport that seamlessly merges the tranquillity of nature with physical endurance, inviting enthusiasts to traverse picturesque landscapes atop their skis. Unlike downhill skiing, which focuses on speed and elevation, cross-country skiing prioritises exploration and movement across varied terrains, from serene forests to open meadows.
  • Ice canyoning is an exhilarating and adventurous activity that blends the thrill of exploration with the breathtaking beauty of frozen landscapes. Our excursion is a leisurely walk along a frozen riverbed, passing waterfalls & ice formations (no climbing or rappelling involved).
  • Dog sledding provides a thrilling opportunity to glide through landscapes alongside a team of spirited huskies. This unique adventure connects you with these amazing animals and allows you to experience the stunning winter scenery in an unforgettable way, blending excitement and tranquillity.
  • Snowshoeing is a leisurely way to explore the serene winter landscape at your own pace. Accessible for everyone, this activity lets you trek through quiet forests and picturesque paths, savouring the crisp air and enjoying the breathtaking views on show during the enchanting winter season.

Winter Experience FAQs

  • As well as winter walks you can enjoy dog sledding and snowshoeing if the weather permits, as well as cross-country skiing and ice-canyoning.
  • Yes, these holidays are suitable for non-skiers, with various activities available at a more relaxed pace.
  • Yes, Inntravel offers flexible arrangements, including booking flights, room upgrades, and more.
  • Destinations include Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia, among others.
  • They offer charming accommodation, idyllic scenery, superb activities and detailed local information for a rich holiday experience.

How about a winter journey by rail?

On our winter journeys, you can admire awe-inspiring wintry landscapes from the comfort of a train or boat. Our carefully thought-out itineraries allow plenty of time to explore, with a full day to discover each place at which you stay. And because there’s no group, and no arrangements to make (we do all that) your non-travelling days are yours to enjoy. Whether its visiting Scandinavia's great cities or passing over the 2,033-metre Oberalp Passon the Glacier Express, there's a great winter journey waiting for you.

Our winter holiday collection

Our diverse winter selection includes high-quality hotels and incredible walking destinations such as the Dolomites and Pertisau, each crafted to provide breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisines, catering to varying fitness levels and experience.

Plus, our snowy holidays feature unique opportunities that encompass activities such as spectacular rail journeys, dog sledding and the captivating Northern Lights. Regardless of your preference for crisp or warmer temperatures, we assure you that we have a holiday to suit you.
 
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Winter walking holidays

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Winter sun holidays

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Winter rail holidays

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Warmer winter rail holidays

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Winter experience holidays

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