Bergen

Arrive in Bergen in January, and you get a few magical things all packed into one. Colorful wooden buildings covered in snow, breathtaking views of the fjords covered in icy mist, and a chance to catch the northern lights dancing over the city. Bergen's idyllic harbor is a pleasure to explore off-season, as snow covers the fairy-tale-looking landscapes around. Sit at a café near the water to sip some hot chocolate and try kanelboller, Norway's version of a warm cinnamon roll. Then take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view over the entire city.

Fjord cruises run throughout the entire winter, and there's truly no better way to experience the quiet magic of the fjords than from the water. Plus, the Bergen mountains around offer plenty of opportunities to try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding. The five-hour hike between Mt. Ulriken to Mount Fløyen is a popular winter walk just on the edge of town. During November and December, the world's largest "gingerbread town" is built within the city of Bergen. And on winter days, when the weather doesn't cooperate, you can get a peak of the country's strong connection to the sea at the Bergen Maritime Museum.

• Location: Hordaland County, Norway
• Where to Stay: Hotel Norge by Scandic; Scandic Torget Bergen; Scandic Ornen; Opus XVI
• Things to Do: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5