While several countries are renowned for having the harshest climates in the world, they also offer a fascinating experience. Despite the freezing temperatures and harsh winter, these countries attract tourists with their stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Some of the exciting activities that locals have created as they adapted to the coldness in these regions include winter sports and celebrating their winter seasons. Here are nine of the coldest countries in the world that offer their unique experience.
1. Russia
Russia is widely known for its cold temperatures. The temperature is even more extreme in Siberia, the northern region. In Siberia’s northernmost city, Norilsk, the temperature typically drops below 30°C (-22°F) in winter.
Russia is infamous for its long, harsh winters, but the country embraced the cold and incorporated a range of winter activities, including the popular ice fishing and ice hockey. Adventure enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of extreme cold temperatures are attracted to the winter wonderland of Siberia’s snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, and lakes.
2. Canada
Canada is known for cold weather, which is extreme in northern areas such as Winnipeg and the Yukon Territory. The temperatures of these cities often fall below freezing. Due to the extreme cold weather and vast landscapes, Canada features winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey.
Canadians embrace the cold with a range of outdoor activities. Their winter culture which includes ice fishing and dog sledding attracts tourists from all over the world. The country also boasts scenic views that visitors can enjoy, such as the natural beauty of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, frozen lakes, and snow-covered forests.
3. Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island, renowned for its cold temperature. Most of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is covered by glaciers as it experiences ice and snow throughout the year. With approximately 80% of the island covered by ice, the country experiences extremely cold temperatures. However, the ice presents the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as dog sledging and ice fishing, which residents enjoy.
4. Iceland
Iceland is among the coldest countries in the world, with harsh winters, particularly between December and January. Despite its name, Iceland’s cold temperature is nowhere near the harsh winter in Greenland. Nevertheless, Iceland is known to have dramatic weather conditions, including snowstorms and icy winds. However, Iceland also experiences some periods of relatively calm weather. The country features breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal features. The cold weather is embraced by the locals, who enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. The country’s rich culture, winter sports, and landscapes, which include volcanic hot springs.
5. Finland
Another country renowned for its cold temperatures is Finland. This country features long winters that start with light snow in early autumn and continue well into spring. During these chilly winters, the vast forests are covered in snow and the remote lakes are frozen. Locals and tourists enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. In Finland, the cold weather is celebrated with saunas, sledging, and festive gatherings. In the northernmost regions, particularly Lapland, there are extremely cold and long winter nights that are caused by the warm airflows from the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea.
6. Sweden
The winter season in Sweden can be extreme, often dropping below freezing. The northern regions experience brutally cold climates during the winter and remain icy. Meanwhile, the southern regions are somewhat milder. The winter months are characterised by shorter days and longer nights in the northern area. However, the cold temperature presents the opportunity for several fun outdoor activities that locals and tourists enjoy. Among the popular winter activities are skiing and snowboarding.
