Snowcapped castles, frosty fairytale villages and spellbinding frozen lakes: Beautiful images that show how many of the world’s most iconic destinations look at their best… in winter

Snow doesn’t fall every year in Paris, but when it does the magical city is even more enchanting. If you’re one for avoiding crowds, the chillier months may be the best time for a trip. With fewer tourists, you can wander the streets of the French capital like a local. And if you feel chilly you can always pop in to a bistro for some cockle-warming French onion soup

Nestled in the Salzkammergut region of Austria lies the magical village of Hallstatt, rumoured to be the inspiration for Arendelle in the Disney film series Frozen. Visit in the winter and it’s sure to send a few extra shivers of excitement down the spine

This image shows the iconic Assumption of Maria Church on Bled Island in Slovenia, with the Julian Alps in the background. Lonely Planet notes that its ‘over-the-top romantic setting’ has long attracted honeymooners, with the scenery even more enamouring when winter mist wafts hither and thither and snow blankets the landscape

This atmospheric shot captures the 18th-century Upper Belvedere palace in Vienna during winter. During the colder months, the city often transforms into a snowy paradise. According to travelelswhere.net, winter in Vienna ‘sets a nice mood for staying inside, drinking beer, and trying Austrian cuisine’

The snow doesn’t often settle on the streets of London, but when it does, as this image taken by the River Thames shows, it makes the city that much more mysterious and enticing

This magical shot shows postcard-perfect Charles Bridge in Prague covered in snow. If you’re looking for a winter-wonderland city break, the Czech capital might be for you, with Prague.org noting that the chance of snow in winter is pretty high

This picture shows the historic centre of Braşov, Romania, draped in snow. Lonely Planet says that ‘Braşov’s skyline is instantly compelling’ – and its medieval and modern architecture is further accentuated by a dusting of the white stuff. Just a stone’s throw from Bran Castle, which gave rise to the Count Dracula legend, it’s a fang-tastic destination for a winter holiday 

Above is a bird’s eye view of the Fisherman’s Bastion monument in a snow-covered Budapest. The stunning Hungarian city often experiences sub-zero temperatures during the winter months, but BudapestFlow says ‘don’t let that put you off visiting’ – from cosy bars to the hot spring water in the thermal baths, the travel site says there are plenty of ways to warm up 

Pictured is the city of Amsterdam covered in thick snow beneath a glowing purple sky. ‘The city looks like a Christmas card when it’s dusted in snowflakes – making for a wildly romantic backdrop to any visit,’ Iamsterdam says, billing the Dutch capital a ‘perfect’ winter destination. There are plenty of winter activities, the travel website notes, and visitors may even get the chance to ice skate on frozen winter canals if temperatures drop low enough 

This magical shot shows a snowy Sannenzaka Path in Kyoto, Japan, with the Hokan-ji Temple behind. Insidekyoto.com says: ‘It snows in Kyoto several times each winter, usually between early December and mid-March. Most of the time, the snow doesn’t stick at all, but two to four times a winter, it stays on the ground’

Here, the mighty Berlin Cathedral is surrounded by snow. According to exberliner.com, the German capital transforms in winter. The website says: ‘When snow falls over Berlin… there is suddenly a magic about that place’

A captivating shot of Estonian capital Tallinn glistening in the snow. The Estonian capital is quieter in the winter, but Visit Estonia notes: ‘[Tallinn] is perfect for those looking for a cosy winter romance in lit-up medieval surroundings or yearning for a much-obliged reset in a cute cottage in the midst of wintry nature.’ Just be prepared to face truly frigid temperatures, which can reach -20C during the height of winter 

Here a frost-covered Edinburgh is captured from the UNESCO site of Calton Hill. The Scottish city is no stranger to a cold snap, with its lowest temperatures seen in January and February, Forever Edinburgh notes. The website says: ‘It can be gusty at times, and we do occasionally get snow, which makes the city look even more magical – so have your camera at the ready!’ 

The small country of Luxembourg may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a winter getaway, but this picture of the snow-capped roofs of the capital city, which shares its name with that of the country, may change your mind. Travel company Intrepid notes that the weather can get extremely cold from December to February. The website says: ‘If you don’t mind the cold weather, Luxembourg under a blanket of snow is a sight that’s guaranteed to stay with you long after you return home’

This spellbinding image shows the Glass Palace in El Retiro Park, Madrid. While winters in the Spanish capital are relatively mild, the city does occasionally receive snowfall – and there is plenty to do when that occurs. Turismo Madrid notes: ‘January sales, a March full of art, Carnival, outdoor walks with the smell of roasting chestnuts, concerts, exhibitions, musicals, the best restaurants… What are you waiting for?’

Above is a snow-draped central park in New York.  The city is ‘bitterly cold’ between December and February, seeing several inches of snow a day, according to travelbag.co.uk. The website notes: ‘On the plus side, the cold weather means that January and February are also the quietest months in NYC. So you can enjoy your New York holiday with minimal crowds’

This image shows Durham Cathedral towering over an icy River Wear. The university city is the perfect winter destination, according to thisisdurham.com. The website notes: ‘Winter may be the coldest of all the seasons, but if you wrap up warm and head out to explore Durham’s great outdoors, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sights and wonderful winter experiences’

Most tourists flock to Cornwall in the summer months to sunbathe on its beautiful beaches and swim in the sea. But those who travel off-peak can be rewarded with breathtaking winter landscapes – and fewer crowds. Pictured above is a snowy Land’s End on the Penwith peninsula 

Above is a colourful row of houses next to an icy Nyhavn waterfront – one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. Visit Copenhagen notes winter as being ‘the season of hygge’, a time of contentment with ‘woollen sweaters, candlelight and good times’

This image captures Södermalm Island beneath a beautiful violet and pink sky, which is reflected in a partially frozen Lake Malaren. Billed as one of Stockholm’s ‘hottest neighbourhoods’ by Visit Sweden, the area is perhaps even more beautiful in winter