Top 6 Winter Activities

1.Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika, and Hot Sauna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 817 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $138Our pick

Paddle among icy islands, cottages, wildlife, and Vaxholm Fortress with a small group and English-speaking guide. Your dry suit, boots, gloves, fika, photos, and kayak are provided. Add the wood-fired sauna and Baltic Sea polar plunge for a memorable finish.

“What an absolutely magical experience! The ice threw us off our original plans. But the guides were amazing and made the experience even better than anything we could have imagined.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Tromsø: Winter Sea Kayaking Tour with Wildlife Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 591 reviews · 5 - 6 hours · from $225

You’ll paddle winter fjords near Tromsø in a small group of up to 10, with drysuits, instruction, transfers, and guides such as Lauti, Jenka, and Eamon. Expect about 2.5 hours on the water, possible seals and sea eagles, and hot drinks and snacks by the fire afterward.

“Activity was great. Most in the group did not have any kayak experience, but that did not impact the experience. Already started with a seal in the place where we entered the water, and after approximately 1hr we found a big group of seals. Thanks to our guides, who set a nice pace and kept good tracknof us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Winter Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 439 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $202

Join Hightide Kayak School for a three-hour winter paddle on Lake Brienz. Your guide, possibly Sean, Ryan, Chris, Patrizia, or another member of the team, supplies the kayak, dry suit, instruction, and photos. Expect calm water, mountain views, and a tea break on the lake.

“Ryan was fantastic! Kept us engaged with conversation the entire time, and was super nice! Loved the excursion would highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Interlaken: Small-Group Winter Kayak Tour on Lake Brienz

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 249 reviews · 3 hours · from $180

Join Hightide Kayak School for a 3-hour winter kayak tour on Lake Brienz. You’ll paddle with an English or German-speaking guide, wear a sealed drysuit, stop for hot tea and cookies, and receive digital photos and video. Beginners and non-swimmers are welcome from age 12.

“It was my first attempt, I was really really scared. But the guide Andres was great at explaining how kayaking is done and I took to the water and had the time of my life. It was the most liberating and freeing couple of hours of my life. I felt safe and knew the guide was more than capable to rescue me if anything went wrong. Highly recommend the company and the experience. Had such an incredible time. Will definitely do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Dresden: Paddle Steamer Winter Cruise to Pillnitz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 178 reviews · 3 hours · from $37Best value

Spend three hours aboard an authentic paddle steamer from Dresden’s Old Town to Pillnitz Castle. You’ll pass the Baroque Quarter, three Elbe castles, and the Blue Wonder Bridge, with English or German audio commentary and optional hot mulled wine on the return.

“freundlicher Service, schöne Einrichtung, nette Erklärungen, gute Länge”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour Through Winter Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Launch beside Rollins College and paddle a clear, light-up kayak through canals linking three Winter Park lakes. Your guide, often Chris, Chad, or Jackson, teaches the basics and points out wildlife, local stories, and grand homes. The 90-minute evening trip suits beginners, couples, and families.

“The night was perfect with a full moon and fire works. Being out on lake at night was peaceful and relaxing experience.We saw fish and plants under water with our boat light. Chad our guide was excellent. He made sure that we had a memorable experience. I will be back for the day Kayaking.”

Check availability →Read our full review