Inspiration • December 2013
The dark side
From storm watching on Canada’s Vancouver Island to stargazing in the Scottish woodlands, journalist and travel writer Christopher Beanland unveils the most atmospheric places to experience those dark winter days and nights
Viewing the sunrise in Venice, Italy
Watching the sunrise while standing in the middle of the Ponte dell’Accademia bridge on a frosty morning is a Venetian rite of passage. Everything is, apparently, cosmically aligned for this moment: the sun rises from the east, the buildings along the Grand Canal framing its orange glow, while the boats puttering gently beneath you provide the perfect soundtrack.
Storm watching in Tofino, Canada
Tofino’s spellbinding winter storms, which can cause 20-foot swells in the Pacific Ocean, are responsible for sculpting its rugged shores. If you’re feeling brave, pack your waterproofs for a walk on Chesterman Beach to experience it first hand, or stay dry in the Wickaninnish Inn. All rooms face the ocean and come with roaring log fires to warm you up.
Stargazing in Galloway Forest, Scotland
Long winter nights are perfectly spent in Galloway Forest Park, which sits under some of the clearest – and darkest – night skies in Europe. It’s one of the most atmospheric places to gaze at thousands of stars and see the Milky Way without a telescope, thanks to minimal light pollution, limited building numbers and wild scenery.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Saariselkä, Finland
Not only is the Kakslauttanen Hotel in Finnish Lapland home to the world’s largest smoke sauna, but it also boasts 20 glass igloos, which come complete with anti-frost glass, central heating and a mini bar, so you can stay snug while you enjoy a panoramic view of nature’s most flamboyant free show – which is said to be at its best this winter.
Driving over the Millau Viaduct, Millau, France
It’s odd to think that a motorway bridge has become a huge draw, but the Millau Viaduct cable bridge is like no other. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the huge structure is higher than the Eiffel Tower and creates a dazzling spectacle when it pokes up out of the winter mist that swirls in the valley.
Listening to the sounds of winter in Salzburg, Austria
The music capital of Alpine Austria rings with joy in winter: the Christmas choirs and classical concerts in the hometown of Mozart bring this pretty city to life. The great composer is celebrated in Mozart Week between 21 January and 2 February 2014 with events and recitals, but before that enjoy festive songs and seasonal music at the Christkindlmarkt until Boxing Day.
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