Rovaniemi sits close to the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland.
Winter is long, dark, and snowy, with temperatures regularly falling far below freezing. Despite the cold, the city attracts thousands of visitors hoping to see the Northern Lights and experience Lapland.
Oulu, Finland
Oulu is located beside the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Finland. January temperatures are usually well below freezing, and snow can remain for months. Residents are well prepared, and even cycling continues during winter.
Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is one of Sweden’s northernmost cities. Located above the Arctic Circle, it experiences extremely cold winters and polar nights. Temperatures can drop below -20°C during severe cold periods.
Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle.
Winters are dark, snowy, and very cold. Surprisingly, its coastal location moderates temperatures somewhat compared with inland Arctic areas, but the long winter still makes Murmansk one of Europe’s coldest cities.
Vorkuta, Russia
Vorkuta takes the top spot on our list. Located north of the Arctic Circle in European Russia, the city has a severe subarctic climate.
Winters are extremely long, with powerful winds, heavy snow, and temperatures that can fall below -30°C during severe cold spells. Snow can cover the landscape for much of the year. For visitors accustomed to southern Europe, Vorkuta’s winter climate can feel almost unimaginable.
