Footsteps in the Snow

Walking through the winter quiet together, cold air, quiet trees, warm hands — a winter walk on the edge of history. The Baltic breeze is freezing, but the view along the coast makes it all worth it. There’s a special kind of warmth you can only find on a freezing day. In Scandinavia, there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. A slow walk along Strandpromenaden in Visby, where the medieval walls meet the winter sea and time seems to move a little softer.

Strandpromenaden in Visby (The Beach Promenade) is a popular 5 km walking path that runs north from the harbor, famous for its sunsets and for running parallel to the iconic Visby City Wall, which dates back to the 13th century. Visby on the island of Gotland in Sweden is the best-preserved medieval fortified trading town in Northern Europe famous for its well-preserved medieval city wall and Hanseatic history and a UNESCO World Heritage site. While famous for its roses in summer, the "City of Ruins" is just as stunning (and much quieter) in the snow. In winter, it transforms from a bustling tourist hub into a quiet, atmospheric town where the medieval architecture stands out starkly against the snow.

The body of water is the Baltic Sea, which is unique because it is brackish (a mix of salt and fresh water), parts of it can freeze in winter, creating stunning ice formations along the shore.

Embracing the Norwegian concept "Friluftsliv" today (pronounced free-loofts-leave), which translates to "life in the free air." It’s not about conquering a mountain but simply connecting with nature without destroying or disturbing it — just like a quiet walk along the water. It’s of "open-air living" — the idea that being outside is essential for the soul, no matter the weather. As Nansen said, "To be out, truly out, is to find yourself again."

Walking in the cold has unique benefits. The cold air can help boost your immune system and clear your mind. It can "train" your blood vessels to be more responsive (improving circulation) and even help you sleep better at night because the body works harder to regulate its temperature.

Snow naturally absorbs and scatters sound, which is why snowy parks and paths often feel extra calm and quiet — perfect for reflective walks like this one.