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In pictures: Nordic states gripped by winter freeze

Nordic countries have recorded their coldest temperatures of the winter, with areas of Sweden and Finland dropping to as low as -40C this week. Here we select some of the most striking photos of the winter freeze.

Getty Images Heavy snowfall in Stockholm, SwedenGetty Images
The Nordic states are used to cold winters but in Sweden it is rare for temperatures to plummet below -40C
Reuters A dog walker in the Swedish village of Vittangi, where temperatures have dropped as low as -30CReuters
Sweden's far north is seeing some of its iciest temperatures for years - here in Vittangi temperatures have dropped as low as -30C
Getty Images A runner jogs past Stockholm City Hall, Sweden, on 2 January.Getty Images
A few joggers in the capital Stockholm have braved the snow and wind
Getty Images A man gets out from a swim in Helsinki, Finland, in weather of -15C.Getty Images
This man was not prepared to give up his swim in Helsinki, although some places in Finland have recorded their lowest winter temperatures
Getty Images A man walks on the frozen sea in Helsinki, Finland.Getty Images
A man walks on the frozen sea in Helsinki
Getty Images People remove snow from a car in Kristiansand, Norway, on 2 January.Getty Images
Heavy snowfall has blanketed parts of southern Norway since New Year's Day. Here people remove snow from a car in Kristiansand
Getty Images Cyclists in Aalborg, Denmark, during heavy snowfall. Some parts of eastern Denmark could see up to 70cm (26 inches) of snow by Thursday.Getty Images
Some parts of eastern Denmark could see up to 70cm (26 inches) of snow by Thursday. These cyclists defied a snowstorm in Aalborg
Reuters A snowplough clears snow from a road in Aalborg, DenmarkReuters
In several parts of Denmark, including Jutland, police have urged the public to avoid the roads if possible
Reuters A person stands at a bus stop amid heavy snow in Randers, DenmarkReuters
Buses continued to operate in the Danish town of Randers but the armed forces were deployed in the region to help emergency services

All photos subject to copyright.