12 Enchanting Fairy-Tale Towns You Have to See to Believe
Have you ever wanted to appear in a storybook? With their cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, and old-world charm, these 12 fairy tale towns can take you to another world.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists traveled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% in the same months of 2022.
Each town has its magical aura and experience, from historic castles to water villages. Scroll down to see which places look like something from a fairy tale.
Colmar, France – A Picture-Perfect French Dream
Colmar is nothing short of a fairy tale icon. Alsace contains another of its stunning towns, with canals in the style of Venice and half-timbered houses. Nicknamed “Little Venice,” Colmar offers romantic boat rides and picturesque streets adorned with flowers.
You can run across the cute La Petite Venise neighborhood and canter along the banks of the river to check out the terrific Unterlinden Museum, which features art, history, and more.
Hallstatt, Austria – A Lakefront Paradise
The town sits between a shimmering lake and towering Alpine mountains and is one of the most photographed towns in the world. Salt mines and wooden houses are present everywhere, one of the definitions of serenity.
If you want more enchanting landscapes, take a boat out onto Lake Hallstatt and visit the Hallstatt Skywalk, which offers breathtaking views of this beautiful area.
Mont Saint Michel, France – The Tidal Island Abbe
Mont Saint Michel is a vision of a different time from atop an island in Normandy. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Gothic abbey and tide, cutting it off from the mainland at high water.
Sweep the views atop the abbey and wander the narrow medieval streets surrounding it.
Riquewihr, France – The Beauty and the Beast Town
And if you’re a Disney fan, rejoice because Riquewihr is supposedly the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast. This is a super cozy, medieval, bristling town in the vineyards of Alsace. The streets are laid over cobblestones, and buildings are brightly painted, making it an escape from enchantment.
You must visit the historic Dolder Tower if you are a wine lover. Today, it serves as a museum, and you can also taste wine here.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany – A Living Medieval Time Capsule
Discover Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval town in Germany preserved so well you almost feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Rothenburg looks like it’s been here since the Middle Ages and has paused in time with quaint half-timbered houses and winding lanes.
Make sure to walk the city walls for an amazing view and stop by Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village for a year-round Christmas vibe.
Cochem, Germany – Vineyard Views and Castle Magic
Indeed, Cochem certainly is one of the most gorgeous towns one will ever see, located as it is, along the Moselle River. Encircled with lush vineyards, its fairy–tale castle, Reichsburg Cochem, overlooks the town.
Climb Reichsburg Castle and cruise on the Moselle River past its scenery.
Sintra, Portugal – Palaces of Whimsy
Sintra is a masterpiece of romance and whimsy. Extravagant palaces like Pena Palace and more adorn this small, colorful town just north of Lisbon that looks like it’s straight out of a dream.
Experience a mystical visit at the Initiation Well of Quinta da Regaleira and explore its gardens.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic – Charming Old-World Elegance
Cesky Krumlov is a fairy tale of red-roofed Renaissance homes and winding streets in the Czech Republic. The highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cesky Krumlov.
Walk around the castle gardens or climb the tower for marvelous views over the panorama.
Giethoorn, Netherlands – The Car-Free Water Village
Known as the “Dutch Venice,” Giethoorn is a tranquil village best explored by boat. The streets are replaced by peaceful canals, where visitors can drift by past idyllic thatched-roof houses.
Rent a “whisper boat” and enjoy the serenity of navigating the canals on your own.
Shirakawa-go, Japan – A Snow-Capped Wonderland
Shirakawa Go is nestled in the mountains of Japan and is popular for its traditional Gassho farmhouses. Like praying hands, the strapped-roof homes make a magical sight, especially when blanketed by snow.
Visit in winter to see its light-up illuminations and to learn about rural Japanese culture at local museums and tours.
Bruges, Belgium – The Venice of the North
Bruges repeatedly deserves to be one of Europe’s most fairy-tale cities. Its medieval architecture, sparkling canals, and a general feeling that its time has frozen there make it a magical time capsule of history and charm.
You can see the city from the boat, either by riding on the canals or climbing the Belfry.
Monschau, Germany – Hidden Among the Mountains
Monschau is tucked in the Eifel mountain range. It is a tremendous picturesque delight, filled with half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets.
In the winter tourist season, its storybook appearance as a Christmas wonderland is at its peak due to the winter markets. Stroll into the town’s glass-blowing workshops or amble along the lush hills.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
