16 Fairytale Locations Around the World That You Can Actually Visit
Fairytales come to life in these surreal landscapes that will leave you in awe and wonder at the dream-like beauty that exists around you. What’s more, you can actually visit these locations and bask in their unique ambiance.
Some of these destinations feel like they belong in a storybook or behind the glowing walls of a portal into another universe, but they are all real. Let’s take a tour through some of these stunning fairytale locations.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This castle inspired the design of Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland. Located in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle was the commission of King Ludwig II as a homage to composer Richard Wagner. Towering spires and romantic architecture make it one of the most photographed castles in the world.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a beautiful, picture-perfect village on the shores of a serene lake, beside the Salzkammergut mountains. Famed for its pastel houses and strong salt mining past, this is a quaint land that feels frozen in time.
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
This avenue of beech trees is iconic in part due to its appearance in Game of Thrones, and it is hauntingly beautiful. This old tree-lined road, dating back to the 18th century, was planted by the Stuart family and is ethereal in the misty morning light. Twisted branches look like a pair of arches leading to another world.
Colmar, France
Colmar’s half-timbered houses, colorful facades, and canals winding their way through the center of the town earned it the name ‘Little Venice’. The cobbled streets seem to have strayed from a pop-up storybook. The Alsace wine region enhances the area’s charm with vineyards that produce some of the finest white wine in the area.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint Michel is a tidal island that seems to defy gravity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies off the coast of Normandy and becomes an isolated island when the tide comes in. The abbey’s surrounding waters are often enjoyed by visitors.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
The Eilean Donan Castle, perched upon a small island where three sea lochs meet was built in the 13th century. The structure has been lovingly restored and is a top spot for weddings, film shoots, and a travel stop for the perfect postcard photo.
The Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a piece of heaven. It’s a living watercolour painting, with 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. It attracts nature lovers and photographers but is carefully taken care of to preserve its beauty for future generations.
Bled Island, Slovenia
The island in the middle of Lake Bled is truly magical. Visitors to the island can reach it by traditional wooden boats called pletnas, and ring its church bell for good luck. During winter the snow covers the island and makes a beautiful and serene winter wonderland.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn is a car-free village that is commonly referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ because canals replace the streets. Boats are the means of transport for locals traveling past thatched roof cottages and wooden bridges. Drift through this peaceful village on a small boat and enjoy the quaint beauty of the village as you go.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
A galaxy of light lies deep beneath the earth, not made of stars, but of thousands of glow worms. Visitors to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves can glide in silence through the caves while illuminated by the bioluminescence of the little creatures. It’s a quiet, near-otherworldly reintroduction to nature’s radiance.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
Hobbiton is a great place for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to step into Middle Earth. This movie set is located in Matamata in a permanent attraction with hobbit holes, lush green landscapes, and the Green Dragon Inn. Hobbiton is a fairytale that comes to life as you walk through.
Antelope Canyon, USA
Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona and is a natural wonder carved in thousands of years from wind and water. It is a quasi-dreamlike landscape, with narrow passageways and twisting sandstone formations. At midday, the sunlight casts a magical glow, setting the scene ablaze with a beauty unlike any other.
Cinque Terre, Italy
The Ligurian Sea is overlooked by the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre clinging to cliffs. Narrow streets, bright houses, and breath-taking sea views in each village create a unique landscape that earned this site its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fresh seafood makes for a tasty reward.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of many jaw-dropping landscapes in Iceland, but it’s certainly a standout. Almost 100 meters deep, this moss-covered canyon has the Fjaðrá river flowing through its base. Its dramatic beauty adds a surreal atmosphere like a hidden world yet to be explored.
Wisteria Tunnel, Japan
The Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu, Japan boasts a wisteria tunnel that looks too good to be true. Purple and lavender hanging blooms form an enchanting canopy for visitors to stroll through — particularly during the spring. It is a truly delicate and beautiful scene.
Castle Combe, England
A chocolate box village in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is home to many historic ruins. Its stone cottages, medieval market squares, and rural setting will transport you back through the centuries. Its unspoiled charm and welcoming atmosphere are often enough to make visitors fall in love with it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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