27 fairytale destinations in Europe that really exist
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Thanks to a rich and varied historical timeline, Europe has many fairytale destinations with magical charm and picturesque settings where legends and landscapes converge.
Discover Europe’s most spellbinding fairytale destinations, where you’ll find plenty of cobbled medieval streets, majestic castles, and ethereal beauty.
Colmar, France
Colmar, with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and flower-lined canals, is a town that resembles a real-life fairytale. The charming Alsatian architecture and colourful facades make it a storybook destination in the heart of France.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is believed to have inspired Arendelle – the kingdom of Disney’s smash film Frozen. Nestled between a pristine lake and towering mountains, it’s a dreamy European destination that should be top of your travel list.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye is a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls set against the dramatic Cuillin Mountains. These crystal-clear pools are said to be the bathing place of fairies and offer a truly enchanting experience in Scotland.
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, Wales
Nestled beside the Conwy River, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearooms is a charming 15th-century cottage adorned with vibrant wisteria. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy traditional tea and feel like you’ve stepped into a colourful Welsh fairytale.
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges, an avenue of ancient beech trees, is a hauntingly beautiful sight. Featured in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, the eerie line of trees creates an ethereal atmosphere that feels straight out of an epic fantasy saga.
Burano, Italy
Burano is a small fishing village island in the Venetian Lagoon known for its vibrant and colourful houses. Stroll along the serene canals, admire the charming architecture and try fresh seafood in this delightful village.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
With its emerald waters, a tiny island crowned by a church, and a medieval castle perched on a cliff, Lake Bled in the Julian Alps is a real-life fairytale setting in Slovenia.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Dreamy Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high in the Bavarian Alps, inspired Walt Disney to create Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. This architectural masterpiece, built by eccentric King Ludwig II, features dreamlike spires and turrets and is one of Bavaria’s most visited attractions.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar’s famous Stari Most bridge arches gracefully over the Neretva River. Explore the old town’s cobbled streets, admire the Ottoman architecture, and watch daring locals dive from the bridge.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is a walled city on the Croatian coast. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, terracotta roofs, and shimmering sea views create a fairytale-like coastal paradise. It was also the main filming location for King’s Landing in the hit fantasy series Game of Thrones.
Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne is a fortified city that transports you to the Middle Ages. Explore its impressive walls, turrets, and drawbridges; you’ll feel like you’re starring in a medieval fantasy film.
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a fairytale paradise with colourful palaces, lush forests, and mystical gardens. Don’t miss the whimsical Pena Palace, a true architectural masterpiece.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval treasure on the Baltic Sea. With its well-preserved city walls, cobblestone streets, and the enchanting Toompea Castle, it’s a fairytale city with plenty of old-world charm and fun things to do.
Stratford upon Avon, England
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon exudes Elizabethan charm. Stroll along Tudor-style streets, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and the 14th century Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – Shakespeare’s wife’s residence. Make sure also to see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and stroll along the historic canals.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, a collection of colourful fishing villages perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, is a fairytale destination by the sea. The vibrant houses and rugged coastline create a magical setting for exploration along the Italian coast.
Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Rising from the tides of the Normandy coast, Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey perched atop a rocky island. The abbey’s spires and narrow streets create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of fantasy novels.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus,” Rovaniemi in Lapland feels like a winter wonderland storybook. Experience the magic of the Northern Lights, go reindeer sledging, and visit Santa’s Village.
Eardisley, Herefordshire
Eardisley in Herefordshire is a quintessential English village with timber-framed houses and a medieval church. It’s part of the Black & White Villages Trail, a 40-mile circular tourist route that takes you through chocolate box villages and rural landscapes.
The Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, is a fairytale forest filled with dense woodlands, charming villages, and folklore. Explore the region’s hiking trails, visit picturesque towns like Triberg, and feast on delicious Black Forest cake.
Saint Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England
This tidal island in Cornwall has an enchanting medieval castle perched atop a rocky hill. When the tide is low, you can walk across the causeway to explore this enchanting destination. St Michael’s Mount was also used as a filming location of High Tide on the island of Driftmark in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder on the Antrim Coast. Its hexagonal basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity, create a surreal landscape that seems like it’s from another world—a true geological fairytale wonder.
Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Reine is a picturesque fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, known for its dramatic mountains and vibrant red Rorbu cabins. The rugged beauty of this remote location feels like a page from an epic Nordic saga.
Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is a picturesque coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in the Istria region of Croatia. With its colourful buildings, narrow streets, and pretty harbour views, it’s like stepping into a Mediterranean fairy tale.
Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald is a fairytale village surrounded by majestic Alpine mountains. Its wooden chalets, pristine landscapes, and serene atmosphere transport you to an otherworldly Swiss destination.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches perched on volcanic cliffs create a mythical Greek setting, especially during the dramatic sunsets over the azure Aegean Sea.
Mantova Italy
Mantova, also known as Mantua, is an Italian city steeped in history and elegance. With its Renaissance palaces, romantic squares, and the stunning Palazzo Te, it’s a place that feels like a living fairytale in Italy.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a picturesque medieval town in the Czech Republic. The winding Vltava River, charming streets and the fairytale-like Cesky Krumlov Castle make it a pretty storybook destination.
