Boasting lush mountains, verdant valleys, expansive plains, and rich heritage, there’s no better continent than Europe if you want to visit destinations straight out of a storybook.
Between France, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond, I guarantee you’ll find plenty of destinations that are oozing with charm.
Take your pick from historic castles and picturesque cobblestone towns to dazzling natural wonders in my ultimate guide to the best fairytale place in Europe.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
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1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Built by Louis II or the “Mad King Ludwig” of Bavaria in 1868, you can find this incomplete yet stunning castle on the Bavarian Alps.
Like a scene from a legend, the Neuschwanstein Castle sits atop a towering rock ledge.
Neuschwanstein boasts elements from several iconic architectural styles, including Gothic, Byzantine, and Roman, which were said to illustrate Louis II’s fantasies.
With its breathtaking towers, turrets, frescos, and throne halls, it became the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
Discover more ideas for your European bucket list.
2. Colmar, France
Complete with ancient churches, ornate fountains, and Renaissance houses, the charming town of Colmar is a popular fairytale destination in France.
If the weather is right, I love strolling around the Old Town, Vieille Ville, navigating the cobbled alleys and colourful, if not irregularly shaped, half-timbered buildings.
The stunning architecture is a must-see – beautifully preserved Baroque and Renaissance period artefacts.
My favourite Colmar street is the Grand Rue, where the infamous pink home, Maison dite “au Pèlerin,” is located.
Discover more of the prettiest fairytale towns in France.
3. Sintra, Portugal
Dubbed as the most romantic village of Portugal, Sintra was once a summer retreat for Portuguese royals in the 15th century.
Many of its forts and castles were constructed to host royalty back in the day.
Occupied by the Moors for over four centuries, you’ll quickly notice the heavy Morrish inspiration on Sintra’s culture and architecture.
Strolling through misty weather and labyrinthian streets, watching sprawling castle ruins atop green hills, certainly brings home the magical vibe of the place.
Be sure to visit Palacio da Pena, one of Portugal’s most important cultural sites.
The colourful castle is a dazzling Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline masterpiece, allowing unrestricted views of the gorgeous Sintrensen landscapes.
4. Rothenburgh ob der Tauber, Germany
Hidden at the heart of Germany’s Franconian lands is an enchanting hamlet known for its medieval structures, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Within its walled confines lies a wealth of historical sights, from olden Gothic churches to cobbled town squares.
Rothenburg is best appreciated by day. As Germany’s best-preserved walled town, meandering its alleyways is full of surprises.
Once in a while, you’ll stumble across historic gems surrounded by picturesque timber-framed cottages.
A brief walk from the city’s main town square is the revered St. Jacob’s Church, complete with its 200-foot tall towers.
Inside, you’ll find its famed high altar and its collection of breathtaking artworks. Visit Rothenburgh at Christmas, and be swept in its fairytale holiday vibes!
5. Hallstatt, Austria
Tucked away in the densely wooded district of Gmunden is Hallstatt, a tiny antique town that oozes charm.
While it may host a very small population count of 800, Hallstatt enjoys the attention of over 3 million annual visitors.
When you visit this town yourself though, you’ll understand why it’s so loved.
Idyllic homes and charming cafes amid an enchanting backdrop of Austria’s most gorgeous skylines and blue line waters; all against the backdrop of towering alpine hills in the distance.
6. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Dotted with bridges and canals, Giethoorn is a farming village located in the Northeastern part of the Netherlands.
Think of thatched-roof houses, lush green pathways, crisscrossing waterways, and people riding boats. No wonder they call it the “Venice of the Netherlands.”
Visitors can explore Giethoorn by land or by water. Then, grab a bite in scenic canalside restaurants and cafes with the friendliest staff.
I’d recommend ending the day at De Eetkamer van Giethoorn, sipping tea, and relishing the views of the waterfront terrace.
DIscover more amazing day trips from Amsterdam.
7. Český Krumlov, Czechia
Teeming in well-preserved Gothic and Baroque structures, Český Krumlov is a famed and must-visit medieval town buried in the hilly Bohemian south of the Czech Republic.
Scientists and artists from all over the continent once roamed its panoramic paths.
Most visitors set their sights on the Baroque theatre inside the grand castle of the Rožmberk family, a prominent aristocracy who ruled from the 13th and 16th centuries.
The strikingly colourful tower with a steep, 162-step climb is a marvel to behold from the winding cobbled streets.
8. Bruges, Belgium
Delectable cuisine, quaint buildings, and a fairytale atmosphere: these are some of the things that stood out the most when I travelled to Bruges.
Apart from its bustling Christmas market, this charming city doesn’t come in short supply of magical activities to do.
Located in the Flanders region of Belgium, a mere one-and-a-half drive from Calais, Bruges is a proud city with a World Heritage status.
The sound of clattering hooves on the cobbled streets, swimming swans on pristine canals, and people manoeuvring in the maze of medieval streets fill the Bruges air.
If you’re planning to visit Bruges, have a read of my guides before you go:
- 20 fun things to do in Bruges
- 15 best luxury hotels in Bruges
- 15 amazing Michelin-star restaurants in Bruges
9. Reine, Norway
Norway has many impressive fishing villages, but I’d say only a few would come close to the gem that is Reine.
Picture towering peaks scattered across the dazzling blue waters. With its location by the Arctic Ocean surrounded by Lofoten’s dramatic summits, that’s exactly what Reine offers.
There are steep hikes to traverse and deep waters to brave here. If the weather permits, I’d recommend taking a kayak to get close to Reine’s treasured islands.
Then, climb the Reinebringen route to witness the breathtaking Norwegian horizon. Don’t forget the Northern Lights!
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is an iconic destination, located in the northwestern region of Slovenia.
It’s renowned for its photogenic island surrounded by turquoise waters and the wooded slopes of Jelovica and Pokljuka.
It’s as if Mother Nature took inspiration from the pages of a fictional book and moulded the scenery.
I’d recommend riding a Pletna boat to reach the island, where you can admire the vistas of Slovenia’s flowing mountain ridges.
After reaching the island, visitors must climb 100 steps toward the Gothic Church of the Assumption of Mary.
Once constructed for defensive purposes, the Bled Castle, which dates back to around 1004 AD, also stands gracefully overlooking the lake.
Do you have any more fairytale places in Europe that you’d add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
You may also like:
- 10 epic road trips in Europe
- 12 hidden gems in Europe
- 10 beautiful lakes in Europe (that aren’t Lake Como)
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