Writer: Helena Bergström
Europe is full of cities that look more like landscapes than real places.
From mountain villages mirrored in lakes to walled coastal towns and medieval alleys, some places look like they belong in a fairy tale. Here are ten of Europe’s most fantastic cities that we visited ourselves – and that really made our dream come true.
Table of contents
1. Lucerne, Switzerland
With snow-capped peaks, a clear blue lake and the iconic wooden Kapellbrücke bridge, Lucerne feels almost surreally beautiful. In addition to strolling between the houses and over the bridges, you can also take boat trips on the lake, or take a trip by train (!) to the top of Mount Pilatus. The city combines dramatic nature with a well-preserved old town and is a perfect start for a fairytale European trip.
2. Salzburg, Austria
Baroque facades, a mighty castle above the city and the Alps in the background make Salzburg something very special. The old town feels like a postcard and every alley offers new views. Here you can visit Mozart’s birthplace, take the cable car to Hohensalzburg Fortress or visit the Mirabell Gardens.
3. Český Krumlov, Tjeckien
The winding river, the large castle and the pastel-colored houses make Český Krumlov one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. Here you can enjoy walking among restaurants and shops, or perhaps take a canoe trip through the city! It’s easy to understand why this place is often compared to a movie set.
4. Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is one of those cities that surprises. With half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and the town hall balancing in the middle of the river, it feels like a real fairytale town. Here you can sit comfortably in nice open-air restaurants, shop in small shops and explore large and beautiful buildings.
5. Colmar, France
Colorful half-timbered houses, flower-decorated canals and cute squares make Colmar almost feel like a Disney version of a European city. Absolutely incredibly picturesque! In summer you can sail on the small canals or sit on the charming terraces. In December, the Christmas market and Christmas decorations deluxe await you instead.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Belgian Bruges is like a living medieval museum. The canals, pointed houses and small bridges create a romantic atmosphere that makes the city a classic fairytale city in Europe. There are many nice museums in the small town and of course also a brewery with Belgian beer.
Advertisement
7. Carcassonne, France
The medieval citadel in the French city of Carcassonne, Cité de Carcassonne, is one of the most impressive fortified cities in Europe. The place is not only on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the double walls and towers make the historic city feel like it came straight out of a knight’s tale. Lots of tourists come here, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit!
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval city centers in Europe.
With towers, walls and cobbled streets, it’s easy to imagine what the city looked like hundreds of years ago. Today you can experience the historic and fairytale settings, while at the same time taking part in a modern range of restaurants, bars, spas and other experiences.
9. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is dramatically situated between high mountains and a deep bay. The ancient walls climb up the mountain and give the city an almost epic feel. We visited this place during our long camper trip in 2015 and we have only great memories of it!
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
With its massive walls, marble streets and location on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most iconic historic cities. It’s not hard to see why it has been used as a filming location for several films and series, not least Game of Thrones.
The most fantastic cities in Europe
Europe is full of cities that feel like they have been taken from fairytales, but what’s special about them is that they are not just beautiful in photos, but are just as magical in reality.
Have you visited any of these cities, or is there another that should be on the list? Feel free to let us know in the comments – we’re always looking for new fantastic places to discover.
#Europes #fantastic #cities #places #fantasy #movie