The best fairytale towns in Europe

Europe is filled with dreamy villages, castles are peppered throughout the countryside and it’s impossible to feel like you’re anywhere but in a fairytale in some of these idyllic destinations across the continent. From colourful Christmas towns to skylines filled with medieval spires, there are few places as charming as the storybook locales that capture our hearts and our Instagram feeds. If you’re looking to be transported to another time and place, there are few better places to do this than the best of Europe’s fairytale villages and towns. With many of these destinations still missed from the bucket lists of selfie-stick wielding tourists, add these to yours before everyone else does.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Perhaps one of my favourite fairytale towns I’ve visited yet, Rothenburg ob de Tauber can be found in Germany’s Bavaria region. One of the things that stands out most about this colourful town is its year-round Christmas store, which captures the essence of the festive season. Enjoy the panoramic views across the city from the tower at the Town Hall to fully appreciate the appeal of this dreamy town. Walking through the cobbled streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber you’ll find yourself surrounded by the presence of a bygone era - massive towers and patrician houses. Wonderful in any season, red roofs are dusted by snow in winter, windows dressed by vibrant flower boxes in summer.

How to get here: You can make the journey by train from nearby cities including Nuremberg and Wurzburg, although the best way to enjoy this slice of Germany is to make it one of your stops on the Romantic Road by car.

Colmar, France

Set in eastern France near the borders of Germany and Switzerland lies the charming Alsace region, home to the postcard-perfect town of Colmar. Pastel half-timber houses flank the cobblestone streets that line the canals which weave through the town and the smell of coconut macarons drifts through the warm springtime air. You’d be forgiven for truly believing you had stepped into the pages of a children’s book. Colmar hasn’t always been part of France though, annexed twice by German rule in the past 150 years, the French-German fusion is undeniable. Colmar is particularly charming at Christmas when buildings are dressed in festive decoration and a Christmas market lights up the Old Town.

How to get there: Forming part of the Alsace Wine Route Colmar can be reached by train from Strasbourg in France or Basel in Switzerland. Flights operate into both cities from across Europe.

Eguisheim, France

Eguisheim is just a short drive from neighbouring Colmar and every bit as beautiful. A typical Alsatian village, it has been listed as one of France’s most beautiful towns. A warren of streets unfold in concentric circles from the castle at its centre, the colourful facades draped in wisteria and bright flower boxes in the warmer months. Pinned as the inspiration for the set of Beauty and the Beast, this delightful village can easily be visited in an afternoon.

How to get there: There is no train station in Egisheim, the closest station is located in Colmar. Buses run a few times a day from Colmar, although Eguisheim is best enjoyed in company with the other towns by car on the Alsace Wine Route.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of Europe’s most enchanting towns. Set on the lake of its namesake, this Austrian village is built into the hillside, nestled among the surrounding mountains. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the 16th-century architecture is brought to life in vivid colour contrasted against slate-grey roofs. Despite the town’s population of only around 800, its rise to insta-fame has seen up to 10,000 visitors a day. To avoid the crowds, visit out of season. Winter is a magical time as snow settles on the rooftops and the lake freezes over or for something a little warmer, October is lovely as the leaves turn with the changing of seasons. To really enjoy Hallstatt in all its beauty stay overnight to experience the quiet moments.

How to get there: Hallstatt is located near the Austrian-German border, it is within easy reach of Salzburg. Driving is the most comfortable means of reaching Hallstatt, although public transport options are available. It’s worth noting parking options are limited.

Sintra, Portugal

Set at the woody foothills of the Sintra Mountains outside Lisbon you’ll find a collection of castles and palaces that inspire the most dreamy settings. Commonly shrouded in rippling fog, a mystical charm overcomes the handsome town of Sintra. With a series of palaces and gardens to explore, you can easily while away an entire day. From the flamboyant vibrancy of Pena Palace to the regal charm of Quinta da Regaleira and lush forests that surround the area, Sintra is nothing short of spectacular.

How to get there: Trains depart regularly throughout the day from Lisbon and you can connect between the various sites by bus or walking once in Sintra. Alternatively, pick up a rental and drive from the capital.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Still missing from the lists of many when they visit Europe, Slovenia is considered a bit of a hidden gem. A church perfectly poised atop an islet of a blue-green alpine lake is surrounded by the Julian Alps, greeting those who set across the lake in wooden rowboats. A medieval castle is set into the rocky hillside, further adding to the storybook appeal of Lake Bled. Offering plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventures, Lake Bled has quickly become the hottest spot for visitors in Slovenia. While July and August can find you battling crowds, the rest of the year offers scenic vistas from snowcapped mountains to a patchwork of firey-toned leaves and lush alpine forest. Don’t miss trying Bled cream cake while you’re here.

How to get there: It’s easiest to reach Lake Bled by car. Slovenia is a small country and a car will give you access to a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty sites. If you are looking for public transport options, there are buses from Ljubljana daily. The nearest train station is around 4.5km away, so if you take the train to Lesce station you will need to catch a bus from there to the lake/town centre.

Sighisoara, Romania

Yet another UNESCO heritage site, Sighisoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Located in Romania’s Transylvanian region, this enchanting town is marked by stony lanes, colourful buildings and medieval spires that rise above the roofs of merchant houses. While origins of the town are tied to Roman times, Sighisoara is best known for its link to the story of Dracula. Here you’ll find the birth place of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for the Bram Stoker novel. Take the stairs to the top of the clock tower to take in the panoramic views across the citadel and new town or hike to the hilltop church before stopping in for lunch in the streets below.

How to get there: Public transport is limited and lengthy in much of Romania. While there are train and bus services from various major towns and cities including Brasov and Sibiu, they are few and far between. You’ll be able to make the most of your time if you explore Transylvania by car.

The Cotswolds, England

While the Cotswolds is technically a region in the UK, it would be hard to choose just one town to make the cut. Honey-coloured sandstone hamlets are skirted by rolling green meadows and buttercup-yellow flower fields, and each village emanates its own quintessential English charm. In winter enjoy the many walking trails and cosy up by the fire or bask in the springtime blooms as wisteria and roses adorn the sandstone buildings. There are so many wonderful towns and villages that look as though they’ve been plucked straight from a chocolate box in this particularly beautiful pocket of England. Wander the market squares, enjoy a traditional cream tea and dine on a Sunday roast to fully soak up the fairytale charm of The Cotswolds.

How to get there: A few towns in The Cotswolds have train stations, but if you plan to hop from town to town a car will give you the most freedom. You can also use the National Express coach system to reach some of the larger towns in The Cotswolds from major UK cities.

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is one of the prettiest cities in Europe and still flying well under the radar. Set on the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is a cultural hub where old world charm meets tech innovation. Medieval turrets and spires share airtime with Orthodox churches and red-tiled roofs as far as the eye can see. The Old Town set within the ancient city walls is home to a maze of cobbled streets, pastel facades and some of the most fetching doorways in Europe. Enjoy sweeping views from Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform at Toompea Hill and walk the city walls with a visit to the Helleman Tower and Wall walk. Filled with exceptional restaurants, a wealth of history and just a touch of Scandinavian influence, this is one city break that still feels a little off-the-beaten-path.

How to get there: Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, you can get flights from across Europe to the airport which is just a short distance from the city centre. If you’re looking to travel from nearby cities such as Riga, coaches are the best option and you can connect to Helsinki via ferry.

Riga, Latvia

Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau influences infused with a touch of modernism are what gives Riga its fairytale allure. Appearing quiet on first impression, there is a bubbling cultural enthusiasm below the surface. From overcoming Soviet oppression to being crowned European Capital of Culture in 2014, the largest of the three Baltic capitals is filled with hipster bars, handsome town squares and an endearing personality. Home to the largest medieval church in the Baltics, Riga Cathedral, and boasting stunning views over the cities rooftops from the platform at St Peter’s church, Riga is a must-visit for those in search of a culturally focussed getaway with storybook charm.

How to get there: You can reach Riga by plane from destinations across Europe. If you’re travelling from nearby Baltic countries, coaches are the best option.