20 Places That Are Straight Out Of Fairy Tales

Discover enchanting places worldwide that look like they’re taken straight from fairy tales. From majestic castles to picturesque villages, these destinations will transport you to a world of magic and wonder. Immerse yourself in the charm of these fairytale-like locations and experience the beauty of these real-life fantasies. Get ready to be amazed by these stunning and dreamy places that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Explore these magical destinations and let your imagination run wild as you wander through these fairytale settings.

01. Colmar: Alsace, France

Walt Disney would surely approve of Colmar, with its timber-framed houses, colorful facades, and flower-lined canal.

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02. Ashikaga Flower Park: Ashikaga, Japan

Ashikaga’s wisteria trees bloom brilliantly for a few weeks every spring, turning the park into a vision of pastel pinks and purples.

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03. Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge): Kromlau, Germany

This 19th-century bridge creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the still waters below it.

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04. Angel Oak: Charleston, South Carolina

What looks like a set piece from Pan’s Labyrinth is a massive and ancient oak tree—six stories tall and 300-400 years old.

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05. Reed Flute Cave: Guilin, China

Sadly, magical fairy dust is not the secret behind Reed Flute Cave’s glowing interior. Multi-colored lights hide all around the underground spot to attract tourists.

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06. Hohenzollern Castle: Bisingen, Germany

Hohenzollern Castle stands proudly over 750 feet above Germany. It’s most exceptional on overcast days when it sticks out above the fog—a literal castle on a cloud.

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07. Tunnel Of Love: Klevan, Ukraine

Ukraine’s “Tunnel of Love” puts all theme park rides to shame, with vibrant green leaves covering every surface.

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08. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt’s lakeside views and charming buildings make it a picture-perfect town—so perfect that China replicates the village to serve as high-end housing.

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09. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Every year, during the Yi Peng festival, Chiang Mai’s skies light up with thousands of lanterns. Tangled fans, start packing.

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10. Lake Reschen: South Tyrol, Italy

This area of South Tyrol was once home to several villages, but the towns were purposefully flooded when a dam was built nearby. The only visible reminder of the drowned cities is a 14th-century bell tower—sort of like Rapunzel meets the Quarter Quell.

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11. Hallerbos Forest: Halle, Belgium

This beech forest in Belgium becomes a misty dreamscape during springtime as thousands of bluebells carpet the forest floor.

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12. Seljalandsfoss: Iceland

Seljalandsfoss looks great at any angle, but it’s worth the hike to see the waterfall from the cave behind it. Can someone please commission an Airbnb property here?

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13. City Palace: Jaipur, India

We love a good turret and stone archway, but Jaipur’s rosy pink City Palace gives its European counterparts a run for their money.

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14. The Dark Hedges: Northern Ireland

Because even fairy tales are dark and full of terrors, local legend says that “the Grey Lady” (a ghost, not the New York Times) haunts the road at dusk.

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15. Angkor Wat (Ta Prohm): Cambodia

The Ta Prohm temple has been devoured by the Cambodian jungle, but its strangely compelling remains (featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) make it a popular tourist attraction.

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16. St. Basil’s Cathedral: Moscow, Russia

St. Basil’s Cathedral is a bright and whimsical sight in the middle of Red Square, thanks to candy-colored domes and swirling patterns.

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17. Quinta da Regaleira: Sintra, Portugal

Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira estate has many tourist attractions, including ornate gardens, palaces, and deep wells with spiral staircases lining the walls.

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18. Longleat: Wiltshire, England

While trying to navigate the hedge maze at the Longleat manor, one almost expects to cross paths with the Queen of Hearts (or, fingers crossed, David Bowie).

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19. Puez-Geisler Nature Park: South Tyrol, Italy

Italy’s Puez-Geisler Nature Park is located among the jagged and striking Dolomites, with a charming, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it church nestled among the mountains.

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