Europe is a magical place. From ancient castles to picturesque waterfalls, much of the scenery looks like it could be straight out of a fairytale. In fact, much of Europe’s best literature, collections of short stories and iconic European fairytales are inspired by real places. Explore them for yourself to turn the stories of folklore into your reality.
Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the newest and most famous castles in Europe. It’s been opened to the public for over 100 years and continues to draw visitors from around the world. See the famous castle for yourself on your next trip to Germany.
It’s just about the closest you can get to the North Pole, which is why Finland is known for its beautifully frozen landscapes. Visit during Christmas time to ride on Santa’s sleigh and meet all of his friendly reindeer.
The towers of San Marino are some of the oldest landmarks in Europe. Visit Guaita, the oldest and most famous of the three towers to experience 11th century Europe at its best. Visit during the month of July to experience all the flag-waving and street-parading fun of Medieval Days. See reenactments of medieval life and culture right on the grounds of the tower.
Poland’s Malbork Castle is home to more than drawbridges and stone walls. See the castle come alive as medieval reenactments complete with knights and guards bring even more wonder to an already wonderful place. Just be ready to participate in the medieval fun!
The Rundale Palace in Latvia is one of the most beautifully well-maintained places in Europe. Its intricate lawns and astonishing design makes it one of Latvia’s most popular tourist destinations. Admire the age-old beauty on your next trip to Latvia.
Dating back to the year 1000, Bourscheid Castle is ancient Luxembourg at its best. Put on your best king or queen act as you tour through this mountainside castle in the village of Bourscheid. It’s an adventure over 1000 years in the making!
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest features some of the most magical architecture you’ll ever see. The towers once served as a fortification to keep people out of the villages below but now acts as a sanctuary for curious travelers to Budapest.
Castles aren’t the only place to visit in Europe to live out your fairytales. Germany is home to an abundance of countrysides, waterfalls and scenic forests that are straight out of classic folktales, like this one in Kassel’s Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Complete with secret underground tunnels, panoramic views and the nearby Waterfall Lake, the Bouillon Castle in Belgium would make the perfect setting for a fairytale. Walk through it and listen to all of the fabled stories behind the history of the famous castle.
Hunyadi Castle is located in Romania and is the epitome of what would make an ideal setting for a Romanian fairytale. It is sometimes mentioned as a source of inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and legend says it was once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler.
The rock sculpture of Decebalus in Serbia towers 40 meters high along the Danube, making it the tallest one in Europe. See the epic rock formation starting from Serbia to Romania as you travel along the river by boat.
Sintra’s Pena Palace in Portugal skies over the rest of the countryside, making it one of the most picturesque places in the entire country. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the best architecture, furnishings and charm of the Romantic era.
Europe is unique in every way. So, it’s no coincidence that it offers some of the most unique lodging options in the world. Whether you’re backpacking through Spain or you’re a spending a month in Norway for school, you’re sure to find an unforgettable place to sleep at night. Consider this gallery your guide to some of the most unique places to stay in Europe.
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
Europe’s vast landscapes create some breathtaking views. And some of the most awe-inspiring views in Europe occur where cliffs meet the water. From Ireland to Greece, picture-perfect spots can be found tucked away from everything else. Enjoy eight of the best European views right here in this photo gallery. Then, see them for yourself on your next trip.
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
The Slovenian region of Istria is one of the leading wine producers in the country. The fertile soil and climate of Istria are perfect for wine producing and because of it, many varieties of grapes – both red and white – grow in the region. The most important wine grape variety is Refošk (Refosco del Peduncolo Verde), whose grapes are macerated in open vats. A thick and dark, almost violet wine is a symbol of the lasting Istrian wine tradition which also boasts excellent whites.
Spring is the perfect time to be in Europe. The sun comes out, the days get longer and all the plants begin flowering. It’s also the perfect time to get away from busy European capitals and enjoy the out of the way secret locations and green spaces of the world. Make your way to Belgium for the Greenhouses of the Royal Palace at Laeken, Brussels. Beauty can be found at the Winter Garden in both its plant life and Art Nouveau architecture; the massive greenhouses with their ironwork frames are home to many rare and beautiful plants. They cover six acres of striking rotundas, domes and galleries. Twenty full-time gardeners meticulously tend this impressive collection.
Wine has influenced the culture of Europe for centuries. Dating back to 1600 BC, the Romans spread wine grapes throughout Europe and quickly became skilled at classifying grape varieties and colors, observing characteristics, and building fertilization techniques. By the first century AD, wine was being exported from Italy to Spain, Germany, England and France. The world’s oldest operating winery, the Château de Goulaine in France, is still open to visitors today and was a reason the country and its surrounding area quickly dominated the world wine market.
In Salzburg, Austria, discover both the glistening past and fascinating present of music.
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Croatia’s living museum!
The specialities of regional cuisine are something not to be missed while travelling around Poland. They are extremly diverse due to different agricultural conditions, customs and traditions.These potato dumplings -Kluski Śląskie in Polish originally come from the region of Silesia but nowadays it is very popular across the country.
Castles in historical Slovenian cities!
