Europe – Come Join The Festivities!
One of the best ways to witness the diversity of Europe is to participate in one of the many festivals – be it celebrating a saint, food , film or even the circus.
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.
Interactive Map
© NTO Germany
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
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.
© Visit Finland
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Finland’s Winter Wonderland
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.
© Marco Guidi
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Guaita Tower, San Marino
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.
© Polish Tourist Organisation
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Knights of Malbork Castle, Poland
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!
© NTO Latvia
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The Lawns of Rundale Palace, Latvia
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.
© Aéroplume / ONT
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Bourscheid Castle, Luxembourg
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!
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Fisherman’s Bastion, Hungary
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.
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Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Germany
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
© OPT - Joseph Jeanmart
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Bouillon Castle, Belgium
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.
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Hunyadi Castle, Romania
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.
© NTO Serbia
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Decebalus, Serbia
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.
© Turismo de Lisboa
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Pena Palace, Portugal
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.
Galleries
The Winter Wonderlands of Europe
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.
A Land Before Time: The Megaliths of Europe
Europe’s heritage and culture date back thousands of years. And some of the most ancient remnants of the earliest European cultures can still be found today. From prehistoric cave drawings to mysterious stone formations, discover the continent’s past at its oldest locations. Browse this gallery, then come see these magnificent sites for yourself on your next trip.
Discover the Thermal Heritage of Europe
The therapeutic use of hot springs has been present in Europe from ancient times to the present day, giving birth to a number of spa towns well-known for the beauty of their buildings, or long tradition of welcoming guests and the healing properties of its springs.
Featured Experiences
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi, the traditional white cheese of Cyprus, has been produced on the island for centuries. A semi-hard cheese prepared from sheep milk with the addition of mint, halloumi cheese has a pleasant flavour and is delicious when grilled or fried. As a starter, grilled halloumi is superb!
European Contemporary Theater
If you want to explore the best of modern, contemporary theater, Europe is the ideal destination.
European Street Art
Across Europe, artists have turned entire buildings into their canvases. Visit a creative European city to discover street art.
Slow-paced San Marino
Where an active holiday feels like freedom!
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