20 Fairytale Destinations Around The World That You Can Actually Visit
Ever dreamed of stepping into the pages of your favorite fairytale? Those enchanted castles and magical forests aren’t just figments of imagination – they exist in our world!
From misty mountain fortresses to glowing underground caves, these storybook locations welcome visitors year-round. Pack your bags and prepare for wonder as we explore real-life places that seem straight out of fantasy.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany
Perched dramatically on a rugged hill, this fairytale fortress rises like a dream above the Bavarian countryside. Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle with its soaring turrets and romantic architecture.
Visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos. The interior tour reveals lavish rooms that reflect King Ludwig II’s eccentric vision, though only 14 rooms were completed before his mysterious death.
2. Hogwarts Express / Jacobite Steam Train – Scotland
Vintage carriages chug across stunning Highland landscapes, crossing the iconic curved viaduct featured in wizarding films. The Jacobite Steam Train offers muggles a chance to experience movie magic while enjoying breathtaking Scottish scenery.
Book well in advance for the popular summer season. For the quintessential photo opportunity, grab a window seat on the right side when traveling from Fort William to Mallaig to capture the train crossing the famous viaduct.
3. Mont Saint-Michel – France
Rising dramatically from the sea during high tide, this medieval marvel appears to float on water. Mont Saint-Michel’s abbey crowns this tidal island commune, connected to mainland France by a single causeway.
Time your visit around tide schedules for the most magical experience. Wander the winding streets upward to the abbey, but stay overnight to experience the island after day-trippers leave for truly enchanting evening views.
4. Cappadocia – Turkey
Hundreds of colorful hot air balloons drift across an otherworldly landscape at dawn. Cappadocia’s unique terrain features “fairy chimneys” – tall, cone-shaped rock formations scattered throughout the region.
Stay in a cave hotel carved directly into the soft volcanic stone. Morning balloon flights offer breathtaking views, while underground cities and open-air museums reveal ancient civilizations that once thrived in this fantastical setting.
5. The Gates Of Hell (Darvaza Crater) – Turkmenistan
Flames dance eternally from a massive crater in the desert, creating an eerie glow visible for miles. The Darvaza Gas Crater has burned continuously since 1971 when Soviet engineers set it alight to prevent methane spread.
Reaching this remote wonder requires a 4WD desert expedition. Camping nearby allows visitors to witness the crater’s most dramatic moment as darkness falls and the fiery pit illuminates the night with its hellish glow.
6. Hallstatt – Austria
Pastel-colored houses reflect perfectly in crystal-clear alpine waters, creating a mirror-image village. Hallstatt sits nestled between mountains and lake, offering postcard views from every angle of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a boat tour for the classic panoramic view. The world’s oldest salt mine welcomes visitors, while the Skywalk viewing platform provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Alps and the charming 16th-century market square below.
7. Hobbiton – New Zealand
Round doors built into lush green hillsides welcome fantasy enthusiasts to a living movie set. Hobbiton was created for Peter Jackson’s films and preserved as a permanent attraction in Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island.
Guided tours take you through 44 permanently maintained hobbit holes. The tour concludes at the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary beverage while soaking in the meticulously detailed world brought to life.
8. Shirakawa-Go – Japan
Steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow create a fairytale winter landscape in the mountains. Shirakawa-go’s traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses have withstood centuries of harsh winters in this remote valley.
Visit during January or February for the magical winter illumination events. These UNESCO-protected buildings feature unique architectural designs with steep 60-degree roofs that resemble hands in prayer, giving visitors a glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life.
9. The Dark Hedges – Northern Ireland
Intertwined beech trees form an atmospheric tunnel along a country road, creating an eerie natural cathedral. The Dark Hedges became internationally famous after appearing as the Kingsroad in a popular fantasy television series.
Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and capture the mystical atmosphere. Planted in the 18th century, these 150+ year old trees create a hauntingly beautiful avenue that’s especially enchanting when morning mist weaves between their twisted branches.
10. Český Krumlov – Czech Republic
Winding cobblestone streets lead through a perfectly preserved medieval town frozen in time. Český Krumlov’s historic center wraps around a bend in the Vltava River, crowned by a magnificent 13th-century castle complex.
Explore the castle’s baroque theater, one of few original 18th-century theaters remaining in Europe. The town’s red-tiled roofs and painted facades create an enchanting atmosphere, especially when viewed from the castle tower’s panoramic vantage point.
11. Reine – Norway
Red fishing cabins dot the shoreline beneath towering granite peaks that plunge directly into deep blue fjord waters. Reine’s dramatic setting on the Lofoten archipelago offers photographers endless opportunities to capture nature’s grandeur.
Rent a traditional fisherman’s cabin (rorbu) for an authentic experience. Summer brings the midnight sun, perfect for late-night hikes, while winter offers the possibility of witnessing the northern lights dancing above this Arctic paradise.
12. Sintra – Portugal
Candy-colored palaces peek through misty forests atop a mountain range near Lisbon. Sintra’s microclimate creates a mystical atmosphere where eccentric royals built fantastical retreats away from the summer heat.
The Pena Palace dazzles with vibrant yellows and reds against lush greenery. Don’t miss Quinta da Regaleira’s mysterious inverted tower, designed as an initiation well with a spiral staircase leading into the earth like something from a dark fairytale.
13. Mount Doom / Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand
Volcanic craters with emerald lakes and steaming vents create an alien landscape perfect for epic quests. Mount Ngauruhoe served as the filming location for the infamous Mount Doom in Peter Jackson’s trilogy.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes 6-8 hours to complete. This challenging 19.4km trek rewards hikers with otherworldly scenery including the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, red crater, and brilliantly colored mineral lakes that seem plucked from fantasy.
14. Colmar – France
Half-timbered houses in candy-box colors line canals in this storybook Alsatian town. Colmar’s well-preserved old town transports visitors to another era with its medieval and Renaissance buildings creating a living fairytale setting.
The Little Venice quarter offers the most photogenic views. Spring brings cascading flowers from window boxes, while December transforms the town into a magical Christmas market with twinkling lights reflecting in the canals and mulled wine warming chilly hands.
15. Hohenzollern Castle – Germany
Misty clouds often encircle this mountaintop fortress, creating the illusion of a castle floating in the sky. Hohenzollern Castle stands majestically atop Mount Hohenzollern, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding Swabian Alps.
The current structure dates to the 19th century but incorporates elements from earlier castles. Inside, royal treasures include the Prussian royal crown and personal items belonging to Frederick the Great, while outside, the battlements provide breathtaking vistas.
16. The Glowworm Caves – New Zealand
Thousands of tiny living lights create a breathtaking natural planetarium on cave ceilings. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves host unique creatures called Arachnocampa luminosa, which produce a blue-green light to attract prey in the darkness.
Silent boat rides through the underground grotto reveal the magical display. These bioluminescent larvae create a starry night effect that feels otherworldly, while the ancient limestone formations add to the mystical atmosphere of this subterranean wonder.
17. Eltz Castle – Germany
Hidden in a lush valley, this medieval stronghold has remained in the same family for over 850 years. Burg Eltz stands remarkably intact, having escaped destruction in European wars thanks to its strategic location tucked away in the hills above the Moselle River.
Approach via forest hiking trails for the most magical first glimpse. Inside, original furnishings and armor collections transport visitors through time, while the surrounding nature reserve offers peaceful woodland walks away from tourist crowds.
18. The Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
Perfectly hexagonal basalt columns step down into the churning Atlantic like a giant’s staircase. The Giant’s Causeway formed 60 million years ago through volcanic activity, though local legend claims it was built by the giant Finn McCool.
Visit at sunset when the low light accentuates the geometric patterns. The main causeway features 40,000 interlocking columns, while nearby formations bear whimsical names like the Organ, the Camel, and the Giant’s Boot, each with its own folktale.
19. Trakai Island Castle – Lithuania
Red brick towers rise from the middle of a tranquil lake, connected to shore by a wooden footbridge. Trakai Island Castle dates back to the 14th century and stands as a magnificent example of medieval Lithuanian architecture and engineering.
The surrounding lake freezes solid in winter, creating a magical ice path. Inside, the restored grand ducal palace houses a fascinating museum of medieval artifacts, while summer visitors can rent boats to circle the castle and view its reflection in the calm waters.
20. Bled Island – Slovenia
A single church spire rises from a tiny teardrop-shaped island in the middle of an alpine lake. Bled Island holds the picturesque Church of the Assumption, reached only by traditional wooden boats called pletnas rowed by local oarsmen.
Visitors climb 99 stone steps to reach the church entrance. Inside, the wishing bell dates back to 1534 – legend says that anyone who rings it and makes a wish will see their dream come true, adding a touch of magic to this already enchanting destination.