20 Places That Are Straight Out of Fairy Tales
Visiting these real-world places is like jumping into the pages of a story book, where castles sit on clouds and forests are carpeted with flowers. This gallery was originally published in 2015. It has been updated with new information.
Multnomah Falls: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This 611-foot-tall double cascade flows through Oregon's lush Columbia River Gorge like something out of a fantasy novel. While it's spectacular enough seen from the park's viewing area, more daring tourists can climb up to Benson Bridge and look at the roaring waters from above.
Tulip fields of Holland: The Netherlands
Whether they're in Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens or the countryside between Hillegom and Warmond, the tulips of Holland are almost fictionally beautiful. The addition of Dutch windmills and people riding around on bicycles only adds to the charm.
Bojnice Castle: Bojnice, Slovakia
Originally built as a wooden fort in the 12th century, Bojnice Castle has since become one of the most beautiful castles in central Europe—and one of the most visited sites in Slovakia. With its steep, turquoise roofs and stalactite cave hidden underground, one almost expects to see storybook characters tucked amongst the tourists.
Colmar: Alsace, France
Walt Disney would surely approve of Colmar, with its timber-framed houses, colorful facades, and flower-lined canal.
Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge): Kromlau, Germany
This 19th-century bridge creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the still waters below it.
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.
Chiang Mai's skies light up with thousands of lanterns every year during the Yi Peng festival. Tangled fans, start packing.
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.
Tunnel of Love: Klevan, Ukraine
Ukraine's "Tunnel of Love" puts all theme park rides to shame, with vibrant green leaves covering every surface.
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 commission an Airbnb property here, please?
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.
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.
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.
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).
The Dark Hedges: Northern Ireland
Because even fairy tales are dark and full of terrors. Local legend has it that "the Grey Lady" (a ghost, not the New York Times) haunts the road at dusk.
Its lakeside views and charming buildings make Hallstatt a picture-perfect town. So perfect, in fact, that China made an exact replica of the village to serve as high-end housing.
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.
Angel Oak: Charleston, South Carolina
What looks like a set piece from Pan's Labyrinth is actually a massive and ancient oak tree—six stories tall, and 300-400 years old.
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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Angkor Wat (Ta Prohm): Cambodia
The Cambodian jungle has pretty much devoured the Ta Prohm temple, but the strangely compelling remains (which had a guest role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) make it a popular tourist attraction.
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