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.
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.
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.
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.
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) haunts the road at dusk.
Hallstatt, Austria
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.
Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge): Kromlau, Germany
This 19th-century bridge creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the still waters below it.
Seljalandsfoss: Iceland
Seljalandsfoss looks great at any angle, but it’s worth the hike to see the waterfall from the cave behind it.
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.
Hallerbos Forest: Halle, Belgium
This beech forest in Belgium becomes a misty dreamscape during springtime, as thousands of bluebells carpet the forest floor.
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.
Bojnice Castle: Bojnice, Slovakia
Colmar: Alsace, France
Walt Disney would surely approve of Colmar, with its timber-framed houses, colorful facades, and flower-lined canal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai’s skies light up with thousands of lanterns every year during the Yi Peng festival