From the chocolate house villages in Germany, through beautiful and colorful villages in the Scandinavian countries, to the flirtatious coastal cities of Italy, breathtaking mountain villages Switzerland, medieval towns in Spain or fabulous settlements France.
There are plenty of decent small towns in Europe that could be on this list, but we've picked perhaps 25 of the very best.
25. Albarracin
This medieval, rather small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel (Spain), and usually occupies the top positions in all rankings of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
The village has been a national monument since 1961, holds a gold medal for excellence in fine arts in 1996, and is proposed for listing. world heritage UNESCO.
24. Vernazza
It is one of the five gems that make up the "Cinque Terre" region (Italy) - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Picking one out of five is almost an impossible task. Vernazza is perhaps the one that has best preserved the appearance of the maritime citadel.
23. La Roque-Gageac
Located at the foot of a cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne River, this French city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
He suffered a disaster in January 1957 when a 5,000 m3 piece of rock broke off and fell on people, destroying ten houses, killing several people and blocking the road for several years. La Roque-Gageac has been restored with a new look and this has allowed it to win the title of the bottom among the most beautiful cities France.
22. Joscelin
Located in France, in the Brittany region, Josselin is a beautiful fairy tale town famous not only for its beauty, but also for its famous and impressive castle built around 1008.
21. Murren
This is the highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern (Switzerland), at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. In this beautiful village you can observe the view of the three most famous mountains in Switzerland: Eiger, Monck and Jungfrau.
Tourism here is very popular in both winter and summer. Mürren has a population of only 450 people.
20. Castle Com
This is a small village of 350 inhabitants located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility has been rated as the second best village in the country by the renowned British newspaper The Times, and it is certainly one of the most beautiful in Europe.
19. Ronda
In the mountains northwest of the province of Malaga (Spain), this bullfighting city sits in a privileged environment on a huge and breathtaking cliff, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
18. Tropea
This beautiful italian city located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach, making Tropea such a beautiful and unique city.
17. Bibury
For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the beautiful village in England. Its fourteenth century houses will take you to another era. The place is absolutely worthy is part of this list.
16. Freudenberg
The small town of Freudenberg is perhaps one of the most beautiful and most charming in Germany and Europe. It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in North Rhine-Westphalia.
In the city center, in an area called Alter Flecken, you can see many black and white half-timbered houses forming rows. This is Freudenberg's most characteristic and photographed image.
15. Dinan
This Small town, with a population of 14,000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular corners of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which makes this city something unique.
14. Gengenbach
This little fabulous city is located in the southern part of Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the district of Ortenau, Baden-Württemberg. Due to its extraordinary beauty, the city has been chosen as the backdrop for several films such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
13. Mykonos City
Mykonos, or also known as Chora, is a beautiful little town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its unusual beauty consists of small white and square houses, with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.
It is very interesting to wander through its labyrinthine streets. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and deserves to be on this list.
12. Mortsund
Norwegian Mortsund is a beautiful enclave, a haven for fishermen. Its extraordinary beauty surrounded by nature attracts visitors who do not want to leave this beautiful and remote corner of Europe.
11. Gruyere
Gruyere - historical city and a municipality in the Swiss canton of Friborg. beautiful buildings and medieval castle, where nineteen counts lived, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
10. Oia
This small town island-owned Santorini (Greece), is a point of global tourism. Hundreds of visitors come to Oia to watch its famous and beautiful sunset. Oia is also famous for its white volcano rock houses and its popular blue domed churches.
9. Mont Saint-Michel
The magnificent architecture and the bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist destination in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors a year). Declared historical monument in 1862, Mont Saint-Michel has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979 and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe.
8. Bled
Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. He is known for his popular glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. Every year the place attracts a large number of tourists.
7. Reine
Reine was declared in the 70s as the most beautiful village in Norway. This Trading port since 1793 and a permanent cruising destination in the Norwegian fjords. Located on Lofoten Islands, this picturesque village surrounded by mountains is a must-see in Norway.
6. San Gimignano
San Gimignano - small medieval city with a wall built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. The characteristic feature of this beautiful city are the towers that make it a European medieval Manhattan. The historic center of San Gimignano was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
5. Funes
This is a beautiful little rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Italian Tyrol. It has a small beautiful church of Santa Magdalena, and one of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Europe but in the whole world.
4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Belongs to the district of Ansbach in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world-famous tourist attraction thanks to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as inspiration for the creation of the village in Pinocchio.
3. Colmar
This beautiful fairy tale city belongs to the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of the buildings of the early Renaissance German Gothic buildings, which will cause delight.
2. Manarola
This beautiful and colorful fishing town is second on this list and belongs to the area known as the Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems to be also the oldest, as evidenced by the 1160 cornerstone of the Church of San Lorenzo.
1. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty here is so great that this place is often occupied top places in the rankings of the most beautiful villages in Europe.
And at the end of the video: beautiful places in Europe.
If you dream of visiting at least one of these fabulous European towns filled with the charm of antiquity and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just started your search the best places? In any case, here we have compiled 27 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, from the Norwegian fjords and majestic Alps to sunny islands Greece.
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1Manarola, Italy
First, our list will open one of the most famous cities of the Cinque Terre in Italy - Manarola - filled with many bright rainbow houses, carved into an impenetrable stone wall along mediterranean coast. This charming fishing town is famous for its fabulous wines, especially Sciacchetra, and for the paintings of Antonio Discovolors, an artist who fell in love with Manarola and devoted much of his later work in the region to the town.
There are no cars in Manarola, no traffic lights, and therefore - not a single sound from the squeal of tires. Of course, you can drive to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the town and then, take a bus, well, or start your journey on foot.
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Second on our list is the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). This charming Bavarian mountain resort town 80 minutes by train from Munich. Once, these were two separate towns: one Roman, the second - Teutonic, but in 1936 they united in honor of the Winter Olympic Games.
Partenkirchen dates back to the 15th century and is filled with narrow cobbled streets lined with historic buildings in the Bavarian Gasthaus style: three or four stories high, with open shutters and facades painted in pastel colors with images from pastoral or religious scenes.
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Despite the fact that we are talking about small towns, the city of Portree in Scotland is the most major city on the island of Skye, Scotland. Portry is a port and also a thriving Cultural Center, although its population is less than 2,500 people. The city's harbor is the central location, with pubs, restaurants with amazing seafood and breathtaking views of the bay.
This is one of the best places to stay if you are planning to explore this incredibly picturesque wilderness area due to its close proximity to some of the most breathtaking and unique sights, including rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the quirky Quaraing pinnacles.
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4Reine, Norway
Reine in Norway is a tiny fishing village on the picturesque Arctic island of Moskenesøy with a population of just over 300 residents, but despite this, it has rightfully been recognized as the most beautiful village in Norway. Located just north of the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago, this remote wilderness region is home to sapphire bays, breathtaking mountains and towering fjords. The fishermen's cabins have been converted into cozy visitor cottages with direct access to the Norwegian Sea, and the amazing night sky is a welcome addition with the prospect of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
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5Colmar, France
The city of Colmar in France is a throwback to the 9th century. Since then, it has often been referred to as "Little Venice" due to its many water channels, like breathing among the medieval streets.
This well-preserved village in the Alsace region is also considered the wine capital of an area known for its exquisite flavors. Thanks to the influence of two countries - Germany and France - you will easily find local bakeries offering sweet pastries and croissants with many fillings, while eateries often specialize in sauerkraut and foie gras. In Colmar you will find various architectural styles: from French Neo-Baroque to German Gothic.
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6Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk is a busy trading port, established as far back as 900 BC when the Phoenicians first landed in Malta. Today this picturesque city ok is the main supplier of fish for the inhabitants of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Marsaxlokk is well known for its massive markets stocked with a wide range of fish species, including the local favorite Lampuki (sea bream).
The rarity of this Maltese village is that it has no modern buildings so as not to spoil its attractiveness. In such a quiet environment, which includes traditional Luzzu (fishermen's boats) built according to the designs of the ancient Phoenicians, Marsaxlokk is a particularly charming place to relax and study the local history.
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7Portmagy, Ireland
In a country filled with many beautiful cities, Portmagee is a firm favourite, being near the Ring of Kerry in the south west coast Ireland. It's like a postcard - a picture-perfect seaside fishing village with a row of brightly colored buildings, along with a rich and impressive history.
At The Bridge Bar you will experience a special atmosphere with live music, fantastic food and a glass of Guinness beer. Portmagee is also a departure point for the impressive Skelligs Rock and home to preserved monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.
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8Bled, Slovenia
Bled is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, protected by magnificent mountains. Bled was created in 1004 and considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was donated to the Bishopric of Brixen.
Bled Castle is located in the heart of the picturesque lake of the same name with its glacial blue waters surrounding the tiny island. Bled also borders the city known as the home of one of the most beautiful health resorts in the region. And if you climb to the top of the castle, especially stunning panoramic views will open.
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9Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria, founded in 5000 BC. to use the huge reserves of salt in the mountains surrounding this city with a collection of fairy tales. For thousands of years, salt mining has meant enduring prosperity for Hallstatt, which can be seen as a town with a beautiful square surrounded by ivy-covered buildings.
The city still mines salt, but it is also considered a treasure trove of human history and one of the most picturesque cities in Austria with its magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Hallstetter, majestic mountains and the bright sunrise rising from the water's edge.
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10Bibury, England
The pretty town of Bibury in England, nestled in the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, is often referred to as one of the most beautiful towns in England, and certainly has its place among the finest and most vibrant in all of Europe. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, retaining a place in the past and still today. Much of Bibury still looks the same today as it did hundreds of years ago.
The River Coln flows along the main street, and lush meadows adjoin ancient stone cottages with sheer, sloping roofs. The picturesque area of Arlington Row is known for its sepia-hued cottages, which were built in the 17th century as homes for the weavers working at Arlington Mill.
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11Annecy, France
One of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth, Annecy can be more stunning than the French Alps that surround it. Just 22 kilometers from Geneva in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, Annecy is divided into small water channels running from sparkling blue lake Lac Annecy.
Light effects on the popular canal avenues give Annecy a special Venice charm, and famous castle Palais de l'Isle (Island Palace), built in the very center of one of the canals, will take you back to the distant 12th century.
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12Goreme, Türkiye
Now Turkish national park Göreme was built during Roman times with exquisite rock formations in the background. Natural rocks served as a foundation and protection for those who built the city. Most of ancient architecture preserved to this day with many churches carved into the rocks themselves. This beautiful city really needs to be seen with your own eyes to believe in its fabulous uniqueness.
One of better ways view all the beauties of Goreme - from above - when every morning before sunrise, hundreds of balloons soar into the sky and soar over the rocks.
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13Albarracin, Spain
Albarracín is a well-preserved medieval town in northern Spain with roots dating back to the 11th century. Cave drawings The caves in the cultural park provide some of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art in the country.
A piece of medieval Spain has been preserved on the territory of the fortress walls of Albarassina, which is filled with winding paths, narrow streets, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. Being here, you will feel as if you were transported by a time machine to the Middle Ages.
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14Pusice, Croatia
Perhaps the most beautiful village in Croatia, Pusice is definitely one of the most scenic spots throughout Europe. The sparkling white stone from the island of Brac makes this small port town a truly one-of-a-kind destination and even an exquisite work of art.
Sitting on the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a bay, you can stretch out your pleasure on the pristine sands, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea.
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15Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey Island - the largest of the 14 archipelagos of the Westman Islands - is located just off the southwest coast of the Icelandic mainland. Considered one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, this geographic treasure trove is known for its vast biodiversity, including 150 plant species that are still unclassified, as well as millions of birds that nest in the rocks. Vestmannaeyjar is also one of the best places to see puffin seabirds.
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16Cintra, Portugal
In 1809, Lord Byron wrote a letter to his friend Francis Hodgson, part of which read: "I must simply remark that the province of Cintra in Extremadura is the most beautiful place in the world." This fabulous town in Portugal, located on the edge of Europe, has fascinated countless visitors over the centuries. The Romans made this place a cult to worship the moon, naming it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the moon.
Since 1840, Pena Palace has been the so-called "nail" as one of the most fantastic palaces in Europe. It is surrounded by the mystical Pena Park, filled with many trees and exotic plants from former colonies Portuguese Empire, as well as numerous ponds, fountains, and even black swans.
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17Burano, Italy
If you've ever needed a mood boost, this bright, fun town that's actually a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon should be that magic button. Its bright colors, like fireworks, "explode" on the buildings, giving it a tropical atmosphere. All of the houses here adhere to a particular color pattern that traces back to the island's "golden age" when it was first created.
Legend has it that local fishermen first painted their houses in these vibrant colors so they could spot them while they were fishing. Residents of the island are required to send a letter to the government if they want to change the design of their dwelling - officials will then respond to the residents with a list of colors that can be used. If the rules are violated and residents use colors other than those specified in the response letter, they may end up behind bars. Here is such a strict and bright town!
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18Giethoorn, The Netherlands
If you've ever fantasized about the simple life, this idyllic Dutch town, located in the province of Overijssel, might fit the bill. It does not have any roads, instead they are connected together by a network of ancient canals, creating small private islands for each house. The only access is by water, or on foot over its picturesque wooden arch bridges.
All motor vehicles must remain outside the city limits. There are four miles of canals and thatched farmhouses dating back to the 18th century. Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around 1230 AD, and became world famous in 1958 when it was featured in the Dutch film Fanfare.
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19Eze, France
Eze, often described as "the eagle's nest", due to its location with stunning views from a high cliff, 1400 feet above mediterranean sea, along the exotic French Riviera, known worldwide for its stunning, panoramic views. The area has been inhabited since about 2000 BC by the Roman Empire and Moroccans, with the oldest building in the village, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix built in 1306.
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20Tenby, Wales
Tenby, from the Welsh language, translates roughly as "little fish fortress". A naturally protected city, with a generous harbor and access to the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, was founded in 900 AD. After the Norman Conquest of England, Tenby was fortified with a massive wall to keep the local rebels at bay. During the last few centuries, this picturesque town has become better known for its beauty than for its stone defences.
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21Folegandros, Greece
Santorini may be more well known, but its neighbor Folegandros has similar architecture, including whitewashed buildings adorned with bright colors, slate-covered streets and even Greek Orthodox churches with brilliant blue domes. The difference is that you don't have to fight the crowd. On the beautiful remote beach of Katergo with gentle, azure colored waves, you can even be in total privacy and enjoy your company with the sea.
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22Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
This small medieval town is located in the south Czech Republic and it might not be good famous place holiday for tourists, but this hidden gem is probably just waiting to be discovered, and most likely to inspire as much as the illustrious capital of Prague. Situated along the banks of the Vltava River, the castle was built around the 13th century with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Thanks to its peaceful coexistence, over many centuries, this beautiful architectural heritage has remained intact until now.
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23Gruyères, Switzerland
Gruyere is famous for its namesake cheese, with a mild nutty flavor that melts so well in fondue. Few people are familiar with this beautiful town, but this picturesque village in the upper Zane valley must at least be well known for its beauty. With wide stone-paved streets leading to a stunning 13th-century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine foothills, it certainly deserves the attention it deserves.
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24Dinan, Belgium
The city of Dinant, located between the Meuse River and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and no less great view on the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant Falls or the Beauraing Sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while enjoying views of one of the most beautiful towns Belgium and Europe.
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25Telc, Czech Republic
This small town in the southern historical region of Moravia is filled with baroque elements and renaissance-style façades with high gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supporting small shops and cafés. It's another real fairy tale city, with a romantic palace, crystal clear ponds surrounding it, and a public garden that looks like it's straight out of the pages of Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of the most perfect examples of the Italian Renaissance north of Alpine mountains, and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.
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26Cochem, Germany
Cochem is one of the most charming cities in all of Germany, with its own legend, local folklore and rich history that can be found anywhere in this town. Situated in the picturesque valley of the Moselle between the Eifel and mountain range The Hunsrück is surrounded by steep vineyards and quaint wine villages.
soil and climatic conditions make the Moselle valley a prime growing area for the Riesling grape, which is used to produce some of Germany's finest white wines, with numerous stopping and tasting opportunities available throughout this beautiful river valley.
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27Smjogen, Sweden
Smjogen, located on the west coast of Sweden, is known as one of the country's most beautiful towns with a laid-back maritime atmosphere, along with cottages and boats that land near picturesque waters.
The village is particularly attractive for its combination of shops and boutiques with old wooden houses overlooking the sea and the waterfront that stretches nearly 1,000 feet. The Society once took over several islands that were so close to each other that the space has since been filled in and they are now all considered to be one island.
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Conclusion
This was an article about the smallest but very beautiful cities in Europe that you will want to visit. Thank you for your attention!
(c) Atilla 2008
Cats doze on the piers, boats sway on the waves, mountains are reflected in calm water, ripe fruits are full of ripe fruits and fresh fish shimmer in the market near the fortress walls of the Old Town, and laundry is dried on the clothesline in the narrow streets - here it is, far from a complete picture of this Montenegrin miracle nature and architecture. Which is called the most beautiful city, it is good both in bad weather, when the mountains are shrouded in fog, and in good weather, when the water in the Bay of Kotor becomes absolutely transparent due to the sun's rays.
The most photogenic places in Kotor: View from the embankment along the Jadranska magistrala, an observation deck on top of the fortress wall, the streets of the Old Town.
Prague, Czech Republic
The first of the two capitals that we included in this list is Zlata Prague, as the city used to be solemnly called.
Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the gloomy and solemn St. Vitus Cathedral, Tyn Cathedral - everyone, even those who have not been to Prague, know these places and can imagine what they look like from the fly. It remained the same as it was centuries ago - narrow streets, cobblestone pavements, red tiled roofs, old signs of restaurants and workshops. We have always wanted to see this city in winter - powdered with snow, even more cozy and pre-holiday. This is exactly how we saw it during a recent trip - it did not disappoint and was beautiful.
The most photogenic places in Prague: the view from the tower of the Old Town Hall, the view from the Powder Tower, the view from the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The city of the Sun and eternal summer - you can come here in winter and still see the bright fruits on orange trees, the waves of the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the Sun, snow-white yachts and street cafes filled with visitors.
You are doomed to a good mood in Dubrovnik, no matter how depressed you get here. Even the songs of "Agatha Christie" are perceived here as a hymn to love of life, verified 🙂
The most photogenic places in Dubrovnik: View from the Minceta tower, the Old Port embankment, Stradun Street, absolutely any point of the fortress wall (yes, this is not an exaggeration).
City on the coast Baltic Sea, sea gates of Poland. The foggy and restless Baltic has endowed Gdansk with a lyrical and thoughtful atmosphere. This is not vain for you, in Gdansk you can spend hours alone with yourself and your thoughts, walking along its ancient embankments and spacious, not crowded beaches.
The most photogenic places in Gdansk: the Royal Route, the view from the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral, the embankment of the Motława River.
Hallstatt is so small that it’s hard to even call it a city - it’s more of a village, but located in such an ideal place from an aesthetic point of view that when you get there, you can’t believe that it’s real. This is not a toy layout, not a banner, not a picture from the Internet retouched 100500 times - no, this is a real place on the coast the purest lake surrounded by the Austrian Alps. Miniature houses, flowers on the windows, a quiet embankment, a flat surface of the lake - that's really true, 10 minutes in Hallstatt can replace a pack of Novopasita.
The most photogenic places in Hallstatt: view from the waterfront of the Römisches district (this one, the most recognizable), view from observation deck“5 Fingers”, an observation deck on the mountain next to the Salt Cave (Salt Mines) - a funicular goes to it, almost from the city center.
Riga, Latvia
Another capital and another city on the Baltic coast. It formally became European quite recently, but in fact it has always been like this, it is no coincidence that the entire “Europe” of Soviet films was filmed here. Ancient streets, houses with openwork facades, church spiers, the pensive Gulf of Riga, boat trips along the Daugava River, the noise of cranes coming from the port - such is Europe, the closest to us.
The most photogenic places in Riga: View from the observation deck of St. Peter's Church, view from the Sky Line bar (26th floor of the hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija), Town Hall Square.
Porto, Portugal
There are many cozy and colorful cities in Portugal, including the capital - Lisbon, but we decided to stop at the very, very - Porto. This is not a city, it's just some kind of scenery for a film about love, passion and the sea - you can't say it any other way. Although there is no sea here - the city is located on the Douro River, and after a few kilometers the mighty Atlantic begins. Old multi-colored houses (so picturesque, as if they were specially aged a little), street musicians, the aroma of port wine, warm evening air - a typical picture of Porto.
The most photogenic places in Porto: Douro River Embankment, St. Catherine Street, Ribeira district, the observation deck of the Clerigos Church.
Honfleur, France
Imagine a city where time has stopped at noon on a summer Sunday, and you will understand how a person feels when he gets to Honfleur. The town lives its unhurried life, here on every corner they sell homemade cider, calvados and different flavors of caramel - lavender, rose petals, blackberry. Oysters in city restaurants are so delicious, the sun on the embankment is so gentle that you quickly join the rhythm of local life and do not want to return to the hustle and bustle of big cities.
The most photogenic places in Honfleur: the Quai Sainte-Catherine and the Quai Quaritain.
Bruges, Belgium
Postcard town, gingerbread town, bedtime story town. Ours was just in disgusting weather, in which in Moscow you want to shoot yourself - rain, cold wind, leaden clouds. But the city turned out to be so bright and cozy that the weather was simply not noticed. There were gingerbread and chocolate figurines in almost every window (Belgium, after all), there was a smell of fresh pastries, and pleasure boats sailed along the canals decorated with flower pots.
The most photogenic places in Bruges: Observation deck Historical Museum Bruges, embankments along the Groenerei and Minnewatter canals
San Gimignano, Italy
A city in the center of Tuscany, located among vineyards on a high hill, on the side of the SR222 road. San Gimignano is not only the most Tuscan, but also the most Italian of all Italian cities. Here, street musicians play in the squares, noisy neighbors discuss last news, and old men with pensive faces are examining passers-by, sitting on room chairs placed right in the middle of the street.
Also, in San Gimignano, the most delicious ice cream in Italy and the number of its types here is close to infinity.
The most photogenic places in San Gimignano: Piazza Del Duomo, view from the Bell Tower (not only the city, but also the Tuscan fields surrounding it).
Strasbourg, France
Main city French province Alsace, in which the atmosphere of France and the spirit of Germany, so close to the city, are intertwined. The classic French Notre Dame Cathedral, and not far from it - a quarter of traditional German houses - all this is so picturesque and so unusual - it was this mix of cultures that bribed us, forcing us to choose from all the French major cities namely Strasbourg.
Along the canals, restaurants with flowering terraces are comfortably located here, and passengers of boats passing by hear the smell of foie gras, the clink of glasses and the sounds musical instruments. In general, if you want a lot of France and a little Germany, then you should go to Strasbourg.
The most photogenic places in Strasbourg: the Petite France district, the view from the observation deck of Notre Dame Cathedral, Guttenberg Square.
Bergen, Norway
The northernmost and coldest city in the selection. It sprawled across the fjord-carved shores North Sea, here you can often see lead clouds overhead, and it’s better not to appear on the street without an umbrella, but despite this, Bergen ended up in this article. All because just looking at its multi-colored small houses it becomes warm, because here you can resemble the streets lined with wood, because from the hills of Bergen open incredible beauty northern views. A cold city that gives warmth - that's what it is, this Bergen.
The most photogenic places in Bergen: Bryggen embankment, view from the observation deck of Mount Fløyen.
We hope that these photos of serene cityscapes will make your soul calmer and more comfortable.
Gamla Stan is a small area, historical Center Stockholm. It is one of the largest and most heavily guarded medieval city centers in Europe. You will understand this as soon as you visit there, everything is covered with romance, and these streets will immediately mentally take you to medieval Sweden.
In 1252 Birger Jarl chose this place and laid the first wooden fortress on it. Of course, there is nothing left of that fortress - most of Gamla Stan was built up in the 16-17 centuries.
The narrow cobbled lanes in Gamla Stan are closed to cars, making walking around the Old City a real pleasure.
This area can be crossed at a fast pace in about 10 minutes.
But in the end, you can get stuck here for many hours, circling among the red-and-red houses and turning into tiny courtyards and squares.
This real paradise for photographers and tourists.
As in any center, you can sit in a cafe and feel the spirit of old Europe.
Marten Trozigs grand (Morten Trotzig Lane) is the narrowest street in Stockholm, its width is only 90 centimeters.
But other streets of the center are not very wide.
The widest streets of Gamla Stan were formed as a result of reconstruction and demolition of buildings.
Now it is hard to imagine that until the middle of the last century there were real slums in the place of these colorful houses and cozy streets.
The Swedes had to work hard to put this place in order and make it one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.
There are also straight streets in Gamla Stan. Stora Nygatan (Big New Street) is one of them, and Lilla Nygatan runs parallel to it.
The oldest square in Stockholm, Stortorget (Great Square), is the historical center and heart of the city. Once there was a lively trade, and now there are numerous cafes. The red house with 92 white stones most often appears in the photos of tourists, perhaps the most famous in Stockholm. 92 white stones are built into the wall in memory of the 92 noble Swedes who were executed by the Danish king Christian II during the Stockholm bloodbath in 1520.
The German Church (Tyska kyrkan) is one of the symbols of the old part of Stockholm. Tourists can visit it completely free of charge during the hours when it is open.
The building was built in the Gothic style and originally belonged to a community of German sailors who lived in Stockholm in the 16th century.
And this is the Church of St. Nicholas (Storkyrkan). The cathedral was consecrated in 1306 and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is believed that this is the oldest building in the center and was built along with the city itself. Coronations and weddings of Swedish monarchs take place here.
Riddarholmskyrkan Church on a neighboring island, it has existed since the thirteenth century and is also believed to have been built along with the city. Most of the members of the Swedish royal family are buried in it.
Riddarholmen Island (Knight's Island) also belongs to Gamla Stan, but there are no cafe-restaurants or souvenir shops at every step. And not too many tourists either.
The center of Stockholm is in my top favorite places among European capitals. I would love to walk here again and again.
All posts from my trip
In addition to world famous resorts and popular tourist places in the world there are completely inconspicuous corners that can charm their visitor and leave him no less than the most pleasant impressions. What secrets does Europe hold? What places that very few people know about can you go in search of an intoxicating and unhurried vacation?
1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Hidden in the south of Czech Bohemia is the charming town of Český Krumlov, captivating the hearts of its visitors with its fabulous atmosphere of cobbled roads, bridges that fall into view everywhere you look ... and, best of all: there is not a single McDonald's there! A small one-day trip to this place, especially in the warm season, will turn into a pleasant adventure. To complete the experience, it is also worth rafting down the Vltava River.
2. Colmar, France
Located in Alsace, the city of Colmar is a unique mixture of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. In reality, it is as colorful as you can see in the photos. Colmar can rightly be called one of the hidden gems of France.
3. Marsaxlokk, Malta
Cute and playful, full of real Maltese spirit, the town of Marsaxlokk is in fact the most important fishing village in the whole country.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, a small picturesque town in Austria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized by many as the most beautiful lakeside village in the world. Visiting Hallstatt in summer or winter, you will fall in love with the quiet charm of this place.
5. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is extremely popular with people who want to bring home wonderful photographs of the Lego houses that stand in the city center. Despite the tourist hype, this place remains one of the delightful classic corners of Europe.
6. Bled, Slovenia
In the Slovenian city of Bled, there are many pleasant places for visitors, but the most notable attraction is the famous Lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful reservoirs on our planet.
7. Bibury, England
This small town is full of Old World charm and quite rightfully ranks as the most charming town in England. In the photo - one of the streets of Biburi most beloved by tourists, most often attracting photographers' lenses.
8. Albarracin, Spain
Just two hours from Valencia and 30 minutes by train from Teruel will bring you to the most charming Spanish village of Albarracin, a trip that will be hard to forget.
9. Pucisca, Croatia
Although Croatia opened as a tidbit for tourists relatively recently, its popularity is currently growing rapidly. The city of Puciscea, located on the Adriatic coast, is especially good for visiting. What is special about it? Seeing with your own eyes the beauty of this pearl of Breg Island, you will surely understand everything.
10. Eze, France
In the south-east of France, not far from Nice, the cozy city of Eze is located - the perfect place for a short vacation!
11. Annecy, France
The town of Annecy is built around a 14th century castle. Its streets are covered with the indescribable charm of antiquity, and the surroundings french alps perfectly complements the picturesque picture of this wonderful place.
12. Manarola, Italy
This photo speaks for itself: how can you disagree that Manarola is a delightful tiny town on the coast of Italy?! However, this country is fraught with more than one such gift for a tourist - you just need to allocate more time to travel around it, and you can find another whole constellation of similar places.
13. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Do you find it difficult to read the name of this city aloud? As practice shows, it is no more difficult than getting to it. Only once a week a flight is sent from Iceland to the coast of Greenland, reaching which, striving to get to Ittoqqortoormiut, stubborn people must use the services of a helicopter. However, this amazing place is well worth the effort!
14. Reine, Norway
The small fishing village of Reine is incredibly picturesque! If we imagine that one image can replace a thousand words, then only a photo of this place expresses twice as much.
15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
For some reason, pretty Mostar unfairly lacks the deserved tourist attention. But those who were lucky enough to be there, appreciate the charm of such an unexpected and pleasant find. By the way, when visiting Mostar, you should pay attention to the nearby town of Blagaj, which is also able to provide its visitors with many pleasant experiences.
16. Odense, Denmark
Although it is the third largest locality in Denmark, Odense has a real small town charm that is hard to find anywhere else in the country. True treasure!
17. Freiburg, Germany
Perhaps this colorful photo will say more than any descriptions, why extra words in the presence of such beauty? Just note for general information that in Freinburg, a city with almost a thousand years of history, located in the south-west of Germany, is home to about 230 thousand people.
18. Goreme, Türkiye
This incredible ancient city was erected by the Romans, who literally carved it out of the rocks.
19. Ghent, Belgium
Carrying the title of Flanders delight along with the city of Bruges, Ghent is just as charming, if somewhat less famous. However, the charm of this city is decidedly different from the atmosphere of its more popular neighbor. It will be a very difficult task to explain exactly how, so it is easier to advise you to see it with your own eyes.
20. Ljubljana, Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the “untested” cities so far by tourists. As a place of central importance, Ljubljana nevertheless retains a certain charm of a small European city.
21. Torun, Poland
For those who want to get a little away from the tourist bustle of the popular Krakow and Warsaw, we advise you to visit the quiet Torun, located in the north of Poland and captivating with its uncomplicated, but spiritual comfort.
22. Rotenberg, Germany
Does this cityscape remind you of anything? Walt Disney used the images of Rothenberg when creating his cartoon "Pinocchio".
23. Arosa, Switzerland
The relatively small town in the Swiss Alps is a favorite haunt of the English royal family, so if Arosa is good enough for them, it's sure to please casual tourists too.
24. Bergen, Norway
Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen was founded around 1070. Fascinating with the view of its supposedly toy houses, this city is loved by Norwegians and tourists from different countries.
25. Livingworth, USA
Of course, Livingworth is not located in Europe at all, but in order to maintain the perfect balance, we decided to crown our selection with this city. Despite the fact that this city is located in the United States, it is built on the model of a Bavarian village and has a European spirit unusual for the American continent. For those who want to enjoy the classic European atmosphere even in the USA, the city of Livingworth unexpectedly gives such an opportunity.
Adapted from worldofwanderlust.com; translation and adaptation by Catherine Straszewski |
