We all love fairy tales, but did you know that real places inspire some of them? In this article, we will show you nine unbelievable locations that look like they came straight out of a storybook. From castles and forests to villages and islands, these places will make you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. Read on to discover the magic of these real-life fairy tale locations.
The Magical Forest of Hallerbos in Belgium
Imagine walking through a forest covered with blue flowers. That’s what you can experience in Hallerbos, a woodland near Brussels. Every spring, millions of bluebells bloom under the beech trees, creating a stunning carpet of blue. The best time to visit is in late April or early May, when the flowers are at their peak. You can also enjoy the forest’s wildlife, such as deer, foxes and birds. Hallerbos is truly a fairy tale location that will enchant you with its beauty.
The Enchanting Castle of Neuschwanstein in Germany
If you love fairy tales, you must visit this castle. King Ludwig II built it in the 19th century. He wanted to create a fantasy world for himself. The castle is perched on a hill and surrounded by mountains. It has towers, turrets, and balconies. Inside, you can see paintings of scenes from legends and myths. The castle inspired Walt Disney to design the Sleeping Beauty Castle. You will feel like you are in a dream when you see it.
The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey
Imagine living in a house carved out of a rock. That’s what people did in Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey. The landscape is dotted with tall, cone-shaped formations called fairy chimneys. They were created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Over time, wind and water eroded the softer rock around them, leaving behind the harder rock on top. Some of these chimneys are more than 40 meters high. They look like giant mushrooms or hats. People used them as shelters, churches, and even castles. Today, you can visit these fairy tale homes and marvel at their beauty and history.
The Mystical Glowworm Caves of Waitomo in New Zealand
Imagine a cave filled with thousands of tiny stars. That’s what you’ll see in Waitomo, New Zealand. These caves are home to glowworms, a type of insect that emits light. Visitors can take a boat ride through the dark tunnels and marvel at the magical sight. The glowworms create a natural wonder that looks like a fairy tale come true.
The Dreamy Lavender Fields of Provence in France
If you love fairy tales, you will adore Provence. This region in France is famous for its lavender fields. They bloom in summer and create a dreamy landscape. The fields are dotted with charming villages and castles. You can explore them by car, bike or foot. The scent of lavender will fill your senses and make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.
The Majestic Ice Caves of Vatnajökull in Iceland
The stunning blue ice of the caves will take your breath away. These caves are only accessible in winter, so plan your trip accordingly. They are formed by melting glaciers and change every year. You can explore them with a guide and learn more about their history. The ice caves of Vatnajökull are a magical sight to behold if you love fairy tales.
The Colorful Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia in China
If you love fairy tales, you will be amazed by the Rainbow Mountains of China. These mountains are located in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. They have stunning colors that look like a painting. The colors are caused by different minerals and sandstone. Over millions of years, they were shaped by wind and rain. The best time to visit is in the morning or evening. Then, the sunlight makes the colors more vivid. You can also take a cable car or a bus to enjoy the view. The Rainbow Mountains are a magical place that you won’t forget.
The Ancient Ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru
Nestled in the Peruvian Andes is the ancient wonder, Machu Picchu. This 15th-century site embodies the essence of a fairy tale. Lost for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1911, but many of its Inca secrets remain. With each stone structure and panoramic view, magic unfolds. A hike up Huayna Picchu rewards with captivating city views. In short, Machu Picchu is an enchanting trip into the past.
The Whimsical Village of Giethoorn in the Netherlands
Imagine a village with no roads, only canals. That’s Giethoorn in the Netherlands. This charming place is often called the “Venice of the North”. It has over 150 wooden bridges and quaint thatched-roof houses. Visitors can explore the village by boat or bike. Moreover, they can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding nature reserve. Giethoorn is a fairy tale location that will enchant you with its beauty and tranquility.
