10 Magical Fairytale Destinations

What comes to mind when you think of fairy tales? Breathtaking castles, quaint, colorful villages, and majestic mountains set in an out-of-this-world landscape? There are places on Earth that appear to have been plucked from the pages of a children’s book. Check out these fairytale destinations if you want to be whisked away to some of the most magical places on Earth.

#1 Hobbiton

Hobbiton, in New Zealand, is truly a fairytale destination. This is a film set built for both the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film series. This vibrant, hobbit-sized village is still open for visitors today. Tour the cute houses, see Bilbo Baggins’ home, and finish your visit with a pint of ale at the Green Dragon.

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#2 Lake Bled, Slovenia

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Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful tourist destinations. This is a magical spot in Europe, with its aquamarine lake, castle perched on a cliff, and the centerpiece of Bled Island.

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#3 Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan has everything you could want in a perfect fairytale destination: towering, magnificent mountains, small, quiet villages, and some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see. Visit centuries-old fortresses tucked away in Himalayan valleys, and don’t miss the Eagle’s Nest, a monastery perched precariously on the side of a cliff.

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#4 Hallstatt, Austria

This is a picturesque fairytale town, with colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets, and church steeples set against the Alps. Be warned, this has become a very popular European destination in recent years, so expect to share these beautiful views with many other visitors unless you spend the night in Hallstatt.

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#5 Alsace Wine Region, France

When I first saw photos of Colmar, France, I immediately added it to our list of places to visit. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, with its colorful buildings, flower bouquets, and scenic streets. With a little more research, I discovered that Colmar is just one of many fairytale towns in the Alsace wine region.

Another popular town on the Alsace Wine Route, Eguisheim, inspired the town in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

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#6 Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia…the land of enchanted fairy chimneys and strange rock formations. The landforms are so distinct that it’s difficult to believe they exist until you see them for yourself. Put Cappadocia on your list of places to visit if you want to experience what it’s like to step into another world. Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia for a truly magical experience.

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#7 Zhanhjiajie, China

Zhangjiajie is one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Sandstone rock pinnacles stretch for miles. The landscape in the film Avatar was inspired by Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It truly appears to be from another planet.

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#8 Bavaria, Germany

Snowcapped mountains, whimsical towns, and breathtaking castles…Bavaria has it all. Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle in Disney World was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s a beautiful castle in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Alps. Extend your journey by taking a road trip along Germany’s Romantic Road, stopping in picturesque towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Wurzburg.

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#9 Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar looks like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale, with cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River. The highlight of a visit here is seeing Stari Most, the town’s centerpiece, the old bridge. Mostar’s charm, however, extends far beyond the span of this bridge, into the cobblestoned streets and cafes that make this town so appealing to visitors.

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#10 Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is a mystical land of temples in a misty tropical landscape. See it by bus, bicycle, or hot air balloon over Bagan. Bagan is a magical place, and it should be on your Southeast Asia bucket list.

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