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Postcard-Perfect European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale

Postcard-Perfect European Villages Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale
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The Active Times

The Active Times
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Europe, often referred to as the Old Continent, undeniably attracts the bulk of the tourists visiting every year with its rich history and famous cities. You'll most likely go to Rome and Paris before you make your way to some little-known, but equally stunning, suburb.

Click Here to see the Complete List of European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale

The urban lure deprives you of the magnificent experience a picturesque, less-crowded and peaceful European countryside and shorelines offer. Their natural beauty surpasses even the most amazing engineering projects.

Some of the villages on the list are in countries that are notoriously known for their nature, such as Ireland, and others are located in places you may have heard very little about, like Bosna and Herzegovina. Regardless of what you know about a nation, there is nothing like backcountry life.
When you plan your next vacation, consider exploring Europe's secret off the beaten path gems. It will be a worthwhile and unique experience.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar will take your breath away with its Ottoman-era architecture. A main attraction is the Old Bridge, destroyed in 1990’s and recently rebuilt. Thrill-seekers can jump off the bridge into the cold water; it’s allowed. Mostar was almost completely destroyed during the Bosnian War; the village was under siege for nine months. Today, it’s a charming little heaven on earth, but you can still see the bullet holes in the walls of the Red Cross building.Photo Credit: ThinkstockClick Here to See European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale
Conwy, Wales
The medieval village, whose biggest attraction is the ominous Conwy Castle, a World Heritage Site, and magnificent dockside, is surrounded by the Snowdonia Mountains and shores. Other preserved castles and historic houses are somewhat of a trademark in Conwy. It is there where you’ll find the smallest house in all of Great Britain. The house was lived in until 1900, when the owner was a 6 ft. 3 inch fisherman named Robert Jones. The rooms were too small for him to stand up in and he was eventually forced to move out.Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Wengen, Switzerland
This is the village for the ultimate Swiss holiday regardless of whether you come in the winter or summer. One of the best things about the resort is that it’s car-free. The timber houses and hotels going back to the belle époque era, Wengen have maintained their fairytale postcard-perfect mountain look. Visit in the summer for more than 300 miles of trails and a dozen of mountain cableways to take you to the best viewing spots in the region.Photo Credit: ShutterstockClick Here to See European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale
Reine, Norway
This beautiful fishing village in the Lofoten archipelago within the Arctic Circle will take your breath away with its natural splendor. About 300 people live there, and they take very good care of their home. Reine is one of the most isolated small communities in Europe. The village is also one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. Camping under the stars on beaches and fishing, obviously, are other favorite activities.Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Colmar, France
The most popular place in historic Colmar is Petite Venise (Little Venice). It’s the village’s most eye-catching quarter. Much of the small city's best architecture is crammed there. The half-timbered Alsatian houses on the edge of Lauch River are stunning. Just like in the real Venice, the best way too explore the village and see where fishmongers, leather tanners, and other merchants lived and worked is by boat. The House of Heads, built in 1609, is another must-see. Click Here to See European Villages Straight Out of a FairytalePhoto Credit: Thinkstock

Click Here to see the Original Story on The Active Times

- Hristina Byrnes, The Active Times

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