Salzburg is also on the list.
If you imagine fairy-tale castles, cobblestone streets of cities that seem frozen in time, and picturesque squares, then you definitely need to visit Western Europe.
From the cities crisscrossed by canals in the heart of Flanders to the green hills of Alsace and all the way to the Swiss Alps, there are many destinations that attract tourists from all over the world. The Travel Off Path resource has named 5 cities in Western Europe that everyone should visit.
Thun, Switzerland
Switzerland is a rather expensive tourist destination, and Thun is no exception. However, despite the high prices, it is worth visiting this city at least once. It is located on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Thunersee, an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The most striking feature is the whitewashed, Disneyland-like Schloss Thun Castle. Perched on a hill above the 800-year-old town, it gives Thun a classic European look.
This destination is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation in the Alps. To fully enjoy the mountain views, the author recommends kayaking on Lake Tunersee.
Colmar, France
Colmar is a small town in the east of Alsace. It is somewhat similar to the village in the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” in real size.
“Imagine crooked half-timbered houses of all possible colors, winding ponds with flat-bottomed wooden boats, and charming squares with fountains,” the author describes the city.Advertisementad
People usually come to Colmar in December to visit the Christmas markets. However, the city is beautiful all year round. The article suggests that the best time to visit is in the spring.
Colmar is the perfect place to experience Franco-German culture and taste Alsatian cuisine without the hustle and bustle of Strasbourg. You can take a flat-bottomed boat tour with an experienced local guide and explore the city by boat along the Petite Venise.
Dinant, Belgium
Dinant is located in the purely French-speaking Wallonia. It is a castle town, sandwiched between steep cliffs and the fast-flowing river Meuse.
The Collegiate Church of Our Lady, which is practically synonymous with Dinan, is a true Gothic marvel with a unique onion-shaped bell tower that resembles a pear, and an impressive nave supported by sturdy stone columns and stained glass windows. At the top of the city stands an impressive medieval citadel, towering over the limestone rock like a royal crown. With its thick stone ramparts, fortified walls that encircle the edge, and Disney-like towers flying Belgian flags, it’s hard to tell where the man-made ends and the rock begins,” the article says.
Climbing up is not easy, as there are 408 steps to climb. However, there is an alternative – a cable car.
In addition, the author claims that the expensive French fries from Brussels’ Grand Place cannot be compared to the crispy golden fries from La Phine Frite. You can try them for $8.
Schwerin, Germany
According to the author, Schwerin is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is a true hidden gem of Northern Germany that most tourists have never heard of.
This city is the capital of the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Schwerin is best known for its palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a bright yellow 19th-century building with tall golden domes and towers. Although the castle still serves as a government residence, tourists have the opportunity to explore much of its interior.
In the summer, you can spend time at the local lake. A must-visit is the Schwerin Cathedral, which boasts a beautiful collection of stained glass windows and the tallest spire in the region.
Most of what you’ll see there is in its original form, unlike in Cologne or Dresden, where many medieval structures had to be rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.
This is the perfect destination for those who want to experience a genuine, untouched Germany, far away from the tourist-filled, globalized megacities.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is the most beautiful city in the Alps, says the author. It is a kind of labyrinth with domes, created by human hands from limestone. There you can plunge into the 15th century.
The compact historic center of the city is protected by UNESCO. On the southern bank of the Salzach River, there is the Mirabel Palace, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece with green gardens and floral arrangements.Read also:
As you venture deeper into the old town, you’ll find the house where Mozart was born, a three-story bright yellow building on the main shopping street, Getreidegasse, and the Residenzplatz, a majestic square with a decorated fountain, best known for being the former residence of the Prince-Archbishop.
However, the best way to see Salzburg is from above. To do this, climb to the Hohensalzburg Fortress on foot or by taking a short cable car. From there, follow the path to the top of the Menkhsberg. Once you reach the Winkler Terrace, you’ll have a panoramic view of Salzburg and the surrounding mountains.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.