While these small towns might lack some of the big city luxuries, they more than make up for it with charm. Here is a list of some of our favorite European villages.
1.) Colmar, France
Colmar is out of a dream. This medieval town in the Alsace region of France takes the #1 spot on our list. We are in love with this vibrant little village. It has so much personality and must be one of the most colorful and picturesque towns in Europe.
TIP : Try and visit in December! Colmar has 5 Christmas markets during the holiday season. The entire town celebrates by decorating with lights and there is nothing more festive than walking around the old town with a glass of mulled wine in your hand.
2.) Mittenwald, Germany
This little village nestled below the German alps is nicknamed the "living picture book." Every building is beautifully painted portraying stories of the olden days making it a real storybook village.
3.) Hallstat, Austria,
Sitting on the edge of a pristine lake and underneath towering mountain peaks, Hallstatt is picture perfect. It's also one of the oldest towns in Europe.
4.) Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled in the Julian Alps definitely makes our list. With a gorgeous church on an island, and a spectacular castle on the cliffs, it's no wonder Lake Bled is one of the most stunning lakes in the world.
TIP: Right outside of Bled is the Vintgar Gorge. One of the most beautiful natural wonders we've ever seen. Pay the small fee to walk along the wooden pathways through the gorge along the clearest turquoise water you've ever seen.
Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
5.) Positano, Italy
The Amalfi Coast of Italy is where dreams come true. The best of Italy; great wine, insane food, and a perfect seaside setting.
TIP: Take the public bus to explore the other villages along the coast. On the way keep your eyes out for hidden beaches.
6.) Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg is one of the most well preserved medieval cities in Europe as it never succumbed to destruction by wars or fire.
TIP: Every night there is the "Night Watchman's" tour of the village. This spooky and hilarious tour shows you what it was like to live in Rothenburg during medieval times. The tour meets in the Town Square every night at 9:30. This unique tour should not be missed!
7.) Rovijn, Croatia
Get lost exploring the cobblestone streets of Rovijn. Time moves slow in this beautiful seaside village. Along the wharf brightly colored buildings look as if they may crumble into the ocean. Rovijn is stunning, and should high on any travel list.
TIP: Depending on what direction you are traveling, this could be your last stop for black truffles. Embrace this and eat up!
8.) Eguisheim, France
This teeny-tiny village is hidden away in the Alsace region of France. Full of charm and fairly unknown to travelers, Egusheim is the perfect fairy tale village. You can walk around the whole place in 20 minutes.
TIP: This little town is only a 15 minute cab ride from Colmar, making it an easy day trip. The Christmas market here is adorable as well.
9.) Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a very cool little town in southern Czech Republic. This old town has maze-like alleyways, and a castle sitting high on the hill above, Cesky Krumlov is bursting with history. It is not surprising that this little town is a UNESCO heritage site.
TIP: In summer rent a raft and float down the river for a fun time and a different perspective of the town as you float on by.
10.) Bergen, Norway
Bergen is a beautiful Norwegian harbor town. At the wharf you can buy fresh seafood directly out of the water. After a snack continue along the water to see the colorful wooden buildings of Bryggen.
11.) Cochem, Germany
This scenic riverside town is unbelievably rad! Cochem has a cute town square, vibrant promenade and a neo-Gothic castle that sits above it all. The wine here is famous and you can see vineyards high up on the cliffs along this slow moving river.
Burg Eltz Castle
