The amazing Salzburg made 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 canal-crossed cities 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 resource Travel Off Path named 5 cities in Western Europe that everyone should visit.
Thun, Switzerland
Switzerland is quite an expensive destination for tourism, and Thun is no exception. But despite the high prices, this city is worth visiting at least once. It is located on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Thunersee — an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The most attention is drawn to the white, Disneyland-like Schloss Thun castle. It rises on a hill above the 800-year-old city and gives Thun a classic European look.
This destination is perfect for those seeking a calm, relaxed vacation in the Alps. To fully enjoy the mountain views, the author suggests kayaking on Lake Thunersee.
Colmar, France
Colmar is a small town in eastern Alsace. It resembles a life-sized village from the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast."
"Imagine crooked half-timbered houses of all possible colors, winding waterways with flat-bottomed wooden boats, and charming squares with fountains," the author describes this city.
People usually come to Colmar in December to visit the Christmas markets. However, this city is beautiful regardless of the season. The material states that the best time to visit is in spring.
Colmar is perfect for getting to know Franco-German culture and tasting Alsatian cuisine without the noise of Strasbourg. You can take a flat-bottomed boat tour with an experienced local guide and explore the city while floating through the canals of Petite Venise.
Dinant, Belgium
Dinant is located in the purely French-speaking Wallonia. It is a castle town squeezed between steep cliffs and the fast-flowing Meuse River.
"The Collegiate Church of Our Lady, which is virtually synonymous with Dinant, 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. At the top of the city stands an impressive medieval citadel, rising above a limestone cliff like a royal crown. With its thick stone ramparts, fortified walls hugging the edge, and towers resembling Disney castles, where Belgian flags flutter, it is hard to tell where the man-made ends and the rock begins," the material states.
Getting up there is not easy, as you have to climb 408 steps. However, there is an alternative — a cable car.
Moreover, the author assures that the expensive fries from the Brussels Grand Place cannot compare 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 even heard of.
This city is the capital of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Schwerin is best known for its palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This bright yellow 19th-century building features 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 summer, you can spend time at the local lake. The Schwerin Cathedral, which boasts a beautiful collection of stained glass and the tallest spire in the state, is a must-visit.
Most of what you will see there has been preserved in its original form, unlike Cologne or Dresden, where many medieval structures had to be restored after being destroyed during World War II.
This is the perfect destination for those who want to experience true, unspoiled Germany, away from overcrowded touristy, globalized metropolises.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is the most beautiful city in the Alps, says the author. It is a kind of labyrinth of domes created by human hands from limestone. There, you can immerse yourself in the 15th century.
The compact historic center of the city is protected by UNESCO. On the southern bank of the Salzach River lies the Mirabell Palace — a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece with green gardens and floral compositions.
As you delve into the old town, you will find the house where Mozart was born — a three-story bright yellow building on the main shopping street Getreidegasse, and Residenzplatz — a majestic square with a decorated fountain, which is most famous for being the site of the former prince-archbishop's palace.
However, Salzburg is best viewed from above. For this, climb to the Hohensalzburg Fortress either on foot or by a short funicular. There, you will find a path that leads you to the top of Mönchsberg. Once on the Winkler Terrace, you can see all of Salzburg and the mountains surrounding it.
Leave a comment