Ever since I was a teen, I wanted to see Europe. I knew from movies and from talking to people that there were many beautiful places in Europe to visit, I just worried that I would ever get there.
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So, when I got the opportunity to go and actually live in Europe for several years, I could not pack my bags fast enough. I was ready for an adventure in countries I knew so little about.
Let me take a few minutes of your time and show you some of the most gorgeous places I discovered while traveling Europe.
This list was very hard to put together though because there are MANY picturesque towns and landscapes that you wont see anywhere else. Really, no matter where you go, you can’t go wrong.
LAKE KONIGSSEE GERMANY
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Lake Konigssee (King’s Lake) is located in Berchtesgaden Alps just north of Austria. There is a boat rental in town that will take you on a trip around this breathtaking lake with stops along the way at waterfront sightseeing locations.
These pictures are gorgeous but they do not do this lake justice. I remember that I had never seen water so perfectly crystal clear. This is a must see.
BRIENZ SWITZERLAND
The most wonderful time was spent in this small village with it’s incredible wood-carved chalets, waterfall and Alpen lake that appears like a sheet of perfectly formed glass. Our stay in a small inn sitting directly on the lake was one of my favorite experiences and you should try it too.
STIRLING SCOTLAND
Stirling Scotland, one of my most favorite places. It’s so GREEN and just oozes with ancient charm and romance. Stirling is located in central Scotland and is a brilliant town heavy with history and hosting Stirling Castle which was once the home of Scottish royalty.
There is a great deal to explore in Stirling. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, Stirling and it’s surrounding area is a rich treasure trove of finds.
For one of the best places to view the gorgeous land and town, Stirling Castle would be your lookout spot. But be sure to not stop there however. I advise for you to make it a point to tour this magnificent castle which, in my opinion, was just as awesome as Edinburgh Castle.
This endearing Gateway to the Highlands town is a delight. I highly recommend making Stirling your have-to location to visit.
KARLOVY VARY CZECH REPUBLIC
Located a little over an hour and a half’s drive from Prague, Karlovy Vary has to be one of the most picturesque towns that you don’t hear much about. The architecture is grandiose and stunning, equaling the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
We happened to tag along with some friends at the spur of the moment (encroached on their vacation) to Karlovy Vary and I am so glad we interfered. This is actually a spa town with hot springs that attracted the rich and the nobility and, I remember, fantastic shopping. The colorful buildings remind me of Rainbow Row in Charleston and parallel the Tepla River which makes this busy town simply spectacular.
Be sure you get off the main walkway and browse through the backstreets. You will thank me later for you will see the most exquisite residential homes of the wealthy sure to make your jaw drop.
Don’t forget to visit the forests surrounding the town. I promise that this is a breathtakingly beautiful meander through gorgeous terrain that will bring peace to your soul.
BACHARACH GERMANY
There are so many words to describe the storybook 11th century town of Bacharach but none of them can even touch the charm and historic romance of this Rhine River town. I felt the centuries around me as I walked the old cobblestones butting up against half-timbered buildings.
This is also a stein shopping mecca. There are hundreds of exquisitely designed steins in all sizes and most are made in Germany. Make this town a must on your list, you will love it.
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VOLENDAM HOLLAND
Volendam is the perfection of an old time fishing village with fishing boats in the harbor and cute wooden houses painted with inviting colors and friendly wind burned people. Shopping is abundant, you HAVE GOT to buy wooden shoes and cheese.
My advise would be to make this a must see but try to not visit in the winter. It is very cold in January. Trust me. Still beautiful, but cold.
ARROMANCHES LES BAINS FRANCE
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This quaint quiet seaside town in France was instrumental during the Invasion Of Normandy as a temporary harbor for unloading cargo. Now, it is a peaceful town full of very kind people with only the skeletons of equipment lying scattered about to remind us of the role it once played.
Enjoy wonderful walks on the beach and cliffs here. You will likely run into a memorial as you stroll. There is also the D-Day Landing Museum that I recommend visiting plus sea side activities such as scuba diving and water sports.
ISLE OF CAPRI ITALY
Capri is simply stunning with its brilliantly clear water, rugged coves, small boats, rich yachts and eye popping flowers. Capri is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Capri is loaded with treasures for all your senses. It’s no wonder Capri was Roman Emperors’ choice for retreats.
Capri is dazzling. I cannot describe the beauty nor can cameras capture it. I kept pinching myself to make sure I was really there.
Fabulous cuisine, jaw-dropping beauty and shopping makes Capri a playground for the rich and famous who arrive in their yachts and the perfect place for you to visit. Capri is a piece of heaven resting in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
Once you see Capri, you will never forget its’ dazzling beauty. An added plus was all the friendly kitties residing near the small boats resting on the shore.
SALZBURG AUSTRIA
Salzburg sits in northern Austria close to the German border and is grandiose in style, beauty and history. Situated in the Alps with Hohensalzburg Fortress staring down from it’s perch above the city, Salzburg provides a wealth of culture, history and visual exquisiteness for all who visit.
Be sure to walk the path up to the fortress as the view is superb. Also, you can wander the cemetery the Von Trapp family fled through in the last scene of The Sound Of Music.
One of my favorite things to do here was to just walk the old town. The vibe is stimulating and captivating with historic gorgeous architecture lining the sidewalks and gorgeous street music filling the alleyways.
Plan to spend some time here. There’s a lot to take in.
YORKSHIRE (YORK) ENGLAND
Yorkshire and the incredible city of York are embedded in my memories as a truly fantastic European location with gently rolling green hills cradling the mighty walled in city of the ancient Romans. This city was a favorite among favorites for me.
So, we only meant to reserve a stay for one night but actually, ended up spending three. There is so much to do and see, you can’t really do it all in a week.
York Minster, The Shambles, River Ooze, St. Mary’s Abbey, museums, restaurants, history, etc…and on and on. It is WONDERFUL! Put this at the top of your list of places to see in Europe for sure.
These are just a small handful of beautiful places in Europe to explore and enjoy. There is so much beauty to this planet – see it all and please take care of its’ treasures.
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