6 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Europe That Will Leave You Breathless

Although going to the sea is probably considered as the a-must spot for a holiday, it does not need to be. If you are looking for a fairytale-like vacation, breathtaking mountain towns can give you the holiday of your dreams. 

With the Alps, over 1200 kilometers long, Europe is the place where you need to be. The small idyllic towns and the beautiful landscapes can guarantee that you will remember your trip for the rest of your life. So, instead of visiting the big and famous cities, going to Europe can be more about nature and relaxing. Here are some towns and mountains that you should put on your bucket list.

Hallstatt, Austria

On one side, surrounded by a fascinating lake, but on the other by vast mountain peaks, Hallstatt is a city where you will experience the fairytale-like feelings. One social media, Hallstatt, is known as “the most Instagram-able mountain town,” and for a reason. Every photo you take will look mesmerizing and professional. But because it is so beautiful, it is also a busy place. It is estimated that Hallstatt is home to 10, 000 to 30, 000 tourists every day. This is a huge number, especially when we take into consideration that only 780 people actually live there. 

One thing you must see when you are in Hallstatt is the Ice Cave, located in the gorgeous mountain backdrop of the city. There are a limited number of places throughout the world where tourists can get an amazing look inside an ice Cave, as they can in Hallstatt. Keep in mind that the cave is closed from October to May, but if you miss the cave, you can always find another breathtaking site like Dachstein Mountain and Alpine huts, which are open throughout the winter. 

Mittenwald, Germany

A small mountain town surrounded by the towering alpine peaks of Bavaria, Mittenwald, will leave you breathless. It was described by the German writer Goethe as a ‘picture book come alive,’ and that description is entirely accurate. Mittenwald is the most famous as being the town of violins, violas, and cellos because that is where they were mostly manufactured from the beginning of the 17th century by the Klotz family. Visiting the violin museum is something everyone that comes to Mittenwald simply has to do. 

If you are interested in exploring the city and its beautiful landscapes, there are many hiking tours available. Vacationing in small mountain towns in Europe definitely has its benefits, because not only do you get to see a lot of charming places, but you also get to learn a new skill, like hiking, for example. If you have never hiked before, you will be in love with the activity. But one thing you need to know is how to prepare for solo hiking.    

Zermatt, Switzerland

Because of the world’s most famous peak, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a really popular vacation destination. Towering the town at nearly 15,000 feet, the Matterhorn is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the world. 

Although hiking the peak is an option, for most people climbing to the most scenic view in Europe is done with a cable car. Zermatt is the best place for a skiing trip, but you do not have to go only in the winter, because the snow stays on the mountains all year round. But be prepared to experience the slope that will offer jaw-dropping landscapes all around you. 

But if you are not up for an adventure, exploring the town itself is also a fun experience, because you will always have a feeling that you are in an open-air museum with many old buildings and houses. Another attraction, especially for kids, is the sight of the herd of Valais Blackneck goats passing through the village in August and September.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is the most famous place in all of Slovenia, and for the right reason. The Bled lake, surrounded by the scenic alpine mountains, will leave you with a Disney movie vibe. But that is not the only unique thing about this place. In the middle of the Bled lake, a beautiful Bled castle sits on a tiny island, luring the artists and the photographers to capture its beauty in all seasons, wethers, and parts of the day. 

With all the fantastic mountains towering this stunning island, there is always an opportunity to go hiking and experience some memorable moments. If you want to see the Blee lake in its full beauty, backpacking and hiking in the mountains is the best way to do so. 

But if you want to explore the island for a little while, visiting the 12th-century castle, with its a museum, printing shop, wine cellar, and a restaurant will leave you a heartwarming feeling. 

Reine, Norway

If you have always seemed to see the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis), Reine is the city to go. Located on the island of Moskenesoya, this small fishing town is the charming refuge in the north. With small fishermen huts dotted on the shoreline, the clear water and fjords are towered by the snowy mountain, Reine is a winter fairytale spot. Although only 329 people are living in this fascinating town, the village has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful towns in the world.

There are many things to do while in Reine, like Hiking Reinebringen, kayaking in the sea, or riding a ferry from Reine to the hamlet of Kjerkfjorden.

But if you want to see the northern lights, it is best to do so from September to April. Reine is located about 100 north of the arctic circle, so the view is breathtaking.

Wengen, Switzerland

If you want to experience real nature, you must visit Wengen. This car-free city, although small, is a wonderful opportunity to get you to exercise and walk everywhere.

In January, the town is home to all skiing enthusiasts who have gathered to watch the skiers descend down to World Cup’s longest downhill race on the 3,363-vertical-foot Lauberhorn. 

In summer, you can take the 300 miles long hiking trail to the most spectacular view of the Jungfrau region. But hiking is not the only summer activity in Wengen. You can also experience kayaking, rafting, and paragliding to get your heart pumping. 

Chamonix, France

Although Wengen is the home of the longest ski race, Chamonix is home to the oldest ski resort in France. It’s where the first Winter Olympics in 1924 took place. 

Chamonix is popular with the ski enthusiasts because it offers backcountry ski runs of the Vallée Blanche. If you are a ski enthusiast with lust for adventure, this ski resort is where you have to be. 

Chamonix also has the highest cable car ride in the world, which connects to town with Aiguille du Midi at 3842 m.

If you want to explore the surroundings of the town, the 5.1-km Montenvers Railway can take you to the tourist site of Montenvers. From Montenvers, you can access further tourist middle and higher mountain areas and make your trip a real adventure. You do not need to be a ski fan to enjoy the small to enjoy the beauty of Chamonix.

I hope you will choose one of these towns for your next vacation.  You will not be disappointed with these six beautiful mountain towns in Europe.

Featured Photo by Nellia Kurme on Unsplash