Did you think only in fairy tales are there villages with lush meadows, sweet houses, red roofs, and white smoke rising from chimneys? You might be surprised there are several real places around the globe like this, with real people living in them. We take a peek and feel a little envious.
Lavenham, England
Sometimes the expression “picturesque village” is not just a cliché. Some people live in the land of fairy tales not disconnected from reality, but practically in a peaceful, pastoral, magical, and unique place, or in other words, a place straight out of a story or a legend, or at least with a Hollywood-style set.
England, known for its preservation and heritage, excels in inspiring, picturesque villages. One of them is Lavenham, a small town built in the 15th century by wealthy cloth merchants. Among the town’s houses timber-framed cottages, single-story or wall-attached one crooked orange cottage stands out, luckily supported on both sides by neighboring cottages.
The main street of Lavenham and the crooked cottage area have been used multiple times as filming locations. In 1970, a film was shot here, giving official permission for visitors to explore the village and feel a touch of British stardust.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
The Hobbit village in New Zealand, featured in the fantasy films “The Lord of the Rings,” is a real village not built solely for filming. Previously called Matamata, it was used as farmland, not as housing for tiny hobbits, but it was quickly converted into a set for the famous trilogy.
You won’t find Frodo or other hobbits living in the tiny houses among the rocks unless some film sets remain but the amazing scenery is certainly accessible. Many tourists visit each year, some work on the farm, most visit the tiny houses, which are actually only facades; the interiors were filmed in fully equipped studios.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Switzerland is synonymous with scenic beauty and pastoral charm, and the village of Grindelwald in the Alps stands out especially with its snowy and pleasant appearance. The village is located in the heart of a remarkable ski area, one of the most sought-after in the world, and it seems from one of the chalets or slopes Heidi herself might appear to wish you a pleasant stay.
The village looks like a postcard, with wooden chalets scattered across the area, all covered with a soft layer of clean snow. As with other fairy tale villages mentioned here, films have been shot here too, including a James Bond movie that initially seemed completely contrary to the slow and calm rhythm of the sleepy village.
Ruhpolding, Germany
The famous spa town of Ruhpolding in southern Bavaria redefines the idea of “immersed in greenery.” The town, boasting red roofs standing out against the green backdrop, is a well-known health tourism destination. Although it has only about 6,500 residents, it has luxury hotels and other accommodations for visitors seeking relaxation or treatment for ailments, or simply to indulge.
Sigtuna, Sweden
The tiny Swedish town of Sigtuna, on the shores of Lake Mälaren, with houses painted in soft pastel colors usually seen in ice cream shops, has a rich history. It is the first Viking settlement (established in 980 AD) and now serves as a Viking heritage site. Visitors can explore memorials for brave warriors, the nearby beach (swimming is possible in summer), winter markets, traditional dances, and other activities that seem straight out of colorful fairy tales.
Salzburg, Austria
Technically, Salzburg is a city the fourth largest in Austria but it is still as beautiful as a fairy tale. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of the great composer Mozart, and home to one of Europe’s largest and most impressive castles, it is hard to pass up. Several films were shot here, including the famous “The Sound of Music,” featuring Maria, the future nun, and the von Trapp children. Visitors can even see the famous do-re-mi scenes from cinema history.
