27 hidden gems in Europe that will blow you away
As a Dane, I’ve spent a lot of time traveling in Europe, and I’m always looking for places that feel a little more special. Small towns with character, castles that aren’t just tourist traps, and spots where you can actually slow down and enjoy the moment.
And I’ve found some incredible places that deserve more attention.
These aren’t just the big names you see on every “must-visit” list. They’re the ones where you find the best local food, the prettiest streets, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a trip unforgettable.
Whether you want a quiet canal town, a medieval fortress, or a castle straight out of a fairytale, these are the spots to check out.
Read next: 55 major landmarks in Europe
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The best hidden gems in Europe that feel like a secret (but shouldn’t be)
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Medieval fairytale alert.
Rothenburg is what happens when a town decides to never leave the 1600s—and we love that for it.
Think cobbled streets, timbered houses, and a Medieval Crime Museum that’s equal parts fascinating and slightly unhinged. If you do one thing, join the Night Watchman’s Tour. It’s like history class, but fun.
2. Beilstein, Germany
Walking through Beilstein is like stepping into a vintage German postcard—except it’s real, and there’s wine. Lots of it.
This Moselle River charmer has cozy wine houses, a stunning Baroque church, and the ruins of Castle Metternich for the best panoramic views. Take it slow here; that’s kind of the point.
3. Zell am See, Austria
Zell am See is where mountain air meets lakeside charm.
Ski in winter, swim in summer, hike anytime. If you love the outdoors but also enjoy sipping something warm while staring at a stunning view, this is your spot.
4. Gangi, Sicily, Italy
If Sicily had a secret hideout, it would be Gangi. Winding alleys, sun-washed stone houses, and views that make you rethink your life choices.
The food? Ridiculous.
Do not leave without inhaling as much Sicilian cuisine as possible—your taste buds will thank you.
5. Bled, Slovenia
Yes, that’s the lake with the island and the church.
But Bled is more than its postcard moment. Hike up to the castle for insane views, paddle out to the island like a main character, and—most importantly—try the kremšnita (Bled cream cake). It’s worth the trip alone.
You can also visit Lake Bled in the winter if you’re looking for a winter wonderland.
6. Seydisfjordur, Iceland
A tiny fjord town that looks like someone cranked up the saturation. Seydisfjordur has waterfalls, colorful houses, and a rainbow road leading to the cutest blue church. Artsy, remote, and effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.
Read next: 27 most unique things to do in Iceland
7. Colmar, France
Colmar is the definition of a fairytale town—flower-draped canals, pastel-colored buildings, and just enough old-world charm to make you forget what year it is.
Stroll around Little Venice, duck into the Musée Unterlinden for a dose of history, and definitely settle into a winstub for a hearty Alsatian meal (and wine, obviously).
8. Hallstatt, Austria
Sure, Hallstatt is the kind of place that makes people say this can’t be real, but beyond its postcard-perfect lake and colorful houses, there’s serious history here. We’re talking 7,000 years of it.
The Salt Mine Tour is a must (because who doesn’t want to slide through a prehistoric mine?), and if you’re up for it, the Skywalk serves up the kind of views that make you reconsider city life.
9. Ronda, Spain
Dramatic cliffs? Check. A jaw-dropping bridge? Check. A history dating back to before the Romans? Also check.
Ronda sits high above a gorge, and honestly, it’s ridiculous in the best way. Walk across Puente Nuevo and take a minute to process the view.
If you’re into history, the bullring here is one of Spain’s oldest. If you’re into tapas, congratulations, you’re in the right place.
10. Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello looks like it was designed by a very whimsical architect who had a thing for round, cone-roofed houses.
The trulli (those iconic white stone homes) make this Puglia town feel like a movie set, but it’s all very real. Wander the UNESCO-listed streets, sample local olive oil (it’s next-level), and soak up the this-isn’t-like-anywhere-else vibes.
11. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Ever wanted to be in a medieval painting? Český Krumlov is the place.
The castle here is the real deal, with frescoed walls and a Baroque theater straight out of a period drama. When you’re done time-traveling, grab a boat and raft down the Vltava River—it’s the kind of peaceful-yet-stunning experience that makes you want to plan your next trip back before you’ve even left.
Read next: 26 amazing things to do in Czech Republic
12. Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Portree is tiny, colorful, and perched right on the water—basically, the perfect home base for exploring Skye’s otherworldly landscapes.
Take a boat tour to spot seals and sea eagles, or just sit by the harbor and eat fish and chips while watching the weather change every five minutes (because, Scotland). Either way, you win.
Read next: The perfect itinerary for 2 days on the Isle of Skye
13. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar’s got layers—Ottoman bridges, Austro-Hungarian facades, and a mix of cultures that makes it one of the most unique towns in the Balkans.
The iconic Stari Most bridge is a stunner, and if you’re feeling bold, you can watch (or join!) the locals diving off it into the Neretva River.
Afterward, find a riverside café, sip Bosnian coffee, and let the old-world atmosphere do its thing.
14. Annecy, France
Annecy is all elegance—turquoise lake, flower-lined canals, and a backdrop of the French Alps that makes everything feel even more surreal.
The Palais de l’Isle, a medieval island fortress, is the postcard moment, but the real magic is found in the small details: a flaky pastry from a local bakery, a quiet morning stroll along the lake, a leisurely meal at a canal-side café where time moves just a little slower.
15. The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is one of the best places in England for a classic countryside escape. Think small villages with stone cottages, winding lanes, and plenty of cozy pubs.
Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are some of the most popular spots, but there are dozens of smaller villages worth exploring.
Renting a car makes it easier to get around since public transport is limited, and the best part is stopping wherever looks interesting along the way.
16. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen isn’t just a Swiss village; it’s the Swiss village.
Tucked into a deep valley and framed by towering cliffs, it’s home to 72 waterfalls—yes, 72—each one more dramatic than the last. Trümmelbach Falls rushes through the mountain itself, while the Schilthorn serves up a panorama straight out of a dream.
The kind of place that makes you breathe deeper, walk slower, and wonder if you could just… stay.
17. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is where royalty and imagination collide.
Misty forests wrap around palaces so whimsical they seem plucked from a fantasy novel. The Pena Palace, with its candy-colored towers, is the showstopper, but Quinta da Regaleira is where things get truly intriguing—hidden tunnels, mysterious symbols, and a spiral well that looks like it leads to another world.
The Moorish Castle stands guard above it all, watching over a town steeped in history, legend, and just a little bit of magic.
18. Sibiu, Romania
Sibiu is the kind of town where every street feels like a discovery. It’s grand and historic but still intimate, with pastel buildings and the famous rooftops with “eyes” that watch over the squares.
The Brukenthal Palace holds an art collection worth lingering over, and the nearby ASTRA Museum brings Romanian folk traditions to life.
There’s an old-world warmth here, the kind that makes you want to linger on a terrace with a good book and an even better coffee.
19. Göreme, Turkey
Göreme is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The landscape of Cappadocia—rolling valleys, ancient cave dwellings, fairy chimneys that look sculpted by a dreamer’s hand—is otherworldly.
Sunrises here are legendary, the sky filling with hot air balloons drifting over the surreal rock formations. The cave churches, carved into the stone centuries ago, hold frescoes that whisper stories of a different time.
20. Lucca, Italy
Lucca is effortlessly charming, a Tuscan town wrapped in its perfectly intact Renaissance walls.
The walls themselves are now a leafy promenade, perfect for a sunset walk or a slow bike ride. Inside, medieval towers peek over terracotta rooftops, and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater, curves around in the most unexpected way.
The food? Olive oil-drenched perfection. And the pace? Pure, unhurried bliss.
21. Berat, Albania
Berat doesn’t do flashy, and that’s what makes it special. White Ottoman houses climb up the hillside, stacked like a perfect Instagram grid.
The walk up to the castle is steep, but the view of the valley is worth it. Inside, locals still live in stone houses, selling homemade honey and rakia.
Find a café by the river and watch the light change over the town. Pure magic.
22. Jūrmala, Latvia
Jūrmala is where you go when you want a beach town without the tourist traps. The old wooden villas have that faded summer postcard feel, and the air smells like pine trees and sea salt.
Walk the promenade, take a dip in the Baltic (if you’re feeling brave), and don’t skip the thermal baths. They look straight out of the Soviet era, but the relaxation is next-level.
Read next: 10 amazing reasons to visit Latvia right now
23. Aarhus, Denmark
Aarhus does effortless cool.
The Old Town (Den Gamle By) feels like stepping into a different century, while ARoS Art Museum gives you a literal rainbow view of the city.
It’s got Copenhagen’s design scene without the crowds, and the waterfront is perfect for a slow afternoon. Find a café, order a kanelsnegl, and enjoy the vibe.
24. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Perched on a hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is almost too perfect. Inside, it’s all gold, murals, and secret passageways, because King Ludwig II had a flair for the dramatic.
The best view is from Marienbrücke—get there early before the crowds take over.
25. Egeskov Castle, Denmark
Egeskov isn’t just pretty—it’s lived in.
The Renaissance architecture, hedge mazes, and actual moat make it feel like something out of a medieval fantasy. The gardens are stunning, and the vintage car collection is a fun bonus. Perfect for a slow, sunny afternoon.
26. Alhambra, Spain
Alhambra is a masterpiece. The Nasrid Palaces are all intricate carvings and dreamy courtyards, while the Generalife gardens smell like oranges and jasmine.
Go in the afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
27. Giethoorn, Netherlands
A village without roads sounds like a fairytale, but Giethoorn is real.
Canals wind between thatched-roof cottages, and the only way to get around is by boat or bike. Rent a whisper boat and glide past gardens that look too perfect to be real.
Best in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive.
