People have been left blown away by how beautiful these breathtaking European towns are – as they look like they are straight out of a fairytale.

As we have entered a new year, you might be thinking about when you can take some time away from your typical day-to-day duties and enjoy a holiday abroad instead.

While many of us opt for the classic tourist spots such as beach-side locations or capital cities for tourism and great food, why not consider these less popular towns which are “so magical”.

Four towns in Austria, France and Germany are filled with cobbled streets, colourful hourses and fairytale-like charm everywhere you turn. A video showcasing the towns’ beauty has stunned holiday lovers after being shared on Instagram recently.

Beautiful Destinations, which boasts over 25.6million followers, said: “These European towns look like they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook”. They include…

1. Hallsatt

A must-visit if you want post-card views, is Hallsatt, Austria. It has towering Alphine hills, and plenty of history that dates back thousands of years.

Beautiful Destinations describe the spot, in the district of Gmunden, as a “dreamy lakeside village with alpine views and boat rides on crystal-clear waters”. While there are around just 800 residents in the town, it sees approximately three million visitors every year, according to Forbes.

As the town is famous for its salt production, you can visit the Salt Mine. It is also said to be worth taking a boat trip on Hallstättersee lake. It is rumoured that Hallsatt was used as inspiration for Disney’s Frozen films.

You can fly from the UK to Salzburg Airport. It is then just over an hour transfer to get to Hallsatt. In summer you will see highs of 25C, while in winter you can expect temperatures just below zero and snow.

2. Colmar

This sweet town looks like Belle’s provincial village in Beauty and the Beast. It is based in the north-east of France and is a 1 hour and 50 minute journey from northern England – or an average of 1 hour 25 minutes from London. The spot is perfect for couples looking for a romantic weekend away thanks to its charm.

You will plunged into a town filled with colourful houses, cobbled streets, and medieveal and Renaissance buildings. History nerds can enjoy museums and interesting landmarks.

The town is on the Alsace Wine Route meaning there is plenty of fun to be had for wine lovers. There is a beautiful canal surrounding by flowers, which is perfect for a picturosque walk. Those who want to sit back and relax can enjoy a boat trip in Little Venice – which allows you to discover Colmar from another angle.

3. Grimentz

Grimentz, a picturesque mountain village in the Swiss Alps (Valais region), is a popular destination for visitors for several reasons. It is renowned for its charm, well-preserved heritage, and stunning natural surroundings.

Charming Grimentz is often described as one of the most beautiful alpine villages in Switzerland. Its narrow streets, traditional wooden chalets adorned with red geraniums, and cozy atmosphere transport visitors back in time.

Grimentz is part of the Val d’Anniviers ski area, which offers over 220 km of ski slopes catering to all experience levels. Its high-altitude location (1,500 meters above sea level) ensures excellent snow quality during the winter months.

What’s more, it’s a great spot for hiking. There’s also a wide range of trails through alpine meadows, forests, and pristine mountain landscapes. Popular routes include walks to the Moiry Glacier or the Lac de Moiry, where turquoise waters and glacial scenery provide incredible photo opportunities.

4. Idstein

Another beauty is Idestein in Germany. Beautiful Destinations described the spot as “a medieval gem with colourful half-timbered streets, fairytale castles and centuries of history to uncover”.

It takes around 1 hour and 33 minutes to travel to the town from the UK. The closest airport to the town is Frankfurt International Airport – and it will take you around 26 minutes via car to get to Idstein.

The beautiful town, which has rich architecture with colourful carvings and impressive details, is home to the Hexenturm. Also known as Witches’ Tower, it is from the 12th century and part of Idstein Castle.

The spot is a great place to explore history and enjoy leisurely walks with fantastic views. Plus, there are plenty of great bakeries and sweet cafes selling ice cream. What’s not to like?!