9 Winter Villages Abroad That Look Straight Out of a Storybook


Houses in Snow in Winter CountrysideAleksandr Gorlov/Pexels

Winter has a way of turning small villages into magical escapes where snow blankets rooftops and lights glow softly through frosted windows. You can stroll cobbled streets, sip hot drinks, and feel time slow as you take in the charm. These winter villages around the world look like scenes from a fairy tale, where every corner seems crafted for wonder. Each destination captures the beauty of the season and invites you to experience winter at its most enchanting.

Hallstatt, Austria

Scenic View of Hallstatt with Church and LakeMehmet Turgut Kirkgoz/Pexels

Hallstatt’s lakeside setting and snow covered Alps make it one of Europe’s most picturesque villages. You can walk through narrow streets lined with wooden chalets and watch reflections dance on the frozen lake. The village feels timeless, with its steepled church and cozy cafés welcoming travelers from around the world. Under a soft snowfall, Hallstatt becomes a peaceful retreat that seems pulled from a classic storybook illustration.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Village with residential houses on snowy mountsMaria Orlova/Pexels

Zermatt sits beneath the mighty Matterhorn and glows like a winter dream once the snow begins to fall. You can ski through world class slopes by day and stroll lamplit streets by night. The village has kept its alpine charm, with horse drawn carriages replacing cars. Surrounded by peaks and fireplaces crackling in chalets, Zermatt blends adventure and serenity in a setting that feels impossibly perfect.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Old houses in Shirakawa-go, JapanIkiwaner/ Wikimedia Commons

Shirakawa go transforms into a glowing wonderland each winter, with its steep thatched roof houses blanketed in snow. You can walk among these centuries old farmhouses that still stand strong against the elements. The village’s tranquil beauty is heightened at night when lights illuminate the snow. It’s a place where tradition meets magic, and you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a simpler, gentler world.

Reine, Norway

Mountain over Village at Night in WinterRobert Senz/Pexels

Reine, nestled among Norway’s Lofoten Islands, is surrounded by dramatic peaks and Arctic waters that sparkle under winter light. You can stay in cozy red cabins perched by the sea and watch the Northern Lights dance overhead. The village’s quiet rhythm feels comforting and pure. With its breathtaking views and calm atmosphere, Reine offers the kind of beauty that photographs can barely capture.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

?eský Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech RepublicGreen lama/ Wikimedia Commons

Cesky Krumlov’s fairytale charm shines brightest in winter, when snow covers its castle and riverside streets. You can wander through medieval alleys, cross stone bridges, and watch the Vltava River wind through the town. The colorful facades and festive lights make it feel straight out of a story. When snowflakes fall over the old town square, the entire scene feels like magic come to life.

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald with Wetterhorn.W. Bulach/ Wikimedia Commons

Grindelwald is a postcard perfect alpine village surrounded by the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. You can enjoy skiing, sledding, or simply strolling through the village’s charming shops. Wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and snow draped trees give it an inviting warmth despite the cold. Whether you’re watching skiers glide down slopes or sipping cocoa by a fire, Grindelwald feels like a living snow globe.

Colmar, France

Photography of Buildings and Canal during NighttimePierre Blaché/Pexels

Colmar glows with festive charm when winter arrives, its half timbered houses and canals creating a fairy tale scene. You can visit Christmas markets filled with handmade crafts and sweet aromas of mulled wine. The town’s pastel buildings stand out against the soft snow, creating picture perfect views from every angle. Colmar’s blend of French and German culture adds warmth and whimsy to its wintry beauty.

Bled, Slovenia

Scenic Aerial View of Lake Bled in SloveniaJude Mitchell-Hedges/Pexels

Bled is a true winter gem with its lake, castle, and snow dusted island church. You can skate on the frozen surface or take a walk along its scenic trails. The stillness of the landscape makes the views even more striking. Surrounded by mountains and history, Bled captures the essence of winter tranquility. It’s the kind of place where fairy tales feel entirely possible.

Bruges, Belgium

Kasteel de la Faille in Bruges, Belgium.Cccefalon/ Wikimedia Commons

Bruges looks even more romantic when winter’s chill settles over its canals and cobbled streets. You can wander through medieval squares, admire snow draped bridges, and warm up in chocolate shops that scent the air. The city’s twinkling lights reflect off the frozen water, giving it an almost cinematic glow. Bruges in winter feels timeless and cozy, like the perfect ending to a classic winter story.

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