10 STUNNING EUROPEAN TOWNS & CITIES YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED
We seem to always be day dreaming about our next trip to Europe. Having only travelled to popular cities in the past, we have made it our mission to venture out and explore the lesser known European towns & cities that scatter the continent.
Here are 10 stunning European towns & cities we are dying to visit you may never have heard of!
1. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Freiburg is a vibrant university city in Germany's southwest. It is known for its lovely climate year round and reconstructed medieval old town with it's picturesque little brooks. A sight you can not miss is the Gothic cathedral Freiburg Minster as it towers over the central square Münsterplatz. Freiburg is also located at the entrance to the stunning, enchanting Black Forest.
2. Bergen, Norway
Located on Norway's southwestern coast, Bergen is surrounded by mountains and fjords - including Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest. This stunning city features colourful wooden houses along the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League's trading empire.
3. Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka is the beautiful gateway to Crotia's islands. Most people speed through en route to a popular island or Croatian town, but those who pause will discover charm, culture, good nightlife, intriguing festivals and Croatia’s most colourful carnival.
4. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Europe. It reminds us of a mini Prague, having also a stunning castle, an old town square and incredible architecture. You can walk from one side of town to the in 20 minutes, so don't feel bad if you've never heard of this tiny town before.
5. Gruyeres, Switzerland
Gruyeres is probably one of the most charming castle villages in Switzerland. Known for its cheese and featherweight meringues, this cobbled town may be one that get's forgotten but shouldn't be missed!
6. Hallstatt, Austria
This cute Austrian town is home to pastel coloured houses that sit along the glassy waters of Lake Hallstatt. Towering mountains on all sides add to it's beauty, with it's 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways home to a number of cafes and shops. A funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to a viewing platform over the lake.
7. Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
An easy day trip from Mostar, the pretty Blagaj village hugs the surreally blue-green Buna River. What makes this village all that more special is the monastery hidden near it's rocks. Built in 1520, it makes this village one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8. Monschau, Germany
Monschau is one of those towns that must be seen to be believed. Largely unchanged for over 300 years, the narrow, cobblestoned streets and traditional half-timbered houses have made this one of the charming places to visit in all of Germany. It still has a town center around an old castle, where festivals and fairs take place around the year - it's Christmas Markets are one you do not want to miss!
9. Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a pretty unique city as it is pretty much carved into the surrounding rocks. It is filled with imposing bridges, raising high above the deep canyons, which will offer you a stunning view. Established in the 9th century BC, Ronda is also one of Spain's oldest towns.
10. Connemara, Ireland
Connemara, situated at the very edge of Europe, on the west coast of Ireland, is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt places to visit in the world. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean - this is a place right near the top of our bucket list. If you visit make sure you look out for the herds of Connemara ponies!
Which of these European countries would you love to travel to?
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