Top 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Europe
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| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
With The Alps stretching across an impressive 1,200 kilometres of Europe – their jagged peaks rising from the foothills of eight European countries – the continent is home to a smattering of idyllic Alpine towns, which each have their own individual personalities. We take a look at seven of the most beautiful mountain towns in Europe, and what it is that gives them their distinct identity.
The List of 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Europe
1. Hallstatt, Austria
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
3. Salzburg, Austria
4. Grindelwald, Switzerland
5. Vik I Myrdal, Iceland
6. Covadonga, Spain
7. Chambery, France
8. Bled, Slovenia
9. Metsovo, Greece
10. Olden, Norway
Which are the Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Europe?
1. Hallstatt, Austria
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| Photo: tripstodiscover |
Set along the banks of a vast, glistening lake and surrounded by towering mountains, the village of Hallstat is a favorite destination with many travelers around the world, looking as if it came straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. The nearby mountains not only provide a breathtaking backdrop, but they’re home to a number of caves, including the famous Ice Cave.
There are only a few places in the world where tourists can easily access mega-sized ice caves and this is truly one of the best. Beyond the main Ice Cave, the Mammoth Cave is popular for trekking, while the 5 Fingers Lookout will let you dangle high over the mountain’s edge, taking in the view that will make you feel as if you’re on top of the world. The Ice Cave is closed from late Octobor until May, but the upper sections, Dachstein Mountain and Alpine huts, are open in the winter.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
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| Photo: tripstodiscover |
Zermatt is home to one of the world’s most famous peaks, The Matterhorn, which soars over the border between Switzerland and Italy at nearly 15,000 feet high. One of Switzerland’s best known features, it’s one of the most photographed mountains on Earth. If you aren’t up for climbing it, you can get to the top taking a cable car that leads all the way to the summit, the highest scenic outlook platform in Europe.
The Alpine valley features is filled with hiking trails that offer jaw-dropping scenic vistas with lots of peaceful creeks and cascading waterfalls, but if you’re into snow and ice, you can ski right on top of one of the glaciers all year round.
3. Salzburg, Austria
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| Photo: Swedish Nomad |
This charming Austrian city lies in the shadows of the Eastern Alps, just across the border from Germany. Aside from the city’s mountainous backdrop, it’s the flow of the Salzach River, and both medieval and Baroque grandeur, that gives Salzburg its great reputation, in particular the cliff-top fortress, Altstadt.
Visit Salzburg on the Imperial Highlights trip, Sound of Music, Imperial Europe, Best of Germany and Austria, Switzerland and Austria, European Interlude, Great European, and Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
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4. Grindelwald, Switzerland
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| Photo: MyLittleAdventure |
Is there any place that looks more peaceful than Grindelwald? Hardly. Grindelwald isn’t only a tranquil little space where life is so wonderfully languid, but also a hometown to Jungfraubahn – a famous mountain railway that is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
5. Vik I Myrdal, Iceland
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| Photo: Adventures |
This village is the largest settlement in the South of the Icelandic mainland. It’s no wonder it’s constantly buzzing with tourists as well: Vik I Myrdal is not only a key service point in coastal trips between Iceland’s attractions, but also has a marvelous black pebble beach coast with scenic cliffs and basalt columns. This cute little town has a lot of surprises, that’s for sure!
6. Covadonga, Spain
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| Photo: digitourist |
It’s in the Spanish province of Asturias, in the midst of the Picos de Europa Mountains, that the small community of Covadonga can be found. This gorgeous location has made Covadonga a gateway to the mountains’ scenic hiking routes. But this isn’t all Covadonga is famous for; it’s also a place of religious and historic significance, with an ancient basilica that many people travel from far and wide to see.
7. Chambery, France
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| Photo: Lonely Planet |
Located in France’s Rhone-Alpes region, Chambery sits in a valley between the Bauges and the Chartreuse Mountains on the Leysse River. A visit here will introduce you to one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Alps. Enjoy a stroll on a summer afternoon down its bright and colorful lanes, starting in the heart of Old Town at Place Saint-Leger. It features Fontaine des Marmousets and a 19th century sun-dial surrounded by tall houses painted in a variety of hues as well as an abundance of outdoor eateries where you can sit down, relax and savor the atmosphere along with the food.
Other highlights include the striking Fontaine des Éléphants, built in 1838. The four life-size elephants converge at the base of a column in the shape of the Savoyan cross, and it’s topped by a statue of de Boigne.
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8. Bled, Slovenia
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| Photo: The Crazy Tourist - |
Bled is the most popular tourist destination in all of Slovenia, thanks to its exceptionally pretty location on the banks of Lake Bled. One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, when you see this lake that’s surrounded by alpine mountains, you’ll feel as if you’re in a Disney movie. Bled Castle sits on a tiny isle at the center of the glacial blue waters, calling photographers, artists and travelers of all types from across the globe to capture it at sunrise, when the first rays of sunshine break through the morning sky, or at dusk, when the light is golden and the shadows cast by the setting sun provide particularly moody images.
Of course, with all of those mountains, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy numerous opportunities for hiking or backpacking too. The most beautiful view of the lake, the island, and the surrounding peaks is from the castle overlooking the lake on a cliff. The 12th-century castle is also home to a museum collection, a castle printing works, a cellar, where you can bottle wine and seal the bottle with wax, and a restaurant.
9. Metsovo, Greece
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| Photo: Nikana.gr |
The Greek village of Metsovo is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations, dotting the mountain side below Katara Col in the Mountain Range of Pindos. The high‑altitude town is surrounded by a dense forest of fir trees, and filled with charming traditional stone and wooden houses, historic buildings and an abundance of eateries serving up classic Greek cuisine.
At the center of Metsovo, Katogi Averoff winery makes some of the country’s most celebrated wines and offers the chance to learn about the history of the winery and the wine making process as well as to sample some of the wine and bring some of it back with you. The village is also famous for its dairy products, particularly a delicious cheese called metsovone that has a smoked flavor.
10. Olden, Norway
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| Photo: Pinterest |
Olden, Norway is definitely among the less-known places to see in Europe. The Briksdalsbreen glacier is within an hour-long trip from Olden, so it’s no wonder that the curious ones already discovered it as a perfect place to get on a cruise. The natural beauty of the surrounding glacier and national park might be one of the most scenic places in Europe. Norway truly has some of the best towns, especially small cute ones – check it out here!
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