“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
- Neil Gaiman
1. Tallinn, Estonia
Sparkling by the Baltic sea, this enchanting city is famous for its Old Town, acres of cobblestones, and maze-like little streets each leading to eclectic towers or gothic shops to gawk at. With a 64-m high defensive tower built in the 13th century, it’s not hard to imagine a prince defending the city gates.
2. Bavaria, Germany
Rolling hills, a calm lake, and an eerie fog set the tone for this Romanesque-revival castle built in the 19th century. Yep, you read that right – 19th century, this is not built during the medieval period. However, Ludwig II of Bavaria (more known as the Swan King, Fairy Tale King – and was also later called the Mad King due to his extravagance but I digress) was obsessed with anything medieval-like. The Neuschwanstein Castle which has been rumored to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Germany. Driving through Bavaria is a must. Visiting this place rain, shine, or snowy will never fail to take your breath away. Just watch out for spinning needles when visiting the tower, we don’t want you falling into a century-long sleep.
3. Loire Valley, France
Showcasing the beauty of medieval France and illustrating Renaissance design, the Loire Valley boasts over 300 chateaux ranging from 10th-century fortified castles to impressive medieval residences. Comparing the vista to everyday city life is almost surreal. With vineyards and greeneries surrounding the area, the Loire Valley was known as the “Garden of France”. Should there have been a community of royals, they would have lived here.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The capital of the once-called Kingdom of Bohemia, this stunning city founded during the Renaissance period has all a fairy tale story setting could be. Ancient bridges guarded by gargoyles, and drawbridges leading to a walled city perched at the hill overlooking a bustling city with an Old Town Square complete with an astronomical clock and a towering cathedral. Mulling over a beer at breakfast in the town square, I remember discussing the merit of running around in gowns and no one will blink an eye.
5. Bran, Romania
A little touch of sinister always spice things up. The Bran Castle, a fortress set in the infamous Transylvania region of Romania. More known as Dracula’s Castle, since this was built for Vlad The Impaler – the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.
With all the mystery and legends surrounding the castle, expect the opposite. Instead of a crumbling castle filled with bats, what you will fall upon is a charming fortress where I can imagine a petite princess from a small kingdom would live. With big arches of windows, tiny hallways, and small alcoves of windows overlooking a calm landscape – this is no vampire’s den. Or maybe, it is just a façade to lure you to its darkness.
6. Bled, Slovenia
Imagine if Rapunzel was trapped in a tower. But instead of being hidden in the woods, the tower is in plain sight but impossible to venture into. In reality, the small island actually holds a church. But we can let our imaginations soar, can we? Only 23 boats are designated to travel to the small island since the 18th century for preservation. The town of Bled is located in the northwestern area of Slovenia (yes, home of Mrs. Trump). If a castle is a must for your personal fairy tale, an iconic medieval castle is perched on a rock overlooking the lake.
7. Aswan, Egypt
If your fairy tale speaks of 1001 Arabian Nights, then Aswan is where you should head. From the sparkling river Nile and the gleaming feluccas idly floating, it’s a perfect setting for a Sultan and a princess story. Ancient temples of mysterious legends and history of gods and goddesses are aplenty to make your imagination soar. Even the colorful souk area with the traders luring in for bargains is what I imagined where Aladdin would be running around in his pre-genie days.
8. Anywhere in Scotland, really
Okay, I may be exaggerating. Still, I would say I’ve visited Scotland twice in the span of 10 years and I felt the same way the first time I saw it. The country simply breathes legend. Castles are aplenty along with stories woven around them. From castles of Eilean Donan to Edinburgh, Stirling to Balmoral, Inverness to Urquhart plus legends such as the monster Ness in the depths of Scottish lochs, I will let you choose your fairy tale setting once you get there. But be sure to bundle up and grab an umbrella. At times, the mist is so thick as if it’s forbidding you to glance at something magical.
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