These Surreal Places in Europe Seem Like Dreams — but You Can Actually Visit Them
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Despite being the second smallest continent in the world, Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive landscapes, cities, historical landmarks, and coastlines. However, when we’re asked to think about Europe, our minds usually go straight to famous cities like Paris, vibrant coastal towns in Italy, and tropical Greek Islands.
We rarely think of the more unique destinations, of which there are plenty. To give these unique destinations some justice, we’ve compiled a list of 12 surreal places you won’t believe are in Europe. The destinations on this list are simply the most fascinating places in Europe that must be seen to be believed.
The Tulip Fields, Netherlands
Many people planning a trip to the Netherlands spend most of their time looking for things to do in Amsterdam. While Amsterdam is a beautiful city to explore, one of Europe’s most spectacular sights can be found not too far away. From April to mid-May, tulip fields across the Netherlands come to life with color.
When these vast flower fields bloom, the landscape is lit with bright green, red, yellow, orange, and pink flowers, creating a picturesque scene perfect for your Instagram feed. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, 24 miles (40 kilometers) from Amsterdam, is recognized globally as the best place to experience the phenomenon. You’ll find over 79 acres (32 hectares) of lush fields here.
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Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Iceland is home to some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe, if not the world. One of the most surreal is the Godafoss Waterfall in Northern Iceland. This unmissable attraction is the highlight of any Icelandic road trip. Godafoss Waterfall is located along the Skjálfandafljót River. It’s 39 feet (12 meters) high and 98 feet (30 meters) wide.
Dubbed the ‘Waterfall of the Gods,’ its unique horseshoe shape and two main drops are a sight to behold. This location is even more surreal because you can sometimes spot the Northern Lights. Imagine it now: an icy wonderland with the bright green hue of the Aurora reflecting off the water. What’s not to like?
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The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
The Tunnel of Love in Ukraine is a beautiful sight loved by romantic couples who visit the spot to take photographs. Found near the town of Klevan in Western Ukraine, the Tunnel of Love was once a section of industrial railway that linked the town to Orzhiv. Now, the line is only used by a small train to carry wood to a local factory.
After being left to grow, the bushes and trees surrounding the railway line have created a stunning 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) tunnel of lush green arches. Walking along the track is incredible; you might even glimpse the train emerging in the distance.
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Bigar Waterfall, Romania
Located in the southwest of Romania, in the Anina Mountains, and on the Anina River, the Bigar Waterfall is one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. The water falls from a height of 16 feet (5 meters) and plunges over moss-covered ledges into the forest river. For good measure, there’s also a cave found near the waterfall.
Better still, Bigar Waterfall is uniquely located on the 45th parallel north, which is the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator. Like something from a fairytale, you certainly don’t want to forget your camera when visiting the waterfall!
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Houska Castle, Czech Republic
Houska Castle in Blatce, Czech Republic, is a spectacular 13th-century mansion surrounded by dense forest. However, it has a pretty surreal history. According to local legend, Houska Castle is the gateway to hell.
Regarded as one of the most haunted places in the world, it’s believed the castle was constructed over a hole so deep nobody could see the bottom. Local folklore has it that dark, mysterious creatures crawl out of the hole at night to drag unfortunate travelers into hell. We don’t know about you, but we might miss this destination for now, just to be on the safe side!
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Odle Mountains, Italy
The Odle Mountains are a mountain range in the Northern Italian Alps best known for its towering peaks, uniquely shaped spires, sharp pinnacles, and deep ridges, which create an incredibly dramatic landscape.
At 9,924 feet (3,025 meters), Sas Rigais is an iconic peak in the Odle Mountains. It stands tall above the meadows below and has a unique dinosaur-like appearance. At first glance, you’d half expect Godzilla to climb out of the ground!
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In summer, this rugged landscape is dotted with vibrant wildflowers. The addition of color gives the mountains a more impressive and dreamier appearance. At sunrise and sunset, the fiery-colored sky only enhances the scenery.
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Crooked Forest, Poland
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Landscape photography enthusiasts will quickly fall in love with everything about Crooked Forest. Found south of Szczecin in northwest Poland, the aptly named Crooked Forest is home to more than 400 bizarrely shaped pine trees. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen, every pine tree in the forest has a sweeping bent trunk.
The cause of this extraterrestrial-like landscape has been debated for many years, but nobody has yet been able to explain it. Some arboriculturists believe torrential snowstorms cause the phenomenon, while others believe local lumberjacks used a unique growing technique. For now, though, the Crooked Forest’s secrets must remain a mystery.
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Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia in Turkey captivates travelers worldwide with a dreamlike environment, unique cultures, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The most distinctive feature of Cappadocia’s Mars-like appearance is the Fairy Chimneys. Over centuries, these tall, natural, cone-shaped rock formations were formed through erosion.
This rocky region is also famed for its unique underground cities and cave dwellings. Carved into the soft rock, these caves were home to the region’s inhabitants for centuries. Aside from homes, these caves also featured churches and storage facilities. Today, some of these caves are luxury hotels. Meanwhile, the skies around Cappadocia are famous for the hot air balloon tours that take off daily.
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Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy
Despite their impressive natural beauty, inviting temperatures, and vibrant color, Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany, Italy, is nowhere near as famous as artificial thermal pools like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Surrounded by idyllic countryside and open 24 hours a day, these volcanic pools are beautiful.
The perfect place to relax, the volcano-powered pools offer delightful 98.6°F
(37°C) temperatures, a relaxed atmosphere, and gorgeous views of Tuscany’s landscape. Just a two-hour drive from Rome and free to use, there is no reason not to visit this fascinating place, even just to take a quick photograph.
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Meteora, Greece
Upon first glance, you’d be mistaken for thinking the monastery-topped sandstone columns of Meteora in Greece aren’t in Tibet or Nepal. Found in the foothills of the Pindus Mountains in Thessaly, northwestern Greece, Meteora is a towing rock formation that’s home to one of the largest steeply built Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world.
Second only to Mount Athos, this breathtaking place was once home to 24 16th-century monasteries. However, monks started climbing the rocky columns in the 10th century to avoid Ottoman invaders. Unfortunately, only six monasteries now remain. The main monastery is a masterpiece of architecture surrounded by stunning views of the Trikala region. You can visit the monastery on a tour!
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Fairy Glen, Scotland
Local legends have linked the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye in Scotland to mythical creatures for centuries. So much so the area was used as a filming location for a fantasy film called Stardust. Hidden in the hills of Uig, the Fairy Glen’s enchanting geographical formations were formed over 100,000 years ago by post-Glacier landslides.
These landslides created a miniature world perfect for folk tales about fairies. To add to the mystery and charm of the area, locals and tourists alike have laid rocks and stones down in the glen for good luck. The rocks have been placed to create spirals in the ground.
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Devil’s Bridge, Germany
Devil’s Bridge is an idyllic spot in Kromlauer Park, Saxony, Germany. It’s a jaw-dropping bridge made from various local stones. Commissioned in 1860, the bridge brilliantly reflects in the water to create a full circle.
The bridge’s impressive design and reflection, combined with the vibrant forest surrounding it, are breathtaking. If you visit in autumn, the red, orange, and yellow trees around the bridge help create a stunning scene perfect for landscape photography. Interestingly, the bridge is named after a local legend claiming Satan constructed it. It’s believed something so perfect could only be the work of greater forces.
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