Disney Magic in Real Life: 5 Fairy-Tale Places You Can Visit in Europe

Step into the magic

Ever wished you could step into your favourite Disney film? From castle-topped hills to cobbled villages and shimmering fjords, Europe is filled with places that look like they’ve leapt right off the screen. Whether you're dreaming of Belle’s provincial town, Rapunzel’s lantern-lit kingdom or Elsa’s icy mountain views, these real-life locations offer a dose of Disney magic. Here’s where to find the fairy tale, right here in Europe.

Your on-screen favourites brought to life

Alsace - Beauty & The Beast

Tucked in northeastern France near the German border, Alsace sits between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine River, just a few hours’ drive from Strasbourg or a scenic train ride from Paris.

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Beauty and The Beast Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Belle’s World

Begin your storybook escape in Riquewihr, a village that feels lifted straight from the pages of Beauty and the Beast. Wander its cobbled lanes, where pastel shutters, trickling fountains and flower-draped balconies create the perfect provincial charm. For a dreamy photo moment, head back just before sunset to capture the golden hour glow. In the evening, dine al fresco on a terrace with tarte flambée and a glass of local Alsace white wine – the perfect way to toast your first magical day.

Day 2: Explore Eguisheim & Embrace the Bookworm Life

Spend your second day in Eguisheim, a circular village that’s often named among the prettiest in France. Stroll past pastel-coloured homes and overflowing window boxes, then browse vintage bookshops and antique stores in search of illustrated fairy tales and well-worn French classics. Channel your inner Belle with a quiet moment in a cosy café, enjoying a slice of kougelhopf and the first chapter of your new find.

Day 3: Castle Views & Scenic Drives

No fairytale is complete without a castle, and Haut-Koenigsbourg doesn’t disappoint. Perched high above the forest, this dramatic fortress invites you to wander through its towers and medieval halls while taking in sweeping views of the Vosges mountains. Afterwards, set off along the Alsace Wine Route, winding your way through charming villages like Kaysersberg and Turckheim. Along the way, expect rolling vineyards, fields of sunflowers, and picture-perfect scenes worthy of any Disney daydream.

Annecy - The Princess and The Frog

Nestled in the French Alps near the Swiss border, Annecy sits on the shores of a crystal-clear lake about 40 minutes from Geneva and under four hours by train from Paris.

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The Princess and The Frog Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town Charm & Canal Wanders in the Rhône-Alpes

Arrive in Annecy and step straight into a storybook as you stroll through the Vieille Ville (Old Town). With pastel-painted buildings, flower-trimmed bridges and winding canals, the city feels like a perfect blend of New Orleans charm and Venetian romance. Stop by the Palais de l’Isle, a castle-turned-prison-turned-museum perched on its own little island in the canal. As evening sets in, enjoy dinner al fresco at a canal-side restaurant – try dishes like crayfish, frogs’ legs or buttery tartiflette, a local favourite that’s rich, hearty and full of flavour.

Day 2: Lakeside Leisure & Jazz Notes

Spend the day by Lake Annecy, renting a bike or paddleboat to explore its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views. Pause for a picnic or a scoop of gelato in the Jardins de l’Europe, a leafy park just steps from the water. Later, browse artisan food shops and local boutiques, where you might pick up a box of macarons or a jar of lavender honey to take home. As the sun goes down, slip into a cosy wine bar or catch a live jazz set – and if you’re visiting in summer, check for open-air concerts along the lakefront for that perfect Tiana-style evening.

Day 3: Castles, Markets & Magical Touches

Begin your final day at the Château d’Annecy, the city’s hilltop castle, where panoramic views and local art galleries await. From there, wander through the local food market (held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays), and sample regional cheeses, fresh pastries and cured meats. For something hands-on, book a cooking class or take a leisurely boat cruise – extra magic if it includes Cajun or Creole-inspired flavours. Round off your trip with a lakeside aperitif as you soak up the view and reflect on your favourite “almost there” moments.

Norwegian Fjords - Frozen

Stretching along Norway’s dramatic western coast, the fjords are a natural wonder of steep cliffs and still blue waters, easily reached from Bergen or a scenic train ride from Oslo.

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Frozen Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen – Your Gateway to Arendelle

Arrive in Bergen and start your journey with a wander through Bryggen, the colourful wooden wharf that looks like it stepped straight out of Frozen. In the late morning, ride the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen for sweeping views over the fjords. In the afternoon, explore the Fish Market, where you can try fresh seafood or indulge in a warm cinnamon bun. Round off the day with dinner in the old town, followed by a twilight stroll under string lights – a cosy, atmospheric start to your Arendelle-inspired escape.

Day 2: Fjord Magic in Nærøyfjord

Begin the day by travelling to Gudvangen and boarding a boat cruise through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Around midday, arrive in Flåm, a peaceful village nestled at the fjord’s edge. Spend the afternoon riding the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world, offering breathtaking mountain views. In the evening, settle into a cosy stay in Flåm or nearby Aurland, perfect for stargazing, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights or soaking up snowy scenery if visiting in winter.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Forests & Local Folklore

Start with a morning hike to Stegastein Viewpoint, a dramatic platform suspended above the fjord for unforgettable views. At midday, visit a nearby stave church, with steep roofs and detailed wood carvings that feel lifted from Elsa’s kingdom. Spend the afternoon exploring Viking Valley in Gudvangen, where you can step into Norse history with hands-on activities and storytelling – ideal for families and Frozen fans alike. End your day warming up with hearty Norwegian comfort food like fish stew, reindeer sausage or a rich hot chocolate by the fire.

Budapest - Tangled

Set on either side of the Danube in central Hungary, Budapest blends grand architecture with thermal baths. Just over two hours by plane from the UK and well connected by rail across Europe.

Tangled Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Corona – A Day on Castle Hill

Begin your Tangled-inspired adventure in Buda Castle Hill, where cobbled streets and fairytale architecture set the perfect tone. Spend the morning wandering this historic district, soaking up the views and the regal atmosphere. By midday, head to Matthias Church, famous for its colourful tiled roof and ornate Gothic details. Just next door, enjoy panoramic views over the city from Fisherman’s Bastion – a real-world counterpart to the towers of Rapunzel’s kingdom. In the afternoon, choose between a quirky visit to the Hospital in the Rock, an underground museum with Cold War history, or simply unwind at a café tucked into the castle district. As evening falls, dine at a castle-side restaurant and watch Budapest light up from the bastion – golden hour magic guaranteed.

Day 2: Markets, Spires & a Lantern Moment

Cross the Chain Bridge in the morning to explore the vibrant Pest side of the city. Your first stop is the Great Market Hall, a bustling space filled with Hungarian pastries, colourful paprika, and handcrafted souvenirs. Around midday, walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica, where climbing to the dome rewards you with a city view straight out of Tangled’s kingdom of Corona. In the afternoon, head to the Danube for a boat ride timed just before sunset – the soft light reflecting on the water creates a true floating-lantern moment. Cap off the day with a lantern-lit dinner cruise or a riverside meal under the stars, and relive the magic of “I See the Light.”

Day 3: Art, Gardens & Hidden Corners

Spend your final day seeking out some of Budapest’s more whimsical spaces. Start with a visit to Gellért Hill or the storybook-like Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park – both offer turrets, towers and lush surroundings that feel straight from a fairytale. Around midday, take a peaceful walk through Margaret Island, where flower gardens, fountains, and open green spaces offer a break from the city buzz. In the afternoon, explore Budapest’s art and design shops, where you can pick up Rapunzel-inspired jewellery, prints or journals as keepsakes. Finish your magical escape with a puppet show or local theatre production, adding a final, whimsical touch to your Corona-inspired holiday.

Dubrovnik - The Little Mermaid

Perched on Croatia’s southern coast, Dubrovnik is a walled city of terracotta rooftops and Adriatic views, around 2.5 hours by plane from the UK and a popular stop on Mediterranean cruise routes.

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The Little Mermaid Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Adriatic Kingdom

Begin your Little Mermaid escape in Dubrovnik, where the sea sparkles and the rooftops glow with storybook charm. Arrive in the morning and check into a sea-view hotel or a guesthouse tucked within the Old Town. As midday approaches, wander the town’s winding limestone streets and red-tiled rooftops – it’s a land-walking dream that feels lifted from Ariel’s world. In the afternoon, take a walk along the City Walls for sweeping views over the Adriatic. You’ll feel like Ariel herself, gazing longingly toward the horizon. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a cliffside restaurant near Buza Bar, where crashing waves and golden skies set the scene for imagining life “part of that world.”

Day 2: Fortresses, Folklore & Sea Breezes

Begin the day with a visit to Fort Lovrijenac, a majestic fortress perched high above the sea. Its dramatic, regal presence feels like it could belong to King Triton himself. Around midday, explore the Maritime Museum housed in St. John’s Fortress to dive into Dubrovnik’s rich seafaring history. In the afternoon, head to the water with a kayak tour around Lokrum Island. Paddle past caves, snorkel in crystal-clear coves, and if you're lucky, spot a dolphin or two dancing through the waves. Come evening, enjoy a seafood dinner in the Old Port, featuring grilled fish, black risotto, and a glass of crisp local wine – fit for a mermaid who loves the land.

Day 3: Markets, Mermaids & Magical Moments

Start your day browsing Gundulić Square Market, where you’ll find pearls, shells and handmade jewellery that wouldn’t look out of place in Ariel’s treasure trove. For midday relaxation, stretch out on Banje Beach or seek out the quieter Sveti Jakov Beach – both perfect for sunbathing and a bit of peaceful shell hunting. In the afternoon, explore a local art gallery or shop for sea-themed ceramics, ocean-toned paintings or artisanal soaps. As your fairytale trip winds down, take a sunset cruise or join a storytelling tour focused on sea legends to end your adventure with one last splash of magic.

Turn your next break into a real-life fairy tale

Whether it’s spotting real-life castles that feel straight out of a Disney film or stepping into towns that inspired the stories, Europe is full of magical moments that spark the imagination. From Belle-style bookshops to Elsa-worthy snow-capped peaks, these fairy-tale spots are perfect for families looking to mix culture with a little enchantment. So if your little ones love a bit of pixie dust, it might just be time to book your next family-friendly storybook stay with us. Or, for grown-ups with a child-like sense of wonder, take the chance to feel like Disney royalty and explore our luxury collection today.

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