5 little-known cities in Western Europe that every tourist should visit

Western Europe is home to dozens of beautiful cities that remain off the beaten track. Find out which five little-known European cities are worth visiting at least once — from the Swiss Alps to the fairytale region of Alsace

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Western Europe is traditionally associated with fairytale castles, ancient cities with cobbled streets and picturesque squares that seem frozen in time. There are dozens of popular tourist destinations here, but alongside the famous metropolises, there are lesser-known but no less atmospheric cities that impress with their architecture, history, and nature.

From cities with canals in the heart of Flanders to the green hills of French Alsace and the majestic Swiss Alps, Western Europe has many destinations that deserve the attention of travelers. The travel resource Travel Off Path has named five cities that everyone should visit, even if some of them are not yet well known among tourists.

Thun, Switzerland: an Alpine town on the shores of a crystal-clear lake

Switzerland is traditionally considered one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Europe, and the city of Thun is no exception. At the same time, travelers who have been here at least once note that this trip is well worth the cost.

Thun is located on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Thun, an Alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Thanks to its location, the city offers stunning natural landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a vacation in the Alps.

One of the city's main architectural landmarks is the whitewashed Schloss Thun castle. It stands on a hill above the city with more than 800 years of history and gives Thun a classic European look. It is thanks to this building that the city is often compared to fairy-tale scenery or even castles from Disney movies.

For those who want to fully enjoy the region's nature, the author of the article recommends taking a walk around Lake Thun — for example, kayaking and admiring the mountain views.

Colmar, France: the fairytale town of Alsace

The French town of Colmar is located in the east of the Alsace region and often resembles a fairytale setting. Some tourists even compare it to the town in the cartoon “Beauty and the Beast.”

The main feature of Colmar is its bright half-timbered houses of various colors, narrow streets, canals, and cozy squares with fountains. The city is often described as a place where historical atmosphere is combined with romantic landscapes.

Tourists are especially active in Colmar in December for the Christmas markets. However, as noted in the article, the city has a special charm at any time of the year. Spring is considered a particularly pleasant time to travel.

One of the best ways to get to know the city is to take a flat-bottomed boat trip through the canals of the Petite Venise district with a local guide. This tour allows you to see the ancient architecture from an unusual perspective and experience the atmosphere of historic Alsace.

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Dinant, Belgium: a city between cliffs and a river

Dinant, Belgium, is located in the French-speaking region of Wallonia. It is a small but very atmospheric city, seemingly squeezed between steep cliffs and the Meuse River.

The main architectural landmark of the city is the Collegiate Church of Our Lady, a Gothic building with an unusual onion-shaped bell tower, the shape of which resembles a pear. Inside the temple, you can see a majestic nave with massive stone columns and stained glass windows.

A medieval citadel towers over the city, located on top of a limestone cliff. Its thick stone walls, towers, and fortifications give the impression of a fairytale castle.

Getting to the citadel is not easy — you have to climb 408 steps. However, for those who are not ready for such a climb, there is an alternative option — a cable car.

The author also recommends trying the local Belgian fries. According to him, the famous fries from Brussels' Grand Place cannot compare to the dish from La Phine Frite, where you can try them for about $8.

Schwerin, Germany: the hidden treasure of northern Germany

The German city of Schwerin is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, although many tourists have hardly heard of it.

It is the capital of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, known primarily for its palace — Schweriner Schloss. The bright yellow 19th-century building with golden domes and towers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although the palace is still used as a government residence, most of its interiors are open to tourists.

In addition to the palace, it is worth visiting Schwerin Cathedral, which is known for its collection of stained glass windows and the highest spire in the region.

Interestingly, most of Schwerin's historic buildings have been preserved in their original form.

Unlike many other German cities, such as Cologne or Dresden, there has been much less reconstruction here after the destruction of World War II.

That is why Schwerin is often called the ideal place to get to know the “real” Germany without crowds of tourists.

Salzburg, Austria: the city of Mozart and Baroque palaces

Many travelers call Salzburg, Austria, the most beautiful city in the Alps. Its historic center is a compact labyrinth of ancient streets, squares, and domes made of light limestone.

The old town of Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the southern bank of the Salzach River is Mirabell Palace, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece with luxurious gardens and flower arrangements.

In the city center, tourists can find the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born — a bright yellow three-story building on the shopping street Getreidegasse.

Another famous location is Residenzplatz, a majestic square with an ornate fountain and the former palace of the prince-archbishop.

The best view of the city is from the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can get there on foot or by a short funicular ride. From there, tourists can climb to the top of Mönchsberg and see a panorama of the whole of Salzburg and the Alps from the Winkler viewing platform.

As noted in Travel Off Path, it is the combination of historical architecture, mountain scenery, and cultural heritage that makes Salzburg one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in Europe.

Tip: When planning a trip to such cities, it is important to take care of safety in advance. For Ukrainians traveling abroad, it may be useful to take out medical insurance. For example, through the Visit Ukraine service, you can quickly take out an insurance policy online — this will help you avoid unexpected medical expenses while traveling.

We remind you! Spring is one of the most comfortable seasons for traveling in Ukraine: there are fewer tourists, nature is renewing itself, and prices are not yet summer prices. The Carpathians, Transcarpathia, gastro-routes, and seasonal locations — there are options for every taste and format. Read more about the most interesting spring destinations and ready-made tours for 2026.

Photo: Irina Mos / Shutterstock

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