12 Epic Travel Destinations for Fans of Fantasy and Science Fiction

17. Hallstatt, Austria: A Lakeside Village Frozen in Time

Hallstatt is the kind of place that makes you believe elves and wizards might still walk among us. Nestled between a glassy alpine lake and the towering Dachstein Mountains, this tiny Austrian village looks like it was conjured from a high fantasy novel or a painter’s most romantic dream. The pastel-colored houses cling to the cliffs above the water, their reflections rippling softly in the lake’s still surface. A Gothic spired church rises at the heart of town, and swans drift by lazily like they’re characters in an enchanted fairytale. Dating back to prehistoric times, Hallstatt is one of the oldest still-inhabited settlements in Europe. Yet it retains a timeless serenity that feels untouched by modern life. In winter, the snow-covered rooftops and fog-shrouded hills transform the town into a storybook village, while summer brings wildflowers, lush greenery, and a gentle hush that seems to whisper secrets from centuries past. It’s easy to imagine Hallstatt as a sanctuary for ancient scholars or the hidden refuge of a noble bloodline in exile. Whether exploring its bone house ossuary, hiking to salt mines deep within the mountains, or simply watching the clouds roll across the water, Hallstatt is an invitation to pause, breathe, and dream.