Forbes magazine has presented the 50 most beautiful villages in the world. Particularly pleasing for local travel fans: Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut makes it into the top 3. Falstaff TRAVEL goes in search of the little gems that are among the most charming places in the world.
The US magazine "Forbes" has just selected the most beautiful villages in the world and compiled them in a coveted ranking. The villages were selected in collaboration with the New York travel agency "Unforgettable Travel Company". Places were chosen for their scenic beauty, cultural heritage and unique character.
Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region made it onto the coveted list in third place. The small village on Lake Hallstatt has long been considered a postcard motif - surrounded by steep mountains and an unmistakable Alpine flair. The historic old town with its colorful houses, the unique location on the water and the millennia-old salt tradition make the town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been attracting visitors from all over the world for years and is considered one of the most photographed villages in the Alps. The inclusion in the "Forbes" list once again confirms its international cult status. Being recognized worldwide is further proof of its appeal for the community of only around 700 inhabitants.
In addition to Hallstatt, a number of other world-famous places have also made it onto the list of the most beautiful villages:
Bibury (England) - 1st place in the ranking, known for its honey-colored stone cottages.
Oia (Santorini, Greece) - with its white houses and spectacular sunsets.
Giethoorn (Netherlands) - the "Venice of the North" without cars, only canals.
Reine (Norway) - a fishing village in the middle of the Lofoten Islands.
Shirakawa-go (Japan) - famous for the traditional Gassho-Zukuri wooden houses.
Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia) - a coastal village with unmistakable white and blue architecture.
Overall, European destinations dominate, but villages from Asia, North America and Africa are also represented. The selection thus shows: beauty knows no geographical boundaries.
