This storybook-perfect Swiss village is nestled in one of the deepest valleys of the Alpine chain, embellished with over seventy wispy waterfalls cascading high from the mighty rock faces that cradle the Lauterbrunnen valley. With lush greenery and alpine meadows contrasting with the snow-capped mountains, as well as picturesque chalet-style inns and summer village festivals, Lauterbrunnen is the picture of quaint European quintessence. The heavenly beauty of Lauterbrunnen has not escaped the trappings of the ink of writers whose hearts were caught by the valley over the years: Goethe penned his poem Song of the Spirits above the Waters while staying near the Staubbach Falls in the village, Lord Byron spoke of the same falls as though the "tail of the pale horse ridden by Death in the Apocalypse" and, most notably, JRR Tolkien found inspiration in the picturesque landscape for the beautiful outpost Rivendell.
12. Meteora, Greece
Meaning "in the heavens above," the Meteora rock formations nestled in the gorgeous forested landscapes of Greeces Plain of Thessaly are naturally formed from sandstone through wind and water and are true to their name, going hundreds of metres up in the air. What makes this site worth visiting, though, is the historical temple complex built impossibly on the peaks in the 14th century. Fearing the bloodshed coming from the fall of the Byzantine empire, Meteora was a refuge for the monks, who painstakingly through the use of rope nets and ladders forged the 20 monasteries, of which 4 are still standing. Whether youre religious or not, looking upon the isolated temples of Meteora, or at the breathtaking scenery from the top, calls a certain spirituality, and most certainly an appreciation for the steadfast faith and intrepidity of humanity when faced with peril. For any Game of Thrones fans thinking that ancient Greek monks foretold The Eyrie, you're not far off the fantastical location is said to be inspired by Meteoras monasteries.
Canadian student. Spends probably an unhealthy amount of time enthusing over musicals, unpopular TV shows, and Harry Potter. Main life goal: to become fluent in Elvish.
