Admit it, we’ve all experienced the fantasy of wanting to escape our everyday lives and settle down in a gorgeous, fairy tale land, where it’s all happiness and merriment. I see you shaking your head with enthusiasm already. Well, well – it is no longer a far-fetched idea. These villages look like they’ve jumped straight out of a storybook, complete with its countryside feel, quirky homes, colorful natural beauty and ever-charming people. The best part- these are all real villages that actually exist. So you know where to head when the escape bug bites.

1. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstat features a pristine alpine landscape that is a part of the Salzkammergut Eastern Alps. Its high visual appeal combined with narrow valleys and medieval era prosperity makes it one of the most sought after Austrian hamlets. Halstatt (translating to salt settlement), an erstwhile salt settlement community is known for its picturesque perfect homes, pristine natural beauty and gorgeous Baroque-style structures. Yes you’ll be forgiven for thinking, you’re in the middle of a story-book village, it’s so perfect

2Rothenburg, Germany

One of Europe’s most ingeniously preserved middle age towns, this is one delightful destination. Yes, and it’s a much sought after stopover on the Romantic Road route. Nestled smack on the banks of River Tauber, its 17th century structures look almost untouched. Then there are a string of fascinating museums chronicling the nation’s rich legacy plus the iconic Town Hall, erstwhile churches and ancient mechanical figures. If nothing else, walk through the cobbled streets of the town for a first hand glimpse of Germany’s illustrious history.

3Gokayama, Japan

Gokayama in Japan is marked as a World Cultural Heritage site for its unique nails-free construction technique. No structure in the town utilizes a nail for construction. Not just its dangerous looking mountains and plunging valleys, Gokayama is also known for its World Drama Festival. The multistoried houses here are built on what is referred to as gassho zukuri style, which gained worldwide recognition following UNESCO’s honor. Today, the homes are considered a valuable cultural asset to be passed down from one generation to another.

4Shengsi Fishing Village

That which isn’t occupied by man is taken over by nature. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of Shengsi fishing village. This abandoned hamlet is nestled in Shengsi at the base of Yangtze River. While members of the erstwhile fishing community have set up homes on the mainland, natural resources have captured vacant spaces. Sijiao is one of the several Shengsi islands that can be used by tourists for enjoying a dip. The region hosts about 100,000 fishermen annually for its mild and gentle climate.