In a world filled with travel bucket lists and must-see destinations, some places quietly enchant travelers without the overwhelming crowds. If you’re searching for destinations that feel straight out of a storybook, look no further than Colmar, France, and Jiufen, Taiwan. Both towns are often overlooked in favor of more famous neighbors, but each offers its own unique brand of charm—Colmar with its pastel-painted timber houses and canal-lined streets, and Jiufen with its lantern-lit stairways and misty mountain views.
Let’s journey through these two underrated gems and uncover what makes them perfect for travelers who seek beauty, culture, and magic off the beaten path.
Colmar, France: A Living Fairytale in Alsace
Nestled in the Alsace region of northeastern France, Colmar is like stepping into the pages of a medieval storybook. With its half-timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets, and colorful facades that reflect in tranquil canals, the town feels frozen in time—and yet, it pulses with artistic and historical life.
Why You Should Visit Colmar
Colmar has been described as the inspiration behind the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and it’s easy to see why. It’s small and walkable, incredibly photogenic, and rich in French-German cultural fusion thanks to its location near the German border.
Top Things to Do in Colmar
- Stroll through La Petite Venise (Little Venice): The heart of Colmar, where canals wind between vibrant houses and flower-covered bridges.
- Visit the Unterlinden Museum: Home to the Isenheim Altarpiece and a fascinating collection of medieval and modern art.
- Explore the Old Town: Get lost in colorful alleyways lined with bakeries, wine shops, and timber-framed architecture.
- Wine Tasting in Alsace: Colmar sits on the Alsace Wine Route—sample crisp whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer at nearby vineyards.
- Ride a canal boat: For a unique perspective of the town, take a quiet, electric-powered boat ride through the canals.
Best Time to Go
Spring and summer bring blooming flowers and festivals, while December transforms Colmar into a magical Christmas village complete with one of the most charming holiday markets in Europe.
Travel Tip
Consider staying overnight—many tourists visit Colmar as a day trip from Strasbourg or Basel, but the real charm comes alive in the early mornings and evenings, when the streets are quieter and the fairy lights glow.
Jiufen, Taiwan: A Misty Mountain Town of Lanterns & Teahouses
Perched on the hills above Taiwan’s northeastern coast, Jiufen (or Jioufen) is a former gold mining town that feels suspended between the past and present. Known for its dramatic mountain scenery, bustling night markets, and steep stairways lined with red lanterns, Jiufen offers a cinematic charm that draws those seeking something mysterious, cultural, and utterly enchanting.
Why You Should Visit Jiufen
Often referred to as the inspiration for the animated masterpiece Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli (though never officially confirmed), Jiufen radiates that same otherworldly ambiance. Here, old Japanese-style teahouses and narrow alleys overlook mist-shrouded valleys and the Pacific Ocean.
Top Things to Do in Jiufen
- Walk through Jiufen Old Street: A lively marketplace where vendors sell traditional Taiwanese snacks, bubble tea, taro balls, and handcrafted souvenirs.
- Relax in a traditional teahouse: Sip high-mountain oolong tea while overlooking the sea at A-Mei Teahouse or one of the many cozy, lantern-lit spots.
- Climb Keelung Mountain: A moderately challenging hike offering panoramic views of the town and ocean—especially beautiful at sunrise.
- Visit the Gold Museum in nearby Jinguashi: Learn about Jiufen’s gold rush history and explore old mining tunnels.
- Catch a sunset from the Jiufen viewpoint: As the lanterns flicker to life, the view transforms into something truly cinematic.
Best Time to Go
Jiufen is charming year-round, but autumn and winter bring a moody atmosphere that enhances its mystical vibe. Misty weather is common, but it adds to the allure—so pack a light raincoat and embrace it.
Travel Tip
Avoid weekends if possible. Jiufen is a popular getaway from Taipei, so weekdays are best for quieter, more immersive experiences.
Comparing the Two: Culture, Atmosphere & Accessibility
Though worlds apart in geography and culture, Colmar and Jiufen share a few striking similarities:
- Both are built into unique landscapes—Colmar on canal networks, Jiufen on misty mountain slopes.
- Both exude storybook charm, with architecture and scenery that look lifted from fantasy films.
- Each has a deep history—Colmar in art and wine, Jiufen in mining and Japanese influence.
- Both offer walkable, compact layouts that encourage exploration at a leisurely pace.
Yet the experiences are distinct.
- Colmar is best for those drawn to European elegance, Alsatian cuisine, and historical architecture.
- Jiufen is for those seeking Eastern mystique, street food adventures, and atmospheric mountain vibes.
Getting There
To Colmar:
- From Strasbourg: ~30 minutes by train
- From Basel, Switzerland: ~1 hour by train
- From Paris: ~2.5 hours by high-speed TGV
To Jiufen:
- From Taipei:
- Take a train to Ruifang Station (~1 hour)
- Transfer to a local bus or taxi (~15 minutes uphill)
Final Thoughts: Two Hidden Gems, One Magical Journey
Whether you’re sipping Riesling in a canal-side café in Colmar or wandering up lantern-lit stairs in Jiufen, these two destinations invite you to slow down, explore, and soak in the enchantment. They may not be the most famous spots on the map, but that’s exactly what makes them special. Off the beaten path, full of personality, and rich in atmosphere, Colmar and Jiufen remind us that the real magic of travel lies in discovering the world’s quieter wonders.
So next time you’re planning a trip and want something beautiful, immersive, and unforgettable, consider the fairytale streets of Colmar and the mountain magic of Jiufen—two underrated wonders just waiting to be explored.