Our Readers’ Hidden Europe

Brasov, Romania

As the 12th largest country in Europe, there is plenty to see in Romania, but reader Don0531 believes the Transylvanian town of Brasov "nestled in a valley surrounded by green mountains" is "one of the prettiest cities in the world," and recommends taking "a cable car to the top of the mountain ... the view is stupendous."

(Photo: iStockphoto/Aurelian Gogonea)

Gruyere, Switzerland

Switzerland may be a smorgasbord of small villages scattered about the Alps, but reader jab favors the French-influenced cheese-making town of Gruyere. "The town is set on a hill with a medieval castle framed with a backdrop of mountains ... We spent the night, and sitting on our balcony, hearing cow bells as the herd settled in, was like a scene from the 'Sound of Music'."

(Photo: iStockphoto/asterix0597)

Vianden, Luxembourg

Luxembourg is oftentimes overlooked in favor of its more popular neighbors, but there is plenty to see in this small country. Reader Leslie Williams Schwerdt fell in love with the small village of Vianden for its "castle on the hill, small stream running through town, and narrow, [and] charming streets."

(Photo: iStockphoto/klaas van der ploeg)

Oviedo, Spain

Visitors who forego trendy Barcelona may be pleasantly surprised to find small Spanish towns that exhibit a world all of their own. Reader Anne Marie Barber recommends Oviedo for this exact reason, saying, "the northwest has a totally different culture and cuisine from the rest of Spain."

(Photo: iStockphoto/Ingenui)

Levanto, Italy

Italy is more than Rome, Florence, and Venice. Reader Paul Roos agrees, and recommends "the tiny fishing village of Levanto just north of the Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare) ... [It has a] quiet, laid back atmosphere with great eateries—and is inexpensive compared to the five villages south of it. Villa Santa Margherita is a B&B worth looking at."

(Photo: iStockphoto/Edward Shaw)

Olomouc, Czech Republic

When in the Czech Republic, reader joza is a big fan of visiting the lesser-known village of Olomouc. It's a "very old town with two great squares, many churches and old building[s], narrow streets with surprises behind every curve. They also make very famous cheese called 'Olomoucke tvaruzky.'"

(Photo: iStockphoto/Karel Gallas)

Sopron, Hungary

Sopron, Hungary

Budapest attracts visitors from all over the world for a reason, but reader Rosalie Gjerde recommends skipping the major city and heading to the small town of Sopron, which is located "only an hour from Vienna, and [is a] lovely Baroque town that goes back even to Roman times. Good sights and good food at reasonable prices. Lots of spa amenities."

(Photo: iStockphoto/dr. Le Thanh Hung)

Trier, Germany

Germany offers a wide variety of historic sites, cultures, and traditions, especially for those willing to look beyond Berlin and Munich. Reader Mike Gilmore discovered all of this and more in Trier, which is "over 2,000 years old and a treasure trove of Roman history! The 'Porta Nigra' alone is worth the train ride!"

(Photo: iStockphoto/Chris Crafter)

Porec, Croatia

When most people think of Croatia, their thoughts turn to Dubrovnik, but reader redsky7 recommends Porec, the "lovely Roman city on the Adriatic Sea" for its "marble-like Roman cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, gorgeous coastline, [and] Roman ruins."

(Photo: iStockphoto/Jacques Croizer)

Aurillac, France

Wandering off the well-worn Paris path can offer insight into a different time. Reader santamaria is particularly fond of the harder-to-reach town of Aurillac (site in French only), and its downtown filled with historic architecture. "Many 'Musketeer' films have been filmed on location in Aurillac, and you can feel the historic atmosphere when you walk around the small streets and narrow alleys. Since normally cars are not allowed, you can easily imagine yourself a Musketeer from another century."

Honorable Mentions

Though we couldn't include every suggestion, there were some that were too good to pass up. So, we're adding a few honorable mentions to this list. To see readers' full comments, please visit their profile page.

Reader gbruels recommends Cangas de Onis in Northern Spain for a stay in a converted monastery.

Reader Mediterraneo offers driving tips and places to stop along the southern coast of Crete.

Reader gemsam provides insight into Abernathy, Scotland, and its Black Watch Memorial.

Reader abruton finds a bit of Switzerland in Greece in the small town of Metsovo.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Europe's hidden gems. Where else might you recommend other travelers look beyond the everyday tourist areas?

(Photo: iStockphoto/Rene Lubberdink)