10Hallstatt, Austria

Set along the banks of a vast, glistening lake and surrounded by towering mountains, the village of Hallstatt is a favorite small-town destination in Austria, looking as if it came straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. The nearby mountains not only provide a breathtaking backdrop, but they’re home to a number of caves, including the famous Ice Cave.

There are only a few places in the world where tourists can easily access mega-sized ice caves and this is truly one of the best. Beyond the main Ice Cave, the Mammoth Cave is popular for trekking, while the 5 Fingers Lookout will let you dangle high over the mountain’s edge, taking in the view that will make you feel as if you’re on top of the world. The Ice Cave is closed from late October until May, but the upper sections, Dachstein Mountain and Alpine huts are open in the winter.

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