Advertisement
Come this way and enter a fairy tale.
These 12 mesmerising images come courtesy of a photographer “on a mission to capture the most beautiful corners of Europe” who has photographed towns and cities so pretty they seem straight out of a fantasy world.
The person behind the lens is Steven Van der Hulst, 30, from Huizen, a former fishing village near Amsterdam, who says he wants to “inspire people to visit the beautiful old cities of Europe” through his art.
He started taking and editing photos “for fun” 11 years ago, and now has more than 64,000 followers who admire his images on Instagram, where he posts under the profile name @stevenvanderhulst.
The photographer has turned the lens of his Canon 80D camera towards cobbled streets, quirky old houses, romantic winding roads and flower-filled markets across the continent, but it has an affinity for Germany and France.
Steven says he has a “desire to continue discovering new places and inspiring other people around the world to explore the hidden beauty of Europe, proving that there is so much more to see beyond the big cities.” Scroll down and enter Steven’s enchanting world…
Steven says that Idstein (pictured), a small town near Frankfurt, boasts “some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in Germany.”
In this photograph, Steven captures the beautiful medieval village of Eguisheim in Alsace, France. He says: “France is my speciality when it comes to capturing ancient towns and I consider it the most beautiful country in Europe. The variety in architecture is incredible.”
The two photographs above were taken in Bavaria, a region that Steven says “has a lot to offer.” On the left, there’s a street he describes in an Instagram post as “one of the most beautiful” in Nuremberg: the Weissgerbergasse. However, he adds that his favorite place in the German region is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. On the right, there’s a photo taken there of a crooked yellow house, fountain, and tower collectively known as the Plonlein. Steven says this spot is one of the highlights of the city, adding, “I’ve visited it several times. The city is charming, the architecture truly unique, and the vibrant colors captivating.”
This picture shows the quirky market square in the German town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley. Steven comments on Instagram: “Look closer and you’ll see that not all the facades face the same direction, which makes this market square unique.” He adds: “You can take a boat trip on the Moselle River for a completely different perspective. The local wines are exceptional and of course you can’t miss Cochem Castle. This is a place that never gets old.”
Pictured left, Bernkastel-Kues, a village in the Moselle Valley, is bursting with colour. Steven comments: “The Moselle Valley is a dreamlike region, where towns and villages seem straight out of a fairy tale.” On the right, Diez-Lahn in Rhineland-Palatinate, which Steven notes has a “rich history” thanks in part to the 13th-century castle on the side of a hill, towering over the houses.
This striking image captures the gardens of Nylic Square in the Normandy seaside resort of Cabourg, which Steven says offers “beautiful architecture, stunning scenery and delicious food.” The photographer says Normandy is one of his favourite parts of France, describing it as “an extraordinary region with a rich history.” He adds: “The landscape is inspiring and the coastal towns have unique architecture.”
Bad Wimpfen (left), a small historic spa town in southern Germany, is a place Steven says is a “must visit”, highlighting its “stunning architecture”. To the right is one of the photographer’s favourite places in Normandy: Rouen. He comments: “Rouen offers so much to see, from grand cathedrals to countless medieval half-timbered houses. The Gros-Horloge (pictured), a stunning golden clock that you can walk under, is another highlight.”
The cherry-red half-timbered houses of Monreal in Eifel, Germany, are captured in this image. Steven says: “Fairy tales are real in Monreal! A small town but of great beauty. Monreal made it to my (list of) favourite towns in Germany.”
![Take a look at Semur-en-Auxois, one of Burgundy’s “most amazing medieval villages,” according to Steven. The photographer adds: “Whether you’re in the north, south, east or west[of France]each region offers something unique. Driving through the country is a wonderful experience, as the landscapes are diverse and breathtaking.”](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/09/1726321467_197_Im-a-photographer-on-a-mission-to-capture-the-most.jpg.webp "I'm a photographer on a mission to capture the most beautiful corners of Europe: here are 12 of the most beautiful places I've discovered. 27")
Take a look at Semur-en-Auxois, one of Burgundy’s “most amazing medieval villages,” according to Steven. The photographer adds: “Whether you’re in the north, south, east or west[of France]each region offers something unique. Driving through the country is a wonderful experience, as the landscapes are diverse and breathtaking.”
