12 American towns that look exactly like places in Europe
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The INSIDER Summary:
- Some towns in the US look like they belong in Europe.
- Many of these towns were originally settled by European immigrants.
- Examples include Solvang, California, St. Augustine, Florida, and Pella, Iowa.
Europe offers countless charming towns and attractions for visitors to explore.
But traveling costs money — especially if you get hit with foreign transaction fees — and sometimes you just don't have the funds or the time to make it across the pond.
Fortunately, several US states have their own slice of Europe.
From Frankenmuth, Michigan, to Tarpon Springs, Florida, here are 12 American towns that will make you feel like you're on a different continent.
Solvang, California
Danish settlers established Solvang in the early 1900s in an effort to move away from the chilly winters of the Midwest, where they had originally settled. The name actually means "sunny fields" in Danish.
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, the town is home to a windmill, Danish architecture, and plenty of bakeries, restaurants, and museums that reflect Danish culture. There's a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue as well as the city's Round Tower.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine bears the impressive title of the oldest city in the US. Founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers, the city is filled with authentic Spanish colonial architecture as well as beautifully-manicured gardens and fountains.
Vail, Colorado
Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain, just like Zermatt — the Swiss town it's inspired by — sits at the base of the Matterhorn.
Many of the hotels and restaurants that dot the luxe resort town have the impressive woodworking that's found on many Swiss chalets.
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