Let’s face it—Europe’s charm is hard to beat. From misty lakeside villages to alpine peaks and storybook streets, places like Austria’s Lake District have a magical pull.
But what if you could get that same fairytale feel without hopping on a long-haul flight?
Believe it or not, South Africa has its own scenic gems that echo the quiet beauty of Austria’s mountain towns. Think pine-covered slopes, chilly air, charming cottages, and peaceful dams.
If you’re after that alpine fix a little closer to home, these six South African towns will surprise you.
Clarens, Free State: Autumn Gold and Storybook Streets
Tucked at the base of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens feels like it belongs on a puzzle box cover.
Its golden sandstone cliffs practically glow at sunset, and the crisp mountain air adds to the magic.
The town is sprinkled with art galleries, inviting cafés, and cozy cottages that wouldn’t look out of place in the Alps.
And while it may not have a lake, Clarens delivers serious Hallstatt energy—especially in autumn, when the trees explode in color.
Feels like: Hallstatt on a sunlit afternoon, minus the lake but full of European charm.
Haenertsburg, Limpopo: Misty Mornings and Mountain Roads
Driving into Haenertsburg feels like crossing into another world.
Nestled in the Wolkberg Mountains, this village brings misty mornings, dense pine forests, and twisty roads that make you feel like you’ve landed in Austria’s Salzkammergut region.
Nearby Ebenezer Dam adds that essential lakeside element, and the cool, fresh air makes this a favourite for mountain lovers.
Feels like: An Austrian village in early spring—peaceful, green, and full of mountain magic.
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga: A Chilly Hideaway with Trout and Fireplaces
Known as South Africa’s fly-fishing capital, Dullstroom brings strong alpine vibes.
Set at one of the country’s highest points, this little town is all about mist, stone lodges, and serene trout dams.
Whether you’re sipping glühwein by a fireplace or walking through quiet hills, it’s easy to forget you’re still in South Africa.
Feels like: A cozy village near Austria’s Wolfgangsee—complete with chilled wine and warm sweaters.
Hogsback, Eastern Cape: Fairytales and Forests in the Mountains
Hogsback is where alpine meets enchantment. Set in the lush Amathole Mountains, this town is surrounded by waterfalls, rivers, and forests that wouldn’t look out of place in a fantasy novel.
The Tolkien-esque atmosphere is no accident—locals say it inspired Middle-earth, and it’s easy to believe.
Add a few wood-burning stoves and misty mornings, and you’ve got a destination that’s both whimsical and wild.
Feels like: An Austrian forest village that stumbled into a fairytale.
Swellendam, Western Cape: Cape Dutch Meets Countryside Calm
While it’s not a mountain town in the strictest sense, Swellendam’s charm lies in its soft, rolling hills and historic beauty.
The Langeberg Mountains create a majestic backdrop, while whitewashed Cape Dutch homes dot the landscape.
Life moves slowly here, and the surrounding farmland and nearby nature reserve make it a peaceful retreat.
Feels like: A quiet slice of Austria near Attersee—rustic, green, and full of timeless charm.
Sabie, Mpumalanga: Waterfalls, Winding Roads and Wild Views
Sabie serves up some of the most dramatic scenery in Mpumalanga.
From the towering Mac Mac Falls to the twisty Long Tom Pass, this region feels every bit as striking as Austria’s alpine roads.
The thick forests and cool temperatures add to the European atmosphere, making Sabie feel like a valley town with extra flair.
Feels like: A lakeside Alpine retreat with a wild streak—think towering cliffs, waterfalls, and mist.