Exploring the Fairytale World of ACOTAR

If you’re like me, then you’ve dreamed of actually getting to see the fairytale world of A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). It’s filled with mystical courts, enchanted forests, and ethereal palaces. Sarah J. Maas introduces us to dreamy landscapes of Prythian’s Night Court to the greenery of Tamlin’s Spring Court. Let’s explore the real-world destinations that capture the essence of ACOTAR.

The Spring Court – Verdant Gardens and Fairytale Castles

The Spring Court, home to Tamlin, is a land of lush meadows, blooming flowers, and golden sunlight. If you’ve ever wanted to step into this vibrant, enchanted realm, these real-world locations will transport you there:

Ashford Castle

✨Ashford Castle (Ireland) – Surrounded by rolling green hills and serene lakes, this medieval castle boasts the elegance of Tamlin’s court. Imagine wandering through rose-covered archways and ivy-laced stone walls—a setting straight out of ACOTAR.

✨ The Keukenhof Gardens (Netherlands) – Also known as the "Garden of Europe," these fields of tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms feel like they were painted by the hands of Feyre.

✨ Hohenzollern Castle (Germany) – This fairytale-like castle, has towering spires and misty forests. It perfectly mirrors what you might visualize for Tamlin’s estate.

📍 Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May)

The Night Court – Starry Skies and Mountain Hideaways

Let’s get to the meat of it. Arguably the most beloved setting in the series, Velaris, the City of Starlight, is a hidden paradise. It’s a world full of twinkling skies, riverside cafés, and dramatic mountain backdrops. While Prythian’s Night Court remains fictional (boo), these destinations bring its magic to life:

Reine, Norway

✨ Hallstatt, Austria – This quaint lakeside town, between snow-capped mountains, has total Velaris vibes. Serene waters and lantern-lit streets make it an approved Rhysand getaway.

✨ Reine, Norway – With its Northern Lights and fjords, Reine captures the beauty of the Court of Dreams. Imagine standing beneath the aurora borealis, feeling as if Starfall is happening right before your eyes.

✨ Santorini, Greece – The white-washed buildings and deep blue sea of Santorini bring the City of Starlight to life. Enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the Aegean, just like Rhysand and Feyre would.

📍 Best Time to Visit: Winter (December–February) for snow-covered mountains, or summer (June–August) for vibrant Mediterranean nights.

The Autumn Court – Fiery Forests and Golden Sunsets

While I may not love the Vanserra family, fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. Home to Lucien and the Vanserra family, the Autumn Court is a beauty of crimson leaves, golden forests, and flickering candlelight. These stunning locations capture its cozy yet dangerous beauty.

Aspen, CO, USA

✨ The Black Forest (Germany) – A place of dark fairytales and ancient magic, this hauntingly beautiful woodland feels like it’s straight from ACOTAR.

✨ Aspen, Colorado (USA) – With its fiery orange and red foliage, Aspen in autumn mirrors the Autumn Court’s grandeur. It’s the perfect place to sip cider and get lost in an enchanting bookshop.

✨ Eibsee, Bavaria (Germany) – A mirror-like lake surrounded by golden trees, it brings the magic of the Autumn Court.

📍 Best Time to Visit: September–November, when the leaves are at their most vibrant.

The Winter Court – Snowy Forests and Frost-Kissed Castles

The Winter Court, ruled by High Lord Kallias, is a world of snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes. These breathtaking places offer the perfect Winter Court experience:

Lake Bled, Slovenia

✨ Lapland, Finland – Imagine an Arctic wonderland of snow-draped trees, frozen rivers, and reindeer-drawn sleighs.

✨ Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany) – Often called "the real-life Disney castle," this snow-capped palace looks exactly like a place the High Fae of Winter would call home.

✨ Lake Bled, Slovenia – With its frosty blue waters and fairytale island, Lake Bled transforms into a Winter Court dreamscape during the colder months.

📍 Best Time to Visit: December–February for the ultimate snowy fairytale.

The Bookish Cafés and Shops of a Fairytale World

No ACOTAR-inspired trip would be complete without visiting a cozy book café or enchanting bookstore where you can read like Nesta in the House of Wind. Here are a few must-visit places:

☕ Livraria Lello (Porto, Portugal) – This ornate, magical bookstore looks like something straight out of the House of Wind’s library.

☕ The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, USA) – A whimsical labyrinth of books, perfect for getting lost in fantasy worlds.

☕ BooksActually (Singapore) – A charming, indie bookstore filled with rare and hidden literary treasures.

📍 Best Time to Visit: Anytime—because there’s never a bad time to curl up with a book!

From fairytale castles to hidden bookish cafés, the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses comes to life in some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical Night Court, the dreamy Spring Court, or the fiery Autumn Court, there’s a real-world destination waiting to transport you into Sarah J. Maas’ fairytale world.

📖 ✈️ Which court would you love to visit the most? Let us know in the comments!

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