I've only been in Europe for about a week and a half, and I have seen a lot of beautiful places here. I've even seen some absolutely breathtaking scenery back home in the states (a certain road-trip to Colorado comes to mind). That being said, Schloss Heroldeck (just outside Millstatt am See in southern Austria) is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The house was originally built as a summer home for an Austrian family. During World War I, it was taken over by the Nazis and renovated in many ways. Unfortunately, no pictures of the schloss (castle) from before the Nazis took over have been found. It is still a beautiful house, but I would have loved to have seen it as it was first built. Nonetheless, here are some things you should know about Schloss Heroldeck and Millstatt am See:

1. They are located between a lake and a small mountain.

The schloss is set up on the mountainside a little, but is connected to the lake by a trail and a private dock. There are also trails that go up into the mountainside, making the schloss a perfect place to visit. A few of us hiked those trails, intending to see the sunrise. It was too foggy to see the sun, but we still took a ton of beautiful photos and the view was breathtaking.

2. Schloss Heroldeck has two turrets, both with rainbow-colored tiles on the roofs.

The turrets are gorgeous, and the view is spectacular!

3. It is so peaceful.

I have never been to a place that is so breathtakingly beautiful and pure.

4. Millstatt am See is home to an awesome church/monastery.

And also a graveyard. The monastery isn't functional anymore, but people live and possibly work in the building, which still stands, and there is a museum there, as well. If you visit in the off-season, like we did, you may still be able to go in and walk around, since a good portion of the museum seems to be open-air and unlocked.

5. Millstatt am See is a tourist town that functions mainly during the summer.

And you should definitely visit if you get the chance, even if you can only go in the off-season. Hike the trails, maybe do a polar plunge in the lake, and walk around the town and explore the monastery. Have fun!

Go and see some of these gorgeous views: