Europe may be famous for a lot of things—history, culture, spectacular architecture—but nature doesn’t usually top the list. Look beyond the epic cities, though, and you’ll find that Europe’s best national parks are just as spectacular as its man-made side, providing a fabulous array of environments to explore, from rugged coastlines and towering mountains to dense forests and crystal-clear lakes. Imagine: hiking through the Alps, exploring Mediterranean coastlines, or wandering through vast northern wildernesses.
All in all, Europe is home to 500+ national parks—making the list below quite the narrowing job. For nature lovers, adventurers, and travelers seeking the ultimate outdoor European escape, or for dreamers who are armchair traveling, here are eight of the best national parks in Europe.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in Europe—it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sitting pretty in central Croatia, it’s famous for its gorgeous lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush shades of green. The park’s 16 terraced lakes, linked by waterfalls, are set in deep woodlands and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and rare bird species.
Visitors can explore the park via wooden walkways and hiking trails that wind around the lakes and waterfalls, offering gobstopping views at every turn. The vibrant turquoise waters, combined with the rich green foliage, create a magical atmosphere that, truly, seems a little too good to be true. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the park is less crowded and the colors of the lakes and forests are most vibrant.
Best time to visit: spring or fall
Fly into: Zagreb Airport (ZAG), approximately 2 hours away by car
Come for: interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush green forests teeming with wildlife
Cinque terre National Park
2. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Cinque Terre National Park, on the Italian Riviera, is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Europe (nay, the world). This park—it’s actually Italy’s smallest national park—encompasses five historic villages perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The colorful houses of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are linked by scenic hiking trails that wind through terraced vineyards and olive groves.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is the most popular hiking route, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the area’s picturesque villages. Along the way, stop for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or nab some fresh seafood at local trattorias. The rare combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Cinque Terre National Park one of the best national parks in Europe for history nature hounds, history buffs, and food lovers alike.
Best time to visit: spring or early summer
Fly into: Pisa International Airport (PSA), about 1.5 hours away by train
Come for: colorful coastal villages, terraced vineyards, and superb Mediterranean views
Vatnajökull National Park
3. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Get this: Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, covering roughly 14% of the country’s total land area. The park is named after the Vatnajökull Glacier, one of the largest ice caps in Europe, and features an otherworldly landscape of volcanoes, geothermal areas, and dramatic waterfalls, too.
Visitors can explore the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs break off from the Vatnajökull Glacier and float in the lagoon’s turquoise waters. The park is also home to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and Skaftafell, a popular area for hiking with trails that lead to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by epic basalt columns. Easily one of the best national parks in Europe, Vatnajökull is perfect for those who want to experience the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland’s wilderness. (It’s really not fair how gorgeous Iceland is!)
Best time to visit: summer
Fly into: Keflavik International Airport (KEF), then drive approximately 4.5 hours to the park
Come for: icy glaciers, geothermal features, and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Bastei Bridge
4. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Despite its name, Saxon Switzerland National Park is located in eastern Germany near the border with the Czech Republic. The park is beloved for its striking sandstone rock formations, deep valleys, and dense forests. The Elbe River winds through the park, too, adding to the dramatic (yet serene?) landscape. European national parks, at least on the mainland, don’t get much better than right here.
The park’s most famous landmark is the Bastei Bridge (pictured above), which offers sweeping views over the Elbe River and the surrounding cliffs. Beyond the bridge, hikers can also enjoy an extensive network of trails, including the Malerweg (Painter’s Way), which inspired many 18th and 19th-century artists. The park is especially beautiful in the fall when the forest bursts into vibrant autumn color.
Best time to visit: spring or fall
Fly into: Dresden Airport (DRS), about 1 hour away by car or train
Come for: craggy rock formations, the Bastei Bridge, and scenic Elbe River views
Triglav National Park
5. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Triglav National Park, located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, is named after Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak. A church for outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers a wide range of activities, like as hiking, climbing, kayaking, and skiing. The gorgeous Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest lake, is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing by the water’s edge.
Local trails offer access to actually breathtaking alpine scenery (phew!), including high peaks, emerald-green rivers, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers. One of the most famous hikes in the park is the ascent of Mount Triglav, a challenging climb that offers, obviously, spectacular views from the summit. Triglav National Park is an ideal destination for adventurers seeking an unspoiled alpine paradise.
Best time to visit: summer
Fly into: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), about 1.5 hours away by car
Come for: Mount Triglav, Lake Bohinj, and majestic alpine landscapes
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
6. Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Spain
Deep in the Pyrenees mountains of northern Spain, Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest national parks in Europe, and one of Europe’s best national parks, too. It’s dominated by Monte Perdido, the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees, and with that territory comes deep canyons, towering cliffs, and lush valleys to boot.
The Ordesa Valley, sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is the park’s most famous feature—it offers a variety of hiking trails, including routes to the misty Cola de Caballo waterfall. Naturally, the park is also home to diverse wildlife, including golden eagles, bearded vultures, and Pyrenean chamois.
Best time to visit: summer
Fly into: Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), approximately 2.5 hours away by car
Come for: the Ordesa Valley, Cola de Caballo waterfall, and dramatic Pyrenean mountain scenery
7. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
For those drawn to rugged, mountainous terrain, Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park offers some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Europe. The park is home to Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen, which stands at 8,100 feet (2,469 meters) above sea level. The park’s name translates to “Home of the Giants,” and so it is: The park contains little but dramatic and imposing landscapes of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes.
Jotunheimen is a popular destination for hikers, with numerous trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, such as the Besseggen Ridge—it rewards trekkers with panoramic views of the turquoise Gjende Lake and the surrounding mountains. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy glacier hiking and mountaineering. For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Jotunheimen National Park is a perfect choice. (Honestly, Norway at large is a perfect choice!)
Best time to visit: summer
Fly into: Oslo Airport (OSL), then drive about 4 hours to the park
Come for: towering peaks, glaciers, and the iconic Besseggen Ridge hike
Killarney National Park
8. Killarney National Park, Ireland
Killarney National Park, in southwestern Ireland’s County Kerry, is a beautiful park known for its gentle lakes, ancient woodlands, and the rugged peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The park is also home to the Muckross House and Gardens, a 19th-century mansion set against the backdrop of Killarney’s lakes.
Visitors can explore the park by hiking, cycling, or taking a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride. Popular spots within the park include the picturesque Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house located on the shores of Lough Leane. Killarney National Park is also a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it a must-visit for those interested in Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage—it’s one of the best national parks in Europe for history and culture.
Note: If you pop by Dublin, stop into the John Kehoe Pub and tell them hello from me!
Best time to visit: spring or fall
Fly into: Kerry Airport (KIR), just 20 minutes away by car
Come for: scenic lakes, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and lush ancient woodlands
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Publish date : 2024-12-05 12:54:00
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