7 Best National Parks in Europe in 2024
Most people associate Europe with its greatest cities – Rome, Venice, London, Paris, and many other amazing places that have been across the ages, lands of fascination for tourists of all kinds.
Wilderness and natural beauty are not two things you instantaneously associate with Europe – and we won’t delve into discussions on why this happens, but instead, stick to proving you wrong.
Europe is filled with amazing natural landscapes. From North to South and from East to West, you will find national parks and natural habitats that are breath-taking (to say the least). Which ones are the best?
We have researched some of the best parks in Europe – so read on and find out more.
1. The Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
This is the perfect blend between a picturesque, wild landscape, and that perfect vibe that tends to characterize pretty much everything German. It seems like this place was engineered into natural perfection and now the people of Germany simply love it.
Make sure to visit this park if you are in this area – this place will take your breath away with its wooden paths. And if you’re courageous enough, do adventure towards Grosser Arber – the peak that seems to guard, like a giant, the entire national park.
The Bavarian Forest National Park, A MUST visit for everyone in Europe who falls in love with the stunning beauty of Mother Nature!
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
You will simply love this place. Wilder and more untamed than the Bavarian Forest, the Plitvice Lakes are the kind of place that sticks to your memory for years and years. The lakes themselves are mighty impressive, surrounded by sturdy rocks and wild greenery, guarded by ages and ages of Mother Nature doing its best in creating beauty.
The entire park is filled with wonders that will please your eye and soothe your soul. The Big Waterfall is where the majestic view is, but other than that, there are plenty of other places that will definitely make you feel amazing.
Kozjak, Korana, and the Lower Lakes, the other major attractions of the park, are among the very best things you will ever explore. Breathtaking is not strong enough to suffice just how stunning this entire park is!
3. Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
There is something truly unique about the North of Europe. Almost eerie, but in an eternally fascinating and breathtaking way, the natural landscapes here are indeed something different, in every single aspect.
The Þingvellir National Park in Iceland is just one of those places. It will steal your heart from the very first photo, and it will keep it forever hidden among the rocks of the North if you want to visit it.
The Glymur Waterfall is one of the centerpieces of the entire park. But the absolute star is none other than the Aurora Borealis. If you manage to visit in season, visiting this kind of place will simply change you forever. There is just no way you can be left immune to the magic of the Aurora, nor to its absolute uniqueness.
4. Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal
This mountain area in Portugal is a dream come true for anyone who is looking for the kind of trip that will make the entire family happy. There are places where you can simply retreat and relax, hiking routes to train your body and your spirit, as well as prehistoric sites for the history buff in everyone.
The imagery is absolutely idyllic – and with Portugal’s warm weather, you are more than likely to enjoy the entire trip, especially during summertime. The greenery and the little settlements here and there, Cascata do Arado, Santuario de Nosa Senhora da Peneda – these are just some of the activities and locations you will enjoy while here!
5. Eifel National Park, Germany
No, we are not talking about Eiffel Tower in Paris (definitely a landmark to visit, but not within the scope of this article either!).
The Eifel National Park is located in Germany, and it looks like a small mountain area town. You will find not only stunning natural splendor around these parts but old architectural vestiges and a small German town vibe hard to equal as well.
The Kermeter is our top recommendation for hiking and walking, while the Kommern Open Air Museum is a man-made place you will love especially if you love folk heritage.
6. National Park Kornati, Croatia
Perhaps not surprising for many, Croatia appeared on our list twice – just like Germany. Although they display different types of wilderness (and not only in terms of the foliage and fauna but also in terms of general vibe), both of these countries can definitely win a prize for the stunning national parks they host.
The National Park Kornati is not your usual wooden track. Rocky and almost deserted in a fascinating way, this place will stick to your heart and memory for its uniqueness and savor. Don’t forget to visit this park for sure, if you go to Croatia!
7. Cinque Terre, Italy
Located on the Italian Riviera coastline, this town and the national park surrounding it is just what you imagine when you think of an Italian coastline town. The terraced houses abound in color and great food – and the surrounding area “hides” a 12-kilometer hiking trail that will take you to fabulous locations by the seaside.
An absolute dream for every traveler – for those who like history and culture, for those who like food, for those who like to sprinkle it all with a bit of adventure!
Of course, these are just some of the national parks in Europe – the entire continent abounds in splendid natural spots bound to take your breath away. Even more, each of them is associated with its own cuisine, with its own culture, with its own traditions – which makes the entire idea of traveling there all the more exciting.
Pick any national park in Europe, from the UK to Russia and from Iceland to Greece, and we guarantee you will love it!