When city life starts to wear thin, acres of wide-open spaces offer the perfect antidote. Europe is home to some of the most gorgeous protected natural vistas in the world, filled with thick forests, pristine lakes and wild rugged landscapes. For your next fresh air fix, here is our choice for 20 of the most beautiful and best National Parks in Europe…
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia – a unique and stunning National Park to visit in Europe
This place has earned itself World Heritage status and if you visit you’ll see why. One of the oldest national parks in southeast Europe, it’s a beautiful mountainous area which benefits from sixteen cascading lakes, all of which offer distinctly different shades of water due to varying mineral levels. Heavily forested with beech, spruce and pine trees, this huge park has a number of microclimates and – unusually for Europe – it’s also home to bears, wolves, bats and lynx.
- We also have a post on the most beautiful parks to visit in Croatia.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Located near the city of Dresden, this national park is home to some really unique landscapes. Known for its towering conifers which cling to bizarrely shaped cliff faces, dense fern groves, and thick forests, this is a national park that really stands out. For years the park was isolated in a remote corner of eastern Germany, but now hiking, biking, and climbing are very popular here. The mountain and gorge forests that make up the area are a rare sight in Europe, making this place even more special.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
With 720 miles of pristine Scottish countryside, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is one of the most beautiful British National Parks, as well as being one of the biggest. The Scottish Highlands are a rambler’s paradise and the Trossachs with its wild untamed landscapes, crystal clear lochs and rolling hills easily earns itself a place on the list.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Swiss National Park, Switzerland
Part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, this is the largest protected area in Switzerland. The park borders with Engadin Valley, Italy and is also one of the earliest national parks, filled with a rich and varied landscape. An incredible place for walking and hiking, Expect to see winding wild azure rivers, stunning peaks and dense areas of beautiful alpine forest. Just don’t forget to take your GoPro camera, this article on GloboSurf recommends 10 of the best cameras for hiking and backpacking.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Swiss National Park, Switzerland
Cinque Terre, Italy – one of the prettiest national parks in Europe
For something a little different but equally as beautiful, try the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre. The area comprises of five picture-postcard perfect villages, a rugged coastline and the rolling hills that surround it all. The villages are inaccessible by car with only trains and boats linking, giving it a feel of being untouched by time.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Cinque Terre, Italy
Oulanka National Park, Finland
Equally as beautiful in both summer and winter is this 270 square kilometre national park situated in the northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. Close to the Arctic circle, it’s a remote spot where river rapids surrounded by pine forests make it a popular white-water rafting spot. In the winter the Narnia-esque scenery draws snow-shoe walkers and those hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Oulanka National Park, Finland
National Park of the Belluno Dolomite, Italy
This park is situated on the edge of the southeastern Alps, high up in the north of Italy. Founded in 1990 to protect this area of important natural beauty, most parts of the park are wild and unvisited and lie on the southernmost fringes of the Dolomites. With its crisp mountain air and large expanses of pretty wildflowers, it’s a popular spot in the summer. Catering to amateur and experienced hikers, there are a number of varied trails through the area, all with differing levels of difficulty.
Hotels and Airbnbs in National Park of the Belluno Dolomite, Italy
Bavaria Forest National Park, Germany
With more than a little hint of fairytale, Germany’s first national park is known for its high forests, bog lakes and water meadows and pretty timber houses. Three main peaks punctuate the rolling landscape and also expect to see a wide variety of wildlife in the park’s ‘near-natural’ wildlife enclosures. We also have a post on 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Bavaria Forest National Park, Germany
Triglav, Slovenia
This is Slovenia’s only national park but it is still easily one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. Focused around the majestic Mount Triglav (which soars to an impressive 2,864 metres) the area is rich with mountain peaks and valleys, making it the ideal place for more active pursuits. Skiing, rafting and water sports are some of the popular activities here, with many visitors opting to stay in the park’s idyllic mountain lodges.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Triglav, Slovenia
Pyrénées National Park, France
One of France’s most loved and most beautiful national parks. Wilder than the Alps, the Pyrénées (which border Spain) are made up of giant, sculpted mountains, tumbling waterfalls and tranquil lakes. Both hiking and pony trekking are popular here and the park’s trails lead to magnificent cirques, glacial basins and knife-edged summits.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Pyrénées National Park, France
Ordesa National Park, Spain
This area of outstanding natural beauty is one of Europe’s first national parks. This 156 square kilometer area (which borders France) is filled with raging rivers, gorges, waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and dense woodland. Definitely a place for wildlife watchers, the park’s forests are also home to marmots, wild boar, golden eagles, bearded vultures, hawks and a huge variety of birds.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Ordesa National Park, Spain
National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades, Greece
This is currently the largest marine protected area in Europe and includes a tranquil sea area, six gorgeous islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura, Piperi and Skantzoura) and the main island of Alonnisos. Located in the Northern Aegean Sea it also includes 22 tiny uninhabited islets and a number of rugged rocky outcrops. Expect plenty of marine and wildlife.
Hotels and Airbnbs in National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades, Greece
Vatnajokull, Iceland
Vatnajokull is one of three national parks in Iceland, although this one covers 8% of the country and is home to Europe’s largest glacier. Iceland is known for its surreally beautiful landscapes and this place is no exception – expect glacial rivers, mountain ridges, waterfalls, large canyons, huge cliffs and those famous Icelandic volcanoes.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Vatnajokull, Iceland
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Home to the biggest mountain in Wales and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, Snowdonia national park is a hugely popular holiday spot. Boulder-strewn summits, stark mountain ranges and serene lakes make up much of the landscape, making it a great destination for walkers and mountain bikers. Here are some great dog-friendly hotels to stay in Wales.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Not as well known but easily as beautiful as the other European national parks is Durmitor national park. UNESCO has declared this area a “world heritage of mankind” and if you visit you’ll see why it’s earned this status. It’s a gorgeous area full of almost 50 peaks, 18 glacial lakes, several stunning river canyons and a huge variety of flora and fauna.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Sarek National Park, Sweden
Often said to be Sweden’s last true wilderness, this area is definitely the least affected by human activity. The unspoiled rugged expanse in northwest Sweden includes 100 beautiful glaciers, six striking peaks, a number of deep valleys and more than a handful of gushing river rapids.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Sarek National Park, Sweden
Peak District, England
England is home to many famously beautiful National Parks but the Peak District has some of the most strikingly diverse landscapes of them all. Offering quintessential English countryside as well as rugged peaks, the park is a popular spot for potholers, climbers, horse riders, mountain bikers, hill walkers and those just looking for a scenic drive (although make sure you check your breakdown cover before you go!) With velvety green hills, limestone quarries, intriguing caves and mesmerising lakes, there is plenty to keep nature lovers occupied. Have a pooch? Here are our Top 15 Dog-friendly hotels to visit in the Peak District.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Peak District, England
Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Austria’s first national park is also the largest nature reserve in the European Alp and is centred around the beautiful Hohe Tauern mountain range. With almost 40 distinctive and dramatic peaks, it’s an area you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. Expect excellent air quality, stunning views and of course plenty of unspoiled natural beauty.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Écrins National Park, France
The Massif des Écrins is arguably one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the European Alps. It’s a striking area that comprises of all the scenery you’d expect and more – lakes, alpine pastures, glacial fields, high mountainous areas, subalpine woodlands, glacier valleys, and high peaks. Also keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls this place home, including eagles, ibex, willow grouse, marmots, black grouse, and a few types of stoats.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Écrins National Park, France
Goreme National Park, Turkey
Famous for its “fairy chimney” volcanic rock formations and surreal natural features, this place is one of the most unusual natural landscapes in the world. Dating back to 4000 BC, the formations originated from a series of volcanic eruptions and natural weather erosion. With a population of around 2500, it maintains a traditional, spiritual and mysterious air.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Goreme National Park, Turkey
16 Comments
Adam, Bite of Iceland
15 March, 2016 at 6:43 pmIn Jökulsárlón National Park you can find breathtaking glacier lagoon with amazing icebergs. It’s a magical, one of a kind place which looks like Antarctica, but it’s in Europe.
rémi fraisse
7 November, 2014 at 2:38 pmForeign tourists should know that hunting in french national parls is unfortunately LEGAL so I believe the best thing they should do is BOYCOT THEM!
Kerry Ascione
15 December, 2013 at 2:33 pmNice Post! I’ve got one of these parks down, and only 19 to go. I visited the beautiful Cinque Terre in 2011; and I have been dying to go to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. That’s next on my To Go list!
Renuka
10 September, 2013 at 4:32 pmThe world is full of amazing national parks!
Chris Barnes
30 August, 2013 at 3:51 amGreat blog and recommendations!! I highly recommend Theth & Valbone National Parks in Northern Albania.
Michael
22 August, 2013 at 4:59 pmwow! amazing list and awesome photos! thanks
Graham
29 August, 2013 at 10:01 amThanks Michael!
Emma
21 August, 2013 at 11:12 amGorgeous photos I want to visit them all!
Scott
21 August, 2013 at 11:12 amI could do with a green space fix! Great ideas for my next trip, now where did I leave my walking shoes 😉
Pixie
20 August, 2013 at 9:37 pmGreat selection of national parks. We have been to all the ones in U.K, all so beautiful. I like the look of the one in Croatia .
Mellisa Turner
20 August, 2013 at 8:47 amMy favorite pick of the list is the national park of Germany. It was nothing short of a magic land in itself. The place offers a perfect blend of tranquility and thrill with its colorful wildlife.
Tajamal
18 August, 2013 at 5:14 pmIf you like waterfalls then Plitvice is fo you. It is however crucial to arrive early and beat the crowds.
Graham
29 August, 2013 at 10:00 amThanks for the tip!
Tom
16 October, 2019 at 9:05 amYes. And during the summer there is not as much as water as during spring and autumn. I strongly suggest September or May visit it – fewer people and either beautiful autumn colors, or amazing green everywhere, and so much water!
Kathleen l OurFavoriteAdventure
16 August, 2013 at 6:46 pmI am book marking this page! We are off to Europe for 2.5 months this fall and National Parks are our obsession! Thanks for putting these all in one place 🙂
Graham
29 August, 2013 at 10:00 amLet us know how you get on, happy travels! 🙂