It should go without saying that Europe is a truly beautiful continent. It plays host to a staggering amount of history and natural beauty; whether it’s the Sistine Chapel or the Alpine Matterhorn, you won’t be starved of things to see if you travel anywhere in Europe.
Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to know where or how to plan a trip to Europe, especially if you’re looking for a national park in which to relax or take a walk.
Let’s take a look at Europe’s 8 most scenic national parks and what you can do while you’re there!
1. Saxon Switzerland
The name might lead you to believe that this national park is situated in, well, Switzerland, but that’s not the case. It’s actually in Saxony in Germany, and it’s one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous spots of natural beauty you’ll find in Europe. Grab one of the best travel backpacks for women, load it up with supplies and provisions, and take the trip to Saxon Switzerland to see the pillars of rock that rise out of the ground like monuments. Make sure to add the park’s Bastei Bridge to your route because it’ll give you an unparalleled view of the skyline and the rocks.
2. Triglav
If you’re planning a trip to Slovenia, then you’d be foolish to leave Triglav off your itinerary. The titular Mount Triglav is often thought of as an iconic part of Slovenia’s cultural legacy, and this park gives you a stunning view of the mountain, which rises over the trees and Lake Bohinj with authority. If you’re feeling up to it, there are routes that allow you to walk right to the top of Mount Triglav, but if not, there are plenty of other things you can do within the park as well, including kayaking and other activities. You’ll want to set aside a day to make sure you’ve seen everything here.
3. Jotunheimen
Jotunheim is one of the Old Norse Nine Realms, and it famously houses the giants or the Jotunn. This park is aptly named, then, because it is, appropriately enough, a giant of European national parks (sorry, we couldn’t resist). With untamed wilderness stretching for miles and huge mountains in the distance, it’s not hard to imagine how the ancient Norse people saw these landscapes and thought gods dwelt within them. Jotunheimen is also a great place to spot animals, so if you want to see some real Viking reindeer, keep an eye out here.
4. Cairngorms
We move to bonnie Scotland for our next national park. This beautiful location is situated near the Cairngorms mountain range, which is what gives it its name. As you’d expect from Scotland, it’s full of gorgeous heathland, as well as rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes with surfaces that reflect the mountains beautifully. There are also plenty of villages dotted around this park, so if you’re looking for somewhere that has a little more civilization on offer and doesn’t feel quite as remote, this is definitely the park for you.
5. Bucegi
Bucegi Mountains and their Natural Park is an undiscovered wonder in Eastern Europe. Just 1,5h away from the capital Bucharest, this majestic park offers breathtaking landscapes of major Romanian cities, Transylvania and even the Black Sea when the sky is clear from its high altitude plateau.
With its towering peaks reaching altitudes as high as 2,505m at Omu Peak, deep valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, Bucegi Natural Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The park’s most iconic feature is the Sphinx, a natural rock formation shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years, resembling the Egyptian Sphinx. It’s not just the geological wonders that make Bucegi special; the park is steeped in local folklore and myth, adding an air of mystery to its already captivating scenery.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Bucegi offers a plethora of options. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging treks, leading to panoramic views and hidden monasteries. In winter, the snow-covered landscape transforms into a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts in the mountain resorts of Busteni and Sinaia.
If you decide to visit Bucegi Natural Park you’ll experience more than just an impressive journey through the wild Romanian Mountains. You’ll get into the heart of Romania’s wilderness, known as Europe’s last wilderness reserve, and learn a bit about the country’s culture and myths.
6. Dolomiti Bellunesi (Dolomites)
You’ve probably heard of the Italian Dolomites; they’re a mountain range in the northeast of Italy. If you have heard of them, then it won’t shock you to learn that they also play host to some incredible views, and the Dolomiti Bellunesi national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has to be seen to be believed. You’ll struggle not to feel serene and at peace with nature while you’re here; take in the mountains, the forests, and the water, and let yourself feel overwhelmed with serenity. This park doesn’t tend to get as busy as some of the others on this list, either, which is a bonus.
7. Lake District
Here’s a national park thrumming with old English magic. Of course, the aptly-named Lake District has plenty of lakes for you to see, but there’s much more here besides, including the piercing mountains and deep valleys that dot the district. Since this is such a popular tourist destination, you’ll also find plenty of places to stay and lots of great food and drink if you’re after refreshments following a challenging walk. Try to find one of the many benches that dot the Lake District if you need somewhere to sit and take in the view.
8. Oulanka
Finland is a country known for its unparalleled natural beauty, and Oulanka is a national park that sums that beauty up nicely. If you’re looking to experience Europe in all of its untamed wonder, then Oulanka is definitely the park you’re going to want to go to; it has huge, golden forests for you to wander through, as well as a river that is a favourite spot for many canoers and kayakers. Oulanka also plays host to a number of picturesque locations you can reach without needing to be a hiking expert, which is a definite plus if you have less able walkers in your group.
9. Rila
It’s practically impossible to boil down the many, many beautiful national parks in Europe to a list of eight, but we’ve done our best here (and we’ve missed out so many that we wanted to talk about). Rila, however, is perhaps a more underrated national park. It’s located in Bulgaria, and it’s great for skiing during the colder months, with some nice ski resorts in the winter to visit, but it’s also a beautiful location to explore all year round thanks to its gorgeous autumnal views. This is also where you’ll find Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan region, so if you’re a climber, your challenge lies before you.
