Iceland / April 08, 2023

Most 18 Beautiful National Parks In Europe

Europe is home to a wide variety of national parks, offering breathtaking natural landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage. From the rugged coastline of Norway to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, these protected areas provide a haven for both nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. In this article, we will explore the 14 most beautiful national parks in Europe, highlighting their unique features and attractions.

1.Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and most famous national parks in Croatia. It is renowned for its stunning turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush green forests. Visitors can explore the park on foot along its many hiking trails, which take them through a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including beech forests, limestone canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx.

2.Sarek National Park, Sweden

Located in the Swedish Lapland, Sarek National Park is a remote and wild wilderness area that offers some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Europe. The park is home to a vast expanse of rugged mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys, which provide a haven for wildlife such as reindeer, moose, and golden eagles. Visitors to Sarek can explore the park on foot or by canoe, taking in the breathtaking scenery and experiencing the tranquility of this remote and untouched wilderness.

3.Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

4.Swiss National Park, Switzerland

The Swiss National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Switzerland and is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including ibex, chamois, and golden eagles, and offers visitors the chance to observe these animals in their natural habitats.

5.Cinque Terre National Park, Italy

Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. The park is famous for its colorful villages, which cling to the cliffs overlooking the sea, as well as its scenic hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Visitors to the park can explore its many beaches, coves, and bays, as well as its rich cultural heritage, which dates back to the Roman Empire.

6.Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Located in the heart of the Balkans, Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe. The park is home to the Durmitor Massif, a series of jagged peaks and deep canyons that are perfect for hiking and climbing. Visitors can also explore the park's many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as its rich cultural heritage, which includes medieval monasteries and traditional mountain villages.

7.Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajokull National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe and is located in the southeastern part of Iceland. The park is renowned for its glaciers, which cover around 11% of its total area and include the largest glacier in Europe. Visitors to the park can explore its vast ice fields and frozen lagoons on a guided glacier hike or ice cave tour. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and seals, and offers visitors the chance to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights during the winter months.

8.Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

9.Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Triglav National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is named after its highest peak, Mount Triglav, which is also the highest mountain in Slovenia. Visitors can explore the park on foot, taking in its rugged mountain landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and lush green valleys. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including chamois, ibex, and golden eagles.

10.Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (in Europe, but outside the EU)

Torres del Paine National Park is a world-famous national park located in the southern part of the Chilean Patagonia. The park is known for its dramatic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers, as well as its rich biodiversity, which includes pumas, guanacos, and Andean condors. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

11.Picos de Europa National Park, Spain

Picos de Europa National Park is located in the north of Spain and is renowned for its rugged mountain landscapes and unique wildlife. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and chamois, as well as a number of endemic species such as the Cantabrian brown bear and the Iberian wolf. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

12.Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

13.Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Cairngorms National Park is located in the Scottish Highlands and is the largest national park in the UK. The park is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, which include the Cairngorm Mountains and their associated plateaus, glens, and valleys. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red deer, ptarmigan, and golden eagles.

14.Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

15.Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway

Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the largest glacier in continental Europe and is located in western Norway. The park is characterized by its rugged mountain landscapes, deep fjords, and vast expanses of ice. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and golden eagles.

16.Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Located in the northwestern part of Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is renowned for its rugged mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to the Durmitor Massif, which includes the highest peak in Montenegro, Bobotov Kuk. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynx.

17.Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park is located in southeastern Iceland and is home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. The park is characterized by its vast ice fields, frozen lagoons, and rugged mountain landscapes. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and seals.

18.Sarek National Park, Sweden

Located in northern Sweden, Sarek National Park is one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in Europe. The park is characterized by its vast, untouched landscapes, which include towering mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys. Visitors to the park can explore its many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and lynx.

In conclusion, Europe is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world, offering visitors the chance to explore its rugged mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and vast expanses of ice. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Europe's national parks have something to offer everyone.