With so much natural beauty in the planet, it’s not easy to choose which natural wonders to explore next. Governments around the world have done really great work preserving their areas of natural beauty as national parks.We have compiled a list of 10 most beautiful national parks in Europe, you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Triglav National Park – Slovenia
Triglav National Park surrounds Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Triglav National Park is in the Julian Alps. The Soča and Sava Rivers flow from the park to the Adriatic and Black Seas, and the lakes within the park are a major attraction for visitors from around the world.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
Beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the middle of Croatia. This national park is best known for its series of 16 remarkable terraced lakes. Each of the lakes are connected by waterfalls, and they stretch all the way to an equally stunning limestone canyon.
3. Jotunheimen National Park – Norway
Jotunheimen National Park in Norway, also known as the Land of the Giants, is home to more than 250 mountain peaks. Some of these mountains are among the tallest in all of the Europe. Jotunheimen National Park is also packed with wildlife like reindeer, elk, and lynx, and the trout-filled lakes are ideal for fishing.
4. Caldera de Taburiente National Park – Spain
The Canary Island is home to the beautiful Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The heart of this beautiful National park is what looks like a giant crater, but what is now known as a mountainous arch. You can hike along the edge of the mountain, soaking in breathtaking views of green valleys and even the blue waters of the ocean in the distance.
5. Bialowieza National Park – Poland/Belarus
Bialowieza National Park lies between the border of Poland and Belarus. This national park is also the last remaining temperate primeval forest in Europe. If you want to spot European Bison in their natural habitat, this is the world’s best place to do so. Bialowieza National Park is also a great destination for hiking and cycling though shaded paths and trails.
6. Oulanka National Park – Finland
This beautiful national park is situated in Northern Finland. The park protects the land of the Sami people, who lived, hunted and fished in the area until the 17th century.Picking berries, mountain biking, canoeing on the many rivers and staying overnight at the wooden cabins are some of the activities you can do in this amazing national park.
7. Saxon Switzerland National Park – Germany
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is actually located completely within German borders near the city of Dresden. Bizarre stone formations and spectacular views are only a few of the wonderful characteristics of this national park in Europe that is ideal for climbing and hiking. You’ll be able to visit iconic sights like the spectacular Bastei Bridge and the lofty Königstein Fortress that rises 245 meters (800 feet) above the Elbe River.
8. Durmitor National Park – Montenegro
In Žabljak, Montenegro, is the Durmitor National Park. Durmitor is home to enormous peaks that rise up at sharp angles and create a surreal landscape of contrasts. This national park is surrounded by river canyons.
9. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs – Scotland
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is home to a number of stunning mountains like Ben More, Be Lomond, and Stob Binnein in Scotland. There are beautiful small villages in the park where you can stop for a pint of ale or a pub lunch before making your way to the next stop on the trails.
10. Vatnajokull National Park – Iceland
Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland is bursting with contrasts, including snowy mountain peaks, deep blue rivers, and even some currently active geothermal areas. Highlights of the park are the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, which is complete with icebergs, as well as the waterfalls called Svartifoss and Dettifosis.