July 22, 2020, 8:31 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Even though the various countries of Europe may be so different, they all have one thing in common: breathtaking nature. This is especially well showcased in the continent’s numerous national parks. A new ranking highlights the most impressive ones–including a German national park that even made it to second place!
Whether mountains, glaciers, lakes, forests, or other wonders, the beauty of the European continent is most authentically and overwhelmingly displayed in its nature. The ranking website “European Best Destinations” conducted an online survey among hundreds of thousands of users to vote on which national parks in Europe are the most beautiful.
TRAVELBOOK presents the top 5!
1st Place: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
These 16 otherworldly beautiful lakes span 300,000 hectares, with water that looks like liquid crystal (see photo above). Beyond the world-famous walkways over the lakes, the nature park offers some beautiful hiking trails and unique nature–though few visitors know about these, as the turquoise ponds are the main attraction. Small electric boats and a train transport hikers from one point of the park to another.
Note: Currently, the number of COVID-19 cases is rising in Croatia. In absolute numbers, these are only a few cases, mostly occurring in urban areas. Nevertheless, every tourist should check the current situation of the region they plan to visit before their vacation and, of course, adhere to hygiene and safety measures. Read the advice from the German Foreign Office on Croatia.
2nd Place: Saxon Switzerland, Germany
This globally unique natural beauty spans over 90 square kilometers, complemented by the Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic on an additional 80 square kilometers. Famous for its many rock pinnacles and spectacular sights like the Bastei in Rathen or the Pravčická brána near the Czech Hřensko, hikers and climbers find countless paths and routes between the rocks, which have inspired countless artists–a highlight is the over 100-kilometer-long Painter’s Way. Nature lovers also appreciate the great biodiversity in flora and fauna.
Also interesting: What you must see in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
3rd Place: Belluno Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy and form part of the southern limestone Alps. The impressive Belluno Dolomites National Park was established in 1990 and stretches between the Cismon, Piave, and Agordino rivers.
Wanderlust Strikes at These Doppelganger Locations in Germany
9 Unusual Free Excursions in Bratislava
4th Place: Wild Taiga, Finland
The Wild Taiga is located on the eastern border of Finland and is a region barely touched by human hands. The nature is perfect for observing and photographing animals in the wild. Here, you can see brown bears, wolverines, and wolves, as well as moose, forest deer, flying squirrels, beavers, and some of the largest birds of prey in their natural habitat.
5th Place: Écrins, France
Located in southeastern France, the Écrins National Park encompasses part of the Dauphiné Alps. It is one of the lesser-known national parks in the country but offers an impressive mountain, animal, and plant world, perfect for hiking.