Are you looking to visit Europe’s best parks this summer? If you are, you’re in for some of the best nature spots in Europe. From scenic hikes to relaxing picnics and photo-worthy afternoon sunsets, Europe has some of the most beautiful parks in the world. Here are 15 of the most breathtaking parks in Europe you need to visit this summer!
Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Jotunheimen National Park is home to Norway’s highest peaks and a haven for climbers and hikers alike. The park’s name means “Home of the Giants,” a name given because of giants like the Glittertind and Galdhøpiggen mountains. There are over 50 marked trails to explore all over the park, featuring dramatic ridgelines and countless glacial lakes. Summertime brings long daylight to the park, which is perfect for wildlife viewing or backcountry adventures.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, and offers the ideal Highland experience with ancient forests of Caledonian pine, diverse wildlife, and rolling mountains. It is one of the few places in the United Kingdom where you can still spot capercaillie and wildcats. There are even historic castles, towns like Aviemore, and whisky distilleries for you to explore. In the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the park’s lochs, along with biking and hiking trails.
Sarek National Park, Sweden
Sarek National Park is often called “Europe’s last true wilderness,” with the park being part of a large UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no marked cabins or trails in the park, making it the perfect place for experienced trekkers looking for raw nature and wilderness solitude. Summers unveil roaring rivers, alpine valleys, and the peaks of over 200 mountains. The indigenous Sámi people also call the park home, and you might be able to see them as they herd reindeer through the wild.
Calanques National Park, France
Calanques National Park stretches from Cassis to Marseille and is known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs and turquoise coves. Visiting the park gives you options to boat, kayak, or hike through fjord-like inlets, with sites like Calanque d’En-Vau offering views that you wouldn’t believe if you didn’t see them in person. Its Mediterranean climate makes summers great for exploring, although the park is at high risk of fires, which might lead to the closure of certain trails.
Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only national park, and is filled with waterfalls, rugged mountains, stone villages, and Roman roads. If you love wildlife, you’ll enjoy looking for Garrano ponies, golden eagles, or wolves. There are also monasteries and ancient granite granaries to explore, and trails like the Geira Roman road with many centuries of history. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the park’s panoramic views of the Minho region and discover its many hidden swimming holes.
Białowieża Forest, Poland/Belarus
Białowieża Forest is one of Europe’s last and largest primeval forests and stretches between the Polish and Belarusian border. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to Europe’s heaviest land animal, the European bison. Massive spruce and oak trees can be found throughout the forest, with some being over 600 years old. Summer livens up the forest’s rich biodiversity and brings back the once lush greenery that was covered by the snow of winter.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
With lava fields, waterfalls, volcanoes, and spanning glaciers, Vatnajökull National Park is one of the largest parks in Europe. The glacier the park is named after is the largest in Europe, and under the park lies many active volcanoes like Grímsvötn. You can witness the marvel of Dettifoss (the most powerful waterfall in Europe), walk across glacial tongues, or even explore ice caves. Summer brings a keen opportunity to hike and take photographs due to Iceland’s long daylight hours.
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Durmitor is located in the northern region of Montenegro and is listed as a UNESCO park. It also features Europe’s deepest gorge, the Tara River Canyon, as well as many glacial lakes and limestone mountains. In summer, the hills are overgrown with wildflowers, with a cool mountain breeze that makes it ideal for hiking or ziplining. A notable attraction is the “Black Lake” or Crno Jezero, where many trails start and mountains can be seen all around.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, Spain
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is another UNESCO site, featuring magnificent mountains, deep canyons, and impressive plateaus. Monte Perdido is also famous for being the third-highest peak in Western Europe. In summer, the Ordesa Valley trail, along with its griffon vultures and blooming alpines, is a sight to behold.
Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Hohe Tauern is Austria’s largest national park, with Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. There are over 10,000 animal species within the park, including golden eagles and ibex. You can also visit Krimmel Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. The panoramic drives, educational guided trails, and high-altitude hikes make summer the perfect time to visit Hohe Tauern.
Swiss National Park, Switzerland
Swiss National Park was established in 1914, making it the oldest park in the Alps. It covers ground in the canton of Graubünden, with spectacular wilderness, although no foraging, dogs, or camping is allowed. While visiting, you’ll have to stick to the marked trails, where you’ll be able to see animals like marmots and red deer. Summer will let you explore further into its alpine forests and remote valleys that are closed off during colder months.
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Mount Triglav is Slovenia’s highest peak, and it is also where the park gets its name. Triglav National Park is most famous for its abundant and beautiful glacial lakes, as well as the emerald waters of the Soča River. In summer, you can choose between activities like kayaking, canyoneering, and hiking. There are also cultural Alpine villages and World War I memorials where you can pay your respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives.
Lake District National Park, England
The Lake District of England is famous for its literary heritage, green hills, and scenic lakes. Summers allow you to cruise across the Windermere, hike peaks like Scafell Pike, and explore Beatrix Potter’s countryside. The park has many quaint villages made of stone, which make it feel like you’re hiking through old medieval England. Many poets like Wordsworth were inspired by the beauty of England’s Lake District.
Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Saxon Switzerland National Park is located near Dresden and is known for its many sandstone formations, forests, plateaus, and deep ravines. The Elbe River also carves through its rising cliffs, making it ideal for rock climbing and hiking. You can find some of the best views atop Bastei Bridge, which overlooks misty valleys and old jagged towers. During summer, you’ll find that the environment is filled with lush greenery, making it easier to navigate the park’s extensive trail network.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features wooden walkways and fantasy-like turquoise waters. Its landscape is constantly changing with its abundance of mineral-rich waters forming many natural dams in the park. Summer brings full-flowing waterfalls and green flora with extensive wildlife like rare birds, bears, and deer. Plitvice is one of the most photographed wonders in Europe.
