The best National Parks in Europe

National parks are natural areas protected by the state in order to preserve wildlife and natural environment. There are over 500 national parks in Europe offering public recreation and enjoyment, as well as the escape from the everyday city hustle. Every national park provides the visitors with numerous activities and attractions, but how to decide which national park is worth visiting the most? Find out in our list of best national parks in Europe!

This is a list of World Heritage Sites. A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having special cultural or physical significance...

Our goal is simple: Through building the first digital overview of all national parks on the European continent, we aim to encourage local and sustainable travel, promote nature preservation and diversify the outdoors. In doing so, we want to become your alternative, non-commercial guide for truly sustainable travel and help preserve and protect our national parks for generations to come.

Most of the national parks in Europe have some kind of entrance fee. If you visit the majority of national parks in Spain, Germany or Croatia, you will have to buy a ticket. However, in certain countries some national parks don’t have any fees to enter. National parks in Finland, Norway and Sweden are a good examples of this practice.

Travelers love to visit Europe for famous cities like Vienna, Rome, and Paris. But as wonderful as European cities are, so too are European national parks. Full of jaw-dropping scenery and cultural significance, the best national parks in Europe can show you a whole other level of this wonderful continent.

The Carpathian mountain range starts in the westernmost part of Slovakia. And they undulate throughout the whole country. The highest point of one of the most striking mountain ranges in Europe can be found in the Tatras. There is no higher mountain range further north in Europe. Slovakia is the roof of Central Europe. Water from the mountains runs into the Danube and then south to the Black Sea, as well as through Dunajec heading north to the Baltic Sea.

For all adventure addicts who enjoy crazy roller coasters, wild water rides, haunted houses, parades and circuses, we have prepared something special! Spain is one of the European countries with a large number of amusement parks. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Avoid weekends and Spanish holidays when planning your trip so you don't have to wait long. Also, make a plan and visit your priority rides as soon as you enter the park.

Whether you’re searching for an end of the week break or a more drawn out excursion, Belgium has a lot to offer to tourists. On the off chance that you plan a visit to Belgium, the outing is not complete without taking a visit to the Belgian national parks.

Explore the most popular parks in Belgium with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you - 109 parks were listed at the time of publication.

The following list presents all national parks in Europe that are wholly or partly protected by UNESCO. That includes national parks with a status of World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, as well as national parks with only a certain part, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a total of 500, it’s really difficult, yes almost impossible to determine the best national parks in Europe. The question is, what does make some parks better than all the others? Is it untouched, natural beauty? The amount of offered sports activities? Or even the important history and culture of a park? Is there a special sight? A one of its kind attraction nowhere else to be found which gives a national park enough uniqueness to be among the greatest?

When city life starts to wear thin, acres of wide-open spaces offer the perfect antidote. Europe is home to some of the most gorgeous protected natural vistas in the world, filled with thick forests, pristine lakes and wild rugged landscapes. For your next fresh air fix, here is our choice for 20 of the most beautiful and best National Parks in Europe...

Mountains, volcanoes, wetlands, forests, rivers, valleys, cliffs, lakes... There are so many different environments in Spain to make you feel brand new. Unique and different natural spaces. Some of them, such as the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the Teide National Park and the Pyrenees, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cultural landscape category. You have to see it to believe it.

The Molentargius natural park in Cagliari is an inhabiting site for pink flamingos. Looking over the park riding a bike is a perfect idea to have an excursion around the Sardinia island.

Natural parks in Estonia are from another dimension! One moment you are walking in the woods, then suddenly you are bog walking. The nature around you is rich in color and variety of flora. Estonian national parks are doing fantastic job in terms of preserving the area as well as making it easily accessible for everyone.

This is quite a surprise on these volcanic island to see such a large area covered by sand dunes. Most of the time there are only a few small ones. But here they are a few meters high and cover a large area. Plus the white sand contrasts with the dark volcanic rocks and the turquoise of the water as the dunes reach the beach.

As early as 1909 Sweden established its first nine National parks, which also were the first in Europe. Now, just over 100 years later, there are 30 of them. They are among the natural endowments most worth protecting, our natural heritage that we and future generations can enjoy. Many of the national parks have visitor centres and easy walking trails...

Travelers from around the world flock to Poland for a variety of reasons. While the cities are a major draw, Polish national parks are also an exceptional reason to visit the country. The twenty-three protected areas represent the best scenery and outdoor exploration opportunities...

The most beautiful landscapes in Great Britain are mainly found in the 15 national parks, nine of which are in England alone, three in Wales and two more in Scotland. The extensive nature reserves are dedicated to the preservation of particularly beautiful landscapes and promote sustainable tourism...

Please check for travel restrictions before booking and travelling to an accommodation. Travel may be permitted only for certain purposes and in particular, touristic travel may not be allowed...

Sometimes while on vacation you want to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink or two. Whether you are sampling the local Bavarian beer selections in Germany, wine in Bordeaux, France or aquavit in throughout Scandinavia it is always a good idea to make sure that you are familiar with the local laws when it comes to drinking and driving...