A Guide to Europe’s Best National Parks

A Guide to Europe’s Best National Parks

Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular national parks. From the icy glaciers of Norway to the rolling hills of Ireland, each park offers a unique natural experience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Europe’s best national parks and what makes them worth a visit.

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. It features a stunning array of waterfalls, lakes, and forests that have been shaped over thousands of years. The park’s 16 interconnected lakes and numerous cascades are known for their vivid colors, ranging from azure blue to emerald green. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails or take a boat ride across the lakes to experience the beauty up close.

2. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway

Jotunheimen National Park is Norway’s premier alpine park, known for its towering peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. The park is home to Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, and many other majestic peaks that attract climbers and hikers from around the world. Visitors can explore the park’s vast wilderness on foot or by bike, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks.

3. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The Scottish Highlands are home to Cairngorms National Park, one of the largest national parks in the UK. The park features rugged mountains, rolling hills, and pristine forests that provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails, go mountain biking, or take a scenic drive through the park’s picturesque landscapes.

4. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

Saxon Switzerland National Park is a unique park located in eastern Germany, near the border with the Czech Republic. The park features a rugged landscape of sandstone cliffs and rocky gorges that have been carved out over millions of years. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails, climb the park’s famous rock formations, or take a boat ride down the Elbe River for a different perspective.

5. Killarney National Park, Ireland

Killarney National Park is Ireland’s oldest and most famous national park, known for its stunning lakes, mountains, and forests. The park is home to the country’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, as well as the famous Lakes of Killarney. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails, take a boat ride on the lakes, or visit the park’s historic Muckross House and Gardens.

6. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Picos de Europa National Park is located in northern Spain, in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains. The park features a rugged landscape of soaring peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys that provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and golden eagles. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails, go caving in its numerous caves, or take a scenic drive through the park’s picturesque landscapes.

7. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland’s largest national park, covering over 14% of the country’s total area. The park is home to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, as well as numerous volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs. Visitors can explore the park’s glaciers and ice caves, go hiking in its rugged landscapes, or take a boat ride on the park’s glacial lagoon.

In conclusion, Europe’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Whether you’re looking to hike

Travel to Europe, with what and when.

Traveling to Europe can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and consider a few key factors before booking your trip. Here are some tips on what to bring and when to go:

What to bring:

1. Valid passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date, and check if you need a visa to enter the country you’re visiting.
2. Comfortable walking shoes: Europe is full of cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must.
3. Adaptor: Europe uses different electrical outlets and voltage than North America, so make sure to bring a universal adaptor if you plan on charging your electronic devices.
4. Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events such as medical emergencies, flight cancellations or lost luggage.
5. Cash and credit card: Bring a mix of cash and credit card, as not all places accept credit cards and some countries may have limited access to ATMs.

When to go:

1. High season: The high season in Europe typically runs from June to August, when the weather is warmest and schools are on summer break. However, this is also when crowds are at their peak, and prices for flights and accommodations can be higher.
2. Shoulder season: The shoulder season, which runs from April to May and September to October, offers a good compromise between weather, crowds and prices. The weather is still mild, but crowds are smaller and prices are generally lower.
3. Low season: The low season, which runs from November to March, can be a great time to visit Europe if you don’t mind colder weather and shorter days. Crowds are almost non-existent, and prices for flights and accommodations can be significantly lower.

Ultimately, the best time to travel to Europe depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Consider what you want to see and do, and whether you prefer to travel during peak season or avoid the crowds. With some careful planning, you can have a fantastic trip to Europe, no matter when you decide to go.