Europe is bursting with fantastically beautiful nature. This continent is super varied: from impressive mountain ranges to beautiful beaches and from beautiful lakes to waterfalls and geysers. We share with you the 25 most beautiful known and unknown nature reserves in Europe. Let’s take a look at the most beautiful nature in Europe!
#1 Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)
Plitvice is the most famous National Park in Croatia. The park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and attracts more than one million visitors every year. That is not for nothing, because in our opinion this is definitely one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Europe. When you walk on the decking between the gigantic waterfalls and beautiful turquoise lakes, it almost seems as if you have ended up in a fairy tale. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to swim in the lakes around the falls, but you can rent a boat to explore the park from the water.
#2 Jökulsarlon (Iceland)
Iceland is only a three-hour flight from the Netherlands, but it still feels like you’ve arrived on the other side of the world. Especially at the glacier lake Jökulsárlón you have the idea that you are in Antarctica. With a depth of around 260 meters, Jökulsárlón is the deepest and largest glacial lake in Iceland. The lake is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow strip of land. In the clear blue water you can see large ice floes floating everywhere and if you look closely you can even see seals swimming. The lake is also surrounded by a gigantic glacier full of snow. Truly a very special sight and definitely one of the most special nature reserves in Europe.
#3 Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Isle of Skye in Scotland, also called Skye Island, is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Europe. This peninsula is very impressive as a whole: think of steep cliffs, green hills and special waterfalls. HThe most beautiful part of the Isle of Skye is in our opinion in the far north of the island. Here you will find nature reserve Quiraing, where you can make one of the most beautiful nature hikes in Europe. The first part of this walk takes you on winding paths and along deep valleys. After a while the green hills give way to gray rocks and eventually you reach a large plateau where you are treated to fantastic views over the Isle of Skye coastline.
#4 Algarve (Portugal)
The Algarve, a southern region in Portugal, belongs in its entirety in this overview with the most beautiful nature in Europe. Imagine yourself in Australia at the beautiful cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, visit the most southwestern point of Europe Cabo de São Vicente, walk the impressive Seven Hanging Valleys Trail along the most beautiful cliffs and valleys of the region or visit the impressive Ria Formosa natural park, where you can spot flamingos and other special birds.
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#5 Bohemian Switzerland & Bohemian Paradise (Czech Republic)
The Bohemian Paradise (Český Ráj) and Bohemian Switzerland are two neighboring regions in the Czech Republic where hikers in particular can indulge themselves. If you are looking for a pure, quiet holiday destination where nature is central, this is the destination for you. The forests and limestones in this region are very impressive and more than once I felt that I was no longer in Europe.
#6 Gosausee (Austria)
I initially only knew Austria as a winter sports destination. Now that I have been there twice in the summer, I have only really discovered how beautiful and special Austria’s nature is. There are many beautiful lakes in the country. One of the most special lakes I think is the Gosausee in the state of Salzburgerland. What makes the Gosausee so unique is the view of the Dachstein Glacier. The Gosaukam, which covers the entire right side of the water, is also very beautiful to see. The Gosausee consists of the Vorderer See and the Hinterer See. These are 2 lakes that can both be visited. You can take very nice walks around the lake, but also walk further into the mountains.
#7 Lapland (Norway, Sweden & Finland)
Lapland is a huge area stretching across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and even part of Russia. In total, Lapland is no less than 100,000 km2 in size. Lapland in winter is on the bucket list of many travellers. It is therefore a magical experience: snowy coniferous forests, cool winter activities, special animals such as reindeer, huskies and moose and of course a great chance to spot the northern lights. We visited Lapland in both winter and summer and this region is beautiful in both seasons!
#8 Berchtesgaden (Germany)
Berchtesgaden in Germany is one of the most beautiful pieces of nature in Europe. The impressive mountains, the elongated Königssee, the intense blue water, everything is equally beautiful here. Berchtesgaden is on the border with Austria and it is closer to Salzburg than to Munich. This allows you to combine a holiday in Austria very well with a visit to Berchtesgaden. You can enjoy a lovely walk along the lake and I also strongly recommend that you visit the Almbachklamm and the Wimbachklamm. These two gorges are wonderfully beautiful and I’m sure you’ll be surprised that you can ‘just’ admire this kind of natural beauty in Germany.
#9 Soča Valley (Slovenia)
The intense blue water of the Soča river is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in Slovenia. The valley through which this river flows is the Soča valley and if you are talking about beautiful nature in Europe, this valley fits perfectly in the list. The blue water, the Julian Alps and the picturesque villages make the Soča valley a special holiday destination for people who like to be active.
#10 Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of Ireland and are truly breathtakingly beautiful. The cliffs are the highest in Europe and I probably don’t have to tell you that they are very impressive. You can admire the Cliffs of Moher from the water from a boat as well as from land. I definitely recommend doing both when you’re here: from the water you get a completely different view of the cliffs than when you’re on top of them. Are you traveling to Ireland? Then don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher.
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#11 Durmitor (Montenegro)
Durmitor National Park is located in the middle of Montenegro, a bizarrely beautiful and rugged nature reserve that probably not many people have heard of. A shame, because it is without doubt one of the most impressive nature reserves in Europe. The wild rocks, the wide views and the desolate feeling you get here: it is all equally impressive. There are also places where it is busier: Black Lake is a place where locals like to take a dip on a hot day and it is quite busy with hikers on the slopes of Savin Kuk.
#12 Sognefjord (Norway)
The Sognefjord in Norway is the second largest fjord in Europe. I visited the fjord in winter and did a rib safari. What an experience! With a kind of inflatable speedboat on the fjord while the snow falls from the sky and you have the feeling that you are alone in the world. Very nice. The Sognefjord is also recommended in summer. Then you can walk and cycle very well.
#13 Picos de Europa (Spain)
Picos de Europa is a relatively unknown National Park in the north of Spain. The park is spread over the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León. Picos de Europa is best known for the beautiful green mountain ranges. It is therefore a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The most famous and most beautiful trail is the Ruta del Cares. Other places in Picos de Europa that you should not miss are the beautiful clear blue glacial lakes of Lagos de Covadonga and the Fuente Dé cable car that takes you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Picos de Euroopa in a few minutes.
#14 Golden Circle (Iceland)
Actually, Iceland as a whole would not be out of place on this list of the most beautiful nature in Europe. The whole country is truly extraterrestrially beautiful. The popular Golden Circle Route certainly belongs on this list. This route officially has three stops, starting with Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall. The water here plunges down with enormous force via two large staircases. Very impressive to see! Geysir, Iceland’s most famous geyser area, is located near Gullfoss. You will also find Europe’s only active geyser here. The last official stop is Thingvellir National Park. This beautiful nature reserve is best known for the fault line between the tectonic plates of Europe and America. In addition to these three official stops, there are many other beautiful places located on the Golden Circle Route.
#15 Gorges du Verdon (France)
The Gorges du Verdon, also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon, is an impressive gorge in the south of France. This river-carved gorge is no less than 25 kilometers long and is surrounded by rock walls that are up to 700 meters high. The most striking thing about Gorges du Verdon, however, is the beautiful green-blue water. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking or boating here. Hikers can also indulge themselves, because around the gorge you will find, according to many, the most beautiful hiking area in France.
#16 Azores (Portugal)
The Azores are a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean that are part of Portugal. The entire archipelago consists of seventeen islands, nine of which are inhabited. The largest island is São Miguel, where the impressive crater lakes Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo are located. On the various islands you will also find hundreds of waterfalls, spectacular volcanoes and special black beaches. A dream for every nature lover.
#17 Faroe Islands (Denmark)
The Faroe Islands also belong in their entirety on this list of the most beautiful nature in Europe. These 18 impressive islands belong to Denmark, but they lie exactly between Scotland, Norway and Iceland. These relatively unknown islands are an ideal destination if you are looking for untouched and rugged nature. You can admire beautiful fjords, narrow straits, deserted valleys, high cliffs and mountain peaks and impressive glaciers.
#18 Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)
If you ask me about my favorite place in Slovenia, the answer has to be Lake Bohinj. Because Slovenia hardly has a coastline, Lake Bohinj is a favorite destination for locals. It can therefore be very busy in the summer. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind. If you really want to enjoy the lake to the fullest, I advise you to go paragliding. What a cool experience and what a natural beauty! Definitely one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Europe.
#19 Dolomites (Italy)
The Dolomites is an incredibly beautiful nature reserve in the north of Italy. You can enjoy beautiful walks through the mountains, for example at the popular Tre Cime di Laverado or on top of Seceda. There are also several impressive mountain lakes such as Lago di Carezza and Lago di Braies, shown below. The Dolomites are in no way inferior to a trip to Canada or the United States.
#20 Kaiser Mountains (Austria)
You will also find fantastic mountain ranges in Austria. One of these is the Kaiser Gebergte, a jagged mountain range in the north of the country. Gray rocks loom out of the green landscape, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance. As soon as I saw the Kaiser Mountains, I knew I wanted to go hiking. The hike up was tough, but I didn’t regret it for a second. By the way, even if you don’t go hiking there and only drive towards the foot of the mountains, it’s already worth it. The mountains are just so beautiful and impressive!
#21 Madeira (Portugal)
Actually, the whole island of Madeira is one great natural wonder. More than once I thought I was somewhere in South America instead of on a Portuguese island. The island is actually one big rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline is very erratic almost everywhere. In my opinion, the most beautiful place to admire the coastline is Miradouro do Guindaste, also called Crane Viewpoint, in the northeast of the island. When I stood here, I felt very insignificant and small for a moment and I couldn’t get enough of it. The various levada walks on Madeira where you walk along an irrigation canal are also fantastic. Along the way you will see beautiful waterfalls and the nature here is breathtakingly beautiful. Madeira is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
#22 El Torcal de Antequera (Spain)
El Torcal de Antequera was one of the biggest surprises during our tour of Andalusia in the south of Spain. This nature reserve is not yet well known among the general public, but it is definitely worth it. The park is full of special karst formations and rocks and it almost felt like we had arrived in Western America. Several hiking trails have been laid out in the park. You can opt for a short walk or spend a full day there. Are you planning to visit Andalusia or are you staying on the Costa del Sol? Then be sure to add El Torcal de Antequera to your schedule.
#23 Theth National Park (Albania)
Albania is an undiscovered pearl in Europe, although traveling to this Balkan country has become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the most beautiful places in Albania is the Theth Valley. The only way there is a long hairpin road up the mountain. Then you have to descend it again. As a result, it takes you a few hours to get to Theth. Don’t worry, I promise you it’s worth it. The valley is magically beautiful and there are countless hikes to be made from here. So be sure to bring good walking shoes when you go to Theth!
#24 Beaches of Sardinia (Italy)
Sardinia, Italy’s second largest island, is best known for its beautiful beaches, which are definitely among the most beautiful nature in Europe. It almost feels like you are in Thailand or Mexico when you walk on the white bounty beaches. The interior of Sardinia is also beautiful with its hilly landscape full of small villages. Make no mistake about the distances, because the island of Sardinia is almost as big as the whole of the Netherlands! Do you want to see the most beautiful beaches on the island? Then rent a car and visit the different beaches of Sardinia.
#25 Matterhorn (Switzerland)
When you think of the most beautiful nature in Switzerland, the Matterhorn is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. This iconic mountain is no less than 4478 meters high and has a special pyramid shape. The Matterhorn is therefore one of the most photographed mountains in the world and the symbol of Switzerland. The Matterhorn is best visited from the nearby car-free village of Zermatt. Here you can take an elevator to the top to enjoy the view of the Matterhorn. There are also several beautiful hiking trails around Zermatt. This region is also perfect for winter sports. Even in summer you can ski and snowboard here.
