Talking about natural wonders in Europe, the entire region is naturally rich in diverse natural landscapes, resources, and ecosystems, some of which have been around for thousands of years. From lush green forests to arid plains, from coastal wetlands to alpine regions, these landscapes support a rich species of plants and animals, some of which are unique to the region marking some of the places as go-to European destinations for nature lovers.
Places like Trolltunga, the Southern Coast of Iceland, and the Bernese Oberland Region among others have the best natural sights in the world. Some of the other European destinations for nature lovers include the Swiss Alps, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Durmitor National Park.
Here is the list of top 12 Most Beautiful Natural Places in Europe to visit
- Bernese Oberland Region
- Montenegro: Durmitor National Park
- Lucerne
- Swiss Alps
- Dolomites
- Cliffs of Moher
- Santorini
- Hallstatt
- Trolltunga
- Ancient Beech Forests
- Verdon Gorge
- Southern Coast of Iceland
Table of Contents
Top 12 Most Beautiful Natural Places in Europe
Bernese Oberland Region
The Bernese Oberland located in Switzerland is a breathtakingly beautiful region located in the canton of Bern. It’s considered one of the most naturally beautiful places in Europe. Known for its natural beauty and comprising of diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems, the Bernese Oberland Region is a naturist’s delight.
It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has Alpine peaks and glaciers including the Aletsch Glacier which is the largest glacier in the Alps. The Bernese Oberland also has many pristine rivers and natural landscapes that are a visual delight. Collectively, these make Switzerland one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
The Bernese Oberland Region is also dotted with picturesque lakes that again are rich with diverse ecosystems while the Alpine Meadows and Forests are important habitats for diverse flora and fauna some of which are extremely rare and not found anywhere else.
With its plethora of natural richness and a wide range of adventure sports and explorations to offer, the Bernese Oberland Region is a must-visit for everyone.
Montenegro: Durmitor National Park
Located in the northwest of Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is a spectacular natural treasure famous for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and some amazing outdoor recreational opportunities.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durmitor National Park is rich in flora fauna, and other natural resources and is famous the world over for its pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, and multitude of opportunities for adventure seekers. It also counts among the most beautiful places in Europe.
Spread over 390 square kilometers, Durmitor National Park is characterized by its rugged mountains, thick forests, deep river canyons, and glacial lakes that are a delight for every nature lover in Europe. The Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA is located in Durmitor National Park and offers a spectacular view of the park.
The park boasts a variety of birds and trees common to this region. Adventure seekers flock to this park for a variety of activities like hiking, mountain climbing, winter skiing, and wild water rafting including animal and bird watching.
Overall, Durmitor National Park is a go-to place for the splendid natural richness it has to offer.
Also Read: Amazing Places to Visit in Europe With Family
Lucerne
Located in Switzerland, Lucerne has a lot to offer in terms of natural richness making it one of the top naturally rich places in Europe to visit. With its beautiful Lake Lucerne and at the foothills of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green meadows. Lake Lucerne and the Alpine peaks are must-visit places for visitors to Lucerne.
One can also go on boat rides on the lake or indulge in various other recreational activities and adventure sports in Lucerne. The lakes in Lucerne are rich in ecosystem and support various species of fish and flora.
Lucerne is surrounded by dense forests and other green spaces that are extremely supportive of a rich biodiversity and regulating climate even as it offers ample opportunities for adventure seekers. The rivers and lakes in Lucerne provide a lot in terms of hydropower that keeps Lucerne and other cities powered.
To conclude, Lucerne’s natural beauty, its water resources, and the environment are a major tourist attraction that keeps Lucerne in the limelight.
Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are renowned for their natural beauty, rugged mountain terrains, and diverse ecosystems that stand out among all the natural wonders in Europe. The Swiss Alps also possess a variety of other natural resources that contribute to tourism and the local economy.
Some of the major rivers and lakes in the Swiss Alps are a source of recreational activities like boating, swimming, rafting, and fishing. In winter, the Swiss Alps with its loft snow-covered peaks and trails offer a wide variety of adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, hiking, mountaineering, biking, etc.
For nature lovers, the Swiss Alps are home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and animal species including some endemic species that have adapted themselves to the conditions of the Swiss Alps. To conclude, the Swiss Alps’s natural resources offer a lot in terms of tourism and preserving its cultural heritage. It is a boon to adventure seekers as well as nature lovers.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Europe
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in the northern part of Italy and are rich in some natural minerals. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2009, what sets Dolomites apart is its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, towering mountain peaks, deep valleys, and lush alpine meadows that are a delight for leisure seekers and adventurers alike.
For adventure seekers, Dolomites are a visual and prime delight as they offer ample scope for winter and summer adventure sports like mountaineering, hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding among other sporting activities. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the Dolomite Mountains to enjoy its stunning landscapes indulge in outdoor activities, and partake in its cultural experiences evident in its architecture, cuisine, and other activities.
For nature lovers, Dolomites offer a wide spectrum of flora and fauna that have adapted themselves to the Dolomite environment over the ages.
Overall, the Dolomites make up for a great visit for its natural beauty, ample recreational activities, and cultural richness making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most iconic landmark for its geological wonder that has stood the test of time for millions of years. It’s a symbol of Ireland’s natural heritage and a go-to destination for adventure seekers and regular tourists for its breathtaking coastal landscapes. Located on the western coast of County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher stretch to about 14 miles along the Atlantic coast of the country.
Some of the cliffs rise to about 700 feet above sea level and offer a spectacular view of the coastline, the Aran Islands, and the Twelve Pin mountain range in Connemara.
Each year millions of tourists flock to the Cliffs of Moher making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland.
For bird enthusiasts, the Cliffs of Moher offer ample opportunities in terms of birdwatching. One can watch a variety of birds from close quarters while it’s flying or nesting.
The Cliffs of Moher have featured in several Hollywood films contributing to its cultural significance.
To conclude, the Cliffs of Moher are not just a geological wonder for millions of years but also a symbol of what Ireland stands for. It’s a must-visit for travelers seeking breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Also Read: Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
Santorini
Located in Greece, Santorini a volcanic island boasts of distinctive archaeological and geological features that are a delight for visitors. Formed around 3,600 years ago due to a massive volcano eruption which caused the center of the island to collapse giving it a crescent-shaped look. Today, Santorini is famous the world over for its stunning panoramic landscapes, its white-washed cubiform houses with blue domes and domes, clinging to cliffs overlooking the sea, and its volcanic sand beaches.
Santorini is dotted with several picturesque villages with Oia being the most famous village because of the sunset views it offers making it a tourists’ delight. Another favorite of the visitors is tasting tours as Santorini is famed for its centuries-old wine-making prowess.
Overall, Santorini is a popular tourist destination, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, unique architecture, romantic ambiance, cultural offerings stunning landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a beautiful village located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, renowned for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and cultural heritage that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Hallstatt has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 because of its cultural and historical importance.
The village is bordered by steep mountainsides and serene lakes. Quaint Alpine house lines up in the village giving it a fairy-tale look. Hallstatt is famous for its archaeological significance and is one of the earliest known sites of organized salt mining dating back thousands of years. The salt mines today contribute significantly to the cultural and economic development of the region.
Tourists flock to this village in abundance year after year to engage in tours of salt mines, indulge in hiking, cycling, and boating, or simply relax and enjoy the charming life Hallstatt offers. In winter, one can also go skiing on the nearby skiing trails.
One can also visit the Charnel House in the village which has on display elaborately decorated skulls and skeletal remains from thousands of years ago that are remnants of Hallstatt’s long history and unique cultural practices.
Trolltunga
Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular rock formations situated about 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnat Lake in Vestland County in Norway. It juts horizontally out of the mountain ridge above the lake like a tongue sticking out. The hike through high mountain terrain to reach the summit of Trolltunga is every hiker’s delight – demanding and challenging. But the breathtaking views from the top are worth it.
Trolltunga offers a stunning panoramic view of the fjords and mountains around the region and Lake Ringedalsvatnat making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography.
Overall, Trolltunga is a hiker’s delight, offering a challenging experience and at the same time panoramic view of the stunning natural beauty that the surroundings have to offer making it one of the top destinations for tourists around the world.
Also Read: Adventure Activities to do in Europe
Ancient Beech Forests
Beech Forests are Europe’s natural wilderness that has stood the test of time and spread over many countries across the region over 12,000 years. These 94 Ancient Beech Forests located in 18 countries like France, Germany, Italy, etc. have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected as an endangered forests which has been unhindered by humans.
The Beech Forests are unique to Europe and they tells immensely the story of the survival and growth of a single species of tree over many centuries. These forests are home to a rich variety of plants and animal species, some rare and endangered ones.
These forests support complex ecosystems where diverse flora and fauna thrive. The core areas of all the Beech Forests are protected and restricted zones and hence untouched by humans. Visitors are allowed only in some parts of the forests. Most of these Ancient Beech Forests have spiritual importance to local communities and are highly treasured for their aesthetic beauty and natural tranquillity
Overall, these Ancient Beech Forests are cherished for their ecological integrity, cultural significance its role in maintaining biodiversity over thousands of years.
Verdon Gorge
Verdon Gorge is a river canyon located in the southeastern region of France. It was carved out by the Verdon River over a million years and is known for its turquoise-green water and towering cliffs. From the breathtaking views inside the gorges to the sparkling rapids running through the ravine to the numerous trails the gorge has to offer, Verdon Gorge is every tourist’s delight.
The gorge offers numerous opportunities for a variety of activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, and rafting in the river. The park surrounding the gorge encompasses diverse landscapes including forests and plateaus that support different species of plants, animals, and birds.
Verdon Gorge is also known for its historical significance as ancient artifacts and Roman ruins have been found in the area surrounding the gorge.
In short, Verdon Gorge stands significantly as a natural marvel of France, characterized by its majestic cliffs, wild rapids, and the various opportunities it offers for recreational activities making it a go-to place for tourists.
Also Read: Hill Stations to Visit in Europe
Southern Coast of Iceland
The Southern Coast of Iceland is famous for its multitude of waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. It is known for its diverse and stunning natural landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity, glaciers, and coastal processes.
The largest glacier in Europe is found on Iceland’s southern coast, which also serves as a starting point for some of the country’s most stunning trekking regions. It also houses several stunning waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, lava fields, craters, and hot springs that attract visitors from various parts of the world.
The Southern Coast of Iceland also includes protected areas and national parks. Thingveller National Park located on the Southern Coast of Iceland is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is of historical significance.
Overall, the Southern Coast of Iceland is a popular tourist destination with its plethora of opportunities for hiking, glacier walks, ice climbing, boating, or simply sightseeing.
Conclusion
To conclude, other than these 12 naturally rich places, Europe has many other places on offer that have on offer some of the best natural sights in the world. If you are a history buff and want to visit some of the natural wonders in Europe, these are the places you should have on your bucket list.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Germany
Book Europe Tour Package
Starting @ 199,999/- INR
3N Paris , 1N Amsterdam , 1N Cologne and 3N Zurich
Highlights
- To and Fro Economy Class Flights
- Stay in good 3/4 star hotels in Europe
- Unique offering – Stay in Amsterdam, Zurich City Tour and option to enjoy train experience in Switzerland
- Daily Continental Breakfast
- Covers the best sightseeing in Frankfurt, Switzerland. Netherlands and Paris
- 8 Indian Jain/Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian Dinners
- All Transfers and Tours by Luxury AC Coach
- Schengen Visa Charges and Travel Insurance Included
- Guaranteed Schengen Visa Appointments
- Services of a English/Hindi Experienced Tour Manager
Check Latest Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to go in Europe if you like nature?
One of the top places to go to if you like nature is the Swiss Alps.
What is the most naturally beautiful country in Europe?
Norway is considered the most naturally beautiful country in Europe.
Are there any natural wonders in Europe?
One of the natural wonders in Europe is the Plitvice Lake National Park in Croatia.
What is the prettiest place in Europe?
One of the prettiest places in Europe is Santorini in Greece.
Which part of Europe has the best scenery?
The Swiss Alps in Europe have the best scenery to offer.
Where is Paradise in Europe?
The island of Santorini in Greece is often considered a paradise in Europe.
What is the #1 tourist spot in Europe?
Paris in France is the #1 tourist spot in Europe.