Europe National Parks Blog 2

Whether you’re into fair-weather walks, extreme adventure activities, or sunny seaside sightseeing, the great European outdoors has got you covered the length and breadth of the continent. From primeval woodland on the Belarus-Poland border to the wuthering heights of the Yorkshire Dales, here are our picks for 10 must-visit national parks in Europe.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

England

Southern Howgill Fells in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Photo: Kevin Eaves / Shutterstock England Rolling heather-clad moorland, quintessential English vistas, starry night skies, and a network of limestone caves comprise the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England, also home to Bolton Abbey and Wensleydale Creamery. From the lush low-lying dales to the craggy, windswept peaks of Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent—part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge—the Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best places to enjoy the great European outdoors, whether on foot, by bike, or train.

Soomaa National Park, Estonia

Estonia

 A major bird-watching region and stretch of protected wetlands in south-western Estonia, Soomaa National Park is made up of peat bogs, grassland, dunes, forests, and rivers. Visit in one of Soomaa’s five distinct seasons—the classic four plus high-water season—to enjoy this overlooked national park on foot year-round, or by traditional dugout canoe from April to October. In winter, strap on your snowshoes or skis to explore the frozen bogs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia

The UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park was the first designated national park in Croatia, and remains to this day one of the country’s most popular destinations. Comprised of 16 interconnected and enticingly jewel-toned lakes—ranging from shocking blue to sultry greens and greys depending on the time of day—Plitvice Lakes National Park is crisscrossed by sinuous wooden boardwalks that weave across the water, way-marked hiking trails, and cascading falls that will make you glad you left the house.

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