Besides having a rich cultural history and many historic landmarks, there are some gorgeous natural landscapes in Europe. From the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, there is a huge variety of geography in this little continent. Wilderness backpackers don't need to travel to the farthest reaches of the planet for amazing scenery.
What's even more fascinating is seeing how humans have influenced these landscapes over thousands of years. Infrastructure from centuries ago has often shaped Europe's countryside, turning naturally idyllic scenery into picturesque fairytale landscapes. In this list of 10 of Europe's most ethereal places, you'll find both untouched natural beauty and places where nature and culture collide.
10 Plitviče Lakes National Park, Croatia
A less expensive alternative to other, more popular Mediterranean destinations, Croatia is equally as beautiful as its neighbors. With thousands of kilometers of turquoise coastline, some tourists forget that inland Croatia is also stunning.
Plitviče Lakes National Park is a forest reserve in central Croatia known for its terraced lakes of crystal clear water. There are 16 lakes in total, each with their own unique features such as waterfalls, hiking trails, and caves. In 1979, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its pristine natural beauty.
9 Douro Valley, Portugal
For all the wine drinkers out there, especially port fans, Portugal's Douro Valley should be your next trip. Located 100 kilometers from Porto, the Douro Valley is the world's oldest demarcated wine region, having established its boundaries in 1756. The Douro River runs down the middle, separating huge terraces of wine grapes.
Imagine sipping some of the world's best wine with a view of the huge, terraced hills, perhaps even on a boat cruise down the river. Retreat from the stresses of daily life on a trip to the Douro Valley, a love of wine not necessary.
8 Kirkjufel Mountain, Iceland
Kirkjufell Mountain might be one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland—it's synonymous with the diverse landscape of the country. But the witch hat-like mountain looks more like it belongs in a fairy realm or something outside this world.
It was, in fact, used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, which has encouraged masses of tourists to flock to Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the mountain is located. Kirkjufell is often called the most photographed mountain in the country, and while there aren't any real statistics, the claim is undisputed.
7 Positano, Italy
It's a wonder the village of Positano even exists, built into a huge cliff face on Italy's Amalfi Coast. The bright, cheerful buildings of the village contrast with the severity of the sheer cliff it's built on, leading into a near-vertical drop into the sea below.
It's no surprise that so many travelers dream of visiting the Amalfi Coast. Though considered a luxury destination, budget travelers will still be able to experience the wisteria-draped streets and endless coastline. Its proximity to Naples makes it a perfect day trip.
6 Hallstatt, Austria
Archaeologists and history geeks might know the name Hallstatt from the prehistoric culture, but you might not know that the name comes from a little village in Austria. Hallstatt is located in the Salzkammergut region of Alpine lakes and forests, and while anywhere in the region is swoon-worthy, Hallstatt is its cultural heart.
Hallstatt looks like an illustration from a German fairytale, nestled into the side of a mountain on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. You can walk along the World Heritage Skywalk 350 meters above the village for panoramic views of the entire region.
5 Meteora, Greece
Forget the ancient streets of Athens and the stark white villages of Santorini, because the next time you head for Greece, make sure the Meteora is on your itinerary. The Meteora is an extraordinary rock formation in central Greece, and its name even sounds otherworldly.
But perhaps its most incredible features are the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries built atop the pillars. Building the monasteries took extreme precision and some of the most talented architects. It's unknown when they were actually built, but Meteora's monastic settlement dates back to the 12th century.
4 Lofoten Islands, Norway
The amount of drop-dead gorgeous landscapes in Norway is inconceivable, from its western fjords to the mountain ranges that dominate the countryside. It’s perfect for anyone into photography or who has an appreciation for panoramic scenery.
If you’re brave enough to cross the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are Norway’s best-kept secret. Emerging from the frigid waters of the Norwegian Sea, the quaint fishing villages and pointed mountains don’t seem like they’re as close to the North Pole as they are, but don’t be fooled—the Lofoten Islands are much more extreme than they appear.
3 Hallerbos Forest, Belgium
Nestled in the tiny country of Belgium, you’ll find the Hallerbos Forest. Hallerbos is famous for its carpet of bluebells that bloom each year in April, and when in full bloom, the forest resembles a painting better than a real-life forest.
Located in the Belgian region of Halle, it's easy to reach the forest for a day trip from nearby Brussels or any of Belgium's other cities due to the country's small size. Since the Hallerbos is easily accessible and inexpensive to reach, springtime visitors to Belgium should definitely check out the forest.
2 Lake Bled, Slovenia
One of Slovenia's most popular tourist destinations, Lake Bled and its adjacent town, Bled, have everything a visitor could ask for: extensive natural features including forests and mountains, a church on an islet in the middle of the lake, and a medieval castle perched on the edge of a cliff.
You could easily spend an entire holiday here swimming, hiking, and canoeing, forgetting the outside world and getting lost in the romantic landscape. Hidden in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is only 35 kilometers from the exciting capital city, Ljubljana.
1 Faroe Islands, Denmark
Sometimes mistaken as a part of Scotland, the Faroe Islands are actually owned by Denmark. The little archipelago floats in the North Atlantic, about halfway between the UK and Iceland. The 18 volcanic islands have been settled at least since the Vikings, who really understood prime real estate.
Today, thousands of tourists visit the islands each year to personally experience their magical scenery. The Faroe Islands offer many ways to see the landscape, from kayaking to horseback riding, and after a long day out in the mountains and valleys, head to the charming capital, Tórshavn, to soak in the islands' culture.