12 European National Parks Perfect for Nature Lovers

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Sun February 5, 2023

Europe's Best National Parks

1/13 Europe's grand cities typically grab the lion's share of travelers' attention when it comes to picking Europe trip destinations, but nature lovers shouldn't dismay because there are plenty of natural attractions waiting for you at the continent's best national parks.

They may not be as big as their counterparts across the pond, but Europe's national parks can hold their own when it comes to the natural beauty department and they are the perfect places to get active while on vacation or just simply sit still and admire stunning views. If you or your client is an outdoor lover or someone that values nature click on the slideshow to learn about a dozen of the best national parks in Europe.

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

2/13 Italy's oldest national park, Gran Paradiso is located in the far northwest of the country near its border with France. Heaven for hikers, the park gets its name from the Gran Paradiso mountain, the highest located entirely in Italy. The park was formerly a royal hunting ground and is home to sensational landscapes and several villages which are the perfect base for exploring. After you've had your breath taken away, hop across the border, where the beauty continues in the form of France's Vanoise National Park.

Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

3/13 The rocky & rugged landscapes of this national park in the eastern German region of Saxony may not be quite as dramatic as those in Switzerland, but you won't mind one bit when you're staring out over the Elbe River from the Bastei Bridge. The park is perfect for walkers, cyclists and rock climbers, who scale the park's unique rock formations.

Killarney National Park, Ireland

4/13 A great place to stop off on a tour along the Ring of Kerry and re-charge, Killarney National Park is home to a set of serene lakes, woods and waterfalls in addition to sights of historic importance. Explore the park on foot or by bicycle, making sure to stop every now and again to sit down and simply soak in the scenery.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

5/13 Tiny Montenegro may be more well-known for its coastal delights, but nature lovers who head inland will be richly rewarded as Durmitor is a land of rushing rivers, dramatic canyons and peaceful glacial lakes. The best way to experience the splendor of this park is to do some whitewater rafting in the Tara River Canyon, regarded as the deepest canyon in Europe.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, United Kingdom

6/13 This national park's name may be a mouthful, but its appeal is short and sweet. Home to Loch Lomond-the largest lake on the island of Britain-and a set of romantic surrounding mountains & quaint villages, it's essentially the best of rural Scotland distilled down into one package. Spend your days walking the hills and your afternoons sitting still at a loch-side restaurant.

Triglav National Park, Slovenia

7/13 Home to Mount Triglav-the highest peak in Slovenia-Triglav National Park is a land of jagged peaks, gorgeous gorges, teal blue rivers and waterfalls. The namesake mountain is the symbol of Slovenia (so much so in fact that it's the star of the national flag) but you don't have to climb to the top to be richly rewarded by a visit to this park. Go whitewater rafting on the Soca River, catch some fish or just simply admire the vistas.

Black Forest National Park, Germany

8/13 The Black Forest is famous the world over, but its reputation as an outdoor paradise is lesser known outside of Germany. After you've spent a couple of days exploring the cool town of Freiburg-located near the park-head inside the park to hike or cycle through the forests, spot waterfalls and be swept away by the fairytale atmosphere of the region.

Tatra National Park, Poland & Slovakia

9/13 This national park spans the border of southern Poland and northern Slovakia and it is home to breathtakingly beautiful jagged peaks, pristine lakes and endless recreational opportunities. Hiking and walking are the main draws here, but in winter the region comes alive as a center for skiing and other snow sports.

Hardangervidda National Park, Norway

10/13 The nation's largest national park, Hardangervidda is located on a large plateau in the heart of the country and offers visitors the chance to take in Norway's most dramatic scenery outside of the coastal fjords. Fish, hike and admire thundering waterfalls in the summer, cross country ski all winter long.

Picos de Europa, Spain

11/13 This nature reserve in northern Spai is home to a handful of handsome villages-settlements that help give the Picos de Europa National park its unique character. Hike between villages and stay at rustic local bed & breakfasts for an authentic experience you won't soon forget.

Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom

12/13 Located in northern England, this National Park offers up a slice of rural Britain at its most bucolic. Stroll across scenic valleys lined with dry stone walls as brooks babble and sheep baa by day, then settle in at a local pub to swap stories with fellow outdoor lovers over a hearty meal and a pint of ale at night.

Bohemia Forest National Park, Czech Republic

13/13 Also known as Sumava National Park, this park in the southern Czech Republic combines with the Bavarian Forest National Park across the border in Germany to form one of the biggest stretches of pristine forest in Europe. Known for its scenic rolling hills and crystal clear lakes, the park is perfect for cycling, hiking and a myriad of other outdoor pursuits.

Yep, Europe does national parks, too.

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