The 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in Europe

Europe is home to some of the most diverse and dramatic national parks in the world, from atmospheric forests to coastal cliffs. In this guide, you’ll discover 12 of the best national parks in Europe, across countries including Croatia, Slovenia, France, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland.

Whether you’re planning a hiking trip or a photography adventure, there’s something for every type of traveller.

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

We’re starting things off with an absolute icon. The cascading emerald waterfalls and 16 interconnected lakes at park Croatia Plitvice are world-famous for a very good reason (they’re seriously photogenic). You get to walk right over the rushing turquoise water on wooden boardwalks, which makes for the most incredible low-angle camera shots. A trip here is the ultimate hiking in Croatia national park experience – just keep a tight grip on your phone near the edge because you’ll definitely want to print these snaps as a glossy poster print or acrylic wall art the second you get home.

Best for:

Water lovers and families who want to take bucket-list holiday photos (but still keep things very chill).

2. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Hidden deep in the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park Slovenia needs to be right at the top of your travel list if you love massive mountains. It sits around Mount Triglav and features the insanely clear and reflective waters of Lake Bohinj. Expect towering limestone peaks, deep gorges and rivers so bright green they look like a filter (but seriously, #nofilter).

The evening light hits the valleys beautifully at golden hour, which is your cue to snap away and gather material for your next travel photo book. One of the best national parks Europe has to offer? We think so.

Best for:

Mountain climbers, wild swimmers and anyone obsessed with the perfect golden hour shot.

3. Calanques National Park, France

Now we’re swapping the snowy mountains for the warm Mediterranean coast. Easily one of the best national parks in France, this coastal paradise boasts bright turquoise sea tucked right between chalky white limestone cliffs. Take in the scent of wild rosemary as you walk along the hidden coves, or cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear water once you tackle those rocky trails. If you look up, you might even spot rare Bonelli’s eagles soaring overhead.

Best for:

Sun seekers, boat trippers and coastal explorers who prefer their hikes to end at the beach.

4. Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni National Park, Italy

This southern Italian gem is pretty underrated but absolutely deserves a spot on any complete national parks of Europe list. It combines impressive mountain ranges with a spectacular coastline and offers the perfect mix of pristine sandy beaches, olive groves and ancient Greek temples. You can hike around historical architecture in the morning and relax in secret sea caves by the afternoon, making it one of the nature parks Europe does best. Dreamy.

Best for:

Culture buffs and history lovers who like a side of ancient ruins with their sunbathing.

5. Parc Ela, Switzerland

The scenery in Switzerland is always postcard-perfect isn’t it?! And Parc Ela showcases the absolute best of the country’s mountain culture. While the official Swiss National Park winter trails get lots of attention, this huge reserve (the biggest nature park in Switzerland, in fact) offers next-level alpine meadows all year round. With flower-filled valleys, glaciers and mountain lakes that look out of this world no matter the season, it easily ranks as one of the best national parks in Switzerland for experiencing authentic alpine life (and those panoramic shots demand to be turned into a layflat photo book).

Best for:

Architecture fans who love a traditional village just as much as a mountain peak.

6. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

The name is definitely a bit confusing (we know), but this fairytale wonderland is actually one of the best national parks Germany has to offer. It’s famous for the bizarre sandstone pillars that rise directly out of misty green forests high above the Elbe River. A walk across the historic Bastei Bridge built straight into the cliffs looks exactly like a cinematic fantasy movie set (especially if you get up early to beat the crowds). And (in our opinion) it holds the crown as one of Europe’s best national parks for architectural photography, so don’t forget to pack extra rolls of film.

Best for:

Photographers, explorers and those who want to discover unique rock formations.

7. Šumava National Park, Czechia

People often call this massive forested expanse the ‘green roof of Europe’, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best national parks in Czechia. It’s packed with peat bogs (called ‘fens’) formed in the Ice Age (!), glacial lakes and endless pine trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. The super relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a quiet weekend away from the crowds (and you might even spot a Eurasian lynx slipping through the woods if you’re lucky).

Best for:

Off-grid nature lovers and wildlife watchers who want to experience proper wilderness.

8. Skuleskogen National Park, Nordics

Head to Sweden’s High Coast to find one of the undisputed top national parks in Europe. This coastal marvel offers a pretty cool combination of dense spruce forests that crash right into the rocky shores of the Baltic Sea. The standout feature is the Slättdalsskrevan canyon (a massive ravine with vertical rock walls that make you feel incredibly tiny). The mix of dark green trees and red granite creates a gorgeously moody aesthetic, so a wide-angle lens is essential if you’re there to get some unreal nature shots.

Best for:

Coastal hikers and explorers who want epic scale and a dramatic ocean view.

9. Prokletije National Park, Montenegro

People often call Prokletije National Park Montenegro the ‘Alps of the Balkans’. Known locally as the Accursed Mountains (where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet), it really is the ultimate dream if you want a real wilderness experience. The summit views are completely uninterrupted, giving you panoramic landscapes that stretch for miles. The jagged skylines and super peaceful alpine lakes also make it a major contender for the best national park in Europe.

Best for:

Serious explorers and budget travellers who want to experience untouched mountain beauty.

10. Thayatal National Park, Austria

Tucked right on the border with Czechia, this is a slightly smaller spot but easily the best national park in Austria for pure peace and quiet. One of the last natural valley landscapes in Central Europe, it’s a green wonderland filled with deep river canyons and ancient ruined castles peeking out through the trees. The area is also home to lots of rare wildlife, which makes it one of the most fun national parks of Austria to explore with a zoom lens. Keep your eyes peeled for wildcats and black storks!

Best for:

Animal lovers and amateur zoologists hoping to spot some rare creatures in the woods.

11. Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland

Just a short drive from Dublin, this Irish landscape proves exactly why the nature parks Europe has are so legendary. Here you’ll find blanket bogs, heather-clad slopes and the famously photogenic Lough Tay or ‘Guinness Lake’ (because it looks like a pint of Guinness from above, who knew?). The ancient monastic site at Glendalough also adds a touch of history to your walk. (Pro tip – the misty mornings here make for great photo moments).

Best for:

Road-trippers and weekend tourists looking for romantic landscapes and historic ruins.

12. Peak District National Park, UK

The UK is home to some of the most beautiful parks in Europe. The Peak District serves up expansive moorlands, deep dales and extremely quaint and charming stone villages. Friendly local sheep wander the hillsides (don’t forget to say hi!), and the scenic trails are just perfect for a quick weekend escape.

Best for:

Weekend ramblers, dog walkers and anyone who loves a morning walk followed by a proper pub lunch.

Picture this: you’ve just returned from a trip to one of the best nature parks in Europe. You conquered the trails (and have the worn-in boots to prove it), snapped a sensational amount of photos and now your camera roll is officially bursting at the storage-seams with gorgeous scenes.

We think those epic landscapes and wildlife are just a bit too impressive not to print. Why not turn your favourite wide-angle or macro shots into Photobox wall art or gather the whole trip into a nature-themed photo book. Holiday memories never looked so good.

Create your photo book