Take a look at 10 amazing European Natural Wonders to reignite your passion for adventure.
In these times it is important to remember the good things in life, the things that make it all worth it and inspire us. These breathtaking European natural wonders are a reminder to all of us to take a deep breath, relax, and remember that all those places are not out of reach.
Check out our list of 10 amazing European Natural Wonders and remember to stay safe so that when you are ready, you can just pick one of them, pack your bags and enjoy your next adventure.
1. Douro River Valley – Portugal
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (you know it as Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up, there are many different ways to get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage Site: by road, by train, on a cruise boat and even by helicopter. All of modes will surely impress you and show you the beauty of this valley.
Check out Adventurous Kate’s post on her visit to the Douro Valley to learn more and tips on planning your trip to this magical place.
2. Melissani Cave – Greece
It is a cave of unique beauty and which is 3.5 km long, 40m wide and 36m high. Melissani cave constitutes a unique geological phenomenon. The cave was created by a mechanical and chemical process called karstikopoiisi (dissolution of rocks) during which water enters the calcareous rocks, erodes them and creates hollows. You can reach the lake by an underground tunnel and have the option to explore it with a boat and a guide. Therefore, you are able to admire this amazing natural work of sculpture created by the stalactites and the crystal blue-green color of the water.
Check out Carmen’s luxury travel to learn more about this phenomenon, where you can also find advice if you decide to see the cave for yourself.
3. Durmitor National Park – Montenegro
The breathtaking Park is located at wide mountain region in the northwestern part of Montenegro, surrounded by the rivers Piva and Tara and there are 23 mountain tops over 2300 meters of altitude. When visiting the park tracking, mountaineering, Alpine and Nordic skiing, rafting on the Tara river, fishing, camping and visits by bus or car are available to you at all times. The Park can be reached from Belgrade, by highway to Pljevlja and than over Tara river to Žabljak and Mojkovac.
Check out Heart My Backpack’s post about Durmitor National Park in Montenegro to learn more.
4. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
The national park is world-famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. There are sixteen lakes which can be seen from the surface. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. Located in the mountainous Lika region, half-way between the coast and the capital Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park is, along with Dubrovnik, the single most visited site in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes became a protected national park back in 1949, and since 1979 the place is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read more about the fascinating park in Frank About Croatia, where you can also find a travel guide for your trip to the lakes in 2020.
5. Eisriesenwelt – Austria
Eisriesenwelt – the world’s largest ice cave! About 134 altitude meters have to be traversed during a tour of this magnificent cave. This roughly corresponds to hiking up the stairway of a large high-rise. Each visitor is responsible for determining whether he or she is capable of this exertion. There is no doubt that the beauty of the ice sculptures and large dimension of the cave will make up for any strain that one has to endure to see the cave in its full might.
Check out Hannah’s guide on how to visit the cave right here and learn more about the place.
6. Faroe Islands – Denmark
An archipelago of eighteen islands in the North Atlantic forms one of Europe’s most amazing natural settings. The Faroe Islands are home to about 50,000 human inhabitants (and 70,000 sheep inhabitants) who live along the flocks of puffins, starlings, and other seabirds. The islands’ dramatic sloping coasts and seaside cliffs are as beautiful as they are stark.
Crazy Travelista has prepared the perfect 5 day Faroe Islands itinerary where you can learn everything you need to know in case you decide to visit any of the islands.
7. Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland which run for around 14 km. The Cliffs of Moher have been facing the Atlantic for over 350 million years and their beauty is incomparable – it is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction and if you visit you will understand why.
Check out Lydiascapes’ itinerary for the Cliffs of Moher, Belfast and Galway where she describes the cliffs as the biggest highlist of her visit.
8. The Verdon Gorge – France
The deepest gorge in France, les Gorges du Verdon (also called the Grand Canyon of France), is one of the must-see natural wonders in Europe. While there is no road up the gorge, there is a breathtaking circular “corniche” route around the rim of the gorge, and plenty of opportunities for boat and kayak hire on the lower end of the gorge.
Check out the Talking Suitcase’s weekend in The Verdon Gorge where you can learn and see more about the Grand Canyon of France.
9. Chamonix – France
If the Alps have been fascinating you, Chamonix is the right place for you. Situated to the north of Mont Blanc, between the peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and the notable Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. The Chamonix commune is popular with skiers and mountain enthusiasts, and via the cable car lift to the Aiguille du Midi one has the opportunity to access the off-piste (backcountry) ski run of the Vallée Blanche.
Check out Helene in between’s travel guide for visiting Chamonix – all the essentials in one place.
10. The Dolomites – Italy
One of the most favorite destinations of nature lovers, the Dolomites, or Dolomiti in Italian, is a mountainous region that is part of the Northern Italian Alps. Dominated by 18 majestic peaks, the diverse landscape consists of more than 350,000 acres of jagged pinnacles, sheer rock faces, icy glaciers, deep gorges, lush forests, and valleys. Through the Dolomites, there are small towns along the countryside, each part of a fascinating mix of unique customs and languages.
Check out Sarah the Green’s 6 day itinerary of the Dolomites, where she also shows you the best photo locations.
Plan your trip
If you decide on traveling in 2020, don’t forget that LuggageHero is there to ease your troubles. Don’t let your bags drag you down from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. Book your storage in one of our cities across Europe and North America right here!