These 13 Beautiful Gardens in Europe Feel Like a Fairytale
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The most beautiful gardens in Europe include romantic rose gardens and intricate hedge mazes. These stunning spaces are everywhere, from stately mansions to quiet parks, blending history, art, and horticulture.
Iconic destinations include the Palace of Versailles in France, with its fountains and sculptures, or Keukenhof in the Netherlands, home to millions of blooming tulips.
From the rolling hills of the English countryside to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, these 12 breathtaking gardens are must-see destinations for nature and history lovers. We have selected them based on their popularity, historical importance, and stunning design.
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Generalife Gardens, Granada, Spain
The Generalife Gardens hold a mesmerizing power over anyone who visits. From the roses to the citrus trees, each plant produces a particular color, smell, or look that makes the experience almost overwhelming.
The gardens are listed as part of Alhambra’s UNESCO Heritage SIte’s list of destinations. You’ll walk along reflective pools and fountains and observe hedges and landscaping that preserve its Moorish heritage.
After touring the ancient palaces of the Alhambra, don’t miss the chance to relax in the gardens. Grab a bocadillo sandwich and some drinks and kick back at the edge of the gardens and take in the beautiful Generalife Palace and the views of the mountains and city in front of you.
Read also: Most Beautiful Mountains in Europe
Gardens of Versailles, Versailles, France
The Gardens of Versailles look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. With their monumental hedges, colorful flowers, and inspiring statues, you’ll want to spend the entire day walking around.
The gardens were built by King Louis XIV behind the opulent Palace of Versailles. They sprawl out over 800 hectares and include forests, rose gardens, sculpture gardens, and ornate fountains surrounded by manicured shrubs and trees.
They have a classic French gardening style and connect to the larger Park of Versailles. Nearby, you can visit some of the city’s famous monuments such as the Equestrian statue of Louis XIV and Queen Marie Antoinette’s hamlet.
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Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, Germany
The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is so grand that it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, it’s easy to see why. With striking 18th-century castles, ponds, forests, and manicured gardens, it truly is a garden kingdom.
This magical space covers over 14,000 hectares. Amongst the landscape, you’ll see castles and monuments, many dating back to the 18th century.
Don’t miss the fairytale-like grove of trees and the Kettenbrücke bridge of the Luisenklippe. Then, make your way to the Pantheon and The Isle of Stone. Finally, check out the Gothic House museum and the centuries-old Labyrinth which is mesmerizing and covered in fall foliage and spring flowers.
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Kensington Gardens, London, England
Kensington Gardens are ornate English gardens attached to the 17th-century Kensington Palace. The British Royal Family still resides inside the building, and the family often hosts special events in the gardens, when they’re closed to the public, of course.
You’ll see flowers, beautiful hardwoods, and the occasional fan palm. Walk amongst the manicured paths, and you’ll come to hidden ponds with wildlife, including swans, ducks, and other migratory birds.
Inside the green space, you’ll find monuments and small gardens. Look for the whimsical Peter Pan Statue and the stunning Italian Gardens. There’s also a memorial garden to the Late Princess Diana.
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Nymphenburg Palace Gardens, Nymphenburg, Germany
The Nymphenburg Palace Gardens are a sprawling and opulent green space next to the grand 18th-century Nymphenburg Palace. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into history as you stroll through the elegant trails and open spaces.
Throughout the year, the gardens offer new and colorful sights. In the fall, the foliage forms a dramatic canvas of colors surrounding the palace. Then in spring, colorful flowers emerge.
You’ll get to see historical monuments such as the Apollotempel, Große Kaskade waterfall, and the Pagodenburg castle. Amalienburg Castle is an ornate hunting lodge with priceless artifacts and decorations.
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Fondation Monet Gardens, Giverny, France
The Fondation Monet Gardens is a beautiful garden dedicated to the famous artist Monet. He was inspired by the garden’s gorgeous plants and landscaping.
Check out the Passage Souterrain green arch and then walk across the Japanese Bridge. You’ll pass manicured hedges, lily ponds, and colorful flowers such as wisterias and roses.
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After perusing the green spaces, head into the village to sample local food and wine. Then, walk through town to see other smaller yet inspiring gardens.
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Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
The Boboli Gardens are a reflective and monumental garden area with ornate 16th and 17th-century sculptures and fountains. The influential and powerful Medici family built the gardens next to the grand Palazzo Pitti.
The gardens are one of the finest examples of Rennaisance horticulture and garden design in Europe. You’ll feel like royalty when you’re walking through the beautiful trails and forests.
If you love history, plants, and art, this amazing historical space is well worth visiting. When you visit, don’t miss the nearby monuments such as the Forte di Belvedere, Villa Bardini Heritage Museum, and of course the Palazzo Pitti.
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Isola Bella Garden, Isola Bella, Italy
Isola Bella is a historical island garden surrounded by crystal clear water and the Italian Alps. You’ll see stunning architecture, statues, and plants, framed by one of Europe’s most striking views.
You’ll arrive by boat and step foot onto the docks at the Palazzo Borromeo. As you walk through this monumental palace, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful art and landscaping.
After enjoying the architecture, head into the gardens to see grand arches, statues, and manicured hedges. Don’t miss the Garden of Love and the island’s fun gift shop.
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Athens National Garden, Athens, Greece
Athens National Garden is a peaceful and historical garden in the middle of the bustling city of Athens. You’ll see palms, cypress, and fruit trees adorn the trails and scenic spaces.
As you walk, you’ll stumble onto Roman ruins, ancient mosaics, small waterfalls, and streams. There are statues picnic areas and ponds with turtles and other wildlife.
At the north end of the gardens is the Botanical Museum and zoo. Here, you’ll see wildlife including mountain goats and several species of birds. After your visit, you can walk to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the city’s most renowned wonders.
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Petřín Gardens, Prague, Czech Republic
The Petřín Gardens are what many locals consider, an insider’s destination. Just outside of the city’s tourist centers and old town, the gardens sprawl along the hillside.
You’ll see vineyards, rose gardens, and orchards, plus tons of colorful flowers. Manicured hedges carve out paths in the hill and you’ll get impressive views of Prague and Prague Castle.
Take a few hours to walk through the trails. You’ll find an observatory and lavender garden, plus hidden statues and fun communal gathering points where people play live music and hang out.
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Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands
Keukenhof Gardens, often called the “Garden of Europe,” is magical with its millions of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring blooms. Over seven million flowers are planted annually, and each pathway and bed bursts with color and fragrance.
Located in Lisse, about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is open from late March to mid-May. The 32-hectare gardens have themed gardens, pavilions, and scenic waterways. Don’t miss the iconic windmill for panoramic views of the tulip fields.
Arrive early to beat the crowds, and bring comfortable walking shoes. Pack a picnic or enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants. The park also offers bike rentals for exploring the nearby flower fields.
Read more: How To Visit Keukenhof
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, Gordes, France
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is one of the best places in France to see the famous lavender fields of Provence. You’ll get to gaze at the dry hillsides covered in bright purple flowers.
The abbey was built in the 12th century and features stunning gothic architecture. Surrounding it are manicured gardens including roses, pines, and sweeping trees.
When summer arrives, you can visit to take in the wonderful aromas and colors of the lavender. After enjoying the flowers, you can tour the abbey and meet the monks who call it home.
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Vigeland Park, Oslo, Norway
Vigeland Park may be covered in snow for much of the year, but it should be on any garden lovers’ list. You’ll see ornate gardens and sprawling forests of hardwoods and pines.
Besides the beautiful trees and flowers, Vigeland is one of the world’s most impressive sculpture gardens. You’ll see works of art from sculptor Gustav Vigeland covering the property.
Nearby is the Oslo City Museum featuring one of Northern Europe’s best collections of art. During each season there are special events to enjoy in the awe-inspiring space.
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