12 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Europe for Your Bucket List
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Ticking off a bucket list is more than taking in a series of cities. Some of the biggest attractions on planet Earth are natural rather than man-made. So, if you want to discover Europe’s finest natural sites, read on to find 12 of the best.
The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Switzerland’s mighty Matterhorn is breathtaking in its majesty, dominating the Alps. Though many think it looks more triangular, it’s named for the horn-shaped peak. The mountain has been around for at least 50 million years, and its summit is 4,478 meters above sea level.
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Krimml Waterfalls, Austria
Krimml Waterfalls at Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria are Europe’s tallest. They’re 380 meters high and comprise three tiers. You can get to this glorious area in three hours by train from Salzburg, then take a three-quarter-hour hike to reach the falls. The park is also packed with glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
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Black Forest, Germany
Step straight into a Brothers Grimm fairytale by heading to the Black Forest. It’s a dark, dense woodland of evergreens punctuated by pretty villages. Freiburg, fringed by vineyards, is the largest settlement, with Gothic buildings. The region is famous for cuckoo clocks and spas and is a year-round destination often included on Rhine cruises.
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Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy
You might expect Saturnia Hot Springs to be better known in touristy areas such as Tuscany. The naturally heated waters are one of the hidden gems of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. A soak in these bubbling, steamy waters is something you’ll never forget.
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Norwegian Fjords, Norway
The Norwegian Fjords comprise more than 1,000 natural inlets. Taking a cruise is the most popular way to see these dramatic coastal inlets framed by steep cliffs. The summer season is the best time to go due to long hours of daylight and warmer weather.
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Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
This stunning series of basalt stacks is located close to Bushmills in Northern Ireland. The unique formations result from past lava flow, which cooled to create the characteristic columns. Legend has it, though, that a giant named Finn McCool once built the structure as a bridge to Scotland.
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Bled Gorge, Slovenia
Bled Gorge is a natural wonder of Eastern Europe. It’s easy to reach the Bled area from Ljubljana, and while in the region, you can also experience Lake Bled and Bled Island. Rappelling down the gorge walls is the best way to get up close to the canyon, and this adventure activity can also deliver a satisfying adrenaline rush at the same time.
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Douro River Valley, Portugal
The Douro River Valley is also one to explore by cruise boat. In northern Portugal, terraced vineyards, trees laden with almonds, olives, and traditional villages can be seen. Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
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The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are a mountain lover’s paradise and one of Europe’s leading winter sports areas. In summer, hiking, paragliding, biking, and Via Ferrata climbs are popular here. The range is around an hour from Verona in northeastern Italy.
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Blue Lagoon, Malta
The Blue Lagoon in Malta is an incredibly photogenic spot – plus a lovely place for a swim. Snorkelers and scuba divers are also drawn here by the crystal clear water. This pretty spot can be found on Comino Island.
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Sarek National Park, Sweden
If you’ve always wanted to visit Lapland, add Sarek National Park in Sweden to your bucket list. Expect native wildlife, such as bears, moose, and eagles, plus a series of deltas, mountains and valleys. Glacial waters and spring wildflowers complete the picture.
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Lake Como, Italy
This well-known lake is fifty miles north of Milan and is shaped like a wishbone. Its paths are popular with walkers, while the lake provides the perfect playground for water sports. The region’s villages also have an appealing, timeless quality.
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Read more: Lake Como With Kids
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
