12 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Europe for Your Bucket List

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.

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12 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Europe for Your Bucket List

Norwegian Fjords, Norway 1/5

Black Forest, Germany 2/5

Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy 3/5

The Matterhorn, Switzerland 4/5

Krimml Waterfalls, Austria 5/5

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Norwegian Fjords, Norway

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The Matterhorn, Switzerland

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Krimml Waterfalls, Austria

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

12 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Europe Giant's Causeway — © aitormmfoto / Adobe Stock

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

12 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in Europe Bled Gorge — © marcin jucha / Adobe Stock

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.