The Best National Parks in Europe

Vatnajökull is the largest of all the European national parks and home to the continent’s biggest glacier (also called Vatnajökull), which comprises around 10% of the country’s area. Climbing the glacier is an unforgettable experience, but you can also go kayaking, swim in geothermal pools, visit an icy black sand beach and explore otherworldly ice caves. The park is set in southern Iceland, about a four-hour drive from Reykjavik.

Need to know: The best time to go hiking in Vatnajökull is May to September, while November to March is ideal for visiting the ice caves. If you’re travelling between September and April, there’s also a chance to see the northern lights in Iceland, a magical experience in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

The Dolomites, a staggering mountain range in northeastern Italy, may technically be part of the Alps, but they have their own distinctive allure. Although there are several nature parks here, Dolomiti Bellunesi is the only designated national park. It covers 12 square miles (31 square kilometres) and includes some of the mountains’ most impressive and less-trodden hiking trails. Learn more in our guide to the Dolomites in Italy.

Need to know: June to September is the best time to go hiking and explore the park’s villages, valleys and via ferratas (climbing routes featuring ladders and cables to assist your ascent).

Most people might not associate the Greek Islands with spectacular hiking, but that’s exactly what Samaria National Park offers. Spanning the 10-mile (16-kilometre) Samaria Gorge in western Crete, it invites you to embark on a challenging full-day route that’s one of the best hikes in Europe. Although it does include a steep descent, the trail is accessible for hikers of all levels. It also has the unique advantage of ending at a stunning black sand beach.

Need to know: Samaria National Park is only open from 1st May to 31st October each year; we suggest going at the beginning or end of this window for the most pleasant weather.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia, thanks in large part to its dazzling colour palette. Located between Zagreb (the capital) and Zadar (on the coast), the park contains an extensive network of natural dams, lakes and waterfalls. Its bright turquoise waters and lush greenery are even more impressive in person than they are in photos, and a pattern of wooden walkways makes it easy to explore.

Need to know: Plitvice Lakes is at its best during May, June, September and October, outside of the peak season in July and August.

In the far north of Portugal, past Porto and the Douro Valley, lies the rugged and rocky wonderland of Peneda-Gêres National Park. Here you can trade hilly streets and tiled buildings for steep trails, granite peaks and broad valleys. The park covers around 270 square miles (700 square kilometres) and includes several remote villages that offer an authentic glimpse into the area’s cultural heritage.

Need to know: Like many places in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês has ideal weather and relatively small crowds in late spring (May), early summer (June) and early autumn (September).

Slovenia is a treasure trove of flawless landscapes and postcard-worthy views, and Triglav National Park boasts some of its top sights. . Here you’ll find glassy lakes and yawning gorges, bright blue rivers and towering peaks – including the emblematic Mount Triglav. The park lies within the Julian Alps and includes Lake Bohinj and several sections of the long-distance Alpe Adria Trail, which stretches from Austria to Italy.

Need to know: Head to Triglav in June or September to take advantage of the balmy summer temperatures without peak season crowds.

Avid hikers will be in their element at Écrins National Park, a vast expanse of mountains, glaciers and high-altitude trails in the French Alps, about a two-hour drive south of Lyon.
A wide array of short and accessible treks makes it a great choice for a day trip; we recommend hiking to Dormillouse, a traditional hamlet set high up on the edge of the Freissinières Valley.

Need to know: July through to September are the most popular months for hiking in Écrins, but it’s also a prime destination for winter sports during the snow season from December to April.

Literally meaning ‘the home of the giants’, Jotunheimen is Norway’s highest national park. You can explore its incredible peaks – including Galdhøpiggen, the tallest mountain in Scandinavia – as part of a tour through the Norwegian fjords. It’s about a four-hour drive from either Bergen or Oslo; continue north for another five hours to reach the pretty coastal town of Ålesund.

Need to know: Between June and September the park is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and rafting. In the winter months (November to May), the landscape transforms into a peaceful wilderness, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Discover all the enchantment of the Scottish Highlands in Cairngorms National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. It’s also the largest national park in the UK, covering over 1,700 square miles (4,500 square kilometres). The park boasts 55 peaks that are at least 3,000 feet (914 metres) high – known here as Munros – which practically beg to be summited (or ‘bagged’).

Need to know: The summer months from June to August are best for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. You can also go birding, golfing or explore local heritage sites such as the Highland Folk Museum and Ruthven Barracks, which offer insight into Scotland‘s rural life and Jacobite history.