20 most beautiful places in Europe, which is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime
Travels / / December 19, 2019
1. National park "Plitvice Lakes", Croatia
At the reserve - caves, turquoise water bodies and forests, where you can meet wild animals and rare birds. Picturesque scenery stretched nearly 30 hectares, but the most fascinating lakes and waterfalls. Due to the natural features of the place here every year there are new side skirts, a species continually transformed.
Park "Plitvice Lakes" is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And if you are planning a holiday in Croatia, do not forget to look into this paradise. By the way, swimming in pools is prohibited: there is enough accidents. But you can walk along the wooden walkway along the lake and take a ride on a boat.
Getting there. From Zagreb, Zadar or Split can be reached by bus, some routes require a transplant. From anywhere in the country you can get yourself on the car, and in large cities and tourist - take a guided tour.
When arriving. Park takes visitors all year round and is beautiful in any season. However, in the winter open only one entrance to the reserve, as part of the territory is not available.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
If you do not live, then on postcards or photos seen almost everyone. Neuschwanstein Castle was built from 1869 to 1886 on the orders of King Ludwig II. He got into a huge debt to build a fairy tale castle, but he has lived in it a little less than six months.
Curiously, the space reserved for the privacy of one person, became the property of hundreds of thousands of people: seven weeks after the death of its king opened to visitors.
Monumental structure can be seen from afar: Neuschwanstein perched on the rock, which even had to make eight meters below, to the construction, in principle, possible.
The castle is more than 100 rooms, decorated with scenes from the works of Wagner and urban legends. Special richness of decoration and splendor characterized the throne room. And from the observation deck offers a view of the Alps, lakes, nearby villages and the nearby castle modest - Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig II spent his childhood.
Getting there. From Munich on a regular basis there is a train to the station Füssen. Next to it - the bus stop, which will bring up you to the path to the castle. You can also be reached by car or with a tour group.
When arriving. At any time of year, but better to buy tickets in advance.
3. The castles of the Loire, France
The Loire Valley - a fabulous place. On its expanses are dozens of castles and palaces of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Once you are there, in a picturesque place among the stone buildings, blossoming orchards and vineyards, as if you are transported several centuries back in time.
Many castles, and they are quite far from each other. So if you have left not much time, you should pay attention to the most famous, such as Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Saumur or Cheverny. All are open to the public.
Part of an extensive Loire Valley from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalons, representing the most significant cultural value entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Getting there. By car from Paris to go to the valley about 3 hours. Also can be reached by train from the Gare d'Austerlitz. Exit need to Blois station, and from there you can reach up to several castles on a circular bus.
Yet it is more convenient to move around in a rented car: You pick and choose which sites you want to visit. No less successful solution - just take a hike.
When arriving. Admire the castles of the Loire, you can at any time of the year.
4. City of Venice, Italy
Some complain about the ever-present smell of slime, others - on the crowds and left their garbage, and others complain about the sky-high prices. But all this can endure to see the really unusual and romantic city.
Yes, it is not without drawbacks. But to call here at least for a day, a ride on the canals in a gondola (and if you're lucky, and listen to songs performed by gondoliers), walk through the narrow streets, cobblestone, and visit the famous Piazza San Marco yet worth. Most likely, the more time you will not need to, so that you can safely continue their a trip to Italy.
Getting there. In Venice you can not travel by car. But to reach the city by car, only to have to leave it on the multi-storey car park fee.
Near the city has an international airport, from where you can also get to Venice by taxi or car.
When arriving. Watching what you want. If you are planning a relatively quiet holiday, it is better to avoid dates of the Venetian carnival. In 2019 he started in the middle of February and ends in early March. Normally, the date falls in late January - mid-February. Specify before the trip.
5. Pulpit Rock, Norway
Norwegian cliff about 10 thousand years. Pulpit from the observation deck height of more than 600 meters of stunning views of the picturesque fjord, and this majestic place is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
If you go ahead and climb a little higher, you will get to Korag plateau. It is famous for the huge cobblestone Koragboltenom, stuck between the rocks, which, as tourists write, you can climb without special equipment. But be careful: a giant stone is almost a mile above the ground. Risk their lives beautiful photos not worth it.
Getting there. Pulpit to the tourist center can be reached from the nearest major city of Stavanger. To get there, too, is simple: there is an airport, train station, port and bus service.
The ferry, which runs regularly, you can swim in about an hour before transplantation of Stavagnera space on the bus. And by road to get to the start of the route. Or just rent a car and go to the cliff of the city on their own.
When arriving. It is best in the summer months. Winter ascent can be dangerous for the unprepared tourists.
What to consider. In general, the route afford a healthy person. But be prepared for a steep long climbs. And if you are not sure consult, consult with your doctor beforehand.
Be sure to prepare comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, and stock up on warm clothing. Travel time to the observation deck Pulpit depends physical fitness.
6. Province of Lapland, Finland
The birthplace of Finnish Santa - Joulupukki - famous winter snowy landscapes, the northern lights and beautiful deer. Here, in addition to the stunning scenery there is also a ski resort, so you can combine leisure and journey into a fairy tale. Such an amount of pure white snow, you can hardly find in a stuffy metropolis.
It is worth to visit for those who love nature, but is not afraid of frosts - in the winter the temperature drops to 50 degrees below zero. If traveling with children, check out the residence of Santa Claus. Tourists will be much, but the kids will remember the trip and will probably be a little longer to believe in a fairy tale and enjoy the New Year.
Getting there. From Russia can be reached by train and car or fly an airplane.
When arriving. in winter Lapland especially beautiful, but get ready for the abundance of tourists. In summer, you will not see the snowy landscape, but will be able to enjoy the midnight sun.
7. Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
Bernese Alps, part of which is the Aletsch protected by UNESCO. Aletsch Glacier - the largest in these mountains, he stretched for 23 kilometers. Here you can walk along the cliffs and surrounded by tons of ice, gorges and waterfalls, breathe Alpine fresh air.
Next - a ski resort that is suitable to fans of skiing and snowboarding. But even if you are not fond of these sports, you know: it's just beautiful, clean and fresh. And just crazy views are more in front of you the Alps.
Getting there. Until the Jungfrau-Aletsch region, where the glacier can be reached by train from Zurich in about five hours.
When arriving. Glacier unfortunately melts. Therefore, as soon as possible. Travelers come here in summer and winter: in the warm season - enjoy the views, and in the cold and more skiing.
What to consider. For a comfortable and safe journey to the Aletsch need comfortable and warm shoes and clothes.
It is better to join the tour group. The surface is quite slippery in the mountains, there is a risk of injury by negligence. Experienced guides can provide first aid and help get to the medical center.
8. Rock Trolltunga, Norway
It is called "the language of a troll." Beauty and the scale of it is similar to its neighbor - the Pulpit Rock. Long protrusion on the mount Skeggedal rises above the lake, and the observation platform offers fantastic rocks and mirrored water.
If you do not have enough adrenaline, collect a marching backpack and go to Norway for the crazy emotions and spectacular photos.
Getting there. From Oslo or Bergen, you will first need to get to the city by bus Odd. From there - by taxi to the village Tissedal. Here, you will begin to rise on Trolltung. The length of the route - 12 kilometers, the road is only the top takes about 5 hours.
When arriving. The most favorable weather - from June to mid-September. The rest of the rise to the "troll's tongue" can be dangerous.
What to consider. The path to the viewing platform of a long and sometimes complicated, so take care of comfortable and warm footwear and clothing.
9. Resort Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Geothermal popular resort - unique area. The milky blue water surrounded by hardened lava, their temperature reaches 40 ° C, and the composition is rich in minerals. The bottom is covered with white clay, which is added to the mask and the means to Skin Care and hair.
The complex has a sauna and bath. Many people come here for health purposes, so visitors are also running a clinic where you can consult with specialists.
Getting there. Laguna is 38 kilometers from Reykjavik. To reach it you can take a taxi, bus or with a tour group.
When arriving. Natural spa takes visitors all year round.
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Turquoise lake surrounded by woods and mountains, there is a quiet atmosphere, and the air - clean and fresh. In the midst of the calm waters - a small island of the same name with the chapel. On a rock near the shore stands the Bled Castle, built over 10 centuries ago. With its height offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding area.
If smart species is small, you can enjoy the medieval architecture and visit the museum in the castle.
Getting there. Most conveniently by bus from the city of Ljubljana (45 km) or by car.
When arriving. In summer you can sunbathing, Swim and ride on the boat. In winter - to combine a trip to Lake Bled with outdoor activities and look for the nearest ski resorts.
11. The town of San Gimignano, Italy
San Gimignano is famous for its stone towers. By the time we survived only 14 of them, although in the past it was called the "city of a hundred towers". There remained true architecture of the Middle Ages, for which the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This drop in tourists traveling through Tuscany, to wander through the medieval streets and squares and feel the atmosphere of that era.
Getting there. By bus from Florence and Siena, or by car from anywhere in the country.
When arriving. In any season. In the summer and in the early autumn will be hot in the winter and spring - fresher.
12. Lavender fields, Provence, France
Bright streaks of lavender blossoms are not only beautiful but also fragrant. Indifferent to all the beautiful tourists come here for the colorful pictures - imagine what will turn out gorgeous photo shoot!
The nearby towns are fairs and festivals, the protagonist of which is, of course, the purple flower. There you can buy all kinds of goods and products with lavender to take home a piece of Provence.
Getting there. Lavender fields in the region are quite a few: VALENSOLE plateau, Sol neighborhood towns and Gordes, the department Alpes de Haute Provence. The exact location can be found at map.
The most convenient way to get to them - a rental car or guided tour. On this site You can select one of the proposed routes for their own travel.
When arriving. Lavender blooms from June to August. But in different areas of flowering peak at different dates. In this map marked by periods in which the costs to go to admire the purple fields.
13. National Park "Cinque Terre", Italy
On the rocky coast of the Italian Riviera are "five lands". Just so with the Italian translation "Cinque Terre", and the National Park does include five settlements. Colorful houses built very close to each other, rocky and sandy beaches, vineyards, azure waters and hilly terrain make this place into something fabulous.
By the way, part of the National Park included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The "Cinque Terre" quite a lot of religious monuments - chapels, churches and monasteries, which can also be visited.
Fans of medieval architecture like the castles and ruins will fall. It is the ideal place to combine culture and saturation beach holiday.
Getting there. From next to the national park of Genoa and Pisa to each settlement can be reached by train or sail on the ship. Until some cities are direct trains from Milan.
Move within the "Cinque Terre" is convenient by rail or water.
When arriving. In any season. If you want to swim and sunbathe, choose summer. Although for long walks will be quite hot, so if your goal - to go out and explore the city, prefer the autumn or winter. But be prepared for rain.
14. Keukenhof Gardens, The Netherlands
Royal Park flowers - a kingdom of tulips. Purple, pink, yellow, white, red - here you will see buds of all shades and different varieties. The park covers an area of over 30 hectares. Just imagine: more than 30 hectares colors, Greenery and water bodies in the landscaped area! It is no wonder that millions of tourists come here in the spring season - in fact, the only time of year the park.
Every year, the famous flower parade is held in the Netherlands. Huge platform with bizarre shapes of flowers passing through the route length of about 40 kilometers. Their path runs alongside the garden - to catch a column of Keukenhof will have a short time to get out.
Getting there. Amsterdam and Rotterdam trains to the station of Leiden. From there - the bus to the park. On official website can be advantageous to buy an integrated ticket, the price of which includes a visit to the garden and pick it up and back.
When arriving. Keukenhof for a few months of the year, in the spring. In 2019, for example - from 21 March to 19 May. Each year, the date is shifted, because the weather is not easy to predict.
Flower Parade, this time will be held on April 13, but the following year the date may change again. Information is available at the visitors official website parade.
15. Geiranger fjord, Norway
This is not the only fjord in NorwayBut it is he who is near and Nærøyfjord are on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
People come here to see the unearthly beauty, climb on ledges in the rocks, fishing, kayaking, or a ride on a cruise ship. Especially curious and fascinated by the beauty are acquainted with the history of the region in Fjord Museum.
Getting there. From the nearest airport in the city of Alesund - by bus and ferry (in summer) or by car (in any season).
When arriving. In summer you can take a cruise and see the fjord from the deck of a comfortable liner. In winter, get to your destination will be problematic.
16. City Bonifacio, France
Bonifacio is located in the south of the island of Corsica. Its attractions are concentrated in the upper (old) town built on the steep limestone cliffs. In the lower part is Bonifacio pictorial harbor and embankment.
One of the landmarks and part-time symbol of the city - an ancient Aragonese staircase. It is carved into the rock, and it is possible to rise from the lower to the upper city. The ascent is quite steep.
On the territory and around Bonifacio - medieval castles, chapels, grottoes and caves. travelers, Happens in Corsica, it is recommended to visit not only the town itself, but also to walk on a boat along the coast.
Getting there. From Ajaccio or Figari airport - by bus, car or taxi.
When arriving. In any season. However, in the high season - from June to late September - the tourists will be much.
17. Meteora, Greece
Orthodox monasteries are built on top of the cliffs standing alone. As an important cultural site, they are under the protection of UNESCO.
Monks-hermits have chosen the rock back in the X century, but the first monastery was erected here only four centuries later. To our times survived six buildings, although originally there were more than 20. And they are all still in effect.
Traveling here will certainly be interesting not only for religious people. Although the latter is still a place of great value, sheer cliffs, formed millions of years ago - a wonderful creation of nature that affects the scope and beauty. And if you've been to Greece and seems to see everything come to Meteora.
Getting there.
From Athens (350 km) and Thessalonica (250 kilometers) trains to Kalambaka from him to the monastery - 5 km. To overcome this distance by bus, taxi or on foot.
If you are traveling in a rented car, it is more convenient to travel immediately to the town of Kastraki, which is located closer to the attractions from there to go to the first monastery for about 10-15 minutes.
When arriving. Hours monasteries in the winter and the summer season is different. In addition, each of them your own schedule.
What to consider. Men are recommended to wear trousers and women should bring a skirt below the knee and a cape over his shoulders. But as tourists write in monasteries allowed even those who despised the dress code.
18. Forest Hallerbos, Belgium
Wood is very neat and tidy and looks more like a specially planted park: he was too neat. But this is not the case. Over the centuries, a whole grove of hyacinths are formed in a natural way. The trees seemed to grow out of the purple sea, which actually represents the thousands of blooming flowers.
In Hallerbose can meet deer, rabbits and rare species of birds. It is very pleasant to those who love wildlife. And ready to take care of her, because tearing hyacinths prohibited. Even if you were invited here on a date Man, to be sure: only one visit to the forest - already romantic gift.
Getting there. On the train, which departs from Brussels Central Station, you need to get to the station in Halle. From there by bus or bicycle (from the station to Hallerbosa only 5 kilometers) you can get to the woods. The entire road will take about an hour.
When arriving. Beautiful all wood will, of course, in the season of flowering hyacinths. Every year it is slightly shifted due to the changeable weather, but almost always comes about in the middle or late spring.
19. Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo - almost a synonym for "luxury". If you were close to the Principality of Monaco, be sure to call in here at least for a day. Visit the current casino, located in the palace, dine fresh seafood in one of the restaurants overlooking the azure shore and walk to the pier where the boats are moored expensive.
The region occupies a hilly area, so that if the budget is very limited, you still get pleasure from views and architecture. Grab a snack in the cafe family: home-made ravioli with cheese and herbs and fresh fish is not a nasty blow to the wallet.
Well, if you are a "Formula 1" race fan, then walk along the road on which the Grand Prix of Monaco in the period rapid speed sweep the cars, bring you even more fun than the casino or roasted scallops sauce.
Getting there. Nearest Airport - Nice. From there by car, taxi or bus to Monte Carlo to travel about 30 kilometers.
When arriving. In any season. But the choice of the season depends on the objectives of the trip. Summer while walking is easy to sweat - hot, but on the beaches will be very comfortable. Late autumn, winter and early spring - the time to explore the city. However, wind and possible rain.
20. The village of Hallstatt, Austria
The ancient place called fabulous town "gingerbread houses" are located above the lake and surrounded by mountains. Hallstatt population - about 1 000 people, and are exactly like those who are tired of the noise of a megacity. This corner of peace and tranquility. Want to escape from allBut at the same time remain in the civilized world with all the benefits? That way.
The natural landscape of Hallstatt-Dahshtaynt included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. So it is not only quiet and cozy, but also incredibly beautiful.
Getting there. Salzburg and Vienna - by train or car. And then by ferry to the town.
When arriving. In winter you can stop by the day, if you are near a ski resort and in the summer - spend a full holiday in Hallstatt. Beautiful here at any time of the year.
see also🧳🧐🏔
- 10 services for budget travel
- Ecotourism: where to rest at one with nature
- 17 places in Asia, which is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime
- Traveling through Europe cheaply, or Why do I need a tourist card