Europe is made up of 50 uniquely distinctive countries, the places you’ll visit are some of the world’s most diverse in terms of history, culture and beauty. There are many incredible natural wonders in Europe that should be on your bucket list.
There are literally hundreds of amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites around Europe. Every corner of Europe has an impressive natural beauty to be uncovered that will leave you inspired. We have created a list of some of the best natural wonders in Europe worth seeing up close. The landmarks and natural beauty in Europe will truly take your breath away.
Incredible Natural Wonders in Europe – Must Experience!
Northern lights – Sweden
First on our list of natural wonders in Europe is found in Sweden. Sweden is believed to be one of the best spots to experience the extraordinary Northern Lights. Head to Abisko, a small town in Sweden that isn’t lit up by artificial lights to really see the natural beauty of the Northern Lights. Abisko is surrounded by mountains which helps to break up cloud cover so that Aurora hunters can have an unforgettable experience.
The Northern Lights are one of the natural wonders of Europe and the world. Consisting of inspiring twirls of light appearing in the sky. The stunning lights are caused by a ‘solar wind’, an electorally changed particle that intertwines with the Earth’s magnetic field.
It’s pretty incredible when you think about it and how lucky we are to actually get to experience it. The beautiful aura lights come in different sizes, shapes and colours. Something you must see in real life to be amazed by its natural beauty.
Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
Next up we can’t have a list of the natural wonders in Europe without including The Cliffs of Moher. The unique rock formation and curving of the cliffs have created a dramatic landscape that constantly captivates people.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare have even been named as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The cliffs stand an impressive 702ft above the water, offering some of the most breath-taking scenery in Ireland.
This natural wonder has become one of the top attractions in Ireland and one of the best photo opportunities. One of the most incredible landscapes in Europe that must be on your bucket list. Ireland, in general, is filled with amazing natural wonders that will leave you inspired.
Swiss Alps – Sweden
Another one of the best natural wonders in Europe is the gorgeous Swiss Alps. They are the largest mountain range in the world. Incredibly, the mountains cover 65% of Switzerland that formed over 45 million years ago.
The enormous diversity of the landscape compared to the small area is what makes this so special. The Swiss Alps are truly captivating, many people head to the Swiss Alps to enjoy skiing and hiking activities. This natural wonder in Europe offers the most idyllic and relaxing surroundings.
Melissani Cave – Greece
One of the hidden natural wonders in Europe is the Melissani Cave located in Greece. You’ll never experience such beautiful waters with ever-changing shades of blue when the sun hits, anywhere else.
The centre of the cave is opened to the sky where the rocky roof fell apart thousands of years ago. It’s very magical and you can even get a guided boat tour through its underground passages and be truly mesmerised by its surroundings.
Check out the video below to get a glimpse into what you could experience at the Melissani Cave in Greece.
Isle of Skye – Scotland
Next on our list of amazing natural wonders in Europe is located in Scotland, ‘The Isle of Skye’. It is the second largest island in Scotland offering sweeping valleys, rolling mountain ranges, stunning coastlines and a magical atmosphere. It’s one of the top places to visit in Scotland, famous for its landscape and scenery.
The island is also rich in history along with its natural beauty and has often been a great destination to experience wildlife. Some of the most amazing wildlife that you could see here include seals, whales and dolphins.
Perfect place to visit for those that enjoy walking and hiking as it’s filled with marvellous scenery everywhere you look.
Check out this incredible drone footage below that really captures the true beauty of the Isle. If this doesn’t make want to hop on the first plan over to Scotland, I don’t know what else will.
The Dolomites – Italy
Head to Italy to find the most famous mountains, The Dolomites that look like they came right out of a Van Gogh painting. They are one of the best natural wonders in Europe, it’s like a paradise like no other.
Rolling green hills with charming Italian villages are dramatically taken over by the mountain range. If you love the outdoors then this is the perfect destination offering endless activities for hikers, skiers and bikers. The mountain landscape is one the most stunning in the world comprising of vertical walls, long valleys and cliff peaks. It has also been given World Heritage status recognising its exceptional natural beauty.
Santorini – Greece
Next on our list of the best natural wonders in Europe is the gorgeous island of Santorini in Greece. Known as the volcano island, its one of the most popular islands visited in the world. There are many reasons for this, its beauty is special; filled with whitewashed authentic Greece houses located on the slopes.
The place is captivated by incredible sunsets and the most stunning sandy beaches. Just walking along its cobblestone streets and through the cliff-top towns that overlook the Aegina sea is an unforgettable experience. The panoramic views that surround you are out of this world. The Greek island stands out against the rest, with its uniqueness and distinctive characteristics.
It offers an ideal climate with hot summers, one of the many reasons it has allured tourists to this part of Greece. Along with its history, culture and people of the island that truly makes it’s a special place to visit.
Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
Located in Croatia is another magnificent natural wonders in Europe, the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The place has been attracting nature lovers since 1949 with its alluring beauty. It is the largest and oldest national park located in the mountain region of Croatia.
It has become of the most visited tourist attractions in Croatia and was also granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The beauty of the park lies in its remarkable sixteen lakes and interconnecting waterfalls. Not forgetting its enchanting forest woodland that is populated with deer’s, wolves and rare bird species.
The park is surrounded by awe-inspiring views and its unique turquoise waters that make you want to jump right in and have a swim. It’s a lush paradise that is truly one of the best natural wonders in Europe.
Check out the video below to see what the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia has to offer.
Eisriesenwelt – Austria
Travel to Austria to uncover an enchanting ice cave, that was formed thousands of years ago. Eisriesenwelt is the largest labyrinth Ice cave in the world, tucked away within the Hochkogel Mountain in Werfen, Austria. When translated into English ‘Eiriesenwelt’ means the “World of the Ice Giants”.
The caves were first discovered in 1879 by Anton Posselt an Austrian natural scientist. Since then it has become one of the true natural wonders in Europe and on earth. The caves offer an incredible underground world of natural ice sculptures and unique formations.
Visitors can explore the caves on guided tours from May to October time. The sights you’ll be greeted with inside the caves are mind blowing and should be on your Europe bucket list. The ice walls and sculptures are truly mesmerising as seen in the video below.
Giant’s Causeway – Antrim
We must add another Irish attraction on our list of the best natural wonders in Europe. The Giants Causeway located in the north of Ireland offers another impressive natural landscape. The unique formation of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns was created by a huge volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
The basalt columns form cool stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. In 1986 it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its great scientific importance.
The area’s uniqueness has created many interesting legends and myths over the years. One very popular Irish legend claims that the columns were created by a Scottish giant. The Scottish giant is thought to have destroyed the causeway so that he didn’t have to fight the Irish giant, Finn MacCool creating the unique formation that we see today.
It’s one of the most unmissable attractions when in Ireland and offers plenty of great photo opportunities while you are there.
Black Forest – Germany
The next natural wonders in Europe for you to visit is the Black Forest in German that feels like something straight out of a fairy-tale. Which is thought to have inspired the works of The Grimm Brothers who have created many magical fairy tales and stories around folklore.
The forest is enthralling and gets its names from its canopies of evergreens. It’s by far the biggest nature park found in Germany with its many forests, mountain peaks and charming valleys. Offering those visiting German unspoilt landscapes which are very rare to find in the country.
The Black Forest is also filled with natural beauty that includes striking waterfalls, lakes and deep magical forests. The forest offers an endless list of outdoor pursuits great for an active trip in Europe. Activities you can enjoy here include boating on Lake Titisee, explore the hidden lake of Feldsee or checking out the Black Forest Museum.
Dunes of Pilat – France
Head to the south of France to check out Europe’s largest sand dune that is located along the Atlantic coastline. The magnificent sand dunes are 1.7 miles long and about 2,000 feet wide. Some areas of the dunes nearly reach 400- feet tall.
Many people might not have heard about these impressive Dunes, but they should be a must visit when in France. The ever-moving dunes seem to grow each year and are well worth climbing to the top.
Once you reach the top of Dune of Pilate you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of France. The dune landscape is just so captivating and peaceful, its contrast between forest and sand makes it even more striking.
Thermal Springs – Tuscany, Italy
Back to Italy again where you need to experience the natural hot springs found here. This is one of our personal favourite natural wonders in Europe. The thermal springs found in Tuscany are the perfect way to relax and recharge your batteries. The hot springs have most likely been in use for thousands of years.
There really isn’t anything better than taking a swim in a natural hot lagoon, where you are surrounded by natural beauty. The best part of all, many of these thermal springs are free to use and open all year long.
The thermal springs also offer an endless list of beauty and health benefits such as relieving stress and skin issues. After a busy day exploring Tuscany, what better way to end it by enjoying a relaxing time in the thermal springs.
Blue Grotto Sea Cave
Lastly but certainly not least on our list of incredible natural wonders in Europe is the Blue Grotto Sea Cave. Located in Capri, Italy is one of the most bewildering natural environments that you’ll ever come across.
The Blue Grotto Sea Cave is known for its mystical blue water and peaceful environment. The stunning colours of the water are created by the sunlight shining down on the grotto creating a cool illuminated effect.
Entrance to the Blue Grotto Cave is only available during the summer months via a guided boat tour but its highly worth it.
The island of Capri is home to many other caves and grottos that you could spend time exploring as well. The island in its self is also one of the best natural wonders in Europe, it’s seriously pretty.
It’s one of the most picturesque places and offers a mythical charm. The island has often been an inspiration for poets, writer and travellers alike. You’ll understand just why once you visit and take in its glorious landscape.
These are just a few of the natural wonders in Europe, but no matter where you go you’re sure to be met with more astonishing and awe-inspiring scenery.
Have you been to any of these natural wonders in Europe? Any other places you’d add to our list, please share 🙂
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