Incredible Natural Wonders in Europe

Updated On: April 20, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

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. Many incredible natural wonders in Europe should be on your bucket list.

There are hundreds of unique 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

The first on our list of natural wonders in Europe is found in Sweden. Sweden is considered 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 see the natural beauty of the Northern Lights. Abisko is surrounded by mountains, which helps break up cloud cover so 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 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 their natural beauty.

Cliffs of Moher – Ireland

Next up, we can’t list the natural wonders in Europe without including The Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs’ unique rock formations and curving have created a dramatic landscape that constantly captivates people.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare have even been named a UNESCO Global Geopark. The cliffs stand an impressive 702ft above the water, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland.

This natural wonder has become one of the top attractions in Ireland and one of the best photo opportunities. It is one of the most incredible landscapes in Europe and must be on your bucket list. Ireland, in general, is filled with incredible natural wonders that will inspire you.

Swiss Alps – Sweden

Another one of the best natural wonders in Europe is the gorgeous Swiss Alps. They are the most extensive mountain range in the world. Incredibly, the mountains cover 65% of Switzerland which formed over 45 million years ago.

The enormous diversity of the landscape compared to the small area is what makes this so unique. The Swiss Alps are captivating; many people head to the Swiss Alps to enjoy skiing and hiking. 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. When the sun hits anywhere else, you’ll never experience such beautiful waters with ever-changing shades of blue.

The cave’s centre is opened to the sky where the rocky roof fell apart thousands of years ago. It’s magical; you can even get a guided boat tour through its underground passages and be genuinely mesmerised by its surroundings.

Check out the video below to glimpse what you could experience at the Melissani Cave in Greece.

Isle of Skye – Scotland

Scotland’s second-largest island, ‘ The Isle of Skye, ‘ is next on our list of amazing natural wonders in Europe. It offers 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 and natural beauty and has often been a great destination for wildlife. Some of the most amazing wildlife that you can see here include seals, whales, and dolphins.

It’s a perfect place to visit for those who enjoy walking and hiking, as it’s filled with marvellous scenery everywhere you look.

Check out the incredible drone footage below, which really captures the true beauty of the Isle. If this doesn’t make you want to hop on the first plane to Scotland, I don’t know what else will.

The Dolomites – Italy

Head to Italy to find the most famous mountains, The Dolomites, which look like they came straight out of a Van Gogh painting. They are one of the best natural wonders in Europe; it’s like a paradise like no other.

The mountain range dramatically takes over rolling green hills with charming Italian villages. If you love the outdoors, this destination offers endless activities for hikers, skiers, and bikers. The mountain landscape is one of the most stunning in the world, comprising 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, it’s one of the most popular islands visited in the world. There are many reasons for this; its beauty is exceptional, filled with whitewashed authentic Greek houses on the slopes.

The place is captivated by incredible sunsets and 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 attracted tourists to this part of Greece. Along with its history, culture and people, the island truly makes it a special place to visit.

Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia

Another magnificent natural wonder in Europe is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in Croatia. Its alluring beauty has been attracting nature lovers since 1949. It is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia’s mountain region.

It has become one 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 populated with deer, wolves, and rare bird species.

Awe-inspiring views surround the park, and its unique turquoise waters make you want to jump in and 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 offers.

Eisriesenwelt – Austria

Travel to Austria to uncover an enchanting ice cave 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. 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 to our list of the best natural wonders in Europe. The Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland offers another impressive natural landscape. The unique formation of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns was created by a vast 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, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site for its great scientific importance.

The area’s uniqueness has created many interesting legends and myths. One prevalent Irish legend claims that a Scottish giant made the columns. The Scottish giant is thought to have destroyed the causeway so that he didn’t have to fight the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, who created the unique formation 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 wonder in Europe you should visit is the Black Forest in Germany. It feels like something straight out of a fairy tale, and it is thought to have inspired the works of The Grimm Brothers, who have created many magical fairy tales and stories based on folklore.

The forest is enthralling and gets its name from its canopies of evergreens. It’s by far the biggest nature park in Germany, with its many forests, mountain peaks, and charming valleys. Visitors to the park can enjoy unspoilt landscapes that are very rare in the country.

The Black Forest is also filled with natural beauty, including striking waterfalls, lakes, and deep magical forests. The forest offers an endless list of outdoor pursuits, great for an active European trip. Activities you can enjoy here include boating on Lake Titisee, exploring 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, located along the Atlantic coastline. The magnificent sand dunes are 1.7 miles long and about 2,000 feet wide, and some areas nearly reach 400 feet tall.

Many people might not have heard about these impressive dunes, but they should be a must-visit in France. The ever-moving dunes grow yearly and are well worth climbing to the top.

Once you reach the top of the Dune of Pilate, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of France. The dune landscape is captivating and peaceful, and the contrast between forest and sand makes it even more striking.

Thermal Springs – Tuscany, Italy

Back to Italy again, where you must experience the natural hot springs. This is one of our 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 swimming in a natural hot lagoon surrounded by natural beauty. The best part is that 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 than by enjoying a relaxing time in the thermal springs?

Blue Grotto Sea Cave

Last 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 cave, making an excellent illuminated effect.

Entrance to the Blue Grotto Cave is only available during the summer via a guided boat tour, but it’s highly worth it.

The island of Capri is home to many other caves and grottos that you could explore. The island itself 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 inspired poets, writers and travellers alike. You’ll understand 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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