Beyond Merry-Go-Rounds
Push your limits at Europe’s most exhilarating and unusual theme parks!
In 1987, the Council of Europe established the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, which is now one of 47 fascinating trails. These carefully constructed sightseeing itineraries encourage travelers to discover the richness and diversity of European heritage through transnational cultural routes. Since the first route was inaugurated over 35 years ago, the “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” label has come to represent Europe’s most culturally rich, thoughtfully designed historical routes. Known worldwide, these Routes are a model for intercultural dialogue, local development, and sustainable cultural tourism. We invite you to begin your journey and explore all the cultural routes in Europe!
Stefano DOMINIONI
Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes
Interactive Map
1/
SAINT JAMES WAY
The first Cultural Route to be inaugurated in 1987, the Camino de Santiago, symbolizes the principles of the Council of Europe: the freedom to come and go, solidarity, and community. Reflecting more than 1000 years of European history, the Camino de Santiago is pilgrims’ path to the Cathedral of Compostela. According to legend, the purpose is to reach the remains of Saint James, Apostle of Christ. Following the Saint James Way is not only a walk but an internal journey of reflection and overcoming that is impossible to ignore.
© Olof Segerberg – Destination Gotland
2/
THE HANSA
The Hanseatic League began as a network of merchants and developed into a powerful association of cities in medieval Europe. Today, the Hanseatic cities fascinate visitors with their diversity of place, atmosphere, architecture and wide range of events. Looking for an active holiday, cultural experiences or a relaxing getaway? The Hansa has something for everyone!
Mark your calendar: culture lovers will delight in the 45th International Hanseatic Day, taking place June 5-8, 2025, in the UNESCO-listed town of Visby, Sweden. This is a heritage festival not to be missed!
© Destination Viking
3/
FOLLOW THE VIKINGS
Follow the Vikings includes approximately 60 Viking-related attractions to visit in the Nordic countries, Britain, Ireland, Poland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and one in the USA. Attractions include reconstructed Viking villages with staff in Viking dress demonstrating the way of life in the Viking Age; museums exhibiting objects from the Viking Age; and series of burial mounds, fortifications and other outdoor remains.
© EAVF (European Association of the Via Francigena Ways)
4/
VIA FRANCIGENA
The Via Francigena is a medieval path from the 8th century AD spanning 3200 km from Canterbury, UK, to Rome and Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy, via France and Switzerland. Managed by the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, the route offers walking and cycling experiences among castles, churches, vineyards and olive groves, from the North of Europe to harbors on the Mediterranean Sea. Enter Via Francigena’s annual photo contest with your best shots!
© Iter Vitis
5/
ITER VITIS
The Iter Vitis Cultural Route winds through 25 countries to celebrate the vine and its millenary history. Winemaking methods in Europe result from long traditions that cross every geographical border and lead to many discoveries. How many intriguing destinations that change with every season will you find? Look forward to discovering both tangible and intangible heritage of extraordinary charm along the way.
6/
PREHISTORIC ROCK ART TRAILS
More than 160 Prehistoric Rock Art destinations (caves, rock shelters, petroglyphs, megalithic monuments, museums, interpretation centers, cultural and archaeological parks) make up the Cultural Route Prehistoric Rock Art Trails. These highly visited sites grow in popularity every year. Good to know: with few exceptions, all the Rock Art destinations are in rural areas with awesome scenery near well-preserved natural areas.
© Nuria Verdiguier
7/
ROUTES OF EMPEROR CHARLES V
Dive into the legacy of Charles V on the Routes of Emperor Charles V, a network that brings together almost 90 cities and historical sites in 13 countries in Europe, Africa & Latin-America about the man and the times in which he lived. Follow itineraries that Charles V traveled from 1517 to 1557, and take advantage of an extensive work cultural and sustainable tourist programs and the Touristic Product Club.
8/
IMPRESSIONISMS ROUTE
The Impressionisms Routes in Europe network creates links across the continent between the sites that inspired European impressionists and plein air painters from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. Visit the places where they lived, founded artists’ colonies, and the cities whose museums and cultural spaces present their works today.
9/
ALVAR AALTO ROUTE
The Alvar Aalto Route – 20th Century Architecture and Design links the sites of Alvar Aalto, a mastermind of modern architecture. From Finland across Europe, the route is a fascinating journey to architectural landmarks. Step into spaces where design, nature, and human spirit come together as one. Visit Alvar Aalto offers package tours, travel programs and tips for visitors to experience Aalto’s heritage and local specialties.
10/
THE HISTORIC CAFÉS ROUTE
The Historic Cafés Route offers unique examples of material and intangible heritage in communities where cafés have managed to keep local identity and social memory alive over several generations. You can feel the lives lived and absorbed by these places over many years, where sitting and drinking a coffee, reading a newspaper or a book are pleasures today as well. Pause at a historic café for a prime opportunity to witness the authentic, genuine soul of the cities. Part of each country’s history, heritage, traditions and identity, this legacy is a deeply held European value.
Galleries
Castles in Europe That Still Rule
Travel back to the Middle Ages with this photo gallery of the most breathtaking castles that still stand in Europe.
Venices of the North
Venice is arguably the most romantic place in the world. With serene rivers and canals winding through the city, there are unforgettable sights at every turn. But it’s not the only romantic city in Europe. Get to know the European cities that claim to be the “Venice of the North” by browsing through this gallery.
Historical Thermal Towns
Arriving in one of our historic thermal towns, maybe by train, to immerse yourself in the spa culture of Europe is the perfect way to start your “thermal travels” habit. Whether you seek relaxation and wellness or some world-class cultural or sporting events, you will not be disappointed!
Featured Experiences
The Serenity of a Swamp
Visit Latvia and the protected zone of the Kemeri National Park to explore the biodiversity.
Mussels and Fries
Mussels and ‘frites’ is a classic dish, famous throughout the world, and there’s nowhere better to experience it than in one of the many fishing villages and towns along the Flemish coast, where the Belgica mussels are brought to land. The clear waters of the North Sea give these mussels their unique flavour; they are fleshy and their shells are lighter than other mussels. An absolute classic available at every Flemish restaurant in the mussel season (from July until Autumn).
CHECK OUT OUR
LATEST GUIDE
Estonia: green year-round
Sustainability: not a label but a way of life.
Conscious travel in Europe’s Northeast
Travel experiences in Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw that are unforgettable and eco-friendly.
Sachergugelhupf
The reason why the Hotel “Sacher” is as popular as Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace is not its luxury accommodation, but the Sachertorte. Its fame has spread well beyond Austria and it is also the basis for this Gugelhupf recipe.
The (Protected) Wild Side
Over half of Croatia and Slovenia are covered in forests.
Inspiring women from Germany
Discover women’s cultural contributions.