Religious and Pilgrimage Destinations
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
Europe is a treat in more ways than one, and the local confections make it all the sweeter. You may already know about Belgian chocolate and Italian gelato. But that’s just the start of the sweet treats found in Europe. Let your taste buds travel the continent with these 12 sweet treats.
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© Visit Europe
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Honey Ring
With a main ingredient like treacle, you know the Maltese Honey Ring is a rich treat. This dessert dates back to the 15th century and goes perfectly with wine or tea.
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Bulgarian Honey
Bulgaria’s moderate temperatures and lush plant life make it the perfect setting for producing honey. So it’s no coincidence that Bulgarian honey tastes amongst the best in the world. It’s sweet enough to turn even a slice of bread into an instant treat.
© Visit Europe
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Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns)
In Sweden, cinnamon buns are known as kanelbullar. They’re light, flavorful cinnamon pastries that are staples in Swedish cafes. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, you’ll find kanelbullar on the menu.
© Visit Europe
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Camilla Degerman eating semla
Whipped cream tops one of the most popular treats in Europe: semlor. Originating in Sweden, semlor are sweet rolls filled with a mix of milk and almond paste. You’ll often find locals enjoying them with coffee or tea.
© Visit Europe
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Belgian Chocolate
In Belgium, chocolate isn’t just a favorite treat, it’s part of the culture. Belgian chocolate dates back to the 17th century and remains one of the smoothest, most desired chocolates in the world.
© Visit Europe
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Liège Waffles
Waffles are abundant throughout Belgium. But Liège waffles are a sweet treasure. The recipe calls for a special type of sugar and a tedious kneading process, but the result is rich, cinnamon-dusted perfection.
© Austrian National Tourist Office, Wolfgang Schardt
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Emperor schmarren
Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite pastry now bears his name. The Emperor schmarren is a light, sugary pastry dish that the Austrian Emperor often ate as a side to beef. Today, it’s common to be eaten as a dessert or even as a main course.
© Austrian National Tourist Office, Wolfgang Schardt
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Sachertorte
Chocolate cake may be found throughout the world, but it was perfected in Austria. Known as sachertorte, this chocolate cake is delectably rich with a thin layer of apricot jam to add sweetness. It’s all covered with a dark chocolate icing, making it a favorite Viennese dessert.
© Caroline
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Doces Conventuais
Portugal’s sweets consist of a little bit of everything. But pastel de nata may be the country’s best. They’re a light and flaky pastry cup filled to the brim with a smooth, rich cream. Pair a pastel de nata with a cup of coffee for a sweet Portuguese breakfast.
© Aje1775 (WikiTravel)
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Welsh cakes, Swansea Market, Wales
Welsh cakes are a go-to snack for residents of the United Kingdom. These circular pastries are filled with raisins and act as a perfect afternoon treat. They can be served either hot or cold, but should always be paired with a cup of tea.
© graycat
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Gelato
Popularized in Italy, gelato is a less fatty version of American ice cream. Not only is it one of Europe’s oldest sweets, it’s one of its most creative as well. With a nearly unlimited amount of flavors, you’re sure to find something to please your taste buds on a warm day.
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Europe’s landscapes are vast, beautiful and waiting to be discovered. From sand dunes in Spain to forests in Croatia, some of the world’s most fascinating places lay hidden in Europe. Browse this gallery to discover what’s here, and then come see it for yourself.
A Land Before Time: The Megaliths of Europe
Europe’s heritage and culture date back thousands of years. And some of the most ancient remnants of the earliest European cultures can still be found today. From prehistoric cave drawings to mysterious stone formations, discover the continent’s past at its oldest locations. Browse this gallery, then come see these magnificent sites for yourself on your next trip.
8 Must-See European Factory Tours
When it’s made in Europe, it’s usually something special. From world-renowned beers to luxury automobiles, Europe has a knack for handcrafting greatness. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the factories and museums you can tour while in Europe.
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Speck Flavoured Dumplings
Dumplings are the epitome of the South Tyrolean cuisine and an indispensable part of every menu. Dumplings are made of South Tyrolean white bread, which is dried and cut into cubes for making dumplings. The basic dough is made of type 00 white flour, South Tyrolean milk, pasteurised free-range eggs, fresh or frozen onions, dried, fresh or frozen parsley and chives if desired. South Tyrolean speck dumplings contain 15 – 20 % diced speck (PGI).
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Discover your European Roots
Ever wondered where your forefathers once lived? Come to Europe to see those villages, towns, and cities with your own eyes.
Ghent Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a classic stew of Flanders. Its name is Dutch, ‘zooien’ meaning ‘to boil’. It is sometimes called Gentse Waterzooi (in Dutch) which refers to the city of Ghent. The original recipe is made of fish, either freshwater or sea, though today chicken waterzooi is more common. The most accepted theory is that rivers of Ghent became too polluted and the fish disappeared. The stew is made of the fish or chicken, vegetables including carrots, leeks and potatoes, herbs, eggs, cream and butter and usually serbed as a soup with a baquette to sop up the liquid.
Ride the Rails
Europe has a well-connected railway system. Not only does this make travel super convenient, but it also shows off some of the best views in Europe. From coastlines to alpine peaks, you can see the most scenic vistas of Europe.
Austrian Wine
Austrian wine culture means much more than simply drinking good wine. Take the opportunity to visit vineyards, a lane of wine cellars, or travel along one of the picturesque wine trails.
The Most Unbelievable Landscapes in Europe
Europe’s landscapes are vast, beautiful and waiting to be discovered. From sand dunes in Spain to forests in Croatia, some of the world’s most fascinating places lay hidden in Europe. Browse this gallery to discover what’s here, and then come see it for yourself.