Although Europe may be best known for its Blue Flag Beaches, white sandy coastlines, and bustling port cities, travelers should not overlook the pristine inland waters of the vast continent. Europe is populated with sparkling lakes, winding rivers and jaw-dropping waterfalls just begging for tourists to dip their toes in. Book your next vacation to Europe to experience one (or more) of these nine inland waters for yourself.
The Killarney Lakes, located in Killarney National Park, are surrounded by rugged mountains, covered woodlands and breathtaking waterfalls. They consist of three lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake, all of which are open for kayaking, canoeing and boat tours.
In North Iceland, feast your eyes on Dettifoss Waterfall. At 45 meters high and 100 meters wide, Dettifoss is Europe’s largest waterfall by volume. Experience both sides of the waterfall by hiking along Dettifoss’ trail and bridge. Be cautious of getting too close to the falls! It’s said that the waterfall’s sheer power causes the ground to constantly rumble.
Whether you’re looking to ride in a paddle boat, play beach volleyball, sip wine, or breathe in crystal-clear air, Lake Balaton in Hungary is the place to do it. As the largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton is the ideal place for bird-watching, sailing and swimming. After a long day on the lake, unwind at Lake Balaton’s surrounding wineries, spas and dance clubs.
At the northern foot of the Alps sparkles Lake Constance, the home of a small island called Mainau. On Island Mainau, tourists are invited to explore the “flowering island,” notable for its parks and gardens. Spend the day on the deck of a ship on Lake Constance for hours full of nature and sun.
The Tara River Canyon is the longest canyon in Montenegro and the deepest river canyon in all of Europe. The Tara River, which cuts directly through the canyon, is a popular spot for river rafting, but also accommodates those interested in horseback riding, canyoning, kayaking and cruising.
Krka National Park in Croatia stretches across more than 14,000 acres of scenic landscape. Krka National Park boasts seven waterfalls, including the Skradinski Buk (a collection of 17 waterfalls at various heights) and the Roski Slap (a series of 12 waterfalls at various heights).
A trip to Great Britain is not complete without a panoramic view of the River Thames. At 215 miles long, the River Thames offers everything from boating and fishing to exploration of historic villages that line its banks. For the best view, take a stroll on the Westminster Bridge.
There’s a reason so many jet-setting celebrities love Lake Como. Just 31 miles (50 km) from Milan, Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and is a cultural hub for European architecture, quaint villas and antique villages. Dive into Lake Como and enjoy wind-surfing, water skiing and kite surfing, or sail above the lake by hang gliding or mountain climbing.
There’s a lot to celebrate in Europe – especially during one of Europe’s many fire and ice festivals. Each festival is different from the rest, but they’re all a good time. From Iceland to Malta and everywhere in between, Europe’s festivals are some of the most colorful, festive and energetic celebrations on the planet. Browse some of the best and literally the brightest fire and ice festivals in Europe with this photo gallery.
Discovering Europe’s creative hotspots. A selection of trendsetting venues, innovative concepts, and the freshest ingredients to inspire your visit to Europe.
Europe’s beaches are rated amongst the world’s best for a variety of reasons: their stunning scenery, their unique nature and their lively entertainment offerings. Here is a selection of some of the most unique spots Europe’s coastline has to offer.
Some of life’s best adventures happen when the sun goes down. And it’s no different in Europe. From dancing the night away in Barcelona to walking under the moonlight in Paris, each city offers its own nightlife excitement. Browse this gallery before your next European escapade to see which city’s nightlife is best for you.
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