Beyond Merry-Go-Rounds
Push your limits at Europe’s most exhilarating and unusual theme parks!
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.
Interactive Map
© Tourism Ireland
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Killarney Lakes, Ireland
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.
© Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson
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Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland
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.
© Hungarian Tourism Plc.
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Lake Balaton, Hungary
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.
© Mainau GmbH
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Lake Constance - Island Mainau, Germany
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.
© Visit Europe
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Tara River Canyon, Montenegro
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.
© Visit Europe
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Krka National Park Waterfalls, Croatia
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).
© D.Bosnic
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Rača River, Serbia
In Tara National Park, explore the winding Rača River or the park’s many plunging waterfalls. Known for its grandiose peaks, thick forests and deep caves, Tara National Park is frequented by travelers looking to sightsee, raft, boat and hunt.
© Jim Nix
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River Thames - Westminster Bridge, Great Britain
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.
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Lake Como, Italy
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.
Galleries
Cheers – You’re in Europe!
Europe’s culture is not limited to its numerous art museums and palaces. Some of Europe’s greatest stories can be heard over a glass of wine, beer or other drink within the walls of a pub or finest alcohol outlets off the beaten track.
State of the Art
Admire the works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Klimt firsthand at some of the finest classical art museums in the world.
Europe’s Most Unique Places to Stay
Europe is unique in every way. So, it’s no coincidence that it offers some of the most unique lodging options in the world. Whether you’re backpacking through Spain or you’re a spending a month in Norway for school, you’re sure to find an unforgettable place to sleep at night. Consider this gallery your guide to some of the most unique places to stay in Europe.
Featured Experiences
Red Berry Pudding
Rote Grütze – A perfect summer dessert
Little-Known Destinations Are Finding Big Awareness
The Kaunertal Valley in Austria is a land of continuous contrasts that mirror the changing seasons. The panoramic Kaunertal Glacier Road weaves through snow-covered forests and ends at eternal ice. Lush greenery, babbling brooks, and sweet-smelling pastures are all made accessible to guests with reduced mobility. That’s why The Kaunertal Valley was chosen as Austria’s most recent EDEN winner. The theme was accessible tourism.
Around the River Bend
Europe’s rivers are famous throughout the world. The Seine. The Rhine. The Danube. The Douro. The Thames. These iconic names alone inspire people from around the globe to travel along Europe’s winding rivers and visit the port cities that stand proudly among them. River cruises are an easy and scenic way to travel through Europe without renting a car or navigating various public transit systems. No matter what your travel purposes are, river cruises have a way to fulfill them.
Europeʼs Rich Religious History
Dive into history through Europe’s diverse, religious heritage—and the architecture, art and culture it brought into the world
Eggplant Salad
This aubergine salad is served as a starter along with crust bread and various other ‘salate’ or on the table for a late summer barbeque. It can easily be made well in advance and make plenty, because it’s also extremely delicious just on its own for a lunchtime snack, and all the better with some crispy grilled ‘lipia’ bread (a kind of round thin bread, something like a flatbread or pitta). What’s more, it’s simple to make!
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Dutch Dough Balls
Oliebollen, literally translated as grease balls, are deep fried dough balls, studded with raisins and currants and sweetened with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. It is traditional to serve oliebollen with coffee during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Holland. Oliebollen are good cold too, with a hot cup of coffee and some extra powdered sugar. With this recipe, one can make about six oliebollen.
Listen to the Music
Europe has always maintained a thriving music scene, from classical times to today. Discover the origins of the British Invasion, Swedish disco sensations and Irish folk music inspirations. Don’t miss the amazing European music festivals in the summer, either.