Europe’s wonder shines brightest in its most natural locations. With over 350 national parks scattered throughout the continent, there’s plenty of wonders to take in during your next trip. From Spain to Finland, Denmark to Greece and everywhere in between, you’ll find national parks featuring unique terrains, breathtaking views and endless activities. One thing is certain: outdoor adventure abounds at each and every European park.
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.
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.
Even if you’ve never climbed a mountain in your life, there are peaks all over Europe that are quite accessible to avid climbers and flat-landers alike. Simply pack your love of the outdoors, a sense of adventure and your hiking boots, and you’ll be ready to make your way to the top of the continent.
Visit European creative cities to witness stunning buildings and contemporary design.
Ever wondered where your forefathers once lived? Come to Europe to see those villages, towns, and cities with your own eyes.
Eager to explore the remarkable nature of the European continent? Do it with your eyes and your tastebuds.
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.
In spite of a turbulent history, the remarkable legacy of the Jewish faith is readily found all over Europe. Whether you practice Judaism or not, there is much to discover and enjoy in Europe’s many Jewish heritage sites.
Historically Curious about Europe? Explore the castles that dot its magnificent landscapes.
Learning about a country through its culinary arts is one of travel’s principle pleasures. Food is a tangible reflection of geography, history, and culture; there are few more pleasurable ways to become well acquainted with a country than through its gastronomy, and each region has something unique to add to the menu.
Even if the only music lesson you ever had was more than four presidential administrations ago, it’s never too late to learn and appreciate different kinds of music. Families, college students and lifelong learners flock to Europe to take advantage of its plentiful opportunities for cultural enrichment through music.
If you want to explore the best of modern, contemporary theater, Europe is the ideal destination.
Put sustainability at the heart of your journey. From the snowy north, to the sunny south, explore Europe’s outdoors
In Salzburg, Austria, discover both the glistening past and fascinating present of music.
Dive into history through Europe’s diverse, religious heritage—and the architecture, art and culture it brought into the world
Across Europe, artists have turned entire buildings into their canvases. Visit a creative European city to discover street art.
Europe is full of big adventures. Adventures so big, in fact, that they can’t be contained within four walls. Welcome to the wild side of Europe, where trees shade your discoveries and rivers refresh your explorations. In short, there are a lot to enjoy about the wonders of nature in Europe. From the European Alps to all of the national parks in Europe, adventure awaits. So put on your walking shoes and let’s get moving.
Mystery abounds in every European country. You just have to know where to look. Welcome to the spooky side of Europe, home of ghastly ghosts, haunted happenings and eerie experiences for only the most adventurous of souls. Turn off the lights, get under your covers and dare to get familiar with some of the creepiest, scariest and most mysterious places in Europe.
Europe’s cities are filled with every style of architecture imaginable. Oftentimes, these styles coexist side by side and somehow make each city even greater than the sum of its parts. Government buildings, hundreds of years old, stand in regal fashion next to sleek, modern museums and libraries, making for an enjoyable juxtaposition that just begs to be captured by your camera. From old castles in San Marino to grandiose Lithuanian cathedrals, you’ll be inspired by the markedly different buildings designed by the famous architects of Europe.
Winter in Europe is not just a season – it is magical. Snow-capped peaks stretch across the skyline. Christmas markets light up happy faces. And the end of the year brings new adventures at every turn. To enjoy it all, you will need to know your way around Europe’s best winter sports. What is the best place to ski in Austria? How are the pubs in Zurich? Where should you ice-skate in Prague? Find out by reading below to prepare for your winter holiday in Europe.
In Slovakia’s Pieniny National Park, take in the serenity of a clear river beneath you and lush forests around you.
Rock-climbing in Czechia is perfect for the naturally curious adventurer.
Want to absorb warmth and sun in the natural world? Discover what Europe has to offer.
Sometimes exploring Europe means seeing sites like the Eiffel Tower or Stonehenge. Other times it means finding the biggest mountain you can and climbing right up to the top. Luckily, you won’t have to go far to find mountains, lakes and hilltops ripe for hiking. Lace up those boots, roll up your sleeping bag and prep yourself for a trip to the great European outdoors.
From bridges that connected communities and soaring spires that inspired worship to medieval castles that defended cities, Europe has been forged by a unique history that in turn shaped the creation of its capital cities.
Away from the excitement of cities like Paris, Barcelona and Florence is a place a little quieter. It’s somewhere you can stretch out your legs and breathe in the freshest air in Europe. It’s the European countryside and farms. Nearly every country is speckled with picturesque fields, bountiful farmlands and sweet serenity. Whether your heart and soul is drawn to farmlands or you want your vacation to go beyond the tourist cities, the European countryside is where you belong.
Watch Raven’s interview with Ondrej, a local tourist guide in Prague, revealing all the inside tips to explore the majestic history of Czech Republic.
Could you imagine so much variety in Europe? From Finland to Azores or From Malta to Ireland, 71 destinations decided to gather to promote sustainable tourism under two words: Eden Network. The Eden Network: surprise yourself with Europe!
European Heritage Sites include archives, monuments, archeological sites, and places of seminal cultural or political value, from the classic age to the present. Since the label’s inception in 2013, thirty-eight sites have been designated, bringing passages in Europe’s history to the foreground to honor, celebrate, and remember who built Europe, how, and why. They are lessons from the past to guide the future of Europe.
Famous orchestras, legendary conductors, and virtuoso soloists join together three times a year at the idyllic location of Lake Lucerne to celebrate the joy of music. In the concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel, which is renowned for its phenomenal acoustics and its exquisite architecture, they entertain an audience that is no less international and sophisticated
The therapeutic use of hot springs has been present in Europe from ancient times to the present day, giving birth to a number of spa towns well-known for the beauty of their buildings, or long tradition of welcoming guests and the healing properties of its springs.
Post-retirement is an excellent time to go see the world, as you’re less likely to have pressing engagements and can spend more time at your destination. Europe is a great option for seniors as many of the top destinations are not too far from each other cutting down on travel time, while still providing an exciting and enriching travel experience. It’s also relatively easy to find a tour group that goes to the specific destinations you want to see in Europe, and travel in comfort at the same time.
Traveling internationally with your children can be difficult for a lot of reasons, but one of the hardest aspects of planning the trip can be accounting for everyone’s tastes and interests. While spending time in museums or going to wine tastings might be your ideal vacation, those activities might not appeal to the kiddos. That doesn’t mean your trip has to revolve around your kids, but you should try to plan at least one kid-centric activity a day.
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.
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip. Find out more about UNESCO World Heritage Site in the European territory.
Discovering Europe’s creative hotspots. A selection of trendsetting venues, innovative concepts, and the freshest ingredients to inspire your visit to Europe.
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Europe is home to a fascinating array of museums, devoted to every subject imaginable. From Vikings in the north, broken relationships in Croatia to vampires in Brasov. Here is the lowdown on Europes original and unusual museums.
Push your limits at Europe’s most exhilarating and unusual theme parks!
Whether you aim for Olympic speed or gentle slopes, here is a list of the coolest and lesser-ridden ski resorts in Europe, which are waiting for you.
Get in the mood and lose track of time and space in one of Europe’s many music festivals.
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.
Admire the works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Klimt firsthand at some of the finest classical art museums in the world.
Looking for the coolest destinations in Europe? Visit during November to February, the European winter season. Northern skies are glowing, ski slopes are glistening and Christmas markets are magical.
A wedding is meant to be unforgettable. That’s why it needs to be in a place that’s equally unforgettable. Europe is one of the world’s most popular places for destination weddings – and for good reason. Whether you like big spectacular weddings or charming quaint ones, there’s the perfect romantic place for you in Europe.
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.
There’s so much more to Europe than just the big cities and landmarks. Go off the beaten track and discover some of Europe’s lesser-known cities, hidden towns and secret villages that are rich in natural beauty and history.
One of the best ways to witness the diversity of Europe is to participate in one of the many festivals – be it celebrating a saint, food , film or even the circus.
Spring is the perfect time to be in Europe. The sun comes out, the days get longer and all the plants begin flowering. It’s also the perfect time to get away from busy European capitals and enjoy the out of the way secret locations and green spaces of the world. Make your way to Belgium for the Greenhouses of the Royal Palace at Laeken, Brussels. Beauty can be found at the Winter Garden in both its plant life and Art Nouveau architecture; the massive greenhouses with their ironwork frames are home to many rare and beautiful plants. They cover six acres of striking rotundas, domes and galleries. Twenty full-time gardeners meticulously tend this impressive collection.
Europe is a magical place. From ancient castles to picturesque waterfalls, much of the scenery looks like it could be straight out of a fairytale. In fact, much of Europe’s best literature, collections of short stories and iconic European fairytales are inspired by real places. Explore them for yourself to turn the stories of folklore into your reality.
Europe is a very bike-friendly continent, both in the cities and out in the countryside. Turn your sightseeing into exercise and cover more ground on Europe’s great bike paths.
Rich with diversity and beaming with culture, Europe is home to everything from pride parades to museums that celebrate the LGBT community. You can find an entire district of high-end shopping in one city – then go skiing down whitewashed mountains in the next. So inspire your upcoming European stay with some of the area’s most enticing settings.
The Development Society of Gruyères-Moléson organizes the Cheese Festival in the heart of the medieval town of Gruyères.
Every traveller has their place (or places) they want to visit in Europe. But whether you prefer snowkiting in Norway or relaxing in the natural hot springs of Hungary, discovering fortresses in San Marino or photographing Dutch windmills in The Netherlands, find the activities and destinations you’ve dreamed of by knowing what style of vacation appeals to you.
Much of Europe is known for its beer and wine production. But we don’t just know how to make them; we know how to drink them. From energetic beer festivals to exquisite wine gatherings, there’s plenty to celebrate. Drink up six of the best beer and wine festivals throughout Europe with this gallery.
If your European vacation includes the words “birdie,” “par” and “eagle,” then these golf courses are must-visit spots for you. Tee off at eight of Europe’s most pristine golf courses from the level greens of Malta to the towering cliffs of Portugal. No matter what type of course you’re looking for, Europe is bound to have it.
A visit to Europe is unforgettable in itself, but people often find themselves dreaming about all the delicious foods they tried, long after they’ve returned. From sweet to salty and every flavor in between, fondly remember your trip when you bring home a taste of Europe.
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
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.
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.
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.
Bring your European experience home with you. Here is a list of must-buy European souvenirs to share with friends and family…or keep for yourself!
Europe’s natural beauty and stunning landmarks haven’t just caught the eyes of world travelers over the years. They’ve also attracted filmmakers to shoot their movies at Europe’s prized locations. Browse this gallery to see some of the lesser-known movie locations in Europe. Then, explore these landscapes for yourself on your own trip to Europe (no costumes required).
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.
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.
Romance comes naturally in Europe. With so many things to see and do, it’s no coincidence that Europe is one of the top destinations in the world for romantic getaways. From popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower to lesser-known spots like waterfalls in Iceland, browse this gallery to prep for the best romantic sightseeing in Europe.
Some of Europe’s oldest and most iconic places are in its humblest buildings. Monasteries and abbeys are sprinkled throughout the countries and make for a somber and unforgettable experience. From ancient abbeys in Italy to majestic monasteries in Austria, browse this gallery for a better look at them all.
There are a number of ways to travel through Europe. But only some of these ways bring you closer to Europe’s core, making how you travel part of the adventure. It’s traveling by vigor instead of motorized vehicle. And sprawling paths called greenways stretching throughout Europe make it possible.
Europe holds many impressive cathedrals, synagogues and mosques. These houses of worship hold important cultural, historic and religious significance. Many of these great buildings took centuries to build with ornate design and unique architecture.
Europe is home to some of the World’s most beautiful mountain ranges. The Alps, The Pyrenees and the Carpathian Mountains all stretch along Europe’s landscape. And atop these ranges you’ll find marvelous snowcapped peaks. Browse this gallery to learn more about Europe’s tallest peaks. Then, experience their natural grandeur in person on your next European adventure.
Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and cheaper airfares and hotels lure many travelers to Europe during the off-season. But when exactly is the European off-season and where are good places to visit?
Music is at the heart of every country, city and person in Europe. But the type of music you’ll find during a trip to Europe can vary dramatically. From modern rock festivals to classic opera performances, you’re sure to see and hear a wide range of performances. Browse this gallery for a taste of some of Europe’s most interesting music scenes.
The mountains in Europe are some of the tallest summits in the world. They’re also some of the most fun. From skiing in Switzerland to snowkiting in Norway, discover the best ways to play on Europe’s mountains with this gallery.
Wine has influenced the culture of Europe for centuries. Dating back to 1600 BC, the Romans spread wine grapes throughout Europe and quickly became skilled at classifying grape varieties and colors, observing characteristics, and building fertilization techniques. By the first century AD, wine was being exported from Italy to Spain, Germany, England and France. The world’s oldest operating winery, the Château de Goulaine in France, is still open to visitors today and was a reason the country and its surrounding area quickly dominated the world wine market.
There’s nothing like enjoying a night at the opera in the very place where it was born. From Teatro alla Scala in Milan to London’s Covent Garden, Europe is home to many of the world’s finest opera houses. Don’t miss the chance to take your European vacation to new heights of action, drama and romance – all within the span of a few hours – with a trip to one of Europe’s famed opera houses
At times, Europe exudes luxury unlike anywhere in the world. And it’s no more evident than at the continent’s many lavish palaces. From Portugal to Latvia, Europe’s most refined palaces are the definition of luxury. Explore some of the grandest of Europe’s palaces in this breathtaking photo gallery.
Europe has been around for a long time. That’s why some of its most celebrated buildings are some of the oldest. But newer, more modern buildings can also be found. From Italy to Denmark, modern architecture has found its way into Europe’s heart. Browse this gallery to see some of the newest architectural marvels found throughout Europe.
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
The snow-white scenery of the Dolomites is an ideal destination for those who love skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, climbing, snowshoeing and trekking. Internationally famous for its ski resorts, it’s a magic realm offering numerous slopes in one track for hundreds of kilometers while being surrounded by magnificent heights and enchanting landscapes. There are so many sports to practice on Mount Rosa and its valleys; the three valleys of Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia have some of Italy’s biggest ski resorts.
Europe’s history is full of stories. Discover the oldest ones at the places that have been around the longest: castles. Hundreds of years ago, castles reigned supreme throughout Europe. Today, they’re time capsules of European heritage and culture. Travel back to the Middle Ages with this photo gallery of the most breathtaking castles that still stand in Europe.
Europe’s thermal spas invite you to relax in the lap of luxury. Filled with natural waters and accompanied by lavish treatments, Europe’s pools and modern resorts provide you with the perfect opportunity to unplug, relax and unwind.
You’re probably already familiar with the big-time European wine producers of France, Italy and Spain. But there are many more wines to discover in the rest of the continent – and they’re as drinkable as they are affordable. Get to know six lesser-known European wine regions that are just begging to be explored.
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.
There is practically no more delicious proof of how firmly the Austrian cuisine is rooted in the heart of Europe than one of the most typical of Viennese dishes: boiled veal, or Tafelspitz. Good-quality beef, a few vegetables, aromatic spices and plenty of water to cook in – these are the vital ingredients. The same ingredients, though, also come together when the French are creating their “pot-au-feu”, or the Italians their “bollito misto”. In the case of the latter, veal and chicken meat or tongue might be added, but then some small differences should remain despite us all being good Europeans together.
The borders between today’s Austria and its southern neighbours are particularly dissipating in Carinthia. Instead of drizzling with melted butter, here the famous ‘Kasnudel’ are topped with melted Sasaka: the word comes from the Slovenian language and simply means finely-diced bacon or a type of lardons. Besides being a wonderfully spicy spread for bread, it also figures prominently in Styrian cuisine, proving that the colorful culinary merry-go-round in the former territories of the Habsburg Monarchy is still vibrant today.
Poppy seed cakes are considered a sign of opulence; hence Polish desserts cannot have enough of them. They are often further enriched with honey, dried fruit and nuts. This dish called Kutia in Polish is a traditional Christmas dessert.
