Backpacking Europe: 5 Most Beautiful National Parks

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Traveling from city to city and exploring Europe’s intricate history and architectural marvels is, in many cases, the backpacker’s main activity.  It is quite amazing to discover all the cultures, lifestyles and to meet so many different people, but let us remember that Europe, in addition to its cultural diversity, is the beholder of priceless natural treasures.

This is why the best way to explore Europe is to find a balance between its urban culture and superb nature. You don’t necessarily have to climb the Mont Blanc: a few short hikes are enough for you to be able to admire some of the best landscapes on Earth. And judging from a purely pragmatic perspective, we must admit that nature is much less expensive then any city. Today I present you five of the most amazing places in Europe (coincidence or not, all these areas are in fact national parks):

Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Triglav National Park in Slovenia was founded back in 1924 in order to protect the unbelievable mix of wilderness and grace that one can only find in the Julian Alps. Triglav is also the name of the park’s (and the country’s) highest peak and has somehow become a national symbol. The park offers some of the best hiking trails in this part of Europe, some high chances to encounter unique alpine species and, of course, jaw-dropping views.

Coto de Doñana, Spain

Doñana National Park is yet another jewel in Andalusia’s crown. With lots of narrow streams and curvy sand-dunes that have been infested by weeds, the park makes a perfect bird habitat. Awkwardly enough, here is where you can find some of the country’s most unique species of mammals, like the read deer, wild boar or Iberian linx.

Danube Delta, Romania

And speaking of bird habitats, there are few (if none) areas in Europe that can outmatch the biodiversity of Danube’s Delta, one of Romanian’s best national parks. Between the Delta’s sand banks, islets and centennial willows, one can discover the fascinating folklore of the locals, together with some delicious seafood and, of course, an impressive number of birds, fish and small mammals.

Jotunheimen National Park, Norway

Once you learned how to pronounce the name of Norway’s most popular park, you are ready to enter this wild kingdom, where crystal-clear lakes and permanent snows become even more mysterious in the light of Scandinavian folk tales. This is where climbers, hikers, fishers and skiers alike will find a second home.

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal

Peneda-Gerês National Park might not be the oldest, nor the biggest in Europe, but it surely represents Portuguese landscape at its best. Created in 1971, Peneda-Gerês is a fascinating place to discover: unlike the common national park, Portugal’s only national park is meant to preserve the area’s eco-systems but also the surrounding countryside landscape.

A trip to the park is not only relaxing, but intendedly instructive: some areas are valuable for their flora, others for the fauna, agricultural landscape or  recreational activities.

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Comments on Backpacking Europe: 5 Most Beautiful National Parks

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Chris Chong wrote on June 30, 2010:

I love Danube Romania’s photo, so lovely

 

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