When We Travel Again: Amazing National Parks In Europe

While travel within countries has started to resume, international travel is still in a place of uncertainty. Given different countries’ capabilities in tackling COVID-19 and keeping infections in check, inter-country travel is likely to stay affected for quite some time. In this scenario, many destinations, especially those that rely heavily on tourism, are offering incredible deals and discounts to lure back travellers. Even if you want to put off travelling until you feel safe, now is the best time to start planning. One thing that will go a long way to ensure safety is if you choose destinations that are slightly unconventional and away from large cities. Europe has a host of amazing national parks, with incredible wildlife that you might have only seen on screens so far. Not only do you get to keep a safe distance from crowds at these parks but also get a chance to reconnect with nature with amazing hikes, treks and a plethora of other adventure activities. Here’s a look at some of the most amazing national parks in Europe.

Jotunheimen National Park, Norway

The name of this park translates to ‘Home of the Giants’, and located in the Scandinavian wilderness, surrounded by glaciers, lakes and glacial ridges, it seems indeed a fitting title. The park has Norway’s 29 tallest mountains, including the nearly 2,500-metres-tall Galdhopiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe. There are many established hiking trails here for interested adventurers, such as the one along the precarious Besseggen Ridge, against the backdrop of Bessvatnet and Gjende lakes.

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

This one-time private hunting reserve of Italian king Victor Emmanuel II, this national park is a favourite with hikers, skiers and climbers. The Gran Paradiso peak, from which the park gets its name, is one of the more accessible peaks in the Alps. There are many trails that meander through flower-laden meadows and woodlands, and are fairly easy to traverse. If you want a challenge, then try the route right up to the summit, from where you have jaw-dropping views of the peaks of Mont Blanc and Grand Combin in the north and the plains of Piedmont towards the south.

Vatnajokull, Iceland

This park is one of the biggest on the continent and covers 14% of the country’s surface area. Among the highlights here are the Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and the Jokursarlon, a glacial lagoon on the southern edge of the park, in the shadow of the Vatnajokull Glacier. Some of the popular activities here are hiking, snowmobiling and ice caving. Vatnajokull has also been used as a setting in many popular films and TV shows including a couple of James Bond films and Game of Thrones.

Parc National des Pyrenees & Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido, France & Spain

These twin parks, spread across two countries and separated by the Pyrenees mountain range have some incredible wildlife, including the bearded vulture. The French park is spread across six main valleys, including the Vallee d’Aspe with its limestone peaks, farmsteads and ancient churches. One of the most famous hiking routes across the valley, the GR10, is a long-distance path carved into steep cliffs that cuts across from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic. In the Spanish park, hikers ca go through a series of switchbacks from Pradera de Ordesa to the Refugio de Goriz.

Bavarian and Bohemian Forest, Germany/Czech Republic

The largest forest in central Europe, this is where Bavaria meets Bohemia. Known as Bayerische Wald in Germany and Sumava in Czech Republic, this is the remnant of a much larger, ancient forest that extended all the way from the Rhine in the west to the Carpathians in the east. There are over 10,000 species of animals that inhabit these forests, including fox, deer, wild boar and otter. Apart from catching glimpses of exotic wildlife, you can go hiking and cycling or in winter, skiing.

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

This enormous national park, the largest in Britain, is on a vast plateau that is also home to some of Scotland’s highest peaks. For hikers, the biggest highlight would be the 1,309-metre-high Ben Macdui, which can be reached via a challenging day-long trek. According to local legend, this peak is also home to Am Fear Liath Mor or the Big Grey Man, a Scottish version of the Yeti. If you’re not one for that much exertion or for supernatural creatures, take a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Raliway that takes travellers up the plateau. Guided walks are available from the terminus station.

Mount Olympus National Park, Greece

Pretty much everyone who is familiar with Greek mythology has heard of Mount Olympus, the abode of the Greek gods. In reality, the occupants of the mountain and the hill ranges surrounding it are exotic creatures such as golden eagles, wolves, jackals, wildcats and deer. The pretty town of Litochoro is the base camp for adventures in the park, of which there are many. But before you set off, explore the ancient ruins of Dion nearby. Dedicated to the king of Greek gods Zeus, this sanctuary dates back over two thousand years and was visited by the legendary Alexander the Great. In the national park, you can wander about in the beech forests or scale the Mytikas peak, the highest point in Greece, often shrouded in clouds and lit up by lightning storms. No wonder the mountain gained mythical proportions in Greek culture.