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Crave inexperienced areas and concrete locations? I’m right here to share the 13 finest European cities for nature lovers. Get able to pack your baggage!
In the event you’re something like me, you most likely crave a little bit of nature even while you’re within the metropolis. Europe is full of locations that allow you to get pleasure from the very best of each worlds.
I’ve spent an excellent chunk of time bouncing from one European metropolis to a different, at all times looking out for these excellent inexperienced areas the place you possibly can breathe simple with out lacking out on metropolis perks. It’s fairly superb how some cities pull it off!
So, the place do you have to head if you would like leafy retreats as a lot as vigorous streets? This information lays out the highest European cities for nature lovers. Belief me, these locations have mastered the artwork of mixing city pleasure with pure tranquility. Let’s verify them out!
Overview of the very best locations in Europe for nature lovers
Able to discover a few of Europe’s prime spots for nature lovers? Right here’s a fast peek at locations that basically stand out, every with its personal particular attract:
- Finest for water lovers: Geneva, Switzerland
- Finest for climbing: Innsbruck, Austria
- Greenest metropolis in Europe: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Finest for nature and tradition: Barcelona, Spain
- Most gorgeous views: Bergen, Norway
Excited but? Every of those cities is a gateway to distinctive pure wonders, and there’s a lot to see and do. Let’s bounce into our full information and begin exploring!
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana actually stunned me with its allure and the sheer abundance of inexperienced areas. It’s not on daily basis you discover a capital metropolis so dedicated to preserving nature. The truth is, it was named the European Inexperienced Capital again in 2016, and it’s simple to see why when you go to.
Town middle is usually car-free, which makes strolling round a pleasure. You possibly can stroll alongside the Ljubljanica River, with its tree-lined banks and vigorous cafes, and really feel fully comfortable. Tivoli Park is one other gem. It’s large, fantastically maintained, and an ideal spot for a picnic and even only a lazy day studying beneath a tree.
In the event you’re up for a bit extra journey, the encircling areas provide trails that result in gorgeous views of the town. A fast favourite of mine is the hike as much as Šmarna Gora. It’s an easy trek and on the prime, you’re rewarded with the very best panoramic views of Ljubljana. Good for a morning exercise or a sundown chill!
2. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Europe for anybody who loves mountains as a lot as they love a vibrant metropolis scene. Positioned within the coronary heart of the Alps, this lovely metropolis is a playground for each winter sports activities lovers and summer time hikers.
The very first thing you’ll discover is the gorgeous backdrop of snow-capped peaks across the metropolis. It’s not on daily basis you get to sip your morning espresso with such a formidable view!
For a more in-depth look, I like to recommend heading up the Nordkette. It’s accessible by way of a cable automotive that takes you from the town middle to the mountain tops in simply 20 minutes. Up there, the panoramic views are mind-blowing. You possibly can see the whole metropolis stretching out beneath you.
Whereas exploring Innsbruck, you possibly can’t assist however really feel the vibes the place old-school allure meets fashionable cool, all towards these epic mountain views. Significantly, it’s like getting the very best of each eras in a single look. Belief me, you received’t discover a combo like this simply anyplace.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a metropolis that may simply shock you with its pure attract. Positive, it’s recognized for its cool, quirky vibe, however the entry to nature right here is unreal. Whether or not it’s the ocean surrounding you or the mountains only a fast drive away, you’re by no means removed from a surprising pure escape.
One factor that basically stands out is how one can watch the Northern Lights with out venturing too removed from metropolis comforts. Think about chilling in a comfy downtown cafe, then catching the aurora borealis after a brief drive. It’s spectacular!
Additionally, the geothermal swimming pools—just like the well-known Blue Lagoon—usually are not solely enjoyable however provide a surreal setting that feels virtually otherworldly.
I like how Reykjavik appears like a small city however packs a punch with its cultural scene and nature spots. It’s the type of metropolis the place you possibly can discover galleries and hip cafes, then, on a whim, swap to whale watching or climbing. In the event you love mixing city exploration with wild nature, Reykjavik is successful.
4. Geneva, Switzerland
I first went to Geneva for its polished vibe, nevertheless it was the gorgeous surroundings that basically stole my coronary heart. Tucked between snowy peaks and the attractive Lake Geneva, this place is an absolute dream for out of doors lovers.
Strolling alongside the lake, you’re handled to among the most breathtaking views in Switzerland. The Jet d’Eau is a sight to behold, capturing water as much as 140 meters into the air. It’s a spectacular backdrop for a stroll or a fast jog.
In the event you enterprise a bit additional, you’ll discover Mont Salève, a simple day journey by cable automotive. When you’re up there, the panoramic view of the town with the Alps within the background is unbelievable.
Geneva can also be one of many finest locations to stay in Europe for nature lovers. Town is simply so alive, inexperienced, and plush. Whether or not you’re right here for work or pleasure, it’s laborious to not be impressed by the seamless mix of metropolis life and nature. It’s undoubtedly a spot the place you possibly can get pleasure from high-end metropolis vibes with simple escapes into nature everytime you need.
5. Oslo, Norway
Subsequent up on our checklist of the highest European cities for nature lovers is Oslo. What I like most about Norway’s capital is the way it blends a bustling, artistic city scene with wild nature proper on its doorstep. Significantly, you get the very best of metropolis life with forests, fjords, and parks only a heartbeat away.
Strolling by Oslo, you’ll discover how nature is a part of the town’s soul. Make a journey to Frogner Park, the biggest park within the metropolis, crammed with spectacular sculptures and loads of area to unwind or have a picnic. For a extra adventurous day, you possibly can hike in Oslomarka, the huge forest surrounding the town. It’s an actual deal with with trails that provide spectacular views of the fjords.
Town significantly values its inexperienced areas and you may really feel that dedication in all places you go. Whether or not you’re grabbing a espresso downtown or paddling throughout the Oslofjord, the seamless integration of nature with city residing right here is simply superior. This metropolis is basically festive, significantly throughout December, and it’s additionally one of many prime locations to have a good time New Years in Europe.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik actually knocks it out of the park in the event you’re on the lookout for a spot the place historical past and nature collide. It’s not all concerning the Recreation of Thrones fame—there’s one thing genuinely magical about this metropolis with its historical partitions and the countless blue of the Adriatic Sea.
As you wander the previous city, each road appears like a step again in time, however the true deal with is the pure magnificence. Hop on a fast boat trip to Lokrum Island. It’s this peaceable spot with cool botanical gardens and pleasant peacocks, plus some top-notch locations to swim. Don’t miss the cable automotive trip to Mount Srđ, both. The views up there are unreal!
Dubrovnik is certainly among the best locations in Europe for nature lovers. It blends its wealthy previous with tremendous accessible pure spots. You possibly can wander by historical lanes one minute and be lounging by the ocean the following. Dubrovnik simply delivers, each single time!
7. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland has at all times been one in every of my favourite nations in Europe, and Zurich stunned me with the way it balances metropolis life and nature. It’s famously polished and cosmopolitan, however its pure settings are simply as spectacular. Assume pristine lakes, rivers, and mountains which are virtually begging to be explored.
Take Lake Zurich, for instance. It’s proper there, a part of the town’s each day life. You possibly can swim, sail, or simply chill by the shores with an excellent e-book. Then there’s the Uetliberg Mountain—an area favourite for climbing. The path up is well-marked and the view from the highest? Completely well worth the effort. You get this panoramic scene of the whole metropolis towards the backdrop of the Alps.
I extremely advocate visiting Zurich in the event you’re after a metropolis that blends city buzz with simple nature getaways. In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do, attempt renting a motorcycle. It’s the right approach to zip round and soak in each the town’s vibrant environment and its peaceable lakeside views.
8. Salzburg, Austria
The pure magnificence in Salzburg is spectacular. This metropolis is a feast for the senses, excellent for anybody craving a mix of tradition and nature. It’s one of many finest locations to go to in Austria, arms down.
Proper within the metropolis, you’ve obtained the Mirabell Gardens. Strolling by these meticulously landscaped gardens with the historic palace backdrop appears like stepping right into a portray. For slightly top, make your approach to Kapuzinerberg. It’s a simple hike up, and the views over Salzburg are unbelievable—you see the town’s baroque towers set towards the rugged Alps.
Salzburg is a prime decide for nature lovers. Town is sufficiently small to discover by foot, but it’s full of simple escapes to nature. And if that’s not sufficient, close by Lake Wolfgangsee can also be a sight to see!
Simply lace up and let Salzburg’s allure and scenic trails sweep you off your ft. Belief me, being there may be magical—it’s one place that appears pretty much as good because it feels!
9. Bergen, Norway
When you concentrate on locations the place the mountains meet the ocean, Bergen must be on the prime of the checklist. This metropolis is surrounded by seven hills and fjords. It’s a surprising pure playground for anybody who loves the outside.
Climbing up Mount Fløyen is a must-do. It’s not solely accessible—you possibly can stroll from the town middle or take a funicular up—however the views from the highest are out of this world. You look out over the town, the encircling mountains, and the ocean all weaving collectively into one breathtaking panorama.
The vibe in Bergen is laid-back, and there’s an actual appreciation for the outside. And the close by Norwegian fjords are much more spectacular!
Whether or not you’re kayaking within the fjords or wandering by the historic Bryggen district, Bergen makes it simple to mix city exploration with epic pure adventures.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Let’s speak about a metropolis that marries historic allure with rugged pure magnificence: Edinburgh. Perched on a collection of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, the Scottish capital is an adventurer’s dream.
Arthur’s Seat, the principle peak within the metropolis, presents a surprisingly wild hike proper within the coronary heart of Edinburgh. You possibly can climb to the highest for panoramic views that stretch out to the ocean.
Town’s connection to nature doesn’t finish there. The Royal Botanic Backyard Edinburgh is one other spot the place nature bursts into shade, proper subsequent to city life. Right here, you possibly can wander by 70 acres of gorgeous landscapes and uncommon vegetation.
In the event you’re planning a go to, pack sturdy strolling footwear and a water-resistant jacket. Edinburgh’s climate can swap up quick! It’s a metropolis that provides nature lovers every part they may need, proper on the doorstep.
11. Barcelona, Spain
In the event you’re after a metropolis that surprises with its pure wonders, Barcelona hits the spot. Tucked between the seashores of the Mediterranean and the hills of Montjuïc, this metropolis is a playground for the outdoorsy kind. You can begin your day with a dawn seaside jog and finish it with a sundown hike, all inside the metropolis limits.
Montjuïc, a broad hill overlooking the harbor, presents greater than only a killer view. Right here, the luxurious gardens and winding footpaths present a peaceable escape from the excitement of the town streets. It’s additionally residence to the Magic Fountain, which lights up at night time in a blinding show of shade and water acrobatics.
Getting round Barcelona is a breeze due to its wonderful public transport. The metro and buses are handy, however renting a motorcycle is perhaps the easiest way to discover the pure and concrete sights seamlessly. Additionally, don’t overlook to pack snug strolling footwear, as Barcelona is finest skilled on foot.
12. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a hidden gem for nature lovers, typically praised as among the best locations to go in Europe in the event you love the outside.
You’ve obtained Trebević Mountain proper in your doorstep, and it’s a favourite for locals and guests alike. The hike up is completely value it for the sweeping views of Sarajevo beneath. It’s superb to see the town from that perspective, particularly at sundown.
When you’re right here, don’t miss the prospect to discover the encircling forests and trails. They’re lush, inexperienced, and tremendous refreshing. It’s simple to spend a day wandering by nature and nonetheless make it again to benefit from the metropolis within the night. One other prime place to go to inside driving distance is Travnik, which I extremely advocate!
In the event you come to Sarajevo, ensure that to take a look at the native path maps. There are a great deal of paths starting from simple walks to more difficult hikes. Town’s mixture of city vibes and pure spots is ideal for anybody who needs to leap rapidly from a espresso on the town to a quiet second within the forest.
13. Brasov, Romania
Brasov is an absolute treasure and it wraps up our checklist of the very best cities for nature in Europe. It’s additionally one of many prime locations to stay in Romania!
Positioned within the coronary heart of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, it’s a spot the place the surroundings is as wealthy as its historical past. Assume old-world allure with a backdrop of gorgeous mountain views.
You possibly can’t go to Brasov with out exploring Mount Tampa. A cable automotive can whisk you to the highest, or in the event you’re up for it, climbing there provides you an actual sense of the panorama. When you’re up, the views over Brasov and the encircling forests are spectacular. It’s additionally frequent to identify wildlife alongside the best way, so maintain your eyes peeled!
Brasov’s previous city is ideal for wandering. The streets are compact and stuffed with character. For getting round, the general public buses cowl most areas, however strolling is your finest guess to soak all of it in. If you wish to discover additional afield, renting a motorcycle is a good possibility.
Steadily requested questions (FAQs) about cities for nature lovers in Europe
Interested by the very best nature cities in Europe? Our FAQs have all of the solutions!
Which European nation has the very best nature?
Norway is broadly thought of the very best nation for nature in Europe. It’s recognized for its gorgeous fjords, tall mountains, and lots of waterfalls.
What’s the most outdoorsy nation in Europe?
Switzerland is the best choice for out of doors actions in Europe. It presents nice snowboarding, climbing, and exquisite pure scenes.
What’s the greenest capital in Europe?
Ljubljana in Slovenia is the greenest capital in Europe. It was awarded for its inexperienced areas and efficient public transport that’s good for the surroundings.
