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Crave inexperienced areas and concrete locations? I’m right here to share the 13 greatest European cities for nature lovers. Get able to pack your luggage!
If you happen to’re something like me, you most likely crave a little bit of nature even once you’re within the metropolis. Europe is filled with locations that allow you to get pleasure from the most effective 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’ll be able to breathe simple with out lacking out on metropolis perks. It’s fairly wonderful how some cities pull it off!
So, the place must you head if you’d like leafy retreats as a lot as energetic 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 most effective locations in Europe for nature lovers
Able to discover a few of Europe’s high spots for nature lovers? Right here’s a fast peek at locations that basically stand out, every with its personal particular attract:
- Greatest for water lovers: Geneva, Switzerland
- Greatest for climbing: Innsbruck, Austria
- Greenest metropolis in Europe: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Greatest 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 shocked me with its allure and the sheer abundance of inexperienced areas. It’s not each day you discover a capital metropolis so dedicated to preserving nature. In truth, it was named the European Inexperienced Capital again in 2016, and it’s simple to see why when you go to.
Town middle is generally car-free, which makes strolling round a pleasure. You may stroll alongside the Ljubljanica River, with its tree-lined banks and energetic cafes, and really feel utterly comfortable. Tivoli Park is one other gem. It’s huge, fantastically maintained, and an ideal spot for a picnic and even only a lazy day studying below a tree.
If you happen to’re up for a bit extra journey, the encompassing 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 a simple trek and on the high, you’re rewarded with the most effective panoramic views of Ljubljana. Good for a morning exercise or a sundown chill!
2. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is among the greatest 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 stunning metropolis is a playground for each winter sports activities fans 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 each day you get to sip your morning espresso with such a powerful view!
For a better look, I like to recommend heading up the Nordkette. It’s accessible through a cable automobile that takes you from the town middle to the mountain tops in simply 20 minutes. Up there, the panoramic views are mind-blowing. You may see the complete metropolis stretching out beneath you.
Whereas exploring Innsbruck, you’ll be able to’t assist however really feel the vibes the place old-school allure meets fashionable cool, all towards these epic mountain views. Severely, it’s like getting the most effective of each eras in a single look. Belief me, you gained’t discover a combo like this simply wherever.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a metropolis that may simply shock you with its pure attract. Certain, 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 nearly otherworldly.
I really like how Reykjavik seems like a small city however packs a punch with its cultural scene and nature spots. It’s the type of metropolis the place you’ll be able to discover galleries and hip cafes, then, on a whim, change to whale watching or climbing. If you happen to 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 fans.
Strolling alongside the lake, you’re handled to among the most breathtaking views in Switzerland. The Jet d’Eau is a sight to behold, taking pictures water as much as 140 meters into the air. It’s a spectacular backdrop for a stroll or a fast jog.
If you happen to enterprise a bit additional, you’ll discover Mont Salève, a simple day journey by cable automobile. When you’re up there, the panoramic view of the town with the Alps within the background is unimaginable.
Geneva can be one of many greatest locations to reside in Europe for nature lovers. Town is simply so alive, inexperienced, and luxurious. Whether or not you’re right here for work or pleasure, it’s exhausting to not be impressed by the seamless mix of metropolis life and nature. It’s positively a spot the place you’ll be able to 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 really like most about Norway’s capital is the way it blends a bustling, inventive city scene with wild nature proper on its doorstep. Severely, you get the most effective of metropolis life with forests, fjords, and parks only a heartbeat away.
Strolling by way of Oslo, you’ll discover how nature is a part of the town’s soul. Make a journey to Frogner Park, the most important park within the metropolis, full of spectacular sculptures and loads of area to unwind or have a picnic. For a extra adventurous day, you’ll be able to 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 severely values its inexperienced areas and you’ll 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 admittedly festive, notably throughout December, and it’s additionally one of many high locations to have fun New Years in Europe.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik actually knocks it out of the park if you happen to’re searching 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 outdated city, each avenue seems like a step again in time, however the actual 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 automobile trip to Mount Srđ, both. The views up there are unreal!
Dubrovnik is unquestionably among the finest locations in Europe for nature lovers. It blends its wealthy previous with tremendous accessible pure spots. You may wander by way of 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 considered one of my favourite international locations in Europe, and Zurich shocked 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 might be virtually begging to be explored.
Take Lake Zurich, for instance. It’s proper there, a part of the town’s every day life. You may swim, sail, or simply chill by the shores with an excellent guide. 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 complete metropolis towards the backdrop of the Alps.
I extremely advocate visiting Zurich if you happen to’re after a metropolis that blends city buzz with simple nature getaways. If you happen to’re searching for issues to do, strive renting a motorbike. It’s the proper solution 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 greatest locations to go to in Austria, fingers down.
Proper within the metropolis, you’ve received the Mirabell Gardens. Strolling by way of these meticulously landscaped gardens with the historic palace backdrop seems like stepping right into a portray. For slightly top, make your solution to Kapuzinerberg. It’s a simple hike up, and the views over Salzburg are unimaginable—you see the town’s baroque towers set towards the rugged Alps.
Salzburg is a high choose for nature lovers. Town is sufficiently small to discover by foot, but it’s filled with simple escapes to nature. And if that’s not sufficient, close by Lake Wolfgangsee can 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 needs to be on the high 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’ll be able to 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 encompassing 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 way of 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 sequence of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, the Scottish capital is an adventurer’s dream.
Arthur’s Seat, the primary peak within the metropolis, provides a surprisingly wild hike proper within the coronary heart of Edinburgh. You may 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’ll be able to wander by way of 70 acres of gorgeous landscapes and uncommon crops.
If you happen to’re planning a go to, pack sturdy strolling footwear and a water-resistant jacket. Edinburgh’s climate can change up quick! It’s a metropolis that offers nature lovers every thing they might need, proper on the doorstep.
11. Barcelona, Spain
If you happen to’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 throughout the metropolis limits.
Montjuïc, a broad hill overlooking the harbor, provides greater than only a killer view. Right here, the plush gardens and winding footpaths present a peaceable escape from the excitement of the town streets. It’s additionally dwelling to the Magic Fountain, which lights up at evening in a blinding show of shade and water acrobatics.
Getting round Barcelona is a breeze because of its wonderful public transport. The metro and buses are handy, however renting a motorbike could be the easiest way to discover the pure and concrete sights seamlessly. Additionally, don’t neglect to pack snug strolling footwear, as Barcelona is greatest skilled on foot.
12. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a hidden gem for nature lovers, typically praised as among the finest locations to go in Europe if you happen to love the outside.
You’ve received Trebević Mountain proper in your doorstep, and it’s a favourite for locals and guests alike. The hike up is completely price it for the sweeping views of Sarajevo beneath. It’s wonderful to see the town from that perspective, particularly at sundown.
Whilst you’re right here, don’t miss the possibility to discover the encompassing forests and trails. They’re lush, inexperienced, and tremendous refreshing. It’s simple to spend a day wandering by way of nature and nonetheless make it again to benefit from the metropolis within the night. One other high place to go to inside driving distance is Travnik, which I extremely advocate!
If you happen to come to Sarajevo, be sure to take a look at the native path maps. There are a great deal of paths starting from simple walks to tougher hikes. Town’s mixture of city vibes and pure spots is ideal for anybody who desires to leap shortly 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 most effective cities for nature in Europe. It’s additionally one of many high locations to reside 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 may’t go to Brasov with out exploring Mount Tampa. A cable automobile can whisk you to the highest, or if you happen to’re up for it, climbing there offers you an actual sense of the panorama. When you’re up, the views over Brasov and the encompassing forests are spectacular. It’s additionally frequent to identify wildlife alongside the way in which, so maintain your eyes peeled!
Brasov’s outdated 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 greatest wager to soak all of it in. If you wish to discover additional afield, renting a motorbike is a superb choice.
Continuously requested questions (FAQs) about cities for nature lovers in Europe
Interested in the most effective nature cities in Europe? Our FAQs have all of the solutions!
Which European nation has the most effective nature?
Norway is extensively thought-about the most effective 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 provides nice snowboarding, climbing, and delightful 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 setting.
