The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Europe for Nature Lovers

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - When people think of Europe, they often picture old streets, historic buildings, and famous landmarks. But beyond the charming old towns, there is a whole other side of this continent waiting to be explored. The most beautiful national parks in Europe offer scenery that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. These green, wild places are perfect for anyone who loves being close to nature.

If you are planning your next trip and want something different, this list of the most beautiful national parks in Europe is a great place to start. Here are ten parks that every nature lover should know about.

One of the most visited natural sites in Croatia, this park is famous for its 16 terraced lakes. The lakes are connected by a series of waterfalls. The water changes color throughout the day, going from blue to green depending on the sunlight. There are wooden walkways built over the water, so you can walk right above the lakes. The whole area is covered in thick forest, which makes it feel very peaceful and quiet.

Located in the northeastern part of Italy, this park sits within the Dolomite mountains. The mountains are known for their sharp, rocky peaks and dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs, deep valleys, and flowering alpine meadows. If you enjoy hiking, there are many well-marked trails suitable for different levels. The park is also home to a wide range of plants and animals, including rare orchids and chamois, a mountain goat found in the Alps.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park holds great importance both in nature and history. It sits on the boundary where two tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You can actually walk through the rift valley formed between them. The park also includes Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. For divers, the Silfra fissure offers the rare chance to swim between two continents in crystal-clear water.

The second largest national park in Europe by area, this park covers about 14% of Iceland's total land. At its center is Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. The landscape here is unlike most places on Earth. You will find active volcanoes, massive ice caves, black sand deserts, and roaring waterfalls all in one park. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. Icebergs there slowly drift into the sea, making it a truly unique sight.

Located near the Czech border in the state of Saxony, this park is known for its unusual sandstone rock formations. They rise high above the Elbe River and create a dramatic landscape. The most iconic sight is the Bastei Bridge, a stone bridge built on top of rocky pillars. From the bridge, you get sweeping views of the valley below. The park has many hiking routes through forests, gorges, and open rock plateaus. It is also a popular spot for rock climbing.

The only national park in Slovenia, this protected area takes its name from Triglav, the country's highest mountain. It stands at 2,864 meters tall. The park covers the entire Julian Alps region, including glacial lakes, deep gorges, and rich forests. Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, is one of the main attractions here. The Soča River is also worth a visit. It is known for its bright turquoise color and is a great spot for kayaking and fly-fishing.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Montenegro, this park is centered around a high plateau with more than 48 mountain peaks. The Tara River Canyon runs through the park. It is one of the deepest canyons in the world, second only to the Grand Canyon. There are also 18 glacial lakes scattered across the park. The largest is called the Black Lake. In winter, the area becomes a skiing destination, while summer brings hikers and rafters.

The name means "Home of the Giants" in Norwegian, and the landscape certainly lives up to it. This park contains the two highest mountains in Norway, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. There are also over 200 peaks that rise above 1,900 meters, along with glaciers, deep valleys, and waterfalls. The Besseggen Ridge is one of the most popular day hikes in Norway. It offers dramatic views over two lakes with very different colors on either side of the narrow ridge.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Italian Riviera, this park is made up of five small coastal villages. They are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The villages cling to steep cliffs above the sea, surrounded by terraced vineyards and olive groves. The park is also a marine protected area, so the coastal waters are clean and good for snorkeling. If you enjoy coastal hiking, the trails between the villages offer some of the most scenic walks in Italy.

The largest national park in the United Kingdom, this park sits in the Scottish Highlands. It covers a high, open plateau known as the Cairngorm Mountains. It is home to more rare and endangered species than any other area in Britain, including red squirrels, ospreys, and the native Scottish wildcat. In winter, there is a ski resort near Aviemore where you can hit the slopes. The ancient Caledonian pine forest within the park is one of the few remaining ancient forests in Scotland.