If you love ticking natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites off your bucket list, you’ll be excited to know there are hundreds in Europe. Venture to these spectacular sites and you’ll find an intoxicating blend of beautiful landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and colourful palaces to otherworldly karst caves and underground waterfalls.
Starting with our 5th ranked country, these are our top picks for the best countries in Europe for reigniting your nature wanderlust with their can’t-miss road trip sights. Not only do these routes take you past incredible scenery, but the detours are just as stunning as the final destination.
#5 Slovenia
Slovenia boasts some of the most incredible natural landscapes in Europe. From Ljubljana, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the UNESCO-listed Skocjan Caves, a karst cave and the largest subterranean canyon in Europe with underground waterfalls and giant stalactites. You can also day trip to Lake Bled for a chance to get up close with one of the most picture-perfect lakes in the world. From here, make the short drive to Triglav, the only national park in Slovenia. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, home to the highest peak of the Julian Alps and Triglav Glacier.
#4 Portugal
With its rich history, Portugal boasts a long list of amazing cultural sites. You can squeeze in multiple sites on a road trip from Lisbon to Porto, with your first stop Lisbon’s historic Tower of Belem. Next, visit the picturesque town of Sintra to see its magnificent Pena Palace, then head north to the Alcobaca Monastery to marvel at the 12th-century structure built by the first Portuguese King. Afterwards, visit one of the world’s oldest universities in Coimbra or stroll the historic centre of Porto. Your last stop is the verdant Douro Valley, a traditional wine-producing region famous for its port wine.
#3 Austria
Austria is well rounded when it comes to attractions, from the towering Alps to fascinating sites highlighting its history of classical music. Start in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, then drive south to marvel at the cascading waters of the 75-metre-tall Golling waterfalls or visit the Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Werfen. Next, enjoy stunning views along the 40-kilometre Grossglockner High-Alpine Road to the base of the Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria. History lovers can also add the baroque Eggenberg Castle in Graz or Vienna’s UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace to their itinerary. If you have extra time, visit Melk Abbey and its terraced vineyards overlooking the Wachau Valley.
#2 Luxembourg
Although a tiny country, Luxembourg delivers with its UNESCO-listed old quarter of Luxembourg City, charming small towns, and picturesque countryside. Stroll over the capital city’s Corniche for panoramic views of the historic sites, then tour the famous “Family of Man” photo collection at Clervaux Castle. History buffs can also wander the underground tunnels at the Bock Casements. Next, drive 45 minutes east to the Mullerthal Region, Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland” to see unique sandstone rock formations along the family-friendly Mullerthal Trail. The historic Bourscheid Castle is only one hour north of Luxembourg City, while water sports are popular at nearby Upper Sûre Natural Park.
#1 Switzerland
With its reputation of incredible natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Switzerland tops the list. To see the best of its spectacular wonders and historical landmarks, start your road trip in the capital city, Bern. Explore Bern’s medieval Old City before venturing south to sample a glass of chilled Chasselas in the wine-growing region of Lavaux. Only 30 minutes away, Montreux offers stunning views of Lake Geneva against the famed Chillon Castle. Lastly, nature lovers can’t leave without driving to the iconic 4,478-metre-tall Matterhorn, one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Alternatively, explore the Jungfrau-Aletsch region to marvel at its majestic glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
