AfarJul 29, 2026
These 6 National Parks in Europe Have Glacial Lakes, Nearby Chalets, and Way Fewer Tourists
Climbing a 396-step metal staircase bolted to the side of an extinct volcanic crater in Iceland, I thought about how underrated many of Europe’s national parks are. There were no crowds nor viewpoints ...
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- Fosshotel HellnarHotelSet above cliffs with beer-garden and restaurants.
- Elsewhere
- Triglav National ParkSightBled, SloveniaHome to Slovenia's highest summit and deep forests.
- Snæfellsjökull National ParkSightSnæfellsnes Peninsula, IcelandSnaefellsjokull national park was established in 2001, and it covers about 170 km2 of the westmost tip of the…
- Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal trailTrailSnæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland2-mile hike passing villages, cliffs, and views.
- Seven Lakes ValleyTrailBled, SloveniaMulti-day route through valleys and meadows.
- Chalet SofijaHotelBled, SloveniaMountainous getaway with Alps views, infinity pool.
- Retezat National ParkSightRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRomania's first national park with glacial lakes.
- Bucura Glacier Lake CircuitTrailRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRoute showcasing peaks and Alpine terrain.
- Transylvania Log CabinsHotelRetezat Mountains, RomaniaEco-minded lodges with tree-house accommodations.
- Białowieża National ParkNature reserveBiałowieża, PolandProtects Europe's largest free-roaming bison population.
- Żebra Żubra (Bison's Ribs) TrailTrailBiałowieża, Poland3.4-mile loop through marshes and old-growth forest.
- Royal Oaks TrailTrailBiałowieża, PolandShort walk among centuries-old oak trees.
- Hotel Żubrówka Spa & WellnessHotelBiałowieża, PolandHas indoor pool and spa, near park entrance.
- Skuleskogen National ParkSightHigh Coast, SwedenIt covers 30.62 km2 (11.82 mi2), constituting the eastern part of the Forest of Skule.
- SlåttdalsskrevanSightHigh Coast, SwedenDramatic 200-meter-long rock fissure.
- FriluftsBynHotelHigh Coast, SwedenVillage with cabins, eateries, and activities.
- Durmitor National ParkSightŽabljak, MontenegroLimestone peaks and remote mountain landscapes.
- Bobotov Kuk summit trailTrailŽabljak, Montenegro6.3-mile climb to country's highest peak.
- Black Lake trailTrailŽabljak, Montenegro2.9-mile loop around an iconic glacial lake.
- Tara River CanyonSightŽabljak, MontenegroEurope's deepest gorge, offers white-water rafting.
- Casa di Pino EcoLodge HotelHotelŽabljak, MontenegroBoutique, nature-connected base for luxury experience.