24 Stunning Natural Wonders in Europe

Crib Goch is a razors edge ridge which runs along the stickleback of Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon. Not for the faint hearted, the grade 1 scramble arête, translating to “Red Ridge” in Welsh, comes with a fierce reputation. The highest point on this magnificent knife edge is 3,028ft above sea level and often the drops either side of the route are a dizzying height down to the valley below. Described by the Snowdonia Authority as “not a mountain for the inexperienced” it has been the site of many accidents, injuries and deaths over the years. – Nic Hilditch-short, The Roaming Renegades

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Finnmark, Norway

Located way above the Arctic Circle, Finnmark is Norway’s northernmost county and experiences midnight sun from mid May until late July. Last summer, we travelled along this stunning coastline from Kirkenes to Bergen on board one of Hurtigruten’s ships. Their vessels have been sailing up and down Norway’s coast since 1893 and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the region is by undertaking a voyage on one of their ships. When it comes to natural beauty, Norway is full of superlatives and “wow” moments that had our camera shutters clicking the entire time. – Mark and Kirsty Bennetts, Kathmandu and Beyond

I first came across this beauty of an area when we drove to the Isle of Skye. Instantaneously your breath is stolen from you. The mountains feel like monsters about to devour you but it’s a nice feeling, being inferior to nature. This exact photo is taken at Kingshouse, which was our fourth stop on the West Highland Way (96 mile hike).  I urge everyone to come to this part of the world. Scotland is gorgeous, when she gets the weather! – Gemma and Craig, Two Scots Abroad

The Upper Kaunertal Valley, Austria

The upper Kaunertal valley in the Oetztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria, is what you call a winter wonderland. The region is simply mind-blowing, especially in winter time. It even feels a bit surreal when driving up the narrow mountain road to the glacier. You pass by snow-covered hills, dense pine forests and magical lakes like the Gepatschspeicher. What a beautiful area! – Clemens Sehi, Anekdotique

Plitvice Lakes is a National Park, Croatia

In 1979 Plitvice Lakes was awarded recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site. The UNESCO site has sixteen lakes linked together with a series of gushing waterfalls. The lakes are famous for their stunning colours, which change from shades of teal, turquoise and deep blues to greys throughout the year. – SJ Begonja, Chasing the Donkey

The Rock of Gibraltar

One of the most iconic natural wonders in Europe is the Rock of Gibraltar.  This 426 meter high piece of limestone has been of strategic military importance for centuries because of its commanding position at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea.  From its summit, Gibraltar offers unprecedented views of the narrows spanning Europe and Africa.  These days, the only attacks come from the resident Barbary macaques (monkeys) who accost visitors for food. – Lance and Laura Longwell, Travel Addicts 

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in the fall time is a wonderful time frame to be visiting the mountains, lakes and natural areas of this stunning landscape which is about 3 hours north of the capital  Ljubljana. Not only is it quiet during the off season, but the fall colors are simply breathtaking. Come and check out my post about fall time at Lake Bled. – Noel Morata, Travel Photo Discovery

The Picos de Europa, Spain

Meteora, Greece

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

One of the most amazing wonders of Iceland is Jökulsárlón – glaciar lagoon – located on the south of the island, near the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. With each season it has a lasting changing beauty with the mountains in the background, sea life swimming below and refreshing wind in the air. Whenever I am stressed, I think about these big blue icebergs floating and it immediately calms me down. It’s definitely the highlight of Iceland and it’s easily accessible from the main road. – Karina, Kara Boska

Foresta Umbra, Italy

I remember hearing about the Foresta Umbra from my Mum and Dad when I was a kid – but I had no idea there were still forests in Italy. When I visited Puglia last year, I discovered I was wrong. The forest still exists, and what a forest! Its name means ‘shady forest’, on account of how dense it is. We spent the day wandering up and down a gorge, spotting deers and some pigs, surrounded by nothing but silence. And just a few miles away, you can relax on a beautiful beach! Margherita and Nick, The Crowded Planet

Loriga‘s river beach, Portugal

It’s easy to see why Loriga‘s river beach was voted as one of the best beaches in Portugal. The appeal of a largely natural turquoise infinity rock pool nestled in the Serra da Estrela mountains is clear. The water comes from the mountains so it’s icy, even in summer, but tolerable for short periods and the setting is glorious. The surrounding mountains are also well worth exploring, whether on foot, by bike or car, for dramatic unspoilt scenery, weird rock formations and unusual plants. – Julie Fox, Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal 

Lake Annecy, France

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland was formed from an ancient volcanic eruption – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a region steeped in folklore and legend. There are around 40,000 basalt columns of varying heights that span along the coast and dip into the sea. Even though it was cloudy, rainy and windy the day we visited, it was still a stunning sight to see! – Jenna Kvidt, Wander the Map

Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia

During our road trip through Slovenia we visited a pretty little slice of nature called Vintgar Gorge.  Vintgar Gorge is a short drive from Lake Bled and is sometimes called “Little Plitvice” as it is a mini version of the famous natural wonder of neighboring Croatia, Plitvice Lakes, where crystal clear blue waters travel from lake to lake in a series of waterfalls.  Visitors to Vintgar Gorge can follow an easy series of trails and boardwalks which follow and cross the many falls that wind through the steep rocky slopes. – Katherine Belarmino, Travel the World

Preikestolen, Norway

I took the chance to hike to Preikestolen, also known “The Pulpit Rock”.  I’m not a hiking fanatic but this adventure gave me a surge of excitement – it was a dream come true walking up the trail to the peak. Standing at the spectacular scenic plateau is one of the most impressive viewing platforms I’ve ever set foot on. – Meanne Anneklien, Annaklien’s Solo Travel and Adventure

Arthur’s Seat, Scotland

Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, is quite stunning and exhibits the rugged and sturdy personality of the Scots to my mind. It looks like it watches over the city in a way. It offers some rather good hiking as well, if visitors are up for it. – Talon Windwalker, 1 Dad 1 Kid

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Iceland

The Red Beach, Greece

A huge volcanic eruption shaped the island of Santorini (Greece), and while it was probably quite distressing for the locals at the time, it makes for some amazing landscapes for visitors today. – Me, (You’re on my site!)

 Are these the best natural wonders in Europe? Leave a comment and have your say!