Irresistible tourists’ parks in Europe

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Nature isn't a fix-all solution, but it helps our wellbeing

Nature isn’t a fix-all solution, but it helps our wellbeing   

Spending time among nature has been proven on countless occasions to work wonders for our mental wellbeing. It’s not a fix-all solution, but it definitely does help to get out in the fresh air if you can.

Long walks, taking in our surroundings, and caring for your local plant and animal environments are all low-effort, high-impact ways we can spare a little time to remove ourselves from everyday distractions. This has never been more important than throughout the pandemic.

In turn, we unlock parts of our brain we often forget to nature, and reap the benefits, while being reminded of how beautiful and simple things can be.

A new survey commissioned by Money.co.uk has revealed that Europe is actually home to six of the world’s best national parks for mindfulness.

They analysed features such as:about:blank

  • Amount of green space
  • Amount of lakes
  • Species of plants and animals
  • Low air pollution levels
  • Low visitor numbers
  • Mindful activities available such as hikes, boat tours, wellness centres and spas.

Here are the six European entries that made waves in their findings:

6) Surrounded by plant life at the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic

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Bohemian Switzerland is the Czech Republic’s go-to spot for the reintroduction of animal speciesCanva

Founded a mere 21 years ago, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park was built with the purpose of preserving the region’s flora and fauna that had suffered greatly over decades due to human impact.

The park is now one of the Czech Republic’s go-to spots for the reintroduction of animal species that used to live there – take the return of the salmon back to the Kamenice River, for example.

A trip here is now a colourful one, with lush greenery contrasting sands, rocks, and clear, clean waters.

The Kamenice is one of 16 rivers and lakes delicately strewn across the park underneath canyon’s that prove to be consistently popular with hikers travelling in to unwind from the busy city life of nearby Prague.

5) Crisp, cool waters at the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

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Tumbling tiers of pools, four different hiking trails and thousands of plant species in the Plitvice LakesCanva

The Plitvice Lakes are one of Croatia’s most desirable natural settings to visit year-round, especially in summer, when it’s waters come to life. They range from deep sapphires to a bright turquoise, depending on the time of day and the lakes’ mineral content.

Tumbling tiers of pools, four different hiking trails and thousands of plant species make it hard to run out of sights to appreciate.

There is no presumption of heavy physical activity though. People are encouraged to cover as much or as little of its 73,000 acres as they wish, even providing seven pre-mapped walking routes customisable based on your energy levels and ambition.

Perfect for chilled out walks around the wooden boardwalk bends, and just as good for climbers wanting to fill their lungs with some of the crispest, cleanest air in the Balkans.

4) Activities with a strong endorphin hit at the Lake District, United Kingdom

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Millions of Brits visit each year to decompress in the Lake DistrictCanva

England’s largest national park often feels like a universe in itself, a gigantic green patch enveloped by rugged mountains and smooth pools of water.

Millions of Brits visit each year to decompress among the natural landscapes and surrounding market towns, always feeling quaint and never claustrophobic.

The Lake District is rife with activities that cater to those looking to achieve a little downtime in a calm and collected setting, whether you’re alone or accompanied by friends and family. That could be a bike ride through some of its more manageable hills, or a stargazing trip – both of which you can get planned courtesy of the park.

Of course, there’s no shortage of brilliant walking routes for all abilities, but the real endorphin boost lies in the sheer number of watersports – whether you’re a wild swimmer, a sailor, or a paddler, there is something on offer.

3) Giving back to the natural landscape at Cinque Terre National Park, Italy

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The Italian wonder is one of the smallest in surface area on this listCanva

Cinque Terre – literal translation being “five towns” – is at the forefront of Europe’s journey to responsible and sustainable tourism in order to preserve the views that made it famous in the first place.

The Italian wonder is one of the smallest in surface area on this list, but comes up trumps where biodiversity, mindful activities, and cultural sites are concerned.

Visitors are encouraged to embrace the natural landscape way beyond a simple hike through its hills by giving back to the land.

This could be through a stay at one of the Park’s many organic farms, such as the Inland Barn, or by foraging and replanting some of the delicious herbs that grow between the coves and the countryside, such as rosemary and thyme.

2) The unique sculpted landscapes of Goreme National Park, Turkey

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Goreme’s dramatic hiking paths and rust rock tunneling managed to pip the US’s Yellowstone National Park to the postCanva

Described by UNESCO as “spectacular” for the distinctive shapes of its eroded terrain dating back to the Bronze age, the valleys of Turkey’s Goreme National Park are well worth exploring for their unique design that is all down to once being a former volcano site.

Goreme’s dramatic hiking paths and rust rock tunneling managed to pip the US’s Yellowstone National Park – thousands of times larger in size and in visitors – to the post in this survey’s ranking.

The landscapes on offer here are like something out of a fairy tale. So much so, the grounds of this heritage site host a hot-air balloon tour every morning at sunrise to soak up the magic of this baffling, yet beautiful, scenery.

1) Some of Europe’s cleanest Alpine air at the Swiss National Park, Switzerland

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The Swiss National Park comes top for mindful activities, offering 83 spas and wellness centres and 75 boat tours and cruisesCanva

The oldest national park in the Alps has been crowned the best for mindfulness in not just Europe, but the entire world.

It doesn’t take a genius to know why – it is one of the best protected areas in the Alps, with only 150,000 visitors per year, and one of the lowest overall air pollution scores of any National Park on this list.

The Swiss National Park comes top for mindful activities, offering 83 spas and wellness centres, 75 boat tours and cruises, and a number of opportunities to connect with its vast array of wildlife.

Caution must be taken not to visit in the winter months as the park stays closed for conservation purposes.

In the meantime, it’s not uncommon to spot mountain hares, ibex’s, red deer and golden eagles on one of fourteen possible walking routes across this staggeringly beautiful stretch of land. (Source is Euro news)

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