We think Europe is a stunning continent and have a blast looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations there. The continent is home to many landscapes and cultural traditions, including ancient towns, beaches, mountains covered with winter, and verdant forests.
These places are gems, and the convenience of getting there is one of their best features. Even the smallest towns in Europe are linked together by an extensive network of trains and roadways. We’ve selected 5 destinations that will put a smile on your face and make you want to pack your bags and go there immediately.
1. St. Gilgen, Austria
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts like yourself who like activities like hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and just being one with nature.
In Europe, there is always something fresh to learn or see. St. Gilgen is a little-known jewel in Austria. It has mild summers with only a little rain sometimes, plenty of green grass, plenty of clear, blue lakes, and rich cultural history.
Only a short distance from Salzburg, the gorgeous scenery of the Salzkammergut region starts. The town of St. Gilgen is one of the most picturesque in the area. Those who like outdoor activities and the great outdoors will find this place excellent. Its beautiful, unspoiled alpine peaks and post-glacial lakes will captivate you.
Take a stroll around this lake town, and you won’t even think of the Disney village Hallstatt anymore. Hallstatt has suffered from the effects of over-tourism in recent years. The lack of tourists is St. Gilgen’s most significant selling point. There are beautiful timber structures with magnificent floral displays, and the crowds are less.
Stunning scenery and the absence of people make the lakes and streets of this picturesque village ideal for a stroll. Another option is to take your reading material onto the pier and listen to the gentle waves of the lake. You may now appreciate why St. Gilgen is one of Europe’s most extraordinary destinations.
2. Bilbao, Spain, in the Basque Country.
The perfect place for linguists and foodies who like traveling and exploring new cultures.
What kind of images comes to mind when you think about Spain? Possibly the tapas, flamenco, and bullfights of Spain. These are not products that can be purchased in Bilbao. Basque culture is what you’ll discover instead. Basque, the language of the Basque people, is unrelated to any other language in the world. Weird, right?
3. Wengen, Switzerland
An excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, skiers, and golfers.
Yash Chopra’s movies showed Indian audiences some of Switzerland’s beautiful scenery, but those scenes hardly scratched the surface. You’ll be awestruck by the snowy peaks, glistening lakes, and tiny towns dot the landscape.
Wengen, in the bright Lauterbrunnen valley, is one such fantasy setting. The fact that automobiles are prohibited inside the confines of this little community is perhaps its most attractive feature. Thus, you won’t have to worry about fighting the crowds when crossing the street. You’ll be intoxicated by the sight of the timber-clad chalets, winding roads, verdant rolling hills, and morning mist rising from the snow-peaked Jungfraujoch.
The peaceful ambiance will quickly win you over. You’ll want to pull over and snap photos in every single alley. Don’t fret if all you want to do is sit back with a mug of hot chocolate and take in the scene. In Wengen, you can get what you’re seeking at local cafés.
4. Sintra, Portugal
An excellent spot for anyone interested in scenery photography, exploration, or leisurely paces.
Suppose you board a train in Lisbon and immediately enter mysterious woods, utterly oblivious to the urban landscape you just left behind. You get off the train at the station and find yourself in a magical world straight from a fairy tale. Sintra welcomes you with verdant scenery, seemingly unending gardens, and a charming old town. In the middle of everything lies a magnificent palace with white walls, bright yellow trim, and orange roof tiles. There is a striking fusion of Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles.
5. Normandy, France.
Make a detour to see VEULES-LES-ROSES, one of France’s most picturesque villages. You’ll immediately see why so many French artists and authors have found inspiration there. You will be mesmerized by the picturesque canals and the rows of charming half-timbered buildings that border them.
Like the rest of France, the Normandy region has distinct culinary traditions. The eateries will serve organically produced veggies and freshly caught fish. An apple-based liquor called Calvados is used as a beautiful digestive in the local specialty, which also features smooth Camembert cheese.
