10 Hidden gems of Europe
Going on a European trip is all sorts of fun, but why stick to the generic and cliché destination spots?
Unleash your inner wanderlust and thirst for adventure by being a bit a travel hipster. You’ll be the envy of all your Instagram followers when you post photos of your uniquely breathtaking European trip.
1. Møns Klint, Denmark
Visit the out-of-this-world 6km stretch of chalk cliffs and dip your toes in the Baltic Sea. Møns Klint is located 100km from the capital Copenhagen but it is well worth the trip!
2. The Black Forest, Germany
The forested mountain range is located in the south-west of Germany and is home to the infamous fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Take a hike and a gander at the magical forest (and if you’re game, do it during twilight!). Don’t forget to try out the mouth-watering cakes at the Black Forest Coffee Café located in Gernsbach.
3. Annecy, France
Just a one hour bus ride from Geneva, Switzerland, Annecy is basically a fairy-tale city with its gorgeous crystal-clear blue lake and quaint little stores. A visit during spring will spark the romantic in you. Go for a dip in the lake or hire out a paddleboat and soak in that glorious sun.
4. Storforsen, Sweden
Located in the north of Sweden, Stoforsen is one hell of an impressive rapid. It’s one of the biggest rapids in Europe and is situated in the nature park so you can go for a sweet little picnic and splash around in nearby natural rock pools.
5. Hammerfest, Norway
Hammerfest is considered the northernmost town in the world. A trip during June – July will allow you to experience the midnight sun (yes that’s right! Sun all day round) and a trip during December – January will heighten your chances of seeing the enchanting and mysterious northern lights. If you’ve got money in that wallet, why not take a cruise and marvel at the Norwegian fjords and pass the Arctic Circle?
6. Svolvær, Norway
The Lofoten archipelago is a must see if you’re thinking of making a trip to Norway. Exploring Lofoten Islands will make you feel as though you’re on a different planet! The mountain views are phenomenal and the quaint Scandinavian fishing huts by the white-sand beaches will ignite the gaiety in you. Here’s a tip: try exporing Lofoten by riding an Icelandic Horse!
7. Toledo, Spain
70km south of Madrid, you’ll find the municipality of Toledo. It is rich in religious history and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It will feel like you’ve stepped into the good ol’ olden days.
8. Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy
Hire out a car and do a road-trip to the Italian-Swiss border! You’ll see magnificent mountain ranges and see the gorgeous Lugano lake located in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. If you’re travelling to Europe without planning a road-trip, then you’re going to miss out!
9. Creux du Van, Switzerland
For you lovers of hikes and nature: Creux du Van is PERFECT for you! Creux du Van is a natural rocky cirque created by natural water erosion. The hike is a lengthy 4-6 hours and along the way you’ll bump into some breathtaking scenery and be able to get up close and personal to those infamous Swiss cows. If you’re a bit iffy about your physical capabilities (trust me, hikes are the bane of my existence), then you can get to the summit by car.
10. Interlaken, Switzerland
But let’s be honest here; Switzerland is the epitome of mind-blowing nature. So if you’re going to do Switzerland, you have got to do a trip to Interlaken. The town is located between two crystal-blue lakes (take your cozzies so you can go for a swim) and if you’re a bit of a daredevil, sign up for a paragliding adventure and view the impressive scenery from up above!
So by all means, do your Paris’, Rome’s and London’s, but take the chance and go a bit left-of-centre by discovering the hidden gems that Europe has to offer!