1 Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
The Mount Durmitor Massif has 48 peaks above 2,000 m (highest 2522m)
Offering a wide range of activities from hiking, swimming, rafting, kayaking, fishing, skiing and cycling. The mountains and 18 glacial lakes of this park make it a fascinating combination of both Mediterranean and alpine climates. The Tara River Canyon is the second largest in the world. The park was world heritage listed in 1980
2 Piatra Craiului National Park, Romania
Features include a limestone ridge over 15 miles long and 2000m high
Features include a limestone ridge over 15 miles long and 2000m high The spectacular limestone ridge is a must for keen hikers. Other park activities include Caving in the Dambovicioara Cave, Rock climbing, Horseback riding, Wildlife and bird watching.
If you have heard and seen enough then grab your airfares to Europe and hike away
3 Sarek National Park, Sweden
Sweden has 13 peaks over 2,000 meters and 6 are found in the Serek National Park.
Sarek boasts the title of the oldest national park in Europe. If your planning to hike the stunning mountains and valleys you will require considerable hiking experience. There are no cabins for overnight stays and few bridges on the streams and rivers and a lack of marked trails. In winter there is a high avalanche risk.
However if you are able to see this wonderland of around 100 glaciers, and the view over the Rapa river delta it will be something you will never forget.
4 Picos de Europa National Park , Spain
Featuring many peaks over 2400m (Highest 2648m)
Another stunning park to hike and photograpgh. If you are into caving then this park has some of Spain’s deepest caves. Activities include walking, snowshoeing and skiing, scrambling, and mountaineering. This park enables you to walk from hotel to hotel, making it a very pleasant experience for any hiker.
5 Gran Paradiso National Park, Piedmont, Italy
Peaks range from 800 to 4,000 m
Stunning scenery for those who love mountains and lakes. Hiking and photograpghy are the key activities here. The park was the first national park in Italy and was set up to protect the wild goat (ibex). So expect to see plenty of these.
6 Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Highest peak 2864 m is also the highest in Slovenia
Mount Triglav has some steep parts with cables and metal hand holds, otherwise no climbing skills are required. Make sure you take clothes for all weather as the climate can change even in summer from +30 to -10 degrees.
For those who are not into climbing, take the wooden footbridge along the Vintgar Gorge. For the photographer the many spectacular gorges and waterfalls are a must. Glacial Lake Bohinj is a popular place in summer for water sports and relaxation. Canyoning and rafting are also popular activities.
Citations:
- 1. cc flickr photo by felipeacosta
- 2. cc flickr photo by the-meir
- 3. cc flickr photo by lapland
- 4. cc flickr photo by ibontxo
- 5. cc flickr photo by brettocop
- 6. flickr photo by formalfallacy
Author – Georgie Hope+ loves to climb mountains and soak up the energy of their natural beauty.