The Schengen Area consists of 26 countries, and each one of them awaits you with a variety of fascinating, stunning, and one-of-a-kind travel places and experiences.
So, if you’re not sure what sites are a must-see on your next vacation to Europe, have a look at our list of the top attractions in each Schengen nation below. While some travel spots are quite well-known, others are undiscovered treasures that are recommended by the nation’s citizens!
1. Austria
Schonbrunn Palace
The royal family previously called this baroque-style mansion in Vienna home during the summer. In addition to its 1,441 rooms, the property boasts stunning gardens with an orangery, multiple greenhouses, and a maze.
Hallstatt
Austria’s oldest village, Hallstatt, is nestled between the Dachstein mountains and the Hallstätter See. Its ability to produce salt has been known from the beginning of time. In addition to admiring the area’s spectacular surroundings and underground salt lake, visitors may view the salt-preserved mummy of an ancient miner.
Kahlenberg
Vienna’s whole city can be seen from the summit of the 1,588-foot Kahlenberg mountain, which is situated in the Vienna Woods. The Stefaniewarte observation tower is located at the highest point.
2. Germany
Bruges
The capital of the West Flanders province is Bruges, which is situated in the northwest of Belgium. For a breathtaking perspective of this lovely city, visitors can climb the 366 steps of the belfry or stroll along one of the many canals.
The Waterloo
The Duke of Wellington and his army routed Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After that, he was sent to the secluded island of Saint Helena, where he passed away after six years.
Tourists are able to visit the fighting site nowadays. For the greatest vantage point of the battlefield, make sure to get to the top of the Lion’s Mound.
The Ardennes
The Ardennes are perhaps most famous to history fans for hosting the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. This stunning region, which is made up of lush woods, rivers, valleys, and caverns, is situated in southeast Belgium and stretches into portions of Luxembourg, Germany, and France. It’s the ideal place to explore the charming communities in the surrounding and go hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing.
3. The Czechoslovak Republic
Prague Mansion
Prague Castle, which occupies more than 750,000 square feet, is the biggest castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Established about 880, the complex showcases a diverse range of architectural designs spanning many eras.
It has served as the capital for Holy Roman emperors, Bohemian monarchs, and Czechoslovak presidents throughout history. It is now the president of the Czech Republic’s official office.
Karst in Moravia
Discover the subterranean limestone gorges and caves north of Brno, one of the amazing natural wonders of the country. Make sure to see the Macocha Abyss, a 543-foot chasm created when a cavern’s ceiling fell, while you’re there.
Villa Tugendhat
In Brno, there is a three-story home called home Tugendhat that was constructed between 1928 and 1930. It is regarded as one of the modern architectural prototypes.
4. The Danish
Gardens Tivoli
Copenhagen is home to the well-known entertainment attraction Tivoli Gardens. It is the second-oldest amusement park still in operation in the world, having opened in 1843. Dyrehavsbakken, the oldest, is situated in Denmark as well.
Bornholm
In the Baltic Sea, to the east of Denmark, is the Danish island of Bornholm. Wander along the granite shoreline, savor local cuisine and breathtaking views, and discover the island’s distinctive round churches.
Legoland Billund
The first Legoland theme park opened its doors in 1968 in Denmark. See 1:20 size replicas of well-known locations in Denmark and other countries when you visit Mini Land. These models were constructed using tens of millions of Lego bricks.
5. Estonia
Old Town of Tallinn
You should definitely check out Tallinn’s Old Town if you happen to find yourself in the nation’s capital. It’s crammed with ancient churches, farms, warehouses, and cobblestone lanes, making it one of northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.
Viljandi
This hamlet, tucked away in the forests of southern Estonia, is a hidden treasure with picturesque vistas, castle remains, and a lake and beach close by where you can hire a boat. Along with several other festivals and fairs, it is also the site of the annual July Viljandi Folk Music Festival.
National Park Soomaa
It should come as no surprise that marshlands make about 80% of the region given that its name means “land of bogs.” Soomaa is well-known for its “fifth season,” or the springtime when all of the lower woodlands and roads are inundated with water from melted snow and heavy rain. In addition to canoeing, visitors may explore on foot.
6. Finland
The Northern Lights
During the clear evenings from roughly late August to April, Finland is one of the greatest spots on earth to observe the northern nights. There are several hotels and other lodging options where you may calmly take in the Aurora Borealis lights if you’re not daring enough to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Village of Santa Claus
The official residence of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, is roughly 8 km northeast of Santa Claus Village. Every day of the year, Santa may be met at his office by visitors to the hamlet. In addition, they may visit places like Snowman World, Santa’s House of Snowmobiles, the Arctic Circle Husky Park, and Santa Claus’ Main Post Office.
Turku Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago is one of the biggest archipelagos in the world in terms of the number of islands, consisting of over 20,000 islands and skerries. An extensive portion of the region is covered by the Archipelago National Park. Ferries and bicycles are the two ways to get to the inhabited islands.
7. The French
Versailles Palace
From 1682, when King Louis XIV transferred the royal court from Paris to Versailles, until 1789, when the royal family was compelled to return to Paris during the French Revolution, this royal palace served as the center of political authority in France. The palace is a well-liked tourist destination these days. The palace’s magnificent gardens and interior are open for tours by guests. The Hall of Mirrors, the main gallery, is its most well-known space.
French Riviera
The French Riviera, sometimes referred to as the Côte d’Azur, is a region of France situated along the Mediterranean coast in the southeast. The region is well recognized for being the epitome of elegance, beauty, and luxury.
The affluent and privileged have been using it as a holiday destination for numerous centuries. For beach enthusiasts, its resorts along the sea are the ideal escape. Saint-Tropez and Antibes have some of the greatest beaches in the region.
Mansions in the Loire Valley
Those who are interested in castles should plan a trip to some of the stunning chateaux located in France’s Loire Valley.
8. Germany
Castle Neuschwanstein
One of Germany’s most well-known castles, Neuschwanstein is situated in Southwest Bavaria. The palace, which was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, like something from a fantasy book. And for good reason—Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for his theme park castles.
Dark Forest
Legend has it that the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration for their well-known fairy tales, including Hansel and Gretel, from this heavily wooded mountain region in southwest Germany. Do you want to go hiking, skiing, to a spa, or to a museum? It’s everything here in the Black Forest, plus more!
Berchtesgaden
This little mountain town in southern Bavaria is a popular tourist destination because of Adolf Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, a museum that was once utilized for social and political gatherings by Nazi officials during World War II. However, there are a ton of other things to do in the region, including going to the salt mine and seeing the Alps.
9. Greece
Parthenon
Seeing the Parthenon atop the Acropolis is a must-do when in Athens. Built in the fifth century BC, this old temple was devoted to the goddess Athena. It still stands today as a timeless reminder of the majesty of classical Greek architecture and the once-mighty Athenian Empire.
The Santorini
The biggest island in an archipelago of the same name, Santorini is situated in the southern Aegean Sea around 120 miles southeast of the Greek mainland. Over hundreds of millions of years, massive volcanic explosions created these islands.
Nowadays, though, a lot of people rank this region as one of the most gorgeous spots on earth because of its stunning vistas, crystal-clear waterways, and white-painted towns tucked away amid cliffs.
Saloniki
Situated on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, the second-largest city in Greece is home to monuments and archeological sites from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman eras. In addition, it is a bustling, contemporary city with top-notch dining options and stunning views of the ocean.
10. The Hungarian
Buda Castle
Located atop Castle Hill in Budapest is Buda Castle, the former home of the Hungarian royal family. The Baroque mansion on the site was erected in the mid-18th century, however it was first established in 1265.
Tatabánya
Situated in the valley between the Gerecse and Vértes Mountains, this city lies in northwest Hungary. Visitors may see the well-known Turul monument, which is a statue of a legendary falcon or hawk-like bird of prey and a significant national emblem of Hungary.
Danube
The second-longest river in Europe is the Danube, also referred to as the Donau. Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine are among the 10 nations it passes through.
It divides Budapest into two halves, Buda and Pest, which were independent cities until they unified in 1873. It passes across Hungary from north to south. Travelers may ride their bikes along the Danube Cycle Path or explore the Danube Bend.