Europe

To some, Germany is peaceful towns of timber-framed houses; to others, rolling hills and the mighty Black Forest; to others still, the grungy bars and trendsetting neighbourhoods of metropolises like Hamburg, Munich, and, of course, the immortal capital – Berlin. From the north’s seaside resorts to the Bavarian heartland and its legendary Oktoberfest, Germany is a country of startling many facets, with a natural and cultural diversity rivaled by few.

Monumental like the Schönbrunn Palace itself, Austria champions its artistic legacy and carries on establishing cutting-edge galleries, museums, and an increasing number of additions to the cultural scene – in the capital and beyond. It is a country of unspeakable natural beauty, the idyllic region of Salzkammergut containing Austria’s arguably most scenic town, Hallstatt. Hiking and skiing are pursuits for the great outdoors, while the famously convivial café culture lives on in cities small and large.

Seamlessly fusing the old and the new, Belgium stays in tune with the times while not letting go of its Medieval poise. Hip cafes and design boutiques mingle with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cities (most notably in the iconic Bruges, once world’s most important commercial hub), the North Sea offers up attractive sandy beaches, while the country’s south remains idyllically rural. Beer flows ceaselessly here, paired with the Belgian national dish “moules-frites” (mussels and fries), followed by a dessert of celebrated Belgian chocolates.

Croatia’s momentum as one of the world’s top vacation destinations shows no signs of slowing down. With a burgeoning infrastructure and more flight connections than ever since its inclusion in the EU in 2013, it has never been easier to visit. Croatia combines astounding natural beauty – in the form of towering mountains and crystalline water along the rocky Adriatic coast – with rich cultural and historical heritage in cities like Dubrovnik, Split and the capital, Zagreb. Add to that the wide selection of water sports and outdoor activities (from sailing and scuba diving to mountain biking and rock climbing), a surging festival scene and exciting and innovative cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why Croatia was the most Googled travel destination of 2016.

Denmark feels, at times, as close as it gets to a real-life fairy tale, and with its narrow cobbled alleys and teeny old houses – with doors that are barely high enough for an average Dane to fit through without hunching – often looks like Andersen’s narratives brought to life. It seems no less miraculous that a country that once produced the ravaging Vikings is now at the forefront of progressive thinking, simultaneously remaining dedicated to cultivating the universally sought-after, elusive “hygge”.

At the crossroads of the Slavic, Germanic and Mediterranean cultures lies a bite-size country that boasts staggering diversity in terms of landscapes and attractions. It is a country of spectacular beauty, endless possibilities and perhaps the world’s creamiest dessert. Slovenia’s manageable size and good infrastructure mean that you can see just about the whole country in a matter of 5 days, though you’ll surely end up wanting to stay longer. From the pleasant capital, Ljubljana, to striking Lake Bled, to lazy seaside Piran, to mountain-incrusted castles and extensive networks of spellbinding Karst caves, there is no end to the wonders to be found in Slovenia.

The world’s most visited country has plenty to show for its indisputable appeal. The vivid lavender fields of lyrical Provence, the swanky French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), the rocky heights of the north and the romantic charm of its city streets have all captured myriad imaginations – and rightfully so. With its internationally renowned wines and a cuisine that was the first to become part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s no wonder France remains a potent magnet for even those travelers who have already summited the Eiffel Tower.

Iceland’s unique geological conditions grant it a rugged and otherworldly beauty unlike anywhere else on the planet. A hotspot for volcanic activity, it is a true land of ice and fire, with stark landscapes that hide geothermal hot springs, massive, slow-moving glaciers and gushing geysers, all made even more impressive when seen in the light of the midnight sun or the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Iceland’s natural splendour is matched by the warmth of its small but charming population, whose cultural hyperactivity fills the country with hauntingly beautiful music, stunning art and an enthusiastic and optimistic approach to life.

The majesty of modern Italy, successor to one of the mightiest empires ever known, is made immense by its exciting collection of outstanding works of art (some by Michelangelo and Botticelli), ancient ruins and historic spots (Italy contains more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world), internationally revered cuisine, first-rate wines, the rolling hills of Tuscany, postcard-ready Amalfi Coast, and islands small and large, with buoyant Sicily and beach-enveloped Sardinia taking center stage.

With its iconic windmills and canal houses, the Netherlands is surprisingly agrarian for a country known for its cutting-edge innovation and futuristic design – nearly two thirds of its territory are given over to plant cultivation, which is best exemplified by its world-renowned tulips. The Netherlands is a cyclist’s paradise, too: the entire country (not just Amsterdam) is cut across by endless kilometres of cycling paths, with special long-distance routes designed for extended biking tours. Beyond the boisterous capital dotted with social “brown cafes” lie the enticing cities of Utrecht, Leiden, Rotterdam, and more.

The country arguably most affected by Europe’s bitter 20th century bloodshed, Poland has by no means let go of its past, but strides steadfastly into the future. Warsaw is the ever-evolving, young capital, while Kraków is the former royal center containing fine examples of Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Pursuits in nature abound (the country is interspersed with hiking trails across hills and forests), the food is hearty and cheap, and the people tremendously welcoming.

From the Iberian Peninsula to as far south as the coast of Western Sahara, Spain is a country of incredible natural diversity, with some of the world’s finest beaches, remote volcanic islands, and animated cities. Spain boasts a cultural landscape incredibly varied for a nation of just under 50 million. Any newcomer will quickly discover that Spanish cities never sleep – except, perhaps, for a few after-lunch siesta hours.

Once the beating heart of the greatest empire the world has ever known, the UK is still, in many ways, the centre of it all. It remains one of the world’s major players in terms of art and culture, finance and business, innovation, creativity and travel bliss. There are countless wonders to discover in the evocative English countryside, the hidden history of Wales’ many castles, Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and the charm and troubled past of Northern Ireland. And not to forget the metropolis itself, London, a multi-layered and diverse patchwork of cultures, languages and people, and one of the most exciting and influential cities in the world.

Sweden is the shimmering pearl of northern Europe, from the sunny Baltic coast of the Blekinge region to the dazzling arctic landscapes of Sápmi, or Lapland, in the north. Anywhere you go you are sure to spot at least one or two of the Scandinavian country’s typical pretty red cottages ('stuga'). Stockholm, the capital, is alive with hip cafés and trend-setting inhabitants, while Gothenburg is its pleasant and easy-going sibling on the west coast. With almost three quarters of Sweden covered in vegetation, it is by far the most forested country in Europe. This, along with the incredibly high number of lakes and the fact that it is the country with most islands in the entire world, accounts for the attractiveness of Sweden as a travel destination. And Swedes know how to make the most of the natural gifts they are so lucky to have been blessed with. ‘Allemansrätten’ is the right every person in Sweden has to make temporary use of every inch of public and private land in the country for recreational purposes. This gives visitors and locals the freedom to respectfully and responsibly roam around and discover every single corner of this northern beauty.

Switzerland is a country of still lakes, rolling hills and snowy mountainous landscapes. Located at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, it also separates Germany from Italy, serving as the gateway to Southern Europe from the northern half of the continent. With speakers of French, German, Italian and Romansh, Switzerland is all the best of four cultures jammed into one. The town of Basel, on the German border, is the ‘pocket-sized metropolis’ of Switzerland, complete with stylish architecture, compelling museums and a rich historical city centre. The chic city of Geneva, on the other hand, is almost entirely surrounded by French land. Nestled in cozily around the shores of Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman, the city is elegant and luxurious, as well as vibrant and energetic. Back in the German speaking part of the country you’ll find Zürich. Here you can head down Bahnhofstrasse, a street famous for its shopping destinations, enjoy the burgeoning gastronomical scene or take a trip to the cascading Rhine Falls. Then take a break from the city streets and make your way up to Klosters, a snowy haven for lovers of nature and winter sports. Try out your skiing, go tobogganing or wind down at the Engadin Baths in the town of Scuol.