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There are 26 countries in the Schengen Area and every single one of them has an array of exciting, beautiful, and unique destinations and experiences awaiting you.
So if you’re not sure what places are must-sees during your upcoming trip to Europe, check out our list below of the ultimate attractions in each Schengen country. Some are incredibly popular destinations and others are hidden gems, suggested by locals of the countries themselves!
1. Austria
Schonbrunn Palace
Located in Vienna, this Baroque-style palace was once the summer residence of the imperial family. It has 1,441 rooms as well as beautiful gardens that feature a maze, an orangery, and several greenhouses.
Hallstatt
Tucked between the Hallstätter See and the Dachstein mountains, Hallstatt is Austria’s oldest village. Since prehistoric times, it has been known for its production of salt. Visitors to the area can check out its breathtaking scenery and subterranean salt lake as well as see the mummy of a prehistoric miner preserved in salt.
Kahlenberg
The Kahlenberg is a 1,588-foot mountain located in the Vienna Woods that offers a view of the entire city of Vienna. At the highest point is the Stefaniewarte viewing tower.
Other Attractions
2. Belgium
Bruges
Bruges is located in the northwest part of Belgium and is the capital of the province of West Flanders. Visitors can walk along its many canals or climb the belfry’s 366 steps to get an amazing view of this beautiful city.
Waterloo
Napoleon was defeated during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 by the Duke of Wellington and his troops. He was then exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he died six years later.
Today, tourists can visit the site where the battle took place. Be sure to climb to the top of the Lion’s Mound to get the best view of the battlefield.
Ardennes
History buffs might know the Ardennes as the site of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Located in southeast Belgium and extending into parts of Luxembourg, Germany, and France, this beautiful terrain is composed of dense forests, rivers, valleys, and caves. It’s the perfect location for walking, cycling, fishing, and canoeing as well as exploring the area’s picturesque villages.
Other Attractions
3. Czech Republic
Prague Castle
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world, occupying more than 750,000 square feet. Founded around 880, the complex features an array of architectural styles from different centuries.
Throughout history, it has been the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Now, it is used as the official office of the president of the Czech Republic.
Moravian Karst
Explore one of the country’s incredible natural wonders—a series of underground limestone caverns and gorges located north of Brno. While there, be sure to check out the Macocha Abyss, a 543-foot gorge that was formed when a ceiling of one of the caverns collapsed.
Villa Tugendhat
Built between 1928 and 1930, Villa Tugendhat is a three-story villa located in Brno. It is considered one of the prototypes of modern architecture.
Other Attractions
4. Denmark
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is a popular amusement park located in Copenhagen. Founded in 1843, it is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. The oldest, Dyrehavsbakken, is also located in Denmark.
Bornholm
Bornholm is a Danish island located east of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Visitors can walk along the granite coastline, enjoy regional delicacies and beautiful scenery, and explore the island’s unique round churches.
Legoland Billund
Denmark’s Legoland, opened in 1968, is the original Legoland park. Visit Mini Land to see 1:20 scale models of famous sites in Denmark and other parts of the world built using tens of millions of Lego bricks.
Other Attractions
5. Estonia
Tallinn Old Town
If you find yourself in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, you’ll want to make sure you visit its Old Town. Considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in northern Europe, it is filled with churches, barns, warehouses, and cobblestone streets from the Middle Ages.
Viljandi
A hidden gem in the southern Estonian forests, this town features scenic views, castle ruins, and a nearby lake and beach with boat rentals. It’s also the home of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, held each year in July, as well as a number of other festivals and fairs.
Soomaa National Park
Its name means “land of bogs,” so it’s no surprise that 80% of the area is made up of marshlands. Soomaa is known for its “fifth season,” which is the time of year in the spring when water from melted snow and heavy rain floods all the lower forests and roads. Visitors can explore on foot as well as by canoe.
Other Attractions
6. Finland
Northern Lights
Finland is one of the best places on earth to see the northern nights, as they are visible on all clear nights from about late August to April. If you’re not adventurous enough to try your hand at cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, there are plenty of hotels and other accommodations where you can peacefully enjoy the lights of Aurora Borealis.
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is located about 8 km northeast of Rovaniemi—the official hometown of Santa Claus. Visitors to the village, which is open every day of the year, can meet Santa in his office. They can also explore attractions such as Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, the Arctic Circle Husky Park, Santa’s House of Snowmobiles, and Snowman World. In the winter, reindeer rides are also available.
The Arctic Circle cuts right through the village, marked by a white line where visitors can officially enter the Arctic.
Turku Archipelago
Made up of around 20,000 islands and skerries, the Turku Archipelago is one of the largest archipelagos in the world in terms of the number of islands. Much of the area is encompassed by the Archipelago National Park. The inhabited islands can be reached by ferry, and some are accessible by bicycle.
Other Attractions
7. France
Palace of Versailles
This royal chateau was the seat of political power in France from 1682, when King Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris to Versailles, to 1789, when the royal family was forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution. The palace is now a very popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the grand interior of the palace as well as its beautiful gardens. Its most famous room is the central gallery—the Hall of Mirrors.
Chateaux of the Loire Valley
Castle enthusiasts should definitely make time to visit some of the beautiful chateaux in France’s Loire Valley. A list of many of these beautiful country homes can be found here.
Other Attractions
8. Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle
Located in Southwest Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of Germany’s most famous castles. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, the palace looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. And there’s a reason for that—it was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s theme park castles.
Black Forest
According to legend, this densely forested mountain range located in southwest Germany served as the inspiration to the Brothers Grimm as they wrote their famous fairy tales, such as Hansel and Gretel. Looking to hike, ski, enjoy a spa, or visit a museum? The Black Forest has it all and more!
Berchtesgaden
Many tourists come to this small mountain town in southern Bavaria to see Adolf Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, which was used by Nazi officials during World War II for government and social meetings and now serves as a museum. But there is plenty else to do in the area as well, such as visiting the salt mine and exploring the Alps.
Other Attractions
9. Greece
Parthenon
If you’re in Athens, visiting the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is a must. This former temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was constructed in the 5th century BC. It remains standing today as an enduring symbol of the once great Athenian Empire and the magnificence of ancient Greek architecture.
Santorini
Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea about 120 miles southeast of Greece’s mainland—the largest island in an archipelago of the same name. These islands were formed by extensive volcanic eruptions over a period of hundreds of thousands of years.
Today, however, the area is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in the world—with breathtaking views, clear waters, and white painted villages nestled among cliffs.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second-largest city, located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, is home to archeological sites and monuments from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. It is also a vibrant, modern metropolis with amazing restaurants and beautiful views of the sea.
Other Attractions
10. Hungary
Buda Castle
Buda Castle, which served as the residence of the Hungarian royal family, sits on Castle Hill in Budapest. Although originally constructed in 1265, the Baroque palace that occupies the site today was built in the mid-18th century.
Tatabánya
This city in northwestern Hungary is located in the valley between the Gerecse and Vértes Mountains. Tourists can visit the famous Turul monument—a statue of a mythological bird of prey, resembling a hawk or falcon, that is an important national symbol of Hungary.
Danube
The Danube, also known as the Donau, is Europe’s second-longest river. It flows through ten countries—Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine.
It runs through Hungary from north to south, splitting Budapest into two sections, Buda and Pest, which were once separate cities before they united in 1873. Tourists can visit the Danube Bend or bike along the river on the Danube Cycle Path.
Other Attractions
11. Iceland
Blue Lagoon
This geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. The average temperature of the mineral-rich water in the outdoor spa area is 99 to 102°F, which stands in stark contrast to Iceland’s subarctic climate.
Even in July, in the southern part of the country, the average outdoor temperature is only about 50°F. The water of Blue Lagoon is said to be highly beneficial for one’s health and skin.
Landmannalaugar
Visitors to Landmannalaugar National Park, located in the south of Iceland, will be greeted with some unique geological sites, including its multicolored rhyolite mountains and sweeping lava fields.
Vatnajökull National Park
Visitors to Iceland will not want to miss out on the magnificent ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park. The park, which was established in 2008, encompasses the Vatnajökull glacier—the largest glacier outside of the Arctic—and its surrounding areas.
Interested in learning more about Iceland as a travel destination? Check out these 5 reasons to add Iceland to your travel bucket list!
12. Italy
Colosseum
There is no doubt that the Colosseum, located in the center of Rome, is on the bucket list of many travelers. Although its construction was completed almost 2,000 years ago, in AD 80, it remains the largest amphitheater ever built. It stands today as a reminder of Rome’s ancient past in the midst of its modern surroundings.
Pompeii
In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, burying it under volcanic ash and pumice. Although a devastating event, it preserved the city in detail, and today tourists flock to the site to see its buildings, streets, art, and even human remains.
If you want to avoid large crowds, you may wish to visit Ercolano (also known as Herculaneum) instead. Like Pompeii, it was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted, but it receives significantly fewer tourists.
Venice
When you think of Venice, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably its canals. The city is made up of 118 small islands, which are separated by canals and linked by bridges. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the city’s charms while taking a gondola ride.
Other Attractions
13. Latvia
Riga
Latvia’s capital city is located on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It is the largest city in the three Baltic states and is home to one-third of Latvia’s population. The area of the city called Centrs is filled with gorgeous buildings built in the Art Nouveau style that was popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Velnezers Lake
Also known as Devil’s Lake, Velnezers is a small lake in the Gr?veri forest near Aglona. Its green-blue water is so clear that it is possible in certain places to see as far down as 12 meters into this 17-meter lake.
Venta Waterfall
With a width of 100 meters (328 feet), Venta Waterfall is the widest waterfall in Europe. It is located in Kuld?ga, a town in western Latvia.
Other Attractions
14. Liechtenstein
Vaduz
The Principality of Liechtenstein is the fourth-smallest country in Europe at 62 square miles. Its capital is Vaduz, a town with only about 5,000 residents. Vaduz Castle, the private residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, is not open to the public, but you’ll want to be sure to get pictures of its exterior.
Gutenberg Castle
This medieval fortress, located on a hill above the village of Balzers in southern Liechtenstein, is open to visitors free of charge at any time throughout the year. Guided tours are available by appointment between May and October.
Other Attractions
15. Lithuania
Vilnius
Lithuania’s capital is located in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors to the city will want to visit its Old Town, which is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. This area of the city has beautiful architecture and monuments, such as the Church of St. Anne.
Before World War II, Vilnius was also a thriving Jewish center and there are plenty of places to visit for those interested in exploring this important cultural part of the city’s past.
Trakai
Located about 17 miles west of Vilnius, the small town of Trakai is a popular tourist destination due to its unique architectural structures. It is home to the Trakai Island Castle as well as one of the few surviving wooden synagogues with an interior dome.
Hill of Crosses
Over 100,000 crosses have been placed on this hill near the city of Šiauliai over the last couple of centuries, making it truly a sight to behold for religious and non-religious visitors alike.
Other Attractions
16. Luxembourg
Luxembourg City Old Quarter
Luxembourg was once surrounded by a fortress so impregnable that it was dubbed the “Gibraltar of the North.” Although most of the fortress was dismantled in the late 1800s, the Old Quarter in Luxembourg is still filled with beautiful gardens, cobbled streets, and historic buildings.
Bock Casemates
You can find the entrance to the casemates, an underground network of passageways that remain intact from Luxembourg’s old fortress, on the Bock cliff.
Schueberfouer
The Schhueberfouer is an annual festival that has been held in Luxembourg since 1340. Attendees can enjoy rides, food, and drinks. In 2018, the 678th Schueberfouer will be held from August 23 to September 9.
17. Malta
Valletta
Construction on Malta’s capital city began in the 1560s under the supervision of Italian architect Francesco Laparelli, an assistant of Michelangelo. The grid plan and small size of the city make it easy for tourists to navigate as they explore Valetta’s beautiful gardens, museums, and churches, including the opulent Saint John’s Co-Cathedral.
Mdina
Located in the northern region of Malta, Mdina was the island’s capital up until the medieval period. According to the legend, St. Paul the Apostle lived in Mdina after being shipwrecked in Malta in AD 60.
The hilltop town, which has a population of only around 300 people, is still confined within its ancient walls. Visitors must pass through its main gate in order to enter, an act that can almost feel as if one is walking back in time.
Gozo
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, after Malta itself. Lovers of ancient Greek literature may want to consider a stop here, as it is thought to be the island where the nymph Calypso lives in Homer’s Odyssey.
With plenty of historical sites and a spectacular coastline, Gozo is a great place to explore and perhaps go for a swim in the sea.
Other Attractions
18. Netherlands
Keukenhof
The Netherlands is famous for its tulips. And there is no better place to see some tulips than in the Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens, located in Lisse. Over 7 million bulbs bloom there in the springtime—a beautiful and very colorful sight.
Rijksmuseum
The Dutch national museum first opened in 1800 in The Hague before moving to Amsterdam in 1808. Since then, the museum has devoted itself to collecting pieces of Dutch history and art from the last 800 years. It currently displays over 8,000 works of art and historical objects, while its total collection is around one million items.
Zeeland
Zeeland may be the least-populated province in the Netherlands, but it is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The Delta Works is the largest flood protection system in the world—a necessity since much of Zeeland is below sea level. This impressive combination of dykes, dams, and sluices is a feat of modern engineering and definitely worth a visit.
Other Attractions
19. Norway
Bergen
Visitors to Norway’s second-largest city, which lies on the country’s southwestern coast, will want to be sure to walk along its picturesque wharf—known as Bryggen. These colorful, traditional buildings now house boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Midnight Sun
If you travel up to the most northern parts of Norway during your visit, you may be able to witness a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. During the summer months, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. You can experience up to 24 hours of sunlight a day in these areas.
Heddal Stave Church
Stave churches are medieval wooden churches that were once common in northwestern Europe. Heddal, built in the 1200s and still in use today, is the largest stave church in Norway.
It is located west of the city of Notodden and is definitely worth a visit if you get the opportunity. Chances are you have never seen a church that looks quite so unique.
Other Attractions
Interested in visiting Europe’s Nordic countries? Check out our itinerary for traveling through Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland in two weeks!
20. Poland
Bialowieza Forest
Long ago, an immense primeval forest stretched across Europe. The Bialowieza Forest, which sits on the border between Poland and Belarus, is one of its last and largest remnants.
Conservation of the area’s diverse complex of ecosystems is an important focus. The forest is home to a large, free-roaming population of European bison (also known as wisent). In the early 20th century, the species was hunted to extinction in the wild when the last free-roaming bison were shot in this very forest. But today there are thousands once again roaming areas of Europe—descended from the few that had been kept alive in captivity at that time.
Kazimierz
If you visit Kraków, be sure to check out Kazimierz—the city’s former Jewish district. Located south of the Old Town, this was the center of Jewish life in Kraków for hundreds of years before being destroyed by the Nazis during World War II.
Today, the district is a bustling neighborhood filled with restaurants, galleries, and historical sites that celebrate its important cultural heritage. Every summer, the Jewish Cultural Festival is held there as well.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
An estimated 1.1 million people died at the Auschwitz concentration camp complex from 1940 to 1945. The site is now the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives there during this atrocity.
Other Attractions
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