Spring is the perfect time to escape to nature and discover spectacular landscapes, and if you're wondering where Europeans looked most for inspiration for their adventures, an interesting analysis of global Google searches has the answer. A leading tour and activity company conducted a Research and discovered which ones National parks in Europe were the most sought after in 2024.
From mountain peaks to crystal clear lakes and dense forests, this list reveals five exceptional natural destinations which offer the perfect place to recharge your batteries and connect with nature.
A study using data from Google highlights five natural destinations that you simply must visit. Nature tourism continues to grow in popularity, and Croatian Waters national parks convincingly in the overall ranking.
Nature tourism remains a growing trend – according to a TUI Musement study, more than 57% of respondents* expressed a strong interest in outdoor activities.
The most popular national parks in Europe:
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
With more than 2 million searches in the last year, this Croatian gem took first place on the list. Under UNESCO protection since 1979, the park is known for its 16 interconnected lakes which overflow into numerous waterfalls, and all are accessible via wooden walkways and hiking trails.
2. Krka National Park, Croatia
A true oasis for nature lovers, but also a place of rich cultural and historical heritage. With Krka Monastery i Roman military camp Burnum, the park is best known for its spectacular waterfalls – especially Skradinski buk, one of the most famous natural attractions in Croatia.
3. Peak District National Park, United Kingdom
The oldest national park in Great Britain, known for rolling hills, caves, picturesque villages and numerous hiking and cycling trails. The famous writer also provided inspiration Jane Austen, while the unavoidable locations are villages Eyam, Castleton and Bakewell, and a magnificent residence Chatsworth house, shown in the film Pride and Prejudice.
4. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Part of a well-known route Golden circle, Thingvellir has a special historical importance because it is here that Icelandic parliament founded in 930The park is notable for its unique geology. Visitors can see a fissure between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and explore impressive cracks Almannagjá and Silfra, a favorite among divers.
5. Ojcowski National Park, Poland
The smallest national park in Poland, but rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located near Krakow, it is known for unusual limestone formations like a rock Hercules' club, numerous caves and historical sites such as Ojców Castle.
Note: The research was conducted in August 2024 for TUI Musement through the research platform Appinio.
Methodology: The analysis covered more than 400 national parks across Europe, and the rankings were based on global Google searches for park names (in the original language and in English) between January and December 2024.
