Europe's Best National Parks: Reader Tips for Wild Adventures 2026

Europe's best national parks offer some of the continent's most pristine scenery and best wildlife viewing opportunities, and a new Guardian Travel competition invites readers to share their favourite experiences. With almost 500 national parks across Europe, from Finland's frozen taiga to France's wolf country, there's no shortage of wild adventures to inspire your next trip.

Why Europe's National Parks Deserve Your Attention

Europe may be densely populated, but its national parks protect vast wilderness areas that rival any on Earth. These parks safeguard endangered species, preserve unique ecosystems, and offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to disconnect. Whether you're snowshoeing across frozen lakes or tracking wolves in the Alps, Europe's national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.

The Guardian's competition highlights the diversity of these landscapes. Entries can feature anything from kayaking Estonia's wild wetlands to exploring the restored forest of Sweden's Söderåsen. The best tip, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property, and winning tips will be featured in the Guardian Travel section.

Spotlight on Europe's Hidden Gems

Finland's Hossa National Park is a paradise for winter adventurers, with frozen lakes and snow-covered taiga forests perfect for snowshoeing. Estonia's Soomaa National Park offers a completely different experience, where you can kayak through wetlands that flood each spring, creating a unique 'fifth season'. In southern France, the Mercantour National Park is one of the best places in Europe to track wolves in the wild.

These parks are just the beginning. From the volcanic landscapes of Iceland to the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, Europe's national parks are as varied as the continent itself. For those seeking inspiration beyond the mainland, consider the unsung European islands that readers love, many of which are gateways to spectacular national parks.

How to Enter the Competition

To enter, simply share your favourite experience in a European national park (excluding the UK) in about 100 words. You can also submit a relevant photo, but the judging is based on your words. The competition is open to UK residents only and closes on Monday 16 November at 10am GMT. The best tip of the week wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property, and the best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

If you're looking for inspiration, past winners and other tips are available online. Whether you've hiked in the Bavarian Forest or camped under the midnight sun in Sweden's Söderåsen National Park, your story could be the next winner. For those who prefer a more relaxed escape, readers' favourite European wellbeing breaks offer ultimate relaxation in nature.

What Makes a Winning Tip?

According to Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, the best tips are specific, personal, and practical. Instead of generic advice, share a moment that made your trip special—like the time you spotted a rare bird in Doñana or the secret trail you discovered in Triglav National Park. Include details that help others replicate your experience, such as the best season to visit or a local guide who knows the hidden spots.

Foodies might combine their love of nature with culinary adventures; readers' favourite foodie experiences in Europe show how local cuisine can enhance your park visit. And if you're a camping enthusiast, you'll find plenty of inspiration in the story of Söderåsen National Park's restored forest, a testament to rewilding efforts in Sweden.

The Broader Impact of National Parks

National parks are not just playgrounds for outdoor lovers; they are vital for conservation. Recent news from the US highlights the fragility of these protected areas: Chiricahua National Park became the 64th US national park, while Big Bend National Park faced bulldozing for a border wall. These stories remind us that advocacy and awareness are crucial. In Europe, parks like England's oldest national park, the Peak District, face similar pressures, but they also offer some of the best attractions for visitors.

Closer to home, the legacy of dedicated park interpreters lives on, as seen in the obituary of Jill Simpson, a national park interpreter who died at 76. Her work inspired countless visitors to appreciate nature. Meanwhile, the pause on border construction in Big Bend national park shows that public pressure can make a difference. The background to this story is set out in Into the Wild Inspired My Adventures But Freedom Has a Cost. A related thread runs through Scotland Wild Escapes: Off-Grid Adventures in Mountains and Lochs. Earlier coverage in Into the Wild Inspired My Adventure but Freedom Has a Cost shows how the argument developed.

Plan Your Next Adventure

With so many parks to choose from, the hardest part is deciding where to go. Start by exploring the unsung European islands that readers love, many of which are near national parks. If you need to unwind after your adventure, consider readers' favourite European wellbeing breaks for ultimate relaxation. And for those who crave wild forests, Söderåsen National Park in Sweden offers a restored landscape that's perfect for hiking and camping. A closer look at the same subject appears in How Trump Is Erasing US History From National Parks. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Yosemite Land Sale: Trump's Oligarchy Plan Threatens National Parks. The same theme surfaces in UK National Parks Property Premium Hits 24%, Study Finds, which takes a different angle.

Food lovers should not miss readers' favourite foodie experiences in Europe, where sardines and other local delicacies are celebrated. For a taste of American park politics, the story of Chiricahua National Park becoming the 64th US national park is a fascinating read. And if you're interested in how borders affect nature, the bulldozing of Big Bend National Park for the Trump border wall is a sobering account, though the pause on border construction in Big Bend national park offers some hope. Context on how this played out before sits in Chiricahua National Park Becomes 64th US National Park. A companion piece, 2026's Best Albums: Muna, Maya Hawke, Arlo Parks Top Readers' Pic, approaches the same subject from another angle.