From charming cities to ancient forests and unexplored mountain ranges, here are eight underrated European countries worth visiting on your next trip.
Europe is no stranger to tourists; in fact, tourism accounts for approximately 10% of the EU’s GDP. France, Spain, and Italy are frequently at the top of the world’s most popular destination lists.
However, Europe is much more than just the big names. With incredible sights, sounds, and scenery to be discovered and at a fraction of the cost (and crowds! ), it’s well worth reconsidering your itinerary in underrated European countries.
Romania: For the feel of a fairy tale
Romania is best known for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It is one of best underrated European countries, a land of jagged mountain peaks, storybook castles with soaring spires, and medieval towns that appear unchanged by time.
There’s plenty to keep you entertained here, with fascinating folk museums and rustic villages showcasing the country’s traditional culture, as well as walking trails for discovering the country’s natural wetlands and wildlife.
If you want to visit a city, Bucharest has a distinct architectural style that combines classical 19th-century Parisian buildings with looming Soviet-style architecture.
Luxembourg: For a one-of-a-kind cityscape
Luxembourg, a tiny landlocked country, is frequently overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors France and Germany, but its fairy tale capital, medieval castles, and picturesque villages make it well worth a visit.
Despite its small size, there’s plenty of natural beauty to discover, with well-kept bike paths and hiking trails crisscrossing the forested hills and vineyard-lined valleys.
Liechtenstein: For peaceful mountain exploration
This small country is nestled in the mountains between Switzerland and Austria.
Because it is so small, it does not have its own airport, but it is easily accessible by road or rail from neighboring countries. Despite this, it is the least visited country in Europe.
Once there, there are plenty of places to ski away from the crowds, as well as hiking and biking trails to explore.
Estonia: For a relaxing vacation
With a population of only 1.3 million people, Estonia is one of Europe’s least densely populated countries, and it has also largely escaped the attention of mass tourism.
Tallinn, the capital, is an enticing mix of medieval streets, modern business districts, and seaside promenades, while the rest of the country is roughly half forest, making it easy to get away from it all and find some solitude.
Slovenia is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
Slovenia, nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, is an undiscovered paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
The possibilities for adventure range from skiing on snow-capped peaks in the Julian Alps and hiking through untouched forests to exploring the magical subterranean caverns of the vast Postojna Cave.
The views are also unforgettable, with glittering lakes, majestic waterfalls, and flowing turquoise rivers to admire. Try the Bled Cake at Lake Bled as well.
Montenegro: For breathtaking coastline
Montenegro, located on the Adriatic Sea, is a warm and welcoming country with sheer cliffs and forested mountains carpeted in flowers towering over beautiful beaches and sparkling azure waters.
The orange-roofed houses that line the coastline round out this picture-perfect scene, and there’s always the option to head inland to really get away from the crowds.
Finland: For pristine wilderness
With far fewer tourists than neighboring Norway and Sweden, Finland provides the ideal opportunity to lose yourself in the country’s idyllic national parks’ towering forests and crystal-clear lakes.
Add in free-roaming wildlife like brown bears and elk, and you’ll be at a loss for words! Throw in the Midnight Sun and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) lighting up the sky, and you won’t know where to look!
The Faroe Islands: A getaway from society
The Faroe Islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are ideal for getting off the beaten path and into uncharted territory.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the archipelago’s plunging cliffs, adorable puffins, crashing waves, and stark moorlands, which are made up of 18 different islands. Just remember to dress appropriately for the weather, which can be both unpredictable and changing.
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