Hiking in National Parks

Welcome to Hohe Tauern National Park — one of the most impressive high mountain landscapes in the world! Few national parks offer such a fascinating and diverse scenery. Green valleys, roaring waterfalls, tranquil mountain lakes, imposing Dreitausender (peaks over 3,000 meters / 9,843 feet), and mighty glaciers create a rich palette of alpine nature waiting to be explored.

Spanning 1,856 km² (approximately 716 sq mi) of untouched wilderness, the park is home to around 3,500 plant species, 15,000 animal species, and 300 peaks reflecting the incredible biodiversity of the Alps. Austria’s highest and most famous peaks, Großglockner, Großvenediger, and Hoher Sonnblick are found here.

At the Krimml Waterfalls, you can experience up close the immense power of Europe’s tallest waterfalls. The Hohe Tauern truly are a paradise for hikers. The diverse flora and fauna, the force of water, and breathtaking panoramas inspire thousands of hiking enthusiasts every year.

Seven Islands and a Turquoise Sea — Doesn’t That Sound Like a True Natural Paradise? The Tuscan Archipelago National Park, located between Livorno and Monte Argentario, is Europe’s largest marine protected area. Spanning 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) of land and 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) of sea, the park preserves natural habitats under strict protection.

What does this mean in practice? The goal is to keep nature in its original state, to manage human activity so it causes minimal environmental impact, and to raise awareness among locals and visitors about the importance of respecting this unique environment. Additionally, the park serves as an important site for scientific research on native flora and fauna.

“Berchtesgaden National Park preserves undisturbed natural processes, free from human intentions and value judgments.”

The vision of Berchtesgaden National Park is clear: in this stunning corner of the world, nature takes the lead. A well-marked trail network spanning 260 kilometers (160 miles) invites hikers from near and far to explore the park while respecting and preserving its pristine environment.

Berchtesgaden National Park lies within the Northern Limestone Alps and is bordered on three sides by the Salzburg Limestone Alps. This makes it an ideal destination for a diverse hiking experience that not only traverses mountain ridges but also crosses the border between Germany and Austria.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s diverse vegetation, ranging from mixed mountain forests in the valleys to subalpine spruce and larch forests at higher elevations. The park is home to thriving populations of chamois, roe deer, red deer, ibex, and alpine marmots. Majestic birds of prey, including golden eagles and bearded vultures, frequently soar above the peaks.

Off the southern coast of Portugal’s Algarve region lies the impressive Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a stunning wetland featuring a picturesque lagoon landscape of sand dunes, peninsulas, and five peaceful islands. Spanning 60 km² (about 23 square miles), this nature park is a true sanctuary for a wide variety of animal species. Over 50 different fish species call these waters home, while the park also provides an essential breeding ground for numerous birds—from storks and herons to cranes and flamingos.

The area is sheltered by five long, narrow islands: Ilha Deserta, Ilha da Culatra, Ilha da Armona, Ilha de Tavira, and Ilha de Cabanas. Visitors seeking tranquility will find these islands ideal, as there are no hotels or other accommodations here. Day-trippers and locals alike come to swim, stroll, snorkel, surf, or simply enjoy the rich diversity of flora and fauna.

The park extends between the beaches of Praia do Garrão and Praia da Manta Rota and borders the towns of Faro, Olhão, and Tavira. From these coastal points, visitors can catch a boat to explore any of the islands.

Hike among the highest mountains in Northern Europe, take in sweeping views of crystal-clear alpine lakes, marvel at snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and be surrounded by lush, blooming vegetation—all this awaits you in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park. Towering above it all is Galdhøpiggen, the tallest mountain in Northern Europe, standing in quiet majesty.

The park’s wildlife consists of true high-altitude specialists—only the hardiest species thrive in this rugged wilderness. Wolverines, reindeer, and birds of prey all call the national park home. With a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters (over 7 feet), the golden eagle glides effortlessly through the skies, surveying the landscape below. Many hikers dream of seeing Jotunheimen from this majestic bird’s point of view. Jotunheimen National Park is part of the Caledonian mountain range, which stretches the length of Norway from north to south.