31 Unreal Travel Destinations in Europe You Didn't Realize You Could Visit

We are kind of always dreaming about another vacation. Next time you decide to cross the Atlantic and head to Europe, make sure to check out these 31 incredible places that go beyond the stereotypical tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben. It's about time we rack up some frequent-flier miles.

01
Hveravellir
Shutterstock

Hveravellir

Check out this nature reserve in Iceland to see pools of geothermal water.

02
Italian Riviera
Shutterstock

Italian Riviera

Centered in Genoa, Italy, the Italian Riviera is on the edge of an area filled with small villages, fishing ports, and tree-filled mountains. Source: Instagram user erinehrlich

03
Lofoten Islands
Shutterstock

Lofoten Islands

These Norwegian islands contain endless beaches, surrounded by large mountains. It's rare to find this kind of scenery anywhere else.

04
Museum aan de Stroom
Shutterstock

Museum aan de Stroom

The largest museum in Antwerp, Belgium, is a modern masterpiece that just opened a couple of years ago. Source: Instagram user ziggydub

05
Aiguille du Midi mountain
Shutterstock

Aiguille du Midi mountain

This mountain has a breathtaking view of the French Alps.

06
Abisko National Park
Shutterstock

Abisko National Park

Enjoy some of Sweden's most beautiful wildlife and lakes at this national park. Source: Instagram user visitabisko

08
Knossos
Shutterstock

Knossos

You can visit Europe's oldest city, which is filled with historical ruins, in Crete, Greece. Source: Instagram user binouuu24

09
Hallstatt
Shutterstock

Hallstatt

The small village in Austria is surrounded by glassy waters and massive mountains. Source: Instagram user saumy

10
Preikestolen
Shutterstock

Preikestolen

Getting to the top of this crazy steep cliff in Norway would be an experience you can't miss out on. Source: Instagram user lynzeeloo

11
Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery
Shutterstock

Kiev Pechersk Lavra Monastery

Take a look inside this monastery to see historic art and architecture — it's one of Ukraine's most breathtaking monuments.

12
Mont Saint-Michel
Shutterstock

Mont Saint-Michel

You haven't seen all of France until you have seen this ancient island commune.

13
Verdon Gorge
Shutterstock

Verdon Gorge

You will never see water as blue as the water in this river canyon located in the south of France.

14
Wawel Cathedral
Shutterstock

Wawel Cathedral

Make sure to stop by this cathedral in Poland. You can take tours of its many chapels and burial chambers.

15
Krka
Shutterstock

Krka

Take a dip in this Croatian river filled with tiny waterfalls. Source: Instagram user jakeinthebay6

16
Eden Project
Shutterstock

Eden Project

These artificial biomes in Cornwall, England, contain plant life from all over the world. If the outside doesn't draw you in, the inside certainly will.

17
Aurora Borealis
Shutterstock

Aurora Borealis

View one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world above the fjords of Norway.

18
Bled Island
Shutterstock

Bled Island

Set in the middle of a lake in Slovenia is Bled Island. It's the only natural island in the entire country.

19
Hundertwasser House
Shutterstock

Hundertwasser House

You can't miss this distinctive apartment building in Vienna, Austria. People from all over the world come to appreciate the unique architecture.

20
Ring of Kerry
Shutterstock

Ring of Kerry

If you're looking for a place to hike or try out some water sports, this area in Ireland offers all kinds of outdoor activities.

22
The ArcelorMittal Orbit
Shutterstock

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

This huge swirly sculpture is in the Olympic Park in London.

23
Belém Tower
Shutterstock

Belém Tower

Portugal's fortified tower is a little piece of the past, set on the Lisbon shore.

24
Bachalpsee Lake
Shutterstock

Bachalpsee Lake

This crystal clear lake in Switzerland is incredible.

25
Krimml
Shutterstock

Krimml

This area has Austria's highest waterfall — and apparently some pretty rainbows, too.

26
Dolomites
Shutterstock

Dolomites

You haven't seen mountains until you see these peaks in Italy.

27
Neuschwanstein Castle
Shutterstock

Neuschwanstein Castle

Tucked away in the German countryside is this castle. If the architecture itself doesn't wow you, the spectacular views will. Source: Instagram user pinarcoskun

29
Plitvice Lakes
Shutterstock

Plitvice Lakes

Why visit just one lake when you can visit 16 of them in Croatia?

30
White Cliffs of Dover
Shutterstock

White Cliffs of Dover

These bright white cliffs can be seen on the coast of England.

31
Duomo
Shutterstock

Duomo

This cathedral in Florence, Italy, was built in the 1400s but still stands tall above the city. Source: Instagram user david_ornjtree