Europe boasts a surprising number of pristine, wild locations that are perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. While major cities may offer their charm and conveniences, it’s the untouched landscapes of Europe that truly speak to the soul. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring raw nature, these destinations will take you far away from the crowds and into some of the most beautiful, remote corners of the continent.
1. Lapland, Finland
Finland is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with over 70% of its land covered by forests. While the southern parts of the country are more populated, Lapland remains a vast, untouched wilderness that draws visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
One of the most serene places in Lapland is Kilpisjärvi. Nestled in the far north, this remote village is home to the iconic Saana Fell, which offers stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The peaceful atmosphere here makes it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and awe-inspiring nature.
Another highlight is Urho-Kekkonen National Park, which features hundreds of kilometers of hiking and skiing trails. It’s a perfect location to explore year-round, with hiking trails in the summer and skiing routes in the winter. Meanwhile, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers another breathtaking experience, especially in autumn when the landscape is ablaze with hues of yellow and red.
2. Azores Islands, Portugal
The Azores Archipelago is a nature lover’s paradise, and São Miguel Island stands out as one of the most spectacular. With volcanic craters, waterfalls, and lush forests, this island offers a rugged and unspoiled environment perfect for adventure. One of the most mesmerizing locations here is Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by scenic mountain views. The island’s pristine beauty and remote charm are unparalleled.
3. Senja Island, Norway
Norway is renowned for its dramatic fjords and steep mountains, and Senja Island offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to the country’s more famous landscapes. This stunning island is known for its rugged terrain, sharp peaks, and picturesque coastal views. If you’re looking for wilderness, Segla—a towering mountain peak—offers one of the best hiking experiences with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding fjords.
4. Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are one of Europe’s most remote and rugged destinations. Located in the North Atlantic, these islands are known for their dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills, and unpredictable weather. Mykines Island is particularly special, famous for its puffin colonies and stunning coastal cliffs. With minimal tourism and no large resorts, the Faroe Islands provide a sense of isolation that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe.
5. Vatnajökull National Park and Stokksnes, Iceland
Iceland’s vast, wild landscapes are a testament to its volcanic and glacial activity. Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest ice cap, offers surreal, otherworldly landscapes. Its glaciers, ice caves, and rivers of ice create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the continent. Not far from the park is Stokksnes, a peninsula known for its Vestrahorn Mountains, which are often photographed against dramatic skies and black sand beaches, making it one of Iceland’s most iconic and wild destinations.
6. Kuusamo, Finland
In northern Finland, Kuusamo is a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. The region is known for its excellent bear hides, where visitors can observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. During the summer months, the sun barely sets, creating extended hours to explore the wilderness. Besides bears, this area is home to wolves and wolverines, making it an exciting location for wildlife lovers.
7. Danube Delta, Romania
The Danube Delta in Romania is one of Europe’s largest and most biodiverse wetlands. With its labyrinth of waterways, it’s a haven for birdwatchers, especially those interested in observing rare species like pelicans. The delta’s remote location and rich wildlife offer an unparalleled experience for nature lovers who seek a wild, off-the-beaten-path destination.
8. Scottish Highlands, UK
The Scottish Highlands are the epitome of wild beauty in the UK. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, and dramatic coastlines, the Highlands offer numerous opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography. Glencoe, one of the most famous valleys in Scotland, is particularly wild, with towering peaks and remote landscapes that make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The Isle of Lunga, part of the Treshnish Isles, is home to large puffin colonies and can only be accessed by boat, adding to its sense of remoteness.
9. Værøy, Lofoten, Norway
Located in Norway’s far north, Værøy is one of the most isolated islands in the Lofoten Archipelago. The only way to reach this remote island is by ferry, making it a true off-the-grid destination. Once there, you’ll find towering cliffs, serene beaches, and the iconic Måstadfjellet, one of the best viewpoints on the island. Skarsursanden Beach is another stunning spot on Værøy, with its striking white sands surrounded by dramatic mountains.
10. Kirkjufell and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
While Kirkjufell is famous for being Iceland’s most photographed mountain, the surrounding Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers much more than just a picture-perfect peak. The area is known for its diverse landscapes, including lava fields, glaciers, and the beautiful Djúpalónssandur Beach. Despite its popularity, the peninsula maintains a sense of quiet wilderness, especially outside the summer months.
11. Jandia Peninsula, Fuerteventura
Although Fuerteventura is geographically closer to Africa, it belongs to Spain, and its Jandia Peninsula is a wild and untamed place that deserves a spot on this list. Known for its rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, the peninsula offers a mix of desert-like landscapes and coastal beauty. Cofete Beach, one of the most stunning on the island, is a perfect example of the untouched nature of this region, with its expansive sands and isolation from the crowds.
Conclusion
From the snow-capped peaks of Lapland to the volcanic craters of the Azores, Europe is home to a multitude of wild and untouched places. Whether you seek the solitude of Iceland’s glaciers, the birdwatching paradise of the Danube Delta, or the remote beauty of the Faroe Islands, these wild destinations offer something for every nature enthusiast. They provide a refreshing escape from the busy world and a chance to reconnect with nature in its most raw and beautiful form.
