Everyone’s heard of Paris, London and Rome, but there’s more to Europe than its iconic cities and famous landmarks. If you’d rather skip typical tourist attractions and discover the continent’s hidden gems, these are some of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
Iceland
Glaciers, active volcanoes, hot springs, icy cliffs and beaches strewn with icebergs – there’s nothing quite like Icelandic scenery. This Nordic island nation is gradually gaining recognition in the tourism industry, but it hasn’t quite reached the mainstream partly due to its isolation from mainland Europe.
Geothermal Heated Blue Lagoon – Iceland
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With under 400,000 residents, Iceland is sparsely populated, but its people are friendly and eager to show off their country’s unique beauty. Adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular with Icelandic tour companies, many of which now specialise in activities like glacier hiking, ice caving, snowmobiling and diving. If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, they can often be spotted in Iceland on clear nights, especially in the north of the country.
Spiez, Switzerland
The town of Spiez sits on the edge of Lake Thun, in Switzerland’s picturesque Bernese Oberland region. Often overlooked for larger and more tourist-focused cities such as Interlaken and Bern, this quaint little town is encircled by snowcapped hills and vineyards, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Spiez, Switzerland
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If you’ve always dreamt of visiting the Swiss Alps but don’t have much hiking experience, Spiez is used as a starting point for some of the region’s less challenging explorations. Be sure to pack warm clothing, high quality climbing boots and a comfortable backpack. You can find a range of backpacks suited to hiking adventures at specialist luggage stores, such as Bags to Go. With the right equipment, you can explore the mountains surrounding Spiez to your heart’s content.
Krakow, Poland
Featuring some of the most classically beautiful architecture in Europe, Krakow is widely considered Poland’s prettiest metropolis. Most of its medieval district, the cultural heart of the city, managed to survive WWII intact as it was spared the worst of the bombing. Alongside a charming market square and lively Old Town district, Wawel Castle stands out impressively against the skyline, a symbol of Poland’s national identity and home to one of the biggest museums in the country.
Krakow, Poland
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Despite having grown into a thoroughly modern city, the scars of past conflicts can still be felt in Krakow, particularly in the old Jewish quarter, where museums and art galleries now line the streets.
Cork, Ireland
Jokingly referred to by locals as “the real capital of Ireland,” Cork is the country’s second largest city, and one of its most vibrant. It was built along the River Lee, and splits into two sections in the west, divided by a channel that eventually reconnects towards the eastern end of town. Cozy pubs sit alongside trendy coffee shops in the city centre, and some of the finest restaurants in Ireland can be found down Cork’s narrow, winding streets.
Cork
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The population is predominantly young and very culturally diverse, and the city boasts a blossoming hipster culture. Some of the country’s most prestigious universities can also be found in Cork, as well as a collection of beautiful churches and an ancient castle. Like much of the country, Cork gets plenty of rain, but nothing can diminish its distinctly Irish charm.
Taking the road less travelled in Europe can lead you to some of the most fascinating places in the world. Can you think of any underrated destinations in Europe? Let us know in the comments below!
