Amazing European Countries Worth Adding To Your Bucket List

When heading to Europe, Americans tend to visit the most popular countries among tourists. Italy, Spain, France, the UK… There is nothing wrong with exploring these countries; however, some people may be interested in something different. You will love this article if you’ve already traveled to all these places and are looking for a different experience. Below, you will find a list of European countries that tend to be slightly less popular among American tourists but are definitely worth visiting.

Croatia

While not as famous as other European countries, Croatia is the ideal destination for those wanting to enjoy the Mediterranean while visiting ancient villages and avoiding massive crowds of tourists. Check out the ancient village of Dubrovnik and explore the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. An extra reason to visit? You’ll be only a few hours away from other interesting countries like Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is another often underrated country in Europe. This is the ideal place for nature lovers wanting to visit Eastern Europe. Home to plenty of unique hikes, this country features enchanting villages and cities such as Plovdiv, home to a marvelous Roman theater and the old city center famous for its unique Bulgarian architecture. An extra reason to visit? The cuisine is excellent, and prices are low.

Switzerland

Unfortunately, this destination is only accessible to those without financial restrictions. Yet, if money is not a problem, we highly recommend visiting this unique country. Switzerland is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the majestic landscapes of the Alps, making it the perfect choice for those who want to spend their days hiking, visiting mountain villages, and perfecting their skiing technique.

Ireland

Ireland is no doubt home to the most hospitable people in Europe. You don’t believe us? Head to a random pub, and you will find amazing new friends within a few minutes. Bring an instrument with you for extra fun. Irish people love playing instruments and are often up for a music gig. This country is also home to picturesque villages, many ancient churches and castles, and lovely hills.

Poland

Here is another overlooked country. While Europeans tend to visit it quite often, Poland remains largely unknown to Americans. This is a pity as this country is home to marvelous cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław. Poland is renowned for its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval architecture, and unique cuisine. If you’re planning a visit here, don’t forget to try the delicious krupnik, a drink particularly popular among locals.

The Netherlands

While the Netherlands may not be as interesting from a natural point of view as other nearby countries, this area is perfect for those wanting to spend a holiday surrounded by beautiful architecture. Every house is unique, and the canals that cross the entire country make every picture extra special. If you opt for a trip to the Netherlands, try some local cheese, visit the windmills that inspired Van Gogh in his paintings, or rent a bike to spend a day cycling around the vast bike lane system for which this country is vastly renowned.

Romania

Located north of Bulgaria in eastern Europe, Romania is home to beautiful cities such as the unique Sibiu, which was appointed the 2007 European Capital of Culture. One of the best areas to visit in the country is Transylvania. This historic region is located in central Romania, abounds in Medieval Castles, and is characterized by lush nature, such as the Carpathian Mountains, where tourists will find plenty of hikes to choose from.

Greece

If you’re eager to spend a week or two on a secluded island in the Mediterranean, Greece is the perfect choice. This country is home to many islands from which you can choose. While some are extremely touristic, others are very secluded and are the ideal place for those wanting to immerse themselves in the most authentic Greek culture.

Portugal

With amazing cities like Porto, Sintra, and Lisbon to explore, all Americans should add Portugal to their bucket list. This unique country faces the Atlantic Ocean and is ideal for those wanting to master their surfing game. On top of this, the local cuisine is delicious, and nature is stunning, thanks to protected areas such as Peneda-Gerês National Park and Arrábida Natural Park.

Austria

Here is another great destination for those in love with the mountains. In Austria, you can enjoy long hikes to discover the marvelous Alps and then rest in a local village that seems to have come out of a fairy tale. This country is also home to one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, Vienna. This city features stunning buildings and palaces and is considered the capital of classical music.

Belgium

Belgium is another often underrated country in Europe. Home to stunning cities such as Ghent, Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, this country has a rich history, remarkable architecture, and great nature. Belgium is also the place to be if you want to try delicious craft beer, as it is considered one of the best countries in Europe for the production of this unique beverage.

Norway

Renowned for its beautiful fjords and unspoiled nature, Norway is the perfect place to explore Scandinavia. Of course, expect low temperatures and high prices, yet you won’t regret a trip to this paradise Earth. Head north to watch the Northern Lights, try outdoor activities such as skiing or dog sledding, or take a long hike to make the most of Norway’s majestic nature.

Czech Republic

Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a wonderful country full of tiny picturesque villages, unspoiled nature, and – most importantly – extremely cheap beer! Visit cities such as Prague, Brno, and Liberec, or opt for tiny villages like Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, and Telč. This is also the ideal place for traveling to many other countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Austria, and more.

Iceland

We now head to the north to visit one of the coldest countries in Europe, Iceland. This is the ideal destination for people in love with wintery landscapes. Here, you can explore massive glaciers, visit ancient volcanos, and enjoy the unspoiled nature typical of this area. One tip: don’t visit in the winter. Days are extremely short, and temperatures are way too cold.