Looking for peace in the New Year? spend time in nature it has been shown to do wonders for our mental well-being. It’s not a fix-all solution, but it definitely helps to get outdoors.
Long walks, taking in your surroundings, and caring for local plant and animal environments are low-effort, high-impact ways to get away from everyday distractions.
In turn, we unlock parts of our brain that we often forget to nurture and reap the benefits, while reminding ourselves of how beautiful and simple things can be.
A Money.co.uk survey revealed that Europe is home to six of the world’s best National Parks for full attention.
They looked at characteristics such as the number of green spaces and lakes, plant and animal species, air pollution levels, the number of visitors, and the availability of mindful activities such as walksboat trips, wellness centers and spas.
Here are the six European national parks you can go to to get away from it all.
6. Surround yourself with greenery in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic
Founded 22 years ago, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park was built for the purpose of conservation the flora and fauna of the region that had suffered greatly for decades due to human impact.
The park is now one of the favorite places in the Czech Republic for the reintroduction of animal species who used to live there – take the return of salmon to the Kamenice River, for example.
A trip here is now colourful, with lush vegetation contrasting with the sand, rocks and crystal clear waters.
The Kamenice is one of 16 rivers and lakes spread delicately through the park’s canyons, which are popular with hikers traveling to unwind from nearby city life. Prague.
5. Dive into the cool, cool waters of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes are one of CroatiaThe most popular natural settings to visit throughout the year, especially in summer, when its waters come alive. They range from deep sapphires to brilliant turquoise, depending on the time of day and the mineral content of the lakes.
Dropping pool levels, four different hiking trails, and thousands of plant species they make it hard to run out of sights to appreciate.
However, there is no presumption of intense physical activity. People are encouraged to cover as much or as little of their 73,000 acres as they like, even providing seven pre-mapped maps. walking routes Customizable based on your energy levels and ambition.
Plitvice is perfect for leisurely walks along the wooden walkways, and just as good for climbers who want to fill their lungs with the freshest, cleanest air in the Balkans.
4. Get an endorphin hit in the Lake District, UK
the largest in england National Park it often feels like a universe unto itself, a gigantic blob of green enveloped by jagged mountains and pools of soft water.
Millions of Brits visit each year to relax amongst the surrounding natural landscapes and quaint market towns.
The Lake District is packed with activities to suit those seeking some downtime in peaceful surroundings. That could be a bike ride through some of its more manageable hills, or a study of the stars trip, for which the park offers planning.
Of course, there’s no shortage of brilliant hiking trails for all abilities, but the real endorphin boost lies in the plethora of water sports, whether you’re a wild swimmer, sailor, or a paddlerthere is something on sale.
3. Giving back to the natural landscape in the Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Cinque Terre – the literal translation is “five cities” – is at the forefront of Europe’s journey towards a responsible society and sustainable tourism.
The Italian Wonder is one of the smallest in area on this list, but it triumphs when it comes to biodiversity, mindful activities, and cultural sites.
Visitors are encouraged to embrace the natural landscape while giving back to the land.
This could be through a stay at one of the many organic farms or collecting and replanting some of the herbs that grow between the coves and the fields, such as rosemary and thyme.
2. Float over the unique sculpted landscapes of Göreme National Park, Turkey
Described by UNESCO as ‘spectacular’ for the distinctive shapes of its eroded terrain dating to the Bronze Age, the valleys of TurkeyGöreme National Park is worth exploring for its unique layout which stems from the fact that it was once an ancient volcano.
Göreme’s spectacular hiking trails and rusty rock tunnels managed to outdo the US. yellow stone National Park – thousands of times bigger in size and in visitors – to the position in the ranking of this survey.
The landscapes offered here seem to be taken from a fairy tale. So much so that the grounds of this heritage site host a hot air balloon ride every morning at sunrise to soak up the magic of this bewildering yet beautiful landscape.
1. Breathe in the cleanest alpine air in Europe in the Swiss National Park, Switzerland
The oldest national park in the Alps has been crowned the best for mindfulness not only in Europe, but all over the world.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why: it’s one of the best protected areas in the Alps, with only 150,000 visitors per year, and one of the lowest in air overall. contamination scores of any National Park on this list.
The Swiss National Park ranks first in mindful activities, offering 83 spas and wellness centers, 75 boat tours and cruises, and a number of opportunities to connect with its wide variety of wildlife.
Care should be taken not to visit in the winter months as the park remains closed for conservation reasons.
Meanwhile, it is not uncommon to see mountain hares, ibex, deer, and dorados. Eagles on one of 14 possible hiking trails through this staggeringly beautiful stretch of land.
