I’ve spent the better part of the last decade chasing waterfalls in Iceland, hiking through alpine meadows in Switzerland, and slipping away to green oases just outside Europe’s busiest cities. With 38 countries under my belt here, I’ve learned that the continent isn’t just castles and cathedrals…it’s also wild coastlines, dramatic mountains, and national parks that feel a world away from the buzz of daily life.
What I love most is when a city blends the best of both worlds: cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture just a stone’s throw from hiking trails, beaches, or quiet forests. In an age where everyone seems glued to screens, these places remind me to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with something real.
My Favorite Cities in Europe for Nature Lovers (At a Glance)
If you’re planning a Europe trip and want nature built right in, here’s the cheat sheet. Tap any spot to jump straight to that section in the guide.
- Best for Island Hiking & Winter Sun: Funchal, Portugal
- Greenest Capital & Bike-Friendly Trails: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Top for Hiking & Winter Sports: Innsbruck, Austria
- Best for Whale Watching & Northern Lights (Fall–Winter): Reykjavik, Iceland
- Perfect Base for Summer in the Dolomites: Bolzano, Italy
- Best for Lake Swimming & Scenic Cycling: Zurich, Switzerland
- Top for Fjord Cruises & Mountain Hikes: Bergen, Norway
- Best Summer Combo of History + Island Beaches: Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Most Underrated Alps Hiking Base: Grenoble, France
- Best City for Music Lovers + Mountain Day Trips: Salzburg, Austria
- Best Bay Views & Mountain Switchbacks: Kotor, Montenegro
- Best Big-City Blend of Beaches & Hills: Barcelona, Spain
Here’s how I’d play it: base yourself in two or three of these (think Innsbruck/Bolzano for alpine highs, Funchal for island magic, and Dubrovnik or Kotor for coastal sunsets), then day-trip like crazy. Keep reading for my favorite hikes, cable cars, swims, and secret viewpoints in each spot.
1. Funchal, Portugal
Funchal isn’t just another European city break spot – it’s your launch point for Madeira’s most epic nature adventures. I’ve spent 2 weeks here and was blown away by how you can hike above the clouds at sunrise, swim in volcanic pools at sunset, and wander through enchanted forests all from one base.
The Pico do Areeiro sunrise hike is absolutely my favorite thing to do in Madeira. You drive 30 minutes from Funchal to 1,800m elevation and watch the sun rise above the clouds – it’s properly magical. Another absolute gem is Fanal Forest. This is an otherworldly Laurisilva forest where ancient laurel trees twist through perpetual mist. I’ve never experienced anything like walking through that fog-shrouded fairy-tale landscape. It’s about an hour’s drive from Funchal, and honestly feels like stepping into another dimension.
Don’t miss Cabo Girao, Europe‘s highest sea cliff at 580m. The glass skywalk is terrifying but incredible – you’re literally standing over a 580m drop into the Atlantic. Entry’s just €2 and the views toward Funchal are insane. For closer-to-town nature, the Doca do Cavacas natural pools offer amazing swimming with sunset views, while the Monte Palace Tropical Garden has those dramatic koi ponds I can’t stop talking about. The Levada das 25 Fontes waterfall hike is phenomenal but go early – tour groups destroy it after 10am.
Funchal really is Madeira‘s perfect nature base – you can walk to volcanic pools or drive to cloud forests within an hour. Rent a car if you’re staying more than a couple days – those mountain drives are half the adventure.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana sits pretty as one of Europe’s greenest capitals, and honestly, it totally deserves the hype. This place won the European Green Capital award in 2016, and when you visit, you’ll see why immediately. The entire city center is car-free, so you can actually breathe while strolling along the Ljubljanica River with its tree-lined banks and cute cafes everywhere.
Tivoli Park is your go-to green space…it’s huge, well-maintained, and perfect for lazy afternoons. I spent hours there just reading under trees and people-watching. But if you’re up for more adventure, head to Šmarna Gora for a straightforward hike that rewards you with killer panoramic views of the whole city. It takes about an hour to reach the top, and trust me, the sunrise views are worth getting up early for.
The Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljansko barje) are totally underrated – you can explore this partially drained wetland by bike or on foot. It’s home to some serious archaeological finds, including the world’s oldest known wheel. Take bus lines 19I or 19B to get there, or rent a trekking bike for the full experience. The area connects to several charming villages like Ig and Vrhnika, and there’s even a cool monument to the road builders along the way.
3. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is where mountain dreams come true without giving up city perks. Sitting in the heart of the Alps, this place serves up snow-capped peaks literally right outside your hotel window. I’m not even exaggerating – you can sip morning coffee while staring at some of the most epic mountain views in Europe. My wife is Austrian, so we may be a bit biased, but this city is absolutely magical for nature lovers like ourselves.
The Nordkette Cable Car is your ticket to mountain paradise. Starting from the old town, it takes you 2,300 meters up to Hafelekar in about 30 minutes total (including transfers). The first section uses the slick Hungerburgbahn funicular designed by Zaha Hadid, then you switch to traditional cable cars. Round-trip tickets cost around €16, and it runs daily from April through November with extended hours in summer.
At the top, you’re in Karwendel Nature Park, Austria’s largest nature preserve. There are tons of hiking trails, from easy family walks to serious mountain treks. The Perspektivenweg trail starts right at the Seegrube station and offers mind-blowing 360-degree views. Plus, there’s actually decent food up there – the restaurants aren’t tourist traps and won’t break your budget. I grabbed schnitzel and a beer while watching paragliders launch off the mountain, which was pretty surreal.
- Read next: Best Countries to Visit in Europe
- You may also like: Prettiest Places in Innsbruck
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik might seem like a pretty cliche nature destination, but this quirky city punches way above its weight. You’re literally surrounded by dramatic landscapes – the sea on one side, mountains on the other, and some of the world’s best geothermal features scattered around. It’s like Mother Nature decided to show off all her best tricks in one small area.
Whale watching here is absolutely incredible. Companies like Elding and Reykjavik Sailors run tours year-round from the Old Harbour, with 98% success rates for sightings. You’ll spot humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins regularly. Tours cost around €50-70 and last 3-3.5 hours. I went in September and saw three different humpbacks breaching – honestly better than any nature documentary.
The Northern Lights scene is wild too. From mid-October to mid-April, you can actually see them from the city center if conditions are right. But the combo tours that do whale watching during the day and Northern Lights hunting at night are where it’s at. In fact, the tours above are some of the top Aurora bucket list experiences that I recommend seeing in 2025-2026. The Blue Lagoon gets all the attention, but there are tons of smaller geothermal pools around the city that locals actually use. Plus, Mount Esja is right there for hiking when you want to escape the city vibe.
5. Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano is honestly the perfect Dolomites base I keep coming back to. I’ve done five trips here over the years and it never gets old – you can hike above the clouds at Seceda, explore ancient castles, and be back in town for aperitivo, all in the same day. Plus, it’s way less touristy than places like Cortina. My most recent trip was last December, where I got to se Bolzano’s legendary Christmas markets.
The Renon cable car is your gateway to proper Dolomites magic. It costs €13 return and takes 12 minutes to whisk you up to Soprabolzano where you can catch the vintage Ritten railway to Klobenstein (€20 combo ticket). The Earth Pyramids hike from there is only 30 minutes and these 25,000-year-old clay towers are genuinely bizarre. I actually prefer this to some of the more famous hikes because you get killer Dolomites views without the crowds.
Val Gardena is where the real hiking action happens, just 40 minutes by car from Bolzano. Seceda is that Instagram-famous jagged ridge you’ve seen everywhere – the cable car from Ortisei costs €27 one-way but it’s absolutely worth it. The viewpoint hike is literally 15 minutes from the top station. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is Europe’s largest alpine meadow and the cable car from Ortisei is €24 round-trip. I spent an entire day up there last summer just wandering between mountain huts.
Get the Bolzano Card if you’re staying in partner hotels – it includes all public transport, cable cars, and museum entries. The Mobilcard (€20 per day) covers buses, trains, and lifts if you’re not staying in town. Both are game-changers for exploring without a car. What I love about Bolzano is how quickly you can escape. The Colle cable car takes you to forests and hiking trails in minutes, while buses to Obereggen and Lake Carezza run regularly. I also love road tripping the Dolomites, it’s super accessible and easy to get around. The food scene is incredible too – this German-Italian fusion creates the best of both worlds.
The city itself sits at 265m elevation in a protected basin, but within 30 minutes you’re above 2,000m exploring some of Europe’s most dramatic peaks. That accessibility combined with the cultural richness makes Bolzano unbeatable as a Dolomites home base.
- Read also: My Favorite Photo Spots in the Dolomites
6. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich might have a reputation for being all business and banks, but this city knows how to do nature right. Lake Zurich is literally integrated into daily life here – people swim during lunch breaks, sail after work, and the lakeside paths are perfect for running or cycling.
You can swim in the lake year-round (though winter swimming is for the hardcore locals only), and there are tons of public beaches and pools along the shoreline. The Uetliberg Mountain is the local hiking favorite – you can reach the summit in about an hour from the city center, and the panoramic views of the lake, city, and Alps are incredible. There’s a proper restaurant and observation tower at the top.
Lake Zurich boat trips are surprisingly affordable and a great way to see the surrounding countryside. You can take day trips to smaller lakeside towns or just enjoy the two-hour round-trip cruise. I rented a bike and spent a whole day cycling around the lake, stopping at vineyards and swim spots along the way. The public transport system connects everything seamlessly, so you can easily combine urban exploring with mountain hiking or lake activities. The beautiful Swiss town of Lucerne is only 40 minutes away by train or car, which also has tons of epic nature nearby like Mount Pilatus! Plus, the water quality is so good that locals actually drink straight from the lake – that’s Swiss efficiency for you.
- Read next: Best Countries to Visit in Europe
7. Bergen, Norway
Is the beauty of Norway on your bucket list? Bergen is where mountains literally meet the sea in the most dramatic way possible. This city sits surrounded by seven hills and fjords, making it feel like nature’s amphitheater. My wife and I loved visiting here a couple days back. The weather can be moody (it rains a lot), but when it’s clear, the views are absolutely mind-blowing.
The Fløibanen funicular is your gateway to mountain adventures. For about €18 round-trip, it takes you up Mount Fløyen in six minutes. But honestly, hiking up is way more rewarding – it takes about an hour and follows well-marked zigzag trails through neighborhoods and forest. The Fløysvingene route is the quickest way up if you’re feeling energetic.
At the top, there’s a restaurant, kids’ playground, and tons of hiking trails heading deeper into the mountains. You can also rent bikes and explore the gravel paths, or just chill at Skomakerdiket lake. The Norwegian fjords are right there too – you can take day trips to see waterfalls, or do kayaking tours in the fjords. I spent one afternoon hiking to the summit, then took the funicular down to avoid destroying my knees. The contrast between Bergen’s colorful wooden houses and the wild mountain landscape is pretty spectacular.
- Read next: Magical Fjords in Norway
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik serves up that perfect combo of medieval history and stunning Adriatic Sea access that makes Croatia so addictive. Beyond the Game of Thrones tourism (which is real), this place offers some seriously beautiful nature escapes that most visitors completely miss.
Lokrum Island is a 10-minute boat ride from the old town and feels like a different world. It’s got botanical gardens, peacocks wandering around freely, and some of the best swimming spots along the coast. The island has this mysterious, almost tropical vibe with dense vegetation and hidden coves. Boats run regularly from the old harbor for around €5 round-trip.
The cable car to Mount Srđ costs about €12 and the views are absolutely worth it – you get the full Dubrovnik old town spread out below you with the endless blue Adriatic stretching to the horizon. Up there, you can hike to the fortress ruins or just chill at the restaurant with a cold beer. I did the sunset ride and watched the city walls glow golden while cruise ships looked like toys in the harbor. The swimming near the city walls is fantastic too – crystal clear water and ancient stone backdrops that make every photo look epic.
9. Grenoble, France
Grenoble is seriously underrated as an Alps base. I keep discovering new hiking trails every time I visit this “capital of the Alps.” The city sits perfectly between three mountain ranges (Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne), and you can literally be on hiking trails within 40 minutes by bus from downtown.
The famous Bastille cable car “bubbles” are your quickest route to mountain views. These transparent spherical pods have been running since 1934 and take just 4 minutes to reach Fort de la Bastille at 475m elevation. The 360° panorama up there is insane – you can see Mont Blanc, the Belledonne massif, and the Vercors cliffs all in one sweep. You can hike up instead (about 800m elevation gain), but honestly, the cable car is worth it for the experience alone.
Chartreuse Regional Nature Park starts basically on Grenoble‘s doorstep. The Col de Vence is accessible by bus and gives you access to St-Eynard Fort with incredible views back over the city. For something more challenging, the Crossing of Chartreuse between Grenoble and Chambéry is a legendary 3-7 day trek that I’m planning for next year. The Cascades du Cirque de Saint-Même is a perfect family hike to stunning waterfalls.
The Vercors plateau is this dramatic limestone landscape just southwest of the city. Moucherotte from Saint-Nizier is easily reached by bus and gives you proper high-altitude hiking at over 2,000m. The Grande Traversée du Vercors is 150km of pure mountain bliss if you’re into multi-day adventures.
What’s brilliant about Grenoble is the public transport network – buses reach most trailheads, so you don’t need a car. I spent three days here last summer using just buses and ended up hiking in three different mountain ranges. The TER trains also connect you to bigger peaks in the Écrins National Park.
10. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg delivers that fairy-tale Austria experience with serious mountain access. The Mirabell Gardens are gorgeous year-round and perfectly manicured, but the real magic happens when you start exploring the hills around the city.
Kapuzinerberg is an easy hike right from the city center – takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, and you get those classic postcard views of Salzburg’s baroque towers with the Alps in the background. The trail is well-marked and passes some cool historical sites along the way. I loved doing this hike early morning when the light hits the cathedral domes just right.
Lake Wolfgangsee is about 45 minutes away by bus and totally worth the trip. It’s one of those impossibly blue Alpine lakes surrounded by mountains, perfect for swimming in summer or just soaking up the scenery. The area has tons of hiking trails for all levels, plus charming lakeside villages with traditional Austrian restaurants. Hallstatt gets all the Instagram fame, but Lake Wolfgangsee has similar beauty with way fewer crowds. The combination of baroque architecture, mountain hiking, and pristine lakes within such a small area is pretty hard to beat anywhere else in Europe.
11. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is hands down one of Europe’s most underrated nature bases. I’ve been obsessed with this place ever since I first climbed the Ladder of Kotor and realized you can have dramatic Adriatic views and proper mountain hiking within walking distance of a UNESCO old town. The Bay of Kotor looks like a fjord but with Mediterranean weather.
The Ladder of Kotor is your must-do hike. This historic Austrian-built trail has 72 switchbacks climbing 940m to Krstac Pass. It’s free, starts right outside the old town walls, and gives you killer views over the bay within 30 minutes. The full hike to the top takes about 3 hours but most people turn around at the main viewpoint. I’ve done it three times and always discover something new. Pro tip: there’s a “cheese shop” mountain café near the top where you can try goat cheese and get fresh pomegranate juice.
The new Kotor Cable Car opened in 2025 and honestly changed the game. It costs €23 return and takes you 1,316m up to Lovćen National Park in 11 minutes. The views from up there are insane – you can see the entire Adriatic coast on clear days. There’s also an alpine coaster called “ORO” at the top that’s apparently incredible, plus serious hiking trails into the national park.
Lovćen National Park itself is perfect for day trips. The Njegoš Mausoleum is about 20km from Kotor and sits at 1,657m with 360° views. I spent a whole day up there last year exploring the hiking trails and the mountain feels completely different from the coast – it’s this wild karst landscape.
What makes Kotor special is how easily you can escape. Durmitor National Park is about 3.5 hours by car and worth every minute – the Black Lake hike and Tara Canyon are absolutely stunning. Biogradska Gora is closer and has one of Europe’s last virgin forests. Day tours run regularly but honestly, renting a car opens up so much more. You can wander medieval streets in the morning, hike above the clouds at lunch, and watch sunset over the Adriatic with a beer in hand. That combination of history, mountains, and sea in one compact area is pretty unbeatable.
12. Oslo, Norway
Oslo nails the whole “nature meets city” thing better than almost anywhere else. This place is surrounded by forests, fjords, and hills, but you’re never more than a quick tram ride from excellent coffee and cutting-edge art galleries. It’s the kind of city where locals actually hike to work.
Frogner Park is your central green oasis – it’s massive and filled with cool sculptures, plus it’s perfect for picnics or just escaping city noise. But the real magic happens in Oslomarka, the vast forest that literally surrounds the entire city. You can hike for hours on well-marked trails and feel like you’re in the middle of wilderness, then hop on public transport back to downtown.
The Oslofjord is what makes this place special though. You can kayak, swim, or take ferry trips to nearby islands right from the city center. In winter, locals actually cross-country ski to work through the forest trails – it’s that accessible. Holmenkollen ski jump offers epic views year-round, and you can hike or take the metro there. I spent a whole afternoon island-hopping in the fjord, then grabbed dinner in the trendy Grünerløkka district. The contrast between wild nature and urban sophistication is pretty incredible.
- Read next: Best Cities for New Year’s Eve in Europe
13. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh sits on a series of extinct volcanoes, which makes for some pretty unique urban hiking opportunities. Arthur’s Seat is the main event – a proper mountain hike right in the city center that takes about 45 minutes to the top and rewards you with sweeping views across the city to the sea.
The hike up Arthur’s Seat is moderately challenging but totally doable for most people. Start from Holyrood Park and follow the main path – it gets rocky near the top, but the 360-degree views are incredible. You can see Edinburgh Castle, the Forth Bridge, and all the way out to the North Sea on clear days. Pack layers because Scottish weather changes fast, and waterproof gear is never a bad idea.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is world-class and covers 70 acres of stunning landscapes. It’s free to enter and has everything from tropical greenhouses to peaceful woodland walks. The tree collection is massive, and there are always different plants blooming depending on the season. Princes Street Gardens right in the city center provides a green break between shopping and sightseeing. The combination of volcanic peaks, botanical gardens, and coastal access makes Edinburgh feel way more outdoorsy than most capital cities.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona surprised me with how much nature you can pack into a Mediterranean city break. I spent a semester here in college and have been back 7 times since, and trust me, the nature of the city doesn’t get old!
Montjuïc Hill is your urban mountain escape – you can hike up through gardens and forest paths, or take the cable car if you’re feeling lazy. The views of the city and sea from up there are fantastic, especially at sunset. Park Güell gets all the Gaudí attention, but Montjuïc has better nature vibes. The Magic Fountain light show happens several times a week and is free entertainment with epic backdrops. There are tons of gardens up there too, from cactus collections to rose gardens, plus the Olympic facilities if you want to explore the 1992 legacy.
The beaches are obviously a huge draw – Barceloneta is the main city beach, but if you take the metro north to Bogatell or Mar Bella, you’ll find less crowded spots with the same Mediterranean vibes. You can easily bike the coastal path or just beach-hop for a day. Tibidabo mountain is another hiking option that offers views over the whole city. I loved starting days with sunrise beach runs, then hiking Montjuïc in the afternoon when the light gets golden. The combination of Mediterranean coast and urban hills makes Barcelona perfect for active travelers.
- Read next: Amazing Things to Do in Barcelona for Young People
- You may also like: Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands
15. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is probably the most underrated nature destination on this list. Trebević Mountain is right there overlooking the city, and it offers some of the best panoramic views you’ll find anywhere in the Balkans. The hike up takes about 90 minutes and passes through beautiful forests that feel totally untouched.
The trail to Trebević starts right from the city center and winds through dense woodland. At the top, you get sweeping views of Sarajevo spread out in the valley below, with mountains rolling away in every direction. It’s especially gorgeous at sunset when the city lights start twinkling. There’s also an old Olympic bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics that’s been converted into a hiking trail with some wild graffiti art.
Vrelo Bosne park is another gem – it’s where the Bosna River springs from underground, creating this lush, green oasis just outside the city. You can rent horses and carriages or just walk the tree-lined paths along crystal-clear streams. The whole area feels like something out of a fairy tale, especially in spring when everything’s blooming. I was amazed by how quickly you can go from the bustling Baščaršija bazaar to feeling completely surrounded by pristine mountain forest. The nature access here is incredible, and way fewer tourists know about it.
- Read next: Fun Things to Do in Travnik
16. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva totally surprised me with how much nature you can access without leaving the city. Sitting between Lake Geneva and the Alps, it’s like someone designed the perfect outdoor playground for people who also want good restaurants and museums nearby.
Lake Geneva itself is the main attraction – you can swim, sail, or just walk the shoreline for hours. The famous Jet d’Eau shoots water 140 meters into the air and makes for an awesome backdrop whether you’re jogging or just chilling. Swimming at Pâquis Baths is popular with locals, especially in summer when the water actually gets warm enough to enjoy.
Mont Salève is your easy mountain escape – just 20 minutes from downtown Geneva, though technically in France (bring your passport!). The cable car costs around €12 round-trip and takes you to 1,100 meters in five minutes. The views up there are insane – you can see the entire Lake Geneva basin, the Jura Mountains, and on clear days, Mont Blanc. There are tons of hiking trails, paragliding opportunities, and decent restaurants. I loved watching the planes take off from Geneva Airport while munching on local cheese at the summit restaurant.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland
- You may also like: Best Places to Live in Europe
16. Brasov, Romania
Brasov wraps up our list perfectly – this Transylvanian city sits right in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains with medieval charm and incredible mountain access. Mount Tampa looms over the old town, and you can either hike up or take the cable car to the BRASOV sign (think Hollywood, but Romanian).
The cable car costs about €8 round-trip and takes you to great viewpoints over the city and surrounding Carpathian peaks. But hiking up Mount Tampa is way more rewarding – it takes about an hour and follows well-marked trails through forest. Keep your eyes open for wildlife – brown bears actually live in these mountains, though sightings near the city are rare.
Brasov’s old town is compact and walkable, with cobblestone streets and colorful baroque buildings that look straight out of a medieval movie. The Carpathian Mountains offer endless hiking opportunities, from day hikes to multi-day treks. Piatra Craiului National Park is nearby with limestone cliffs and alpine meadows. I loved how you can explore 600-year-old churches in the morning, then be hiking through pristine mountain wilderness in the afternoon. The combination of Gothic architecture, mountain culture, and wild Carpathian landscapes makes Brasov feel like Europe’s best-kept secret for outdoor lovers.
- Read next: Best Places to Live in Romania
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cities for nature lovers in Europe
Curious about the best nature cities in Europe? Our FAQs have all the answers!
Which European country has the best nature?
Norway is widely considered the best country for nature in Europe. It’s known for its stunning fjords, tall mountains, and many waterfalls.
What is the most outdoorsy country in Europe?
Switzerland is the top choice for outdoor activities in Europe. It offers great skiing, hiking, and beautiful natural scenes.
What is the greenest capital in Europe?
Ljubljana in Slovenia is the greenest capital in Europe. It was awarded for its green spaces and effective public transport that’s good for the environment.
