Unreal Destination Europe takes you through some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders and unique landscapes. From the towering sandstone pillars of Meteora in Greece to the stunning bluebell forest of Hallerbos in Belgium, each destination offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience of nature’s beauty. We will also visit the striking ice formations of Sentinels of the Arctic in Finland, the awe-inspiring waterfalls and lakes of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, and the picturesque Tunnel of Love in Klevan, Ukraine. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery through these natural wonders that leave a lasting impression on all those who visit.
The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder located on the coast of Northern Ireland, and is considered to be one of the most spectacular geological formations in the world. It consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed around 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. The columns are mostly hexagonal in shape, but there are also some with four, five, seven, and eight sides. According to Irish legend, the causeway was built by the giant Finn MacCool as a pathway to Scotland to fight his rival, Benandonner. The site attracts over a million visitors each year, who come to marvel at the natural beauty of the columns and explore the surrounding coastline. In 1986, the Giant’s Causeway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is widely regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
Skaftafell is a breathtaking national park located in the southeast of Iceland, renowned for its stunning glaciers, rugged peaks, and lush green landscapes. It was once a separate national park, but in 2008, it merged with Vatnajökull National Park to become one of the largest protected areas in Europe. The park is dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which covers around 8% of Iceland’s landmass. Skaftafell is home to several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, allowing visitors to explore the park’s unique landscapes and stunning natural beauty. Some of the park’s most popular attractions include the Svartifoss waterfall, known for its unique basalt column formations, and the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which is a popular spot for ice climbing and glacier hiking. Skaftafell is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering an unforgettable experience of Iceland’s breathtaking beauty.
Fingal’s Cave is a unique natural wonder located on the uninhabited island of Staffa, off the west coast of Scotland. The cave is a magnificent sea cave with hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago. The cave is named after the legendary Celtic hero Fingal, who was said to have created the cave as a musical instrument, using the echoes of the waves to produce a haunting melody. The cave’s acoustics are still a marvel today, and visitors can experience the surreal atmosphere created by the sound of the waves reverberating off the cave walls. The cave’s dramatic beauty has been an inspiration for artists and writers throughout history, including the poet Lord Tennyson and the composer Felix Mendelssohn, who famously wrote the “Hebrides Overture” after visiting the cave in 1829. Fingal’s Cave is a unique and awe-inspiring attraction that should not be missed by anyone visiting Scotland’s west coast.
Plitvice Lakes is a stunning national park located in central Croatia, known for its series of interconnected lakes and cascading waterfalls. The park covers an area of over 73,000 acres and is home to 16 terraced lakes, which are connected by a series of waterfalls and rapids. The park’s natural beauty and unique geological features have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The colors of the lakes change throughout the day, ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue, depending on the angle of the sun and the mineral content of the water. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and boardwalks, which wind through dense forests and over crystal-clear waters, offering stunning views of the park’s natural wonders. Plitvice Lakes is a must-see destination for nature lovers, offering a truly unforgettable experience of Croatia’s breathtaking beauty.
Meteora is a spectacular site located in central Greece, characterized by its unique rock formations and monasteries perched on top of towering sandstone pillars. The word Meteora means “suspended in the air”, and the site is named after the impressive rock formations that rise up to 400 meters above the surrounding plains. The monasteries were built by monks who sought refuge from invading armies and created their homes atop these seemingly inaccessible rocks in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, six of the original monasteries remain and are open to visitors who can explore the impressive frescoes and other religious artifacts housed within. The site is a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural history of Greece. Meteora is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Greece, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Hallerbos, also known as the Bluebell Forest, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Belgium, famous for its stunning bluebell carpet that covers the forest floor each spring. The forest covers an area of approximately 1,360 acres and is characterized by its beech trees, which create a lush canopy over the forest floor. The bluebells bloom for a short period each year, usually between late April and early May, and create a striking carpet of blue that stretches as far as the eye can see. Visitors can explore the forest’s numerous trails and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere created by the bluebells and the forest’s resident wildlife, including deer and birds. The forest is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering a truly unforgettable experience of Belgium’s natural beauty.
Sentinels of the Arctic is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Finland, known for its stunning ice formations and the Northern Lights. The site is located in the remote village of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, in the Finnish Lapland. The site’s ice formations are created by a natural process, where water seeps through the rocks and freezes in the winter, creating stunning ice formations that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Visitors can explore the site’s various ice caves and tunnels, which create an otherworldly atmosphere, especially at night when the Northern Lights dance in the sky above. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light show caused by the interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field with charged particles from the sun. The Sentinels of the Arctic is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Finland, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of the country’s natural beauty.
The Tunnel of Love is a breathtaking and unique natural wonder located in the small town of Klevan, Ukraine. The tunnel is a section of railway track that is covered by a dense archway of trees and foliage, creating a tunnel-like effect. The tunnel is approximately three kilometers long and is used by a local train to transport wood to a nearby factory. The tunnel is especially picturesque in the spring and summer, when the leaves are in full bloom, creating a lush green canopy over the railway track. The site has become a popular destination for tourists and couples, who visit to take romantic walks along the railway tracks and to take stunning photos of the tunnel’s natural beauty. The Tunnel of Love is a unique and unforgettable experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the magic of nature’s creation.