Traditionally at the heart of most European power struggles, the countries that make up Western Europe provide visitors with a range of scenes distinctly divided between the flavors of French and English. With the United Kingdom lying just across the Channel, there’s always the temptation for them to go European. But so far the UK has held out in the battle for identity.
Destinations: Austria • Belgium • France • Germany • Ireland • Liechtenstein • Luxembourg • Monaco • Netherlands • Switzerland • United Kingdom
Much of Western Europe is dull and flat. Starting with the vast expanses of the Netherlands the landscape rolls along, steadily gaining topography and elevation until it rises up as the French Alps. In this region’s only substantial mountain area, alpine junkies get their skiing fix on the slopes during the winter and scale the likes of Mont Blanc (Europe’s highest peak) during the sublime summer months.
France is the center of attention in this part of Europe, and that’s how they like it (just ask any of them). They have the right to brag, considering the cultural nexus as Paris and the enchanting wine country in the south. France also has its slice of the Mediterranean with chic towns like Nice along the Cote d’Azur.
The Netherlands may be flat, and probably not the best place to build a nation, but it’s the home of Amsterdam. This progressive, entertaining and charming city laced with canals is a must-see if you have the time or need to seriously chill-out. Next door is tiny Belgium, the land of Trappist monks and their legendary beers, but Luxembourg is worth a miss.
The islands across the Channel present a very different scene. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales make up the UK and each is a worthy destination. Bring your best raingear, as they’re just as famous for the lousy weather as their classic castles, superb football and charismatic pubs.
London is as incredible, and expensive, as any city on earth. For a more earthy experience, explore the compact cities of Glasgow, Dublin, Edinburgh and Oxford. The history and scenery of the UK is wonderful, and thanks to cheap transport you can pop between the continent and the UK with ease.
Where to Go
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Austria: Austria, located in Central Europe, is known for its alpine landscapes and historic cities. Vienna, the capital, features stunning architecture such as the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the historic Hofburg Palace. Travelers can explore the beautiful Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, the scenic Danube Valley, and the picturesque alpine region of Tyrol.
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Belgium: Belgium, situated in Western Europe, is famed for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture. Brussels, the capital, offers landmarks such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and the Royal Palace. Key attractions include the historic city of Bruges, the bustling port city of Antwerp, and the picturesque town of Ghent.
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France: France, located in Western Europe, is renowned for its rich history and iconic landmarks. Paris, the capital, boasts world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Travelers can explore the scenic French Riviera, the historic region of Normandy, the wine country of Bordeaux, and the stunning Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Aix-en-Provence • Avignon • Bordeaux • Cannes • Lille • Lyon • Marseille • Montpellier • Nice • Paris • Strasbourg • Toulouse
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Germany: Known for beer and precision engineering. Berlin, the capital, offers historic sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Reichstag building. Key attractions include the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, the scenic Rhine Valley, and the vibrant cities of Munich and Hamburg.
Berlin • Bonn • Cologne • Dresden • Dusseldorf • Frankfurt • Hamburg • Hanover • Heidelberg • Leipzig • Lubeck • Munich • Nuremberg
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Ireland: Ireland, located in the North Atlantic, is famous for its lush green landscapes and historic castles. Dublin, the capital, features landmarks such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the lively Temple Bar district. Travelers can explore the scenic Cliffs of Moher, the historic city of Cork, the beautiful Ring of Kerry, and the ancient Newgrange monument.
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Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein, a small principality in Central Europe, is known for its alpine landscapes, medieval castles, and picturesque villages. Vaduz, the capital, features attractions such as the Vaduz Castle, the Liechtenstein National Museum, and the modern Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the scenic Malbun region, exploring the historic town of Balzers, and discovering the beautiful Rhine Valley.
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Luxembourg: Luxembourg, a small landlocked country in Western Europe, is famed for its medieval fortifications and beautiful landscapes. Luxembourg City, the capital, boasts historic sites such as the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock Casemates, and the charming old town. Travelers can explore the scenic Mullerthal region, the picturesque Moselle Valley, and the historic town of Vianden with its impressive castle.
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Monaco: Monaco, a small sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is known for its luxury casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and prestigious Grand Prix. Monte Carlo, the main district, features the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the Oceanographic Museum. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens, luxury shopping, and the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Netherlands: The Netherlands, located in Western Europe, is renowned for its picturesque canals and historic cities. Amsterdam, the capital, offers attractions such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. Key highlights include the scenic windmills of Kinderdijk, the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens, and the historic city of Utrecht.
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Switzerland: Switzerland, situated in Central Europe, is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, historic cities, and world-class ski resorts. Zurich, the largest city, features a picturesque old town, the Swiss National Museum, and beautiful Lake Zurich. Travelers can explore the historic city of Geneva, the scenic Interlaken region, the charming town of Lucerne, and the famous Matterhorn mountain.
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United Kingdom: The United Kingdom, located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, is famed for its historic landmarks, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. London, the capital, boasts iconic sites such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Key attractions include the historic city of Edinburgh, the beautiful Lake District, the ancient Stonehenge, and the vibrant city of Manchester.
England • Northern Ireland • Scotland • Wales