A list of the most beautiful places on Earth
Soak up the atmosphere of medieval castles, climb the rocky shores of picturesque fjords, or admire the fabulous architecture and unspoiled nature.
And if you want a more passive recreation without having to leave home, then you may like.
In our list, you will see places of:
- Croatia
- Italy
- Germany and other countries
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
There are caves, turquoise reservoirs, and forests on the reserve's territory, where you can meet wild animals and rare birds. The picturesque landscapes stretch over almost 30 hectares, but the lakes and the cascade of waterfalls are most fascinating. Because of the place's natural features, new rapids appear here every year, and the views are constantly transformed.
Park "Plitvice Lakes" is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And if you plan a vacation in Croatia, do not forget to look at this corner of paradise. By the way, swimming in the reservoirs is prohibited: there were enough accidents. But you can walk along the wooden paths along the lakes and ride on the boats.
How to get there. You can get from Zagreb or Zadar by regular buses, and some routes have interchanges. In addition, you can drive from anywhere in the country, and in large and touristy cities you can take a tour.
When to visit. The park welcomes visitors all year round and is beautiful in any season. However, only one entrance to the reserve is open in the winter, and parts of the area are inaccessible.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Almost everyone has seen it, if not live, then on postcards or photos. Neuschwanstein was built from 1869 to 1886 by order of King Ludwig II. Unfortunately, he got into considerable debt to make a fairy tale castle, but he lived in it for over six months.
Curiously enough, a place designed for one man's solitude became the property of hundreds of thousands of people: seven weeks after the king's death, it was opened to the public.
The monumental construction is visible from afar: Neuschwanstein rises on a rock that had to be made eight meters lower to make construction in principle possible.
The castle has over 100 rooms decorated with themes from Wagner's works and urban legends. The throne room is vibrant and sumptuous. And the observation deck has a view of the Alps, the lakes, the surrounding countryside, and the neighboring modest castle Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig II spent his childhood.
How to get there. From Munich, there is a regular train to Füssen station. Next to it is a bus stop that will take you to the trail to the castle. You can also get there by car or with a tour group.
When to visit. Any time of the year, but it is better to buy tickets in advance.
The Loire Chateaux, France
The Loire Valley is a fabulous place. Dozens of medieval and renaissance castles and palaces dot its landscape. Once here, in this picturesque place among stone buildings, blooming gardens, and vineyards, you feel as if you are transported several centuries in the past.
There are a lot of castles, and they are pretty far from each other. So if you don't have much time to spare you should look out for the famous ones such as Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord, Amboise, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Saumur or Cheverny. However, they are all open to the public.
The part of the vast Loire valley from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalons, which is of the most important cultural value, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get there. From Paris to the valley by car takes about 3 hours. You can also earn by train from Austerlitz station. Get off at the station Blois, and from there by circular bus, you can get to several castles.
But it is still more convenient to travel by rental car: you choose which places you want to visit. An equally good solution is to take a tour.
When to visit. You can admire the castles of the Loire at any time of year.
The city of Venice, Italy
Some people complain about the omnipresent smell of mud, others complain about the crowds of tourists and the trash they leave behind, and others complain about the exorbitant prices. But all this can be endured to see a truly extraordinary and romantic city.
Yes, it is not without its faults. However, it is worth spending at least a day here, traveling through the canals on a gondola (and, if you are lucky, listening to gondoliers sing songs), walking through the narrow streets paved with cobblestones, and visiting the famous St. Mark's Square. After that, you will likely not need more time and can safely continue your trip to Italy.
How to get there. In Venice, you can not travel by car. But to get to the city by car you can, but have to leave it at the multi-story parking lot.
There are international airports near the city, from which you can also get to Venice by cab or car.
When to visit. It depends on what you want. If you're planning a relatively relaxing vacation, it's best to avoid the dates of the Venice Carnival. In 2019, it started in mid-February and will end in early March. The dates usually fall from late January to mid-February. Check before you travel.
Preikestolen Rock, Norway
The Norwegian cliff is about 10,000 years old. From the observation deck of Preikestolen, which is over 600 meters high, you have a stunning view of the picturesque fjord, and this majestic place is rightly considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
You'll come to the Kjorag Plateau if you go a little higher. It is famous for the vast boulder Kjoragbolten, stuck between the rocks, which, as the tourists write, can be climbed without special equipment. But be careful: the giant stone is almost a kilometer above the ground. So risking your life for a beautiful photo is not worth it.
How to get there. Prekestulen can be reached from the nearest major city of Stavanger. It is also easy to get there: an airport, train station, port, and bus service.
You can take the ferry, which regularly runs, in about an hour from Stavanger to the place of the transfer to the bus. And already by land transport to the start of the route. Or you can rent a car and drive to the cliff from the city.
When to visit. It is best in the summer months. In winter, the ascent can be dangerous for unprepared tourists.
In general, the route is within the power of a healthy person. But be prepared for steep, extended climbs. And if you are not sure if you can cope with it, you should consult your doctor beforehand.
Be sure to prepare comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, and stock up on warm clothes. Travel time to Preikestolen Lookout depends on physical fitness.
Lapland Province, Finland
Home of Finland's Santa Claus, Joelupukki, is famous for its snowy winter landscapes, northern lights, and beautiful reindeer. Here, in addition to stunning landscapes, there are ski resorts so that you can combine outdoor activities and a trip into a fairy tale. You can hardly find this amount of purest white snow in a stuffy metropolis.
It is worth coming here for those who love nature but are not afraid of frost - in winter, the temperature drops to 50 degrees below zero. If you are traveling with children, stop by the residence of Santa Claus. There will be a lot of tourists, but the kids will remember the trip for a long time and may believe in a fairy tale and enjoy the New Year a little longer.
How to get there. You can get there by plane.
When to visit. Lapland is fantastic in winter but is prepared for an abundance of tourists. In summer, you will not see snowy landscapes, but you can enjoy the white nights.
