NATIONAL PARKS OF EUROPE | National Geographic travel map

TRAVEL MAP

Europe's national parks protect some of the continent’s most spectacular mountains, forests, coastlines, wetlands, and historic landscapes. Sweden became the first European country to establish a national park system in 1909, and today Europe is home to more than 460 national parks. The map shows their locations across the continent, while the accompanying park list makes it easy to identify and explore each protected area. From Iceland’s vast Vatnajökull National Park, Europe’s largest, to Sweden’s tiny Dalby Söderskog National Park, the diversity of these landscapes reflects the continent’s remarkable natural heritage.

Together, these parks safeguard iconic wildlife such as European bison, golden eagles, polar bears, Mediterranean monk seals, and Dalmatian pelicans while preserving landscapes that have inspired generations. Many are also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Cinque Terre in Italy, Pirin in Bulgaria, and Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. The map highlights the geography of Europe’s protected lands, while the park directory provides a convenient reference for discovering destinations ranging from England’s Lake District and Crete’s Samaria Gorge to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard and beyond.