There are many attractions in the Old World, thanks to which millions of travelers strive to get Schengen every year. Tourists of all ages dream of seeing ancient castles, majestic cathedrals or places historically important for all mankind. Especially popular are the national parks of Europe, where snow-capped mountains or crystal clear lakes bring no less pleasure to those who prefer active rest on any trip.
In the authoritative TOP
In the list of parks there are several objects, whose popularity among tourists is especially noticeable. According to authoritative print media, TOP is headed by:
- Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. Fifty beautiful mountain peaks and two dozen glacial lakes are a source of pride for Montenegrins and inspiration for fans of mountaineering and hiking.
- Plitvice Lakes in Croatia - a luxurious palette of turquoise shades of waters of the purest reservoirs, cascading down from rocky ledges.
- Saxon Switzerland in the Czech Republic and Germany is high pines clinging to bizarre rocks, fern groves and ancient stone bridges connecting deep gorges. A paradise for climbers and mountain bikers.
- The Cinque Terre on the Itilian Adriatic is the land of measured village life, generously seasoned with the aromas of Mediterranean cuisine, azure blue waters and variegated colors of the facades of houses, like swallows' nests clinging to steep cliffs.
A brief excursion into history
National parks in Europe trace their history back to the 10th century, when the King of England William I the Conqueror ordered the protection of their own hunting grounds by special decrees. Fashion took root and monarchs began to play such a role everywhere.
Some statistics:
- The first national park in Europe was established in 1909. It was the Swedish Sarek.
- Nature protection zones occupy one tenth of the area of the Old World, and their number exceeds six thousand.
- The largest area is devoted to the Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland.
Tourist rules
National parks in Europe have special rules of conduct, failure to comply with which can have serious consequences for visitors. To visit such places, you must obtain special permits or buy entrance tickets, which are sold at the entrance to tourist information centers. There you can also get acquainted with the map of the park and take a copy of such a scheme with you.
Vehicles are usually left in the parking lot at the entrance; bicycles are allowed in some parks and even rented. Pets are allowed at the discretion of the administration and with special permits.
Making fires and having picnics is allowed only in specially equipped places; swimming in the reservoirs of national parks is possible only if there are permission signs.
