Lonely Planet (LP) recently published its list Best in Travel 2025 which features the best places in the world to go next year. Discover the 5 places in Europe chosen by the famous publishing house which give pride of place to nature, adventure and the outdoors.
1. Valais, Switzerland
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Verbier, Zermatt, the Matterhorn need no introduction. These are iconic names, known to all mountain lovers around the world. The terrain for athletes, whether hikers, cyclists, skiers or snowboarders, is simply wonderful. Three cable cars from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn allow you to see 14 glaciers and more than 30 peaks exceeding 4,000 m in altitude. The more adventurous will explore the Aletsch glacier, the largest sea of ice in the Alps, during a guided hike in summer or by ski touring in winter.
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2. Lithuania
Parc national Curonian Spit © Adobe Stock
This country, the southernmost of the Baltic States, perfectly embodies the words “conservation” and “sustainable development”, according to LPwith its protected forests, lakes and dunes along the Baltic Sea. To explore: the Aukštaitija national park, located about a hundred kilometers north of Vilnius (the capital), renowned for its ancient oak forests and its labyrinth of still wild lakes.
3. Slovakia
Tatra National Park © Adobe Stock
Located in the heart of continental Europe, Slovakia has long placed an emphasis on outdoor adventures and ecotourism. LP recommends that you take advantage of this abundant nature: the beech forests and wildflower meadows which cascade down the slopes of the Carpathians, the hiking trails in the High Tatras to explore in winter on snowshoes or even the national park of Slovenský Ra and its tumultuous waterfalls.
4. Bavaria, Germany
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Exploring the great outdoors is a must during a stay in Bavaria, particularly in the Alps bordering Austria. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one of Germany’s best Alpine resorts, offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. Outdoor and beer lovers (there are many of them!) will go there especially in October for the Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival on the planet, which takes place in Munich.
5. The city of Bansko, Bulgaria
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Known for being a winter ski resort, Bansko is “transforming to become a year-round holiday destination”, assures LP. This charming Bulgarian village has become one of the world’s leading hubs for digital nomads, attracting remote workers and adventure seekers in equal measure.
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