Europe is no stranger to tourism, with countries such as France, Spain and Italy constantly being in the top of the most popular destinations in the world. But the “old continent” also has a lot of other countries worth visiting.

Although less associated with tourism, they have enough to offer visitors and are often not as crowded as major European radar destinations.

From charming cities to secular forests and mountain landscapes, here are 9 of the most underrated European countries you could consider when planning your next vacation after the pandemic.

For immaculate nature: Finland

With far fewer tourists than neighboring Norway and Sweden, Finland offers the perfect opportunity to get lost (in thought, not literally) in its high forests and crystal clear lakes in the country’s natural parks. As long as you are careful not to get in the way of a brown bear or elk, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights that illuminate the night sky with a warm tea or mulled wine in hand.

For a quiet holiday: Estonia

With a population of only 1.3 million, Estonia is one of the least densely populated European countries and has almost gone under the radar when it comes to mass tourism. Its capital Tallinn is a combination of medieval streets, modern business districts and promenades on the shores of the Baltic Sea.

With 50% of the rest of the country covered by forests, it is easy to get rid of the hustle and bustle of big cities and find a little peace.

For classic charm: Luxembourg

The small duchy (although the official title is the Grand) is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, France and Germany. But its capital reminiscent of fairy tales, medieval castles and picturesque villages is definitely worth a visit.

Despite its small size, the country has much to offer, even for nature lovers, with well-maintained bike paths, hiking trails on its wooded hills and valleys that do not lack vineyards and wineries.

For active exploration: Slovenia

Located between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia is an undiscovered dream for those who want to spend their holidays outdoors. From skiing on the snowy ridges of the Julian Alps to backpacking through pristine forests to the magical underground caverns of Postojna Cave, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Add to these beautiful lakes, magnificent waterfalls and turquoise rivers and you will have a truly memorable vacation. Oh, and don’t miss the traditional cream made in the Bled Lake area if you get in the area.

For spectacular scenery: Iceland

Few things inspire us as much as the nature of Iceland. Rightly known as the Land of Fire and Ice, the Nordic country is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes and some of the largest glaciers in Europe.

It is also a paradise for hikers, with trails that take you to rugged mountains, hot springs, spectacular waterfalls and lava fields that will take your breath away (and not just if you get too close to the toxic gases emitted by volcanoes).

To get off the map: Liechtenstein

This tiny country that is crammed between Switzerland and Austria does not have its own airport but to get here by car or train from neighboring countries is a breeze. And once you get to the little principality you will have enough to see from the medieval buildings and castles to the mountain landscapes.

Bonus: Liechtenstein offers enough places for skiers in winter and they are not as crowded as the much more famous resorts in Europe.

For a beautiful shore: Montenegro

Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a warm and welcoming country where forests and wooded mountains often meet pristine beaches and waters. The houses with orange roofs that sprinkle the coasts complete the idyllic landscapes and there is always the option to go inland to really get rid of the crowds.

For real isolation: Faroe Islands

If you really want to deviate from the beaten path and venture into unexplored territory, the Faroe Islands, far away in the Atlantic Ocean, are perfect for you. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the spectacular cliffs, the adorable puffins, the waves breaking on the shore and the sometimes rather sinister swamps.

You will definitely not get bored as the Faroe Islands are made up of 18 different islands. But be careful to put on enough clothes because the weather can be extremely unpredictable.

To discover Dracula’s country: Romania

As in the rest of the world, in Romania the tourism sector was among the most affected (if not the most affected) by the COVID-19 pandemic. So if you want to spend your vacation money and support the local economy, a vacationin Romania is the option to consider especially since I am convinced that you have not seen all the things this country has to offer.

Sure, I can’t condemn you if you don’t want to spend money on prices worthy of Ibiza by the sea or Hallstätt on the Prahova Valley, but tourism doesn’t just mean hoteliers and you can find a bunch of hostels with wonderful hosts and ok prices or depending on the destination , you can rent an entire apartment on Airbnb for half or even a third of the cost of a hotel room.

Here is what Euronews says in its description of Romania, which begins, of course, with a reference to Dracula:

“Famous for its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Romania is the land of steep mountain peaks, castles with high towers and spiral staircases and medieval cities that seem unchanged over time. With fascinating peasant museums and rustic villages that show the traditional culture of the country, as well as routes for discovering the delta and natural fauna, many things can captivate your interest here ”.

I hope this article will help you plan your visit Europe’s unexplored countries after the pandemic!

Which other beautiful European countries did you have the chance to visit till now and would you suggest adding to our list? As always, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave them below. 

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