Europe's most beautiful natural landscapes

Visitors to Finland's remote northeastern region could — if they are fortunate enough — catch a glimpse of wolves, elks and brown bears. The Hossa National Park boasts thick coniferous forests and crystal-clear lakes, which are ideal for hikers looking to get off the beaten track.

Those longing to experience untouched Nordic wilderness might want to head for Sweden's Sarek National Park. The vast and completely uninhabited area is a paradise for adventurers. The reserve features some of Sweden's highest mountains as well as plenty of glaciers. With a little bit of luck, visitors may even spot the Northern Lights.

This sprawling 3,500 square kilometer (1,351 square mile) nature reserve in southern Norway is an ideal getaway for fans of breathtaking mountainscapes. Jotunheimen, which translates to "home of the giants," also features numerous impressive lakes. Must-see Lake Gjende gets its emerald-green color from glacial melt.

This rugged mountain range, straddling the German-Czech border, offers fantastic hiking paths for enthusiasts and beginners alike. And the views from Decunsky Sneznik, the region's highest mountain on the Czech side of the border, are nothing short of stunning.

This region along the German-Belgian border boasts one Europe's last remaining high moors, which can be explored by a network of boardwalks. The area's high annual rainfall average and humidity levels have given rise to a unique ecosystem.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of oldest and largest of its kind in Croatia. Located in the country's mountainous karst area, it is well-known for its beautiful, interconnected lakes and waterfalls. Visitors may even recognize them from the movie adaptations of German author Karl May's works, usually set in the American Old West.

Lake Skadar is the largest body of water on the Balkan Peninsula, though its exact size varies depending on the season. Head here if you enjoy idyllic island monasteries, birdwatching, or simply soaking up the unspoiled nature.

This coastal strip in Liguria, northwestern Italy, is world famous for its picturesque villages and great trails. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it is perfect for sightseeing, relaxing and calorie-shredding hikes. You might, however, gain those calories back quickly, as it is also renowned for its cuisine, much of which follows the slow food movement.

Calanques National Park, near the bustling French port city of Marseille, stretches along the Mediterranean coast with its stunning vistas. Its fjord-like bays and its wealth of flora and fauna add to the feeling of paradise on earth for nature lovers, especially hikers and cyclists.

Situated in the Spanish Pyrenees mountain range, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park features plunging valleys and snowy mountain peaks, verdant forests and wildlife galore. The area is ideal for walks, rock climbing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views.