Europe

This continent’s similarities are regional: The Isles, Baltic States, Mediterranean countries, Scandinavia etc. One unfortunate consequence of the EU has been to try to blend everything together. But this guide is about geography and the wonder of nature, so let’s see what each individual country has to offer!

The Isles

Geographically, most of these form the ‘British Isles’, but many Irish, Isle of Man and Channel Islands residents are not so fond of this term! This is just a fun guide (not political), so we shall call them ‘The Isles’ instead, to keep everyone happy!

These islands near France include Jersey and Guernsey, plus the small isles of Alderney, Herm and traffic-free Sark. The sunnier climate supports beautiful flowers: bluebells, primrose and wild daffodils all flourish. Add cove beaches, stunning cliff pathways and over 100 miles of coastline. Also home to blonde hedgehogs!

Surrounded by three seas, the far corners teem with seals and some whales. From the sandy Cornish beaches to the wilds of Northumberland, there is something for everyone. Native wildlife includes red deer, hedgehogs, badgers, water vole and sleepy dormouse. England is famed for its beautiful birdsong and cottage gardens.

This is the third largest island in Europe, and renowned for its greenery (caused by rain – and lots of it!). The people are warm and some speak the ancient of language of Gaelic. Along with gems like Ring of Kerry and the Aran and Skellig Isles, the coast is amazing, with turtles, sharks, whales, dolphins and seabirds.

With some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Europe, also here are 200km of sandy beaches and rivers. Giant’s Causeway is a mysterious rock formation in County Antrim that may be due to volcanic activity, but the locals say legendary giant Finn McCool built it! Northern Ireland has the largest freshwater lake in the Isles.

As well as the mainland and Highlands, Scotland has several islands including the Shetlands, Orkneys (windy!) and Western Isles. Some are closer to Scandinavia than London. Sea life abounds, as do red deer, golden eagles and red squirrels (although they are native to Scandinavia). Like Ireland, many rural people speak Gaelic.

Home of the best singers, a beautiful language and two of the highest peaks in Britain (Snowdon and Ben Nevis), Wales is also home to Britain’s only coastal national park, pretty villages and over 750 miles of award-winning beaches. Spot whales, dolphins and seabirds galore: guillemots, razorbills, chough and puffins.

This tiny island contains rare orchids and a stunning coastline teeming with seabirds, whales, dolphins and the odd orca (killer whale). On a good day, you can even see basking sharks. The Calf of Man is a bird sanctuary just off the coast. Local wildlife includes the famed Manx cat, plus bats and polecats.

Northern Europe

All countries ‘on top of the earth’ receive the midnight sun – where it is all day or all night for several months a year. They also get to see ‘aurora borealis (‘northern lights’) – skies awash with different colours, due to electrically charged particles. Visit Google Images and take a look – stunning.

It’s easy to see why Denmark was recently voted the happiest nation on earth. With a small gap between rich and poor, they also benefit from surprisingly warm weather, flat land that’s good for walking and cycling, and Copenhagen is an outstanding example of ‘new urbanism’. And no-one lives more than 30 miles from the sea!

This considers itself ‘Scandinavia with a twist’. Separated from Finland by a short trip across the sea, it lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Rich in pine, birch, spruce and aspen trees, here you can find hare, fox, deer, wolf, lynx, bear and elk. Estonia holds the European record for highest number of bird species seen in a day.

These 18 Danish islands rise from the sea in the middle of the North Atlantic, and are difficult to spot on a map. Green grass, fresh air and volcanic mountains, make it a great stop-off for two million pairs of migrating birds. The island is popular with puffins – their short wings make for great swimming underwater.

Finland is colder than Denmark, so most people live in the south. A land of lakes and islands, it’s mostly flat and contains the northern destination of Lapland, where Father Christmas lives! Pine, spruce, birch and larch forests cover most of the country. Local wildlife includes brown bear, grey wolf, elk, reindeer and whooper swan.

Owned by Denmark, this is the world’s largest island and it is at the forefront at concerns over melting ice and climate change. Surprisingly, it’s not all ice. There are many wildflowers including Greenlandic bluebell. Also find hot springs, polar bears, reindeer, musk oxen, seals, whales and sharks.

This large island 600 miles north of Norway greets you with pretty-coloured buildings in Reykjavik, hot bubbling springs (used to heat the island‘s water), spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Like Greenland, there are lots of wildflowers. It’s also run by the world’s first gay (female) president who has banned strip clubs and lap dancing.

This western country has thousands of islands and beautiful fjords (where mountains plunge hundreds of metres into the sea). Watch seals and porpoises play, and eagles soar above. Woodpeckers bore into the pine trees, and puffins live here. The town of Narvik is the most northerly on earth, but the Gulf Stream warms it up a bit!

Quiet, intelligent and liberal Swedes live in the third largest country in Europe, but with a low population. Stockholm sits on thousands of tiny islands, and most of the north is covered by forests, although there are pretty seaside towns like Gothenburg. Look for the Arctic Fox or moose. Swedes stay longer in school than anyone else!

Central Europe

This large country contains the Alps (home to deer, golden eagles, butterflies and beetles) and the Tirol (a federal state in the west). Also home to Mozart’s birthplace Salzburg (‘salt castle’) and Vienna, which lies on the Danube (this begins in Germany’s Black Forest).

Lying in the northwest, Belgium is divided in two – the Dutch-speaking Flanders up north, and the French-speaking Walloons down south. As well as Brussels, here you can find the beautiful waterfront cobbled city of Bruges, with tree-lined canals and green spaces.

This large country contains one of the world’s best-run (and completely state-funded) railway – SNCF. Home of the Alps, vineyards and chic coastal resorts of Nice and Cannes, lots of wildlife lives here too: wild boar, roe and red deer, wolf, fox, brown bear, badger, ibex and chamois, plus semi-wild horses and lizards.

The most populous country in Europe borders Denmark and many other countries. Home to stunning scenery including Bavaria, the Black Forest and fairytale castles, this sits on the banks of the Rivers Danube and Rhine. Berlin’s roofs are covered in solar panels, and the small town of Freiburg is one of the greenest on earth.

This state lies within the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. In summer the meadows bloom with wildflowers, the rare ghost orchid and one-leaved bog orchid. Also home to butterflies, red deer, ibex, snow hare, golden eagle, Eurasian pygmy owl, boreal owl, three-toed woodpecker and jack grouse.

This small landlocked country lies more than 200 miles from the sea. Most people live in the capital Luxembourg City. Nearby are beautiful forests, hills and low mountains. It’s also home to the Ardennes and Moselle Valley. It‘s often called ‘Little Switzerland‘, and like their European friends, most people in Luxembourg speak several languages.

Below sea level, this is a flat land of canals, cycle paths, tulips, windmills and beautiful coast. It was also the birthplace of popular painter Vincent Van Gogh. Local wildlife includes otters and badgers. Locals have installed green roofs for butterflies and birds, and a collection of underpasses for resident amphibians and hedgehogs.

This visually stunning country is full of sparkling lakes, alpine hills and snow-capped mountains. Local wildlife includes wolf, lynx, bear and fox. Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world for animal welfare – social animals are not allowed to be housed alone, and new dog guardians must attend ‘school‘ to ensure good welfare.

This is its own little country, in the middle of Rome. Just 110 acres and with a population of 800, its ruled by the Pope. Half is covered in beautiful gardens, fountains and sculptures. It has its own postal service, currency, newspaper, radio station and army (Swiss Guards in their striped pantaloons).

Southern Europe

This small country nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains is surrounded by France and Spain. The people speak a language called Catalan and have the second highest life expectancy in the world. The area is landlocked, with lots of rugged mountains and a coast-to-coast long-distance footpath, just like England.

Owned by Portugal, these 9 volcanic islands are 900 miles away from Europe, and only 2000 miles away from North America (lying on its plate). They form the most westerly point of Europe. With garden-like islands, the blue seas support dolphins and whales.

This island is listed twice in this guide, as politically it’s in Europe – but geographically it’s in Asia! Rich with olive trees and citrus fruits, lizards and migrating birds from the Nile Delta, also find protected wild donkeys in Karpaz National Park.

This small island is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, known for its protected apes who receive a daily supply of water and food, plus regular vet care and microchipping. The island forms the entrance between Spain and Africa. Some of the finest caves in Europe.

The most southerly country in Europe, this lies on the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. Packed with culture and mountains, lakes and wetlands. Local food includes aubergine (eggplant if you‘re an American reader!) and olives. Wildlife includes deer, wolf, badger, lizard and snake. Also find pine, chestnut, fir and cypress trees.

Shaped like a boot, Italy’s history and food is dominated by regions, plus the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. A country of classical cities: Rome, Florence, Verona, Milan, Venice, Naples and Pisa. The sense of family is strong, and most adult children stay at home until they marry. Wildlife includes boar, brown bear, lizard and whale.

In the north Atlantic ocean, this is known as the ‘floating garden’, and is a sub-tropical archipelago. It is closer to Africa than to Europe. Also contains rugged coastlines, beautiful natural beaches and the most colourful displays of flowers ever.

This small southern country on the Mediterranean lies south of Sicily and is near Tunisia. Home to honey-coloured limestone architecture, clear skies and blue sea – find historic palaces, cathedrals and forts. The local language has Arabic influences.

This tiny state is just 9 miles from Italy, and 11 miles from Nice in France. Known for being a tax haven (it’s the most densely populated state in the world), the manicured streets, lush parks and fountains give clues to its immense wealth.

This warm country on the Iberian peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and split by the river Tagus. Trees include eucalyptus, maple, cork oaks, pines, poplar, chestnut and olive. Flowers are lavender, rosemary, thyme, mimosa and orchids. Also find fox, wild boar, lynx and golden eagle, plus flamingos in south coastal lagoons.

This tiny country lies on the eastern side of the Apennine mountains, just 6 miles off Italy’s Adriatic coast. Situated in the hills, it is rumoured that the land was given to a stonecutter by a rich woman, whose son he had cured. In the second world war, it remained neutral, and was home to 100,000 refugees.

This warm country on the Mediterranean Sea owns the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands – blessed with year-round sun due to their close proximity to Africa. Home to flamenco dancing and beautiful music, the hills of northern Spain resemble Ireland. The Pyrenees near the French border are home to wolf and Iberian lynx.

Eastern Europe

This southeast country has a coastline that extends hundreds of miles into the Adriatic (part of the Mediterranean Sea). Nearly all of it is mountains and pine and oak forests of the Boreal Kingdom, with bear, polecat, wolf, wildcat, deer, Balkan lynx and wild goats. Birds include woodpecker, hawk, pine martin, falcon, owl and golden eagle.

Bordered by Turkey, this is full of turquoise lakes, lush forests with bears and rocky highlands, and semi-desert flowers. Armenia has become one of the first countries to introduce ‘eco-taxes’ to protect the environment. Its nestled between the Caspian Sea (the world’s largest lake) and the Black Sea (it’s blue, but darker when stormy).

Near Turkey, this lies on the Caspian Sea and is blessed with 8000 rivers. Popular here is the hamam ‘public sauna’ (in days of old, women could ask for a divorce if they did not receive their bi-weekly hamam voucher!) Or say hello to a good-tempered Karabakh horse.

This landlocked country is near Russia. Nearly half is covered by cornflower-thick forests and streams, and it also lies on the watershed of the Baltic and Black Sea. Millions of people were affected here by the winds blown in from Chernobyl. Even today, volunteers help people to recuperate from cancer and leukaemia.

This land contains the least-discovered areas of the European Alps. It sits on the gorgeous Adriatic Sea and is home to one of two remaining primeval forests in Europe. The beech trees can reach over 60 metres. The Skakavac waterfall is another attraction, and the Alps provide some of the richest flora and fauna in Europe.

Also in south east Europe, this lies on the Black Sea. A pretty, small country with an ancient history, there are stunning beaches, bear-rich mountains, lynx and rare birds. The north is dominated by the vast lowlands of the Danube. Known for its folk music.

Lying in central Europe between Poland and Germany, this landlocked country has rivers that flow to the North, Baltic and Black Seas. Prague is a beautiful city, sitting on 9 hills with a river, baroque gardens, narrow streets and 500 spires. Local wildlife includes wolf, wildcat, lynx, grouse and bustard.

This used to be part of Yugoslavia. It has one thousand islands, a beautiful coast and the river Danube. The country has won awards for some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean Sea. The Dalmation Coast gives the spotted dog his name. Find 92 waterfalls, forests, gorges, rivers, deep blue lakes, lynx, wolf, bear and chamois.

In eastern Europe, this neighbour of Russia lies between the Black and Caspian Seas. A pretty little country with churches, watchtowers and castles, and lots of wildlife due to its lack of development and high mountains.

This landlocked country in central Europe houses Budapest – ‘the Paris of the East’. A small and ancient country with a unique language that’s difficult to learn, find hundreds of therapeutic mineral springs that gush up from the depths of the earth. The river Danube splits the country in half.

Situated on the Asian border, this is the 9^th largest country in the world, and covers two time zones and five climate zones. With forests in the north and deserts in the south, it stretches from Russia’s Siberia to the deserts of China and the Caspian sea. The country has recently set up nature parks, to protect its rare saiga antelopes.

On the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, this pine forested land is home to deer, wild boar, moose, lynx, bear, fox, beaver and wolf – plus oak and linden trees. Migrating birds flourish along with the national white wagtail. There are more wolves and beavers than anywhere in Europe and even Atlantic salmon come here to breed.

The most southern of the three Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania), this is on the southeast shore of the Baltic Sea, with 100km of sandy coastline and a warm water port. It has dense forests, meandering lakes and local wildlife includes wolf, otter, fox, ermine and badger. The language is derived from Sanskrit.

Once part of Yugoslavia, this landlocked country is south of the Aegean River near Greece. It’s full of lakes and mountains, and covered in oak, beech and pine trees. Brown bears are popular here.

This eastern landlocked country close to the Black Sea. It’s very hilly, with forests of beautiful coloured leafy trees, plus deer, wild boar, wolf and badger. The River Prut area is home to many species of birds.

This country on the Adriatic coast contains beaches, rivers, mountains and Durmitor National Park with its 18 glacial lakes. The locals explain the stony land: God looked in his bag from which he had delivered animals, humans, birds, fish and water, and there were a few stones left. So he threw them down, and created Montenegro!

This central country is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and over 10,000 lakes – the highest number in the world after Finland. Many animals still survive in the ancient woodland like brown bear, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, moose, beaver and red deer. One quarter of all migratory birds come to Europe to breed here in the wetlands.

North of the Balkan peninsula, this sits at the end of the Lower Danube (which passes through 10 countries), bordering the Black Sea. It has one of the largest undisturbed forests in Europe. Its forests house deer, bear, lynx, chamois and wolves. Its province of Transylvania ‘land beyond the forest‘ is known for its main inhabitant – Dracula!

This is the largest country in the world, with the largest forest reserves and a quarter of the world’s water. St Basil’s Cathedral‘s flame-shaped dome is one of its architectural wonders. Siberia covers nearly all the east (where Siberian tigers live in the birch forests), so most people live in the west. The people of Abkhasia regularly live to 100.

Formerly part of Yugoslavia, this is passed through by the Danube river. A third is covered by forest and national parks, and many plants and animals that have disappeared elsewhere, can be found here. Birds include Cetti’s Warbler and the Red-Rumped Swallow.

This central country has a remarkable culture, plus mountains, plains and rivers. The ‘blue eyes’ of the Slovak mountain get their name from the location and shade of the surrounding background. Just five miles from the centre of Bratislava is a natural area of forests, streams and ponds.

Just touching the Alps, this borders Italy and is the most forested area after Finland and Sweden, and is home to 1% of all living creatures and 2% of all freshwater species. They protect their greenery so much, you are not allowed to remove flowers from the mountains. Local wildlife includes roe deer, squirrels, wolf, wildcat, and ibex.

This country contains pine, fir, beech, lime, oak and elm forests. It is home to red and roe deer, elk, wild boar, fox, wolf, brown bear, field mouse and lynx. Bird life includes crane, wood grouse, eagle, quail, skylark, pink starling, martin and heron.