The Top 10 Natural Wonders Of Europe The Dolomites, Italy Norwegian Fjords, Norway

4. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Dominating the Alps mountain range, the mighty Matterhorn is 4,478 metres tall and thought to be at least 50 million years old. Instantly recognisable, even to mountain novices, thanks to its vast and near-symmetrical pyramid peak, this natural wonder was first climbed in 1865 by a seven-man team. The first female scaled the Matterhorn six years later – wearing a long flannel skirt. Today, visitors can gaze at the horn-shaped peak while enjoying a scenic train journey from Zermatt along the cog railway to the summit of the Gornergrat. Prepare to be wowed.
5. Plitviče Lakes, Croatia
A list of the best natural wonders of Europe must include Croatia’s oldest and largest national park. At Plitviče Lakes, thousands of years of water flowing over limestone, chalk and moss has created natural dams, resulting in 16 impressive terraced lakes, linked to one another by streams and waterfalls. The tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap, which falls 78 metres – during cold winters, it freezes into a giant ice sculpture. The different colours of the upper and lower lakes make for an entrancing sight too – some are green, others blue, while a few appear transparent.
6. Douro River Valley, Portugal
One of the world’s oldest wine regions, Portugal’s Douro Valley is a UNESCO-listed natural wonder dotted with charming villages and terraces of olives, almonds and grapes. Best appreciated on a Douro river cruise, while in Porto you can learn about age-old traditions – grapes are still pressed by feet – and sample the region’s quality wine and port in the city’s famous cellars. Cruising further inland, passing lush hillsides and soaring cliffs, a river cruise is a perfect way to soak up the region’s natural beauty. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.
7. Black Forest, Germany
Walking through the Black Forest in Germany is like finding yourself in the middle of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Not surprisingly, as legend claims the authors were inspired by the densely forested mountain range. On a trek or cycle through the dark woods, you feel as if you could stumble upon the setting for Little Red Riding Hood. A natural wonder that gets its name for its canopy of evergreens, this expanse of unspoilt hills, lakes and forests can be visited while on a Rhine river cruise or one of many Black Forest Germany holidays – it’s a year-round destination.