9 European Hidden Gems on My Bucket List
Looking for the hidden gems of Europe for your next adventure? These nine destinations are off the beaten path and at the top of my European bucket list!
Travel books have always been one of my favourite sources of inspiration – a way to travel when you can’t step out of the country, and often the starting point for trips that come later.
In many ways, that’s what this blog has always been about: exploring the world through stories, books, and the places they lead us to.
Some journeys begin with a plane ticket; others begin with a single chapter that makes you pause, reread a sentence, and think, one day.
The European hidden gems in this post fall firmly into the second category.
These aren’t places I’ve visited yet, but journeys that have earned a spot on my travel bucket list after reading Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World by DK Eyewitness.
Rather than focusing on must-see sights, the book celebrates the journeys themselves – routes by foot, rail, water and road that encourage slower, more thoughtful travel.
That idea resonates with me deeply.
I’m far more interested in how you move through a place than ticking landmarks off a list, and each of the destinations below offers a way to experience Europe at a gentler pace, whether that’s cycling through tulip fields, kayaking across still lakes, or winding through mountain roads.
If you’re planning future trips, saving ideas for later, or simply enjoy armchair travel fuelled by beautiful books, consider this a little dose of wanderlust – and a reminder that some of the most unforgettable journeys begin on the page.
DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by DK Eyewitness to promote their new travel book, “Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World“.
Off the Beaten Path in Europe
Bornholm, Denmark
Bornholm is a Danish island that sits east of the rest of Denmark, between Sweden and Germany.
It is often referred to as Solskinsøen (Sunshine Island) because of the great weather, which means that they can see warm temperatures all the way until October!
From everything I’ve read, Bornholm sounds like the perfect place to rent a bike, as you can ride along the beach, along the cliffs, past lighthouses, through fields and more.
Duedodde, at the island’s southern tip, is especially tempting. It’s a stretch of ivory sand backed by a dusky emerald coniferous forest, often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Denmark.
Doesn’t that sound idyllic?
I’ve only visited Copenhagen in November when it was dark, cold and wintery, so I’d love to revisit Denmark and its islands in the summer months to see a different side to the country.
Lake Saimaa, Finland
Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake and also the longest lake coastline in the world, at a whopping 14,500km long.
I love the idea of exploring Lake Saimaa by kayak – navigating the calm waters between forested islands where it’s said your thoughts will be the loudest thing for miles.
This lake is home to over 13,700 small islands, so there’s a sort of water/forest maze to explore, and you can stop off at Linnansaari Croft, a traditional farm from the 1930s, or enjoy a wood-fired sauna to rest your weary limbs!
And it would be a dream to spot a Saimaa ringed seal, the world’s most endangered seal!
I’ve never visited anywhere like this before, and the pictures look simply stunning. If I could only pick one journey on this list, this would be it.
Appenzell, Switzerland
Appenzell, in north-eastern Switzerland, combines alpine scenery and, intriguingly, whisky.
I’d love to embark on the Appenzell Whisky Trek and spend my days walking in the mountains and evenings indoors with a warm nightcap.
Each inn along the way will serve unique drams (that’s a single serving of whisky to you and me) in different flavours and colours.
Whilst whisky and alpine scenes may seem like an odd mix, this trail promises the classic Swiss experience: rolling grass, traditional lunches, views for days and snow-capped mountains.
I’m told yodelling is not guaranteed, unfortunately.
Bollenstreek, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a popular destination for a city break, but just outside of Amsterdam is Bollenstreek or the flower bulb region.
Of course, Holland is famous for its tulip fields, but instead of coming for a quick tour to snap a few Instagram photos, I’d love to do a half-day cycle from Bloemendaal aan Zee down to Lisse.
The route starts in a seaside town, riding along the sandy heaths and beach coppices of Zuid-Jemmerland National Park.
Then at the Amsterdamse Waterleinduinen conservation area (nicknamed the green heart of Holland), the journey continues on foot. I’ve read that the area is teeming with wildlife, and that there may even be sightings of red deer.
Continuing to Lisse, I can’t wait to see row upon row of flower fields, the Bollenstreek.
I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times now, but never explored the rest of Holland and I think it’s time to branch out a bit!
RELATED: 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary
Rennsteig Trail, Germany
The Rennsteig Trail is Germany’s oldest long-distance hiking trail that goes through the Thuringian and Franconian forests.
It’s a six-day-long walk, but along the way, there’s a medieval castle (like something out of Rapunzel), a timeframe village in the forest, a secret dragon gorge, peaceful lakes and also Wartburg Castle.
Even in peak season between May and September this trail is supposed to be fairly serene, which sounds perfect for get lost in their own thoughts and in nature (hopefully not literally…).
Dingle Way, Ireland
Ireland is known for pastures green, but I’d love to experience true unadulterated Celtic charm at Dingle Way.
From coastal views to craggy mountains and picturesque villages, this Irish trail sounds idyllic.
The pubs and B&Bs along the way seem to fulfil every Irish stereotype, including Guinness on tap and impromptu sing-alongs.
I’ve only been to Ireland twice, but each time I’ve been completely charmed by the people and the atmosphere.
Next time, I’d love to explore the greenery that Ireland is so often associated with!
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Grossglockner High Alpine Road is said to be one of Europe’s most spectacular paved roads with hairpin turns going up and up the mountain.
36 turns to be precise.
Although this road has only officially snaked its way across the Hohe Tauern National Park since 1935, it was actually an established route between Villach and Salzburg for the Celts and Romans.
I love the idea of driving around these bends in a rental car, with views of snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, wandering wildlife and the open road.
You best believe I’m going to rent a cool car and pretend I’m James Bond.
Duoro Valley, Portugal
I really fancy the idea of a wine holiday, traditional riverboat slowly winding its way down the Rio Duoro, glass of the region’s famous port in one hand, and views of the rolling hills and vineyards all around.
If that sounds like heaven to you, too, then you need to add a boat trip down the River Duoro to your European bucket list.
This river has been called the River of Gold, and I want to see that golden sunset for myself!
The route takes you past the many beautiful quintas (estates) in between vineyards, but you can make a pit stop in the town of Pinhão to visit Quinta do Bomfim and to tour their factory and taste their wine.
They’ve been making it since 1896, so it should be pretty damn good!
This sounds like the ideal holiday for kicking back and relaxing with a good group of friends, so I’ll be suggesting it for my next group trip.
Vatersay, Scotland
The Outer Hebrides are a collection of islands off the west coast of Scotland, and Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island of them all.
Now, Scotland probably isn’t the first country that springs to mind when imagining white sandy beaches, but white sandy beaches it has.
Vatersay sounds like an idyllic island, boasting both white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters that I’d expect in the Caribbean but not in Scotland, to be honest.
It sounds like the perfect place to escape for some peace, quiet and fresh air away from London.
Beyond the beaches, Vatersay is known for its wildlife as it hosts huge colonies of seabirds such as puffins and razorbills.
I’d love to plan a road trip around the Outer Hebrides starting at Vatersay, then heading to Barra, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and more.
The only part of Scotland I have been to is Edinburgh, which I absolutely adore.
But I’m desperate to explore more of Scotland, especially natural Scotland, so this is high up on my bucket list!
Moody Scotland sounds like something straight out of a book, and I need to experience it for myself.
Have I managed to inspire you to see Europe a different way?
If this post has inspired you to think about travel a little differently, Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down and See the World by DK Eyewitness is a wonderful place to start.
It’s the kind of book that encourages you to rethink how you move through places – not just where you go, but the routes you take to get there.
Buy Unforgettable Journeys to give a sense of wanderlust from the comfort of your home:
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