The best places in Europe to watch wildlife

December 1, 2023

As a part of nature, man has always sought to study other species, regardless of their distribution or characteristics. That is why watching wildlife has always been a part of human life. With the acceleration of technological progress and accelerated urbanization, man as a species began to distance himself from other living beings, which significantly increased the desire to be one. Cities grew, machinery and machines increased, and only metals, buildings, and transport remained. However, if you look at the map of Europe, you can see the number of parks, nature reserves, and forests that man and technology have not touched.
Europe as a continent combines dozens of different histories and cultures because everyone who came to those lands dictated their own rules. Many works of art and architecture have been created at different times. Still, no less than Europe is the center of many other natural terrains and landscapes, where untouched principles of nature have been preserved.

Everyone who at least once traveled to Europe for the sake of wild nature noted the uniqueness and harmony with which the people there coexist because for more than 2000 years, there was no desire to destroy these natural oases, but on the contrary to preserve them and all the flora and fauna that develops there.

Imagine fascinating places where ancient forests intertwine with fields in magnificent landscapes, where proud and majestic mountains hide their secrets. A world in which everything follows a natural order, where animals walk and live without barriers, and where everything interacts as intended by nature, forming a vast, unique ecosystem beyond man's or time's control. These cells are so popular precisely because of their authenticity and the peace you feel there.

Almost all nature reserves and European national parks are a haven for all the diversity of living wildlife; they are a source of research by ecologists and biologists who present the life of flora and fauna without human intervention. We invite you to immerse yourself in this state with us, take a closer look at the five most interesting wild corners of Europe, and touch the absolute natural wonders of this versatile continent. After all, the nature of Europe is impressive with its greatness and diversity. Such a trip will be enjoyable for experienced travelers and beginners to get to know with their own eyes the inviolability of wild nature, incredible landscapes, and animals that could only be seen on the pages of books.

The best places in Europe to watch wildlife
Europe is famous for its unique and diverse culture and traditions. Still, it also has an enchanting and fantastic world of wildlife that opens up to everyone in different ways. Depending on the season, time of day, and weather conditions. That is why all connoisseurs of boundless nature and travelers enjoy the beauty of nature there, like to observe its inhabitants in their usual environment, and usually study their behavior, development, and ways of life just by traveling. After all, this continent has simply an innumerable number of places that have preserved their naturalness and thus fascinate.

The first such place is Lapland, from fairy tales about the New Year. Full of mysterious stories and mysteries, it is a unique part of Finland, the embodiment of Scandinavian natural passion and beauty, the embodiment of all the wealth of flora and fauna. This legendary place boasts incredible forests, parks, and nature reserves. Although most tourists are interested only in the town of Santa, it is worth going a little to the outskirts, and you can see this incomparable landscape, huge snow hills and snowy expanses that have become home to many unique animals, which are only a tiny cog in the impressive snow jungle ecosystem.
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is a proud deer, which seems to drive you into a trance with its grace and imperturbability, and you are forced to follow it through the trees with your gaze. At such moments, time ceases to exist; it freezes so you can remember this unique moment in all its beauty. And what is Lapland without mighty and big bears crossing the forests, leaving traces of their massive paws in search of prey? Observing these creatures in their natural environment is why you should come here.
Lapland becomes even more magical in winter because snowstorms add to the mystery, and we can see the Northern Lights. How many pictures we have seen, how much we imagine this moment, but all this loses its meaning before seeing it with our own eyes. It is a fabulous flicker created by nature itself. They make every such evening unique and unrepeatable. Add to that a cup of warm drink and loved ones nearby, well, isn't it the best moment of your life? Lapland knows how to conquer the heart of everyone who has been there at least once because it is impossible to grasp all the wealth. And it will be worth re-evaluating all the uniqueness to see new species again.
In addition, Lapland is very proud of its unique reserves and parks, which are the central place to preserve and protect wildlife to maintain its identity and national value. That is why the state has arranged specific routes and observation points at different levels so that it is convenient and affordable for travelers and tourists to enjoy the diversity of Lapland's wild nature as much as possible.

Spending time with friends or loved ones in Lapland can be compared to establishing a relationship with wild nature, where you share your secrets as if on the same wave. This feeling of closeness with the forces of nature awakens energy and the spirit of adventure in the body. Therefore, this is one of the particular points on your map for observing unique nature.

The next destination in our wilderness travel guide is Scotland. More precisely, the Hebridean Islands, located in the west of Scotland, are distinguished by a vast variety of marine flora and fauna, so true connoisseurs of natural wonders love them in their purest form.
The Hebridean Islands are a vast space from the shores of which a fantastic view of the world opens, full of impressions. The landscapes and scenery are mesmerizing, and observing the lives of the inhabitants who lived there long before your journey reflects the diversity that nature has created and allows us to admire. The principal favorite inhabitants there are groups of seals, basking their sides in the sun, lying on the rocky shores. They broadcast their calm and measured way of life. It is hilarious to watch their fights, but you should remember that they are much larger than a person, so it is better not to disturb them.
Next to them, in the water spaces, schools of dolphins swim, demonstrating interesting marine life, playing among the waves, and accompanying ships with travelers. In such moments, you feel close contact with nature, namely in moments of unity and mutual understanding with some of the most intelligent inhabitants of the ocean. But the most unique is the nesting process of seabirds, when the noise of birds rises, and vast birds circle outside in a particular dance. Then, you can observe the behavior of colonies of martins, sultanas, and many other species of birds found on the islands.
For those who appreciate the beauty of the marine world and want to contribute to its preservation, the Hebridean Islands are a unique place that becomes a source of aesthetic pleasure and an opportunity to contribute to preserving biodiversity. This is an incredible land where nature shows us all its diversity, from heavenly heights to marine life, which can reveal all its secrets to those who carefully observe and do not prevent everything from going its way.
Everyone who sets foot on these islands gets a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of nature, which fills the heart with a deep impression and desire to preserve this natural beauty for future generations.

Doñana National Park, located in the southwestern part of Spain, is a unique natural oasis of flora and fauna of the hot country. This historical monument helps preserve rich natural resources and has great cultural significance for the country, which is associated with many stories and traditions.

The park is located on a vast territory. It includes swamps, fields, and boundless forests, which form a real natural eco-complex according to its rules and the interaction of each nature participant. The most defining aspect of Doñana Park is its significant biodiversity. Many animal species are preserved here, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and researchers.

Thanks to the excellent and favorable weather conditions of Doñana, graceful birds can be found in huge numbers during the nesting period. They are even considered symbols of the park. Of course, it's a flamingo. Their pink feathers are impossible to miss and distinguish among thousands of bird species. In contrast with their large beaks, they create a natural spectacle that has become a favorite of many travelers. After all, everyone wants to see a flamingo with their own eyes at least once. The eagles, smoothly flapping their wings and circling in the sky, add a bit of magic to this special place and grandeur to the already famous park. After all, they are also a specific symbol of the manifestation of will in the wild nature, and since Doñana Park serves as a natural home for all kinds of birds, including seagulls and herons, which can feel a comfortable environment and climate for their regular and measured life. It is also essential that they can easily find food. This fascinates wild nature; the processes have long been established without human intervention. Everything around us is interconnected and complements each other.
Doñana is not only famous for its birds, but the proud wild boar has also chosen this place as its home and has taken its proper place in this ecosystem. A meeting with this animal can be dangerous, but it is exciting for everyone whose goal is to observe the life process of animals in their natural environment.

Doñana National Park can offer different routes and viewpoints as the management is interested in increasing the number of tourists and nature watchers. However, there is also concern for your safety and the safety of park residents. Not all of them like to share their space with people. Such points ensure maximum comfort for both parties, but at the same time, do not miss exciting moments from the lives of animals. After all, the laid routes pass through the park's most exciting places, where fantastic panoramic views of nature open up, in addition to observing animals.

Doñana National Park is more than just a nature reserve. It is an island of natural beauty that fascinates with its uniqueness and diversity. Thanks to preserving this unique ecosystem complex, we can enjoy the natural wonder of Doñana and pass on this extraordinary heritage to future generations.

Next on our route will be the Cernigratz National Park, beautifully located in the picturesque Alps in Switzerland. The park is noted for its boundless alpine spaces and the natural wealth of many wild and unique animals. The more than 170 square kilometers area allows flora and fauna to develop in any of its manifestations without restrictions or problems.
After all, it was created precisely to preserve wild nature, and I was impressed with its fantastic biodiversity of plant and animal species.

Cernigratz can be imagined as a multi-layered ecosystem where animal and plant life diversity has formed into one gigantic picture. On the one hand, graceful roe deer roam the meadows, and they are one of the most characteristic inhabitants of the national park. It is not surprising because roe deer mostly choose to live in large spaces of alpine meadows and forests, leading a nocturnal lifestyle in search of food.
The following representatives of the park's fauna are goats (alpine and marble); they demonstrate the unique color of the wild nature of Cernigratz. After all, they have particular adaptations that allow them to survive in the icy conditions of the alpine mountains. In winter, when the mountain peaks are covered with snow, observers can see these animals in their natural element – playing and foraging on the high mountain slopes.
Winter in Cernigrac opens up new horizons for observing the true wild nature of the Alps. Every movement and observation becomes even more enchanting when everything is covered with snow. Only the tracks of animals are visible, and you can guess who passed here or followed while admiring an accurate winter fairy tale. Frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks, and snow-covered valleys amaze with their beauty and provide a unique experience for nature lovers.

Cernigratz National Park has become one of the favorite places for observations and adventures of travelers and nature lovers and a center for conservation and research of natural diversity. Since it was on the park's territory, they decided to conduct scientific research, directing all their efforts to study the behavior and ecology of local species. This will allow humanity to significantly enrich the already known knowledge about the ecosystem of the Alps and contribute to its preservation for future generations.

And the last of our recommendations is the incredible island of Sardinia, located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most exciting places for everyone who appreciates actual wildlife and marine diversity. The La Maddalena Archipelago Reserve, which was created back in 1994 and is located along the stunning sea coast, has become a natural pearl of the island and helps all lovers of travelers to immerse themselves in the originality of nature, to succumb to the temptation of observing the unique marine world.

The La Maddalena archipelago is a natural mosaic of islands and rapid bays framed by the bottomless blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia impresses every visitor with its natural marine beauty and the local wealth of marine life, making it the ideal destination for every lover of nature exploration.

Protected areas in different parts of the archipelago provide regulated access to marine wildlife for scientists and tourists and are one of its most impressive features. After all, the reserve has become a home for many water birds and marine mammals. Researchers are especially fascinated by the nesting process of birds and their flight through the sky. Flamingos, seagulls, pelicans, and many other birds gather in an actual dance above the heads of tourists, adding even more color and unique species. The clear azure waters add a sense of calm and open a window to another underwater world. Particular diving areas at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea allow nature lovers to immerse themselves in the world of coral reefs, fish of various shapes and colors, and unique marine organisms. This trip will forever leave unforgettable impressions in the heart and be remembered as a natural experiment.

To fully enjoy the natural wonders of the island of Sardinia, we recommend that you go on a journey with the help of boats or kayaks. This will allow you to reach the most remote corners of the archipelago, where animals live in their closest natural environment. Such trips also let you dive into designated viewing areas, where you are guaranteed to encounter a variety of marine life.

What equipment is needed for wildlife watching in Europe?
Watching wildlife in Europe is an exciting and thoughtful activity that can bring many joys and unforgettable experiences. However, to make this trip as efficient and comfortable as possible, as well as to experience all the colors and learn all the secrets of European wildlife, you should prepare well and take all the necessary equipment. Therefore, before your trip, use this checklist of what to take on a wildlife trip.

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is binoculars or telescopes because wildlife is only sometimes friendly and can get close to certain species. Therefore, pocket binoculars with good image quality and powerful zoom will be your indispensable assistance on this trip. Yes, you may only sometimes need it, so we recommend taking a small one so you can always carry it and use it as needed. You can choose the modification yourself; the quality of work does not depend on it. But, if you want to go deeper into nature and observations, it is better to take binoculars. However, if you need it to take up as little space as possible and still permanently contemplate the scenery, then it is better to choose a monocle.
The next thing that you will need is a camera or a camera because you will see many unique species of birds, animals, fish, and plants, and you will want to save it not only in your memory but also on film so that you can later remember or study what you saw. The camera will help you capture the animals you see in their natural environment without disturbing them. A reliable camera is integral to your adventures and storage of unique moments.
Also, you need to bring night vision devices. This can be an additional technology in your binoculars or a separate night vision device. Still, it will be your indispensable assistant if you want to delve into the real world of wildlife. After all, a lot of animals live actively at night. And night vision technology, due to working in complete darkness, will allow you to understand better and feel the indomitable spirit of nature.
We recommend you take care of your safety equipment before going on a wildlife exploration trip. To begin with, it should be comfortable and comfortable for your clothes and shoes that are pretty dense and waterproof but light and breathable. After all, the weather can change rapidly, and you should be ready. Also, ensure you have a minimum of exposed body parts to protect yourself from insect or reptile bites. Take with you also available medicines or ointments in case of such edges.
And, of course, people can only live with drinking water and food. If you go on tours and stay in hotels and complexes, most likely you will not have such a need, but during research and travel, time flies very quickly, and you can get very hungry or thirsty, so we recommend that you have at least a minimum supply with you.

This list of essentials and everything you might need for an effective wildlife trip will make your sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable. Therefore, plan your trips now and take care of everything before the trip. After all, Europe is prosperous in places of interest, where nature has not yet been changed by human influence, where you can feel the wild spirit and disobedience; this is precisely what attracts everyone who dares to make such a journey. So it can be pretty tricky, sometimes even dangerous, but this incredible experience will stay with you forever. Endless panoramas of wild nature, the real life of animals and birds, and their interaction. This part of the world preserves its uniqueness and diversity of natural ecosystems. Each place on our list is special and unique, allowing everyone to enjoy and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of wild fauna and flora.

In a world where the pace of our lives is relatively fast and technological progress makes more and more corrections, there are few places left where we can ultimately connect with nature and experience its wildness and incredible beauty. Such opportunities allow us to feel the importance of nature in our lives, study the behavior of various animals, and pass this knowledge on to the next generation. Observing the wild nature of Europe is an adventure that reveals all-new unique species of birds and animals, birds, fish, and plants, but also allows you to enjoy nature nearby. Therefore, let these trips to beautiful places be not only observations but also motivation to act to preserve our natural treasures.