Europe’s best national park for 2026 revealed

Nature holidays are on the rise,* with a growing number of Brits looking for a digital detox and the chance to relax and explore the great outdoors.**

Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the 2026 European National Park Index to help travellers discover the best destinations for hiking and nature breaks this summer.

The index looked at ten popular national parks across Europe, ranking them based on factors including the number of hiking trails, park size, average temperatures and accommodation costs.

Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria has been named the best national park, thanks to its impressive combination of vast landscapes, hiking opportunities and affordable accommodation.

Covering almost 1,900 square kilometres, it is the largest national park in the ranking and features 185 hiking trails through alpine meadows, glaciers and mountain peaks. Despite its size and popularity, accommodation averages just over £65 per night, making it one of the better-value destinations in the index.

The Peak District in the UK takes second place, standing out for its unrivalled choice of hiking routes, with more than 1,500 trails, it offers by far the greatest variety – with incredible archaeology, prehistoric forts, Roman settlements and medieval castles. All while offering affordable accommodation, with prices for a one-night stay for two people starting from just under £35.

France’s Écrins National Park ranks third, combining more than 500 hiking trails with budget-friendly accommodation. The park’s dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers and valleys make it one of Europe’s top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park takes fourth place, with over 250 peaks higher than 2000 meters, including Galdhøpiggen (2469 m), the highest mountain in Scandinavia. Followed by Italy’s Gran Paradiso in fifth, one of the best-known parks in Italy and home to rare and endangered animals.

In the middle of the rankings, Slovenia’s Triglav is in sixth, Slovenia’s only national park, with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views, and Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes in seventh, featuring stunning lakes and waterfalls.

Teide National Park in the Canary Islands finishes eighth despite its striking volcanic landscapes, with average August temperatures of over 27°C, reducing its score given that cooler conditions are generally better suited to hiking.

Germany’s Saxon Switzerland National Park ranks ninth, with the iconic Bastei Bridge and dramatic sandstone canyons. While Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park finishes tenth, a World Heritage site and geological marvel where you can actually walk between two continental tectonic plates.

Its striking location makes it a desirable spot for nature lovers and those seeking something a bit different this summer. It ranks in tenth largely due to its limited trail network and the highest accommodation costs in the index, averaging more than £175 per night.

Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “A rising number of Brits are selecting these alterative, often considered more relaxing holidays to help them destress and switch off.

“Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, giving holidaymakers the chance to get back to nature with trails ideal for hiking. We’ve created the 2026 European National Park Index to help outdoor enthusiasts choose destinations that offer the best all-round experience. 

“While breathtaking scenery is a major draw, it’s not the only thing that matters when planning a hiking holiday. Trail variety, accommodation costs and comfortable temperatures can all have a big impact on how enjoyable the trip is.

“Austria’s Hohe Tauern stood out in the ranking by offering an excellent mix of expansive landscapes, well-established hiking routes and good value for money, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the outdoors this summer.

“The UK’s Peak District also performed well, ranking second thanks to its unrivalled network of more than 1,500 hiking trails and some of the most affordable accommodation in the index.

“Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer hiking holiday, comparing destinations before you book can help you find incredible experiences for better value. Travellers should also check the terms of their travel insurance, as some policies may exclude certain hiking or adventure activities unless additional cover is added.”

Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year compare and find savings on everyday bills and essentials, including travel insurance.

References:
*https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4133388/from-child-free-escapes-to-extreme-day-trips-the-trends-redefining-britains-summer-holidays
**https://globetrender.com/2026/03/10/flash-pack-survey-travellers-unplugging-extreme/

Full table:

Rank	National park	Number of trails	Size of the area (km2)	Avg temperature in August (°C)	Cost of accommodation (£)
1	Hohe Tauern, Austria	185	1,856	11.3	65.3
2	Peak District, UK	1532	1,440	15.5	34.8
3	Ecrins, France	525	925	14.6	36.5
4	Jotunheimen, Norway	80	1,151	7.9	106.9
5	Gran Paradiso, Italy	110	703	13.2	89.1
6	Triglav, Slovenia	131	880	15.6	78.1
7	Plitvice Lakes, Croatia	33	296.85	18.8	25.4
8	Teide, Spain	88	189.9	27.7	32.2
9	Saxon Switzerland, Germany	182	93.5	19.6	74.7
10	Thingvellir, Iceland	10	240	9.5	175.6

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Methodology:

All sources and information are correct as of 17/07/2026. Each destination was given a nominal score, which was totalled up to give a final ranking. Each factor was scored out of 10 and weighted equally.

Number of trails – https://www.alltrails.com/

Size:
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes_National_Park
Jotunheimen, Norway – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotunheimen_National_Park
Saxon Switzerland, Germany – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxon_Switzerland_National_Park
Ecrins, France – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89crins_National_Park
Triglav, Slovenia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triglav_National_Park
Gran Paradiso, Italy – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Paradiso_National_Park
Thingvellir, Iceland – https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5588/
Peak District, UK – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_District
Hohe Tauern, Austria – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohe_Tauern_National_Park
Teide, Spain – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teide_National_Park

Average temperature – https://climograph.org/

Farenheit to Celsius – https://www.worldometers.info/converters/temperature/fahrenheit-to-celsius/

Cost of accommodation – https://www.booking.com/

Lowest price for 2 adults for a one-night stay between 28th and 29th August in at least 2-star accommodation.

Currency conversions – https://www.xe.com/en-gb/currencyconverter/

For the parks that received the same amount of points, annual visitor numbers were used as a deciding factor. The parks that had a smaller visitor number were awarded an extra point as they’re more likely to be less crowded.

Photo credit – iStock.com ra-photos

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.