Into the Forest: 11 Places for Rainforest Feeling in Europe

Tropical heat, crystal-clear lakes, and exotic plants - this is the classic idea of a rainforest. But is there such a thing in Europe?

Although it may not have much to do with The Jungle Book here, there are some forests in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and beyond that have grown for centuries without human influence, taking their visitors on a breathtaking adventure. Less summer heat, but just as much paradise - we promise.

To find out which national parks house the most beautiful (rain)forests and how best to explore them, the travel experts at Travelcircus have picked out some magical places and taken a closer look. They found 11 stunning locations that promise true rainforest vibes - right in the heart of Europe!

Already ripe for summer vacation? Travelcircus has searched for the 11 most impressive natural paradises and discovered where there are places in Europe that exude real rainforest vibes.

Located on the Polish-Belarusian border, about three and a half hours by car east of Warsaw, is Białowieża National Park. It was established in 1932 as Poland's first national park and is considered the last lowland rainforest in Europe. The Polish part has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, and the Belarusian part since 1992.

The national park is a sanctuary for around 12,000 animal species - including the European bison, also known as the wisent. On the Polish side, the national park covers an area of 105.17 km², of which 47.16 km² is specially protected. But don't worry: the 'strict protection zone' can still be explored - at least in parts: there are designated routes and marked paths that tourists can marvel at on licensed tours. However, many sections of the forest are completely inaccessible or reserved for researchers.

The emerald-green Plitvice Lakes are not only Croatia's largest national park but also the oldest national park in Southeastern Europe. It consists of 16 named lakes, as well as several smaller ones, arranged in cascading fashion and interconnected by waterfalls. In 1979, they were included as one of the first natural monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The park has seven different sightseeing routes with numerous hiking trails and viewing platforms. In addition to the lake system, there are also four impressive mountain paths to explore in nearly untouched nature.

In the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, almost at the border with Montenegro, lies Sutjeska National Park (Bosnian Nacionalni park Sutjeska). It is the oldest national park in the country and is home to one of the last rainforests of the warm-temperate zone in Europe: the Perućica rainforest. Deep valleys, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and dense forest complexes as far as the eye can see - a visit to Sutjeska National Park is a must for all nature lovers.

The age of the national park is estimated at an astounding 20,000 years. No wonder it has been declared a strictly protected nature reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In southwestern Czech Republic, in the Bohemian Forest, lies the Šumava Biosphere Reserve. It includes both the national park and the Šumava landscape protection area, making it one of the most species-rich protected areas in Central Europe.

Especially impressive is the Boubínský Nature Reserve, the largest primeval forest in Central Europe. Intertwined roots, 300 to 400-year-old trees, and wild nature - since logging was hardly possible due to the immediate location at the 1362 m high Boubín Mountain, the rainforest was able to grow nearly unrestricted. By the way, it was originated by a storm that caused significant damage in the Bohemian Forest in January 1724.

Impressive cliffs, beautiful bays, lush meadows, and idyllic forests - the approximately 94-hectare Baltic Sea island of Vilm delights with its unique flora and fauna. It belongs to the town of Putbus on Rügen and is defined by three island cores: Small Vilm, Middle Vilm, and Large Vilm. Since 1990, the island has been one of the core zones of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve and is home to over 21 tree species, some of which are said to have witnessed the 16th century.

While the island was temporarily removed from old tourism maps of the GDR, it is now a popular destination for nature lovers and can be visited through registered guided excursions.

West of Mariazell, at the border between Lower Austria and Styria, lies the Dürrenstein-Lassing Valley Wilderness Area. It is home to a variety of rare plant and animal species as well as a special piece of untouched nature: the Rothwald. It extends over 40 square kilometers, of which about four square kilometers make up its most original part, the Rothwald rainforest.

After logging in the wilderness area was prohibited as early as 1875, it is still only possible for tourists to admire and explore the impressive nature along selected paths.

Garajonay National Park is located in the heart of the Canary Island of La Gomera and is covered by 85 percent Canary rainforest. Moss-covered branches and ferns up to two meters high, small streams, and waterfalls along the way - the evergreen cloud forest ensures true jungle feeling.

To protect the special ecosystem, the national park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and has also been a European Bird Protection Area since 1988.

Small but mighty! About 100 kilometers north of the Montenegrin capital Podgorica in the mountainous Bjelasica region lies the smallest national park in the country: Biogradska Gora. The park is known primarily for its 16 square kilometer rainforest.

Especially worth seeing: Biogradsko Jezero, the largest of all six glacial lakes of Biogradska Gora, at an altitude of 1,000 meters. A roughly 3.5-kilometer-long hiking trail runs around the lake, leading to a 21-meter-high observation tower - with incredible views over the glacial lake.

Centuries-old trees surrounded by thick fog, branches covered in moss, and rampant ferns - the Laurisilva, also known as laurel forest, is a hallmark of the island of Madeira in Portugal. As the name suggests, it is a protected area for the Laurisilva forest type and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since December 2, 1999.

The regional proximity to Africa creates a special climate in Madeira. Thus, the island is home to both subtropical plants that no longer exist in other regions of Europe and a special bird: the endemic Silver-necked Pigeon, the symbol of Parque Natural da Madeira.

With its mighty mountain ridges and crystal-clear mountain lakes, the Bavarian Forest catapults its visitors to a magical place that feels far removed from reality. With more than 130 mountain peaks, many rare animal species, an incredible natural spectacle, and the longest hiking trail in Germany, the Goldsteig, there is plenty to discover in the Bavarian Forest.

It lies between the Danube, the Bohemian Forest, and the Austrian border, covers around 6,000 square kilometers, and is also part of the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe in the tri-border region of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria, the Green Roof of Europe.

A breathtaking water and cultural landscape that significantly contributes to biodiversity, home to special animal species like the European pond turtle as well as delicious cucumbers - the Spreewald in the southeast of Brandenburg is worth a trip for many reasons. As a pronounced floodplain and moorland, the 475 square kilometer Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is under special protection and plays an important role in protecting our nature.

The best part? A canoe trip goes right through the forest - and it has been happening since 1882. Here, pure nature is combined with exciting history to discover. And don't worry: The famous crunchy-spicy Spreewald cucumber can, of course, be purchased at one of the many pickle stands in the various ports or at the special pickle drive-in, ready to take away.

If you're longing for a vacation in the green and jungle vibes, you don't have to embark on a long journey - untouched nature and rainforest feeling are practically right at your doorstep. Whether it's the Bavarian Forest or the Plitvice Lakes, wisents in the Polish-Belarusian nature park, or Silver-necked Pigeons in Portugal: there's a lot happening in Europe, and there's plenty to discover!

Most importantly, the incredible spectacle of nature in these impressive parks and reserves must continue to be appreciated and protected. For anyone wanting to deepen their awareness of the magic of our planet, a trip into the thicket should not be missed under any circumstances.