Top five views in Europe

Relaxing on a beach is one thing, but when you really want to admire the beauty of a new country, sometimes the only way is to go high up into the mountains – or down low to the peaceful lakes. For Insta-worthy backdrops that look way better in reality than on social, check out our top five lakes and mountains views in Europe.

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Mont Blanc mountain range, Chamonix, France

The views of this mountain range from Chamonix are more than enough to write home about (with your Mont Blanc fountain pen, of course). Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, so you definitely won’t miss it. If climbing it is off limits – it will be for most of us, as you need extensive alpine mountaineering experience to attempt it – there’s a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, which translates to ‘Needle of the midday.’ You’ll see the French, Swiss and Italian Alps from the top, too.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Germany

Look familiar? The Neuschwanstein Castle is the original inspiration for THE Disney castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. You can see why – this gorgeous fairytale castle is in the foothills of the Alps. You can get a ticket for a tour through the intricate Throne Room or Hall of Singers, or just walk along the mountain path and admire it from Queen Mary’s Bridge.

Villa Carlotta, Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is worth a photograph from whatever angle you look at it, but we recommend heading to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Why? Not only does it have beautiful gardens to wander through, including a bamboo forest, but from its third-floor balcony you can overlook the lake itself and gaze over the town of Bellagio. Wander to the top of the hill behind the villa to get the best view of the nearby mountains.

Schafberg mountain, St Wolfgang, Austria

Forget boring old cable cars – the red cogwheel train in St Wolfgang takes you all the way to the summit of Schafberg mountain, which is over 1,783-metres high. This gets you to one of the best views in Austria, with a 360-degree vista of mountains, lakes and the valley. You can even see over the border and into Germany. The journey only takes around 35 minutes and covers 5.85km, plus there’s even a restaurant if you’re feeling peckish.

Two Lakes Bridge, Interlaken, Switzerland

The Two Lakes Bridge is the best spot to take in, well, two stunning Swiss lakes. Take the funicular tram from Interlaken to the Harder Kulm peak and admire Lake Thun on the left and Lake Brienz on the right. There’s even a glass section in the floor so you can see the fields 1,322m below.