The 100 Best National Parks in the World for Travelers to Visit – Part 1 (81-100)


The world is full of a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes, spectacular wildlife, and incredible wonders that will blow your mind. Thankfully, many of these amazing places have been protected for current and future generations to enjoy by being designated as National Parks. Each year, new parklands are protected for travelers to enjoy, so the list of wonderful places to visit is only growing. If you are anything like me, then you probably want to visit as many of these beautiful parklands as you can. Well, you are in luck because I have put together a list of the 100 best national parks in the world for travelers to visit.

national parks in the world

In this installment of the 100 Best National Parks in the World for Travelers to Visit, I am going to cover the first group of parks that I think travelers should have on their radar. Even though these are the 81-100 ranked parks on my list, it doesn’t mean these parks are any less spectacular than the parks that I have ranked higher. In fact, there are several parks in this group that I have enjoyed visiting multiple times because I love them so much. Without further ado, let’s get into the beautiful parks that I think travelers should add to their bucket lists.

100. Ojców National Park, Poland

national parks in the world

Located only 24 kilometers (or 15 miles) from the city of Cracow, the beautiful Ojców National Park in Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated national parks and one of the lesser appreciated national parks in the world. The park has some of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful forests and is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. This includes over 1,000 different species of flowering plants and roughly 135 different species of birds. So, if you have plans to visit Poland in the near future, you won’t want to miss out on seeing this incredible park.

99. Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Czech Republic

national parks in the world

Not to be confused with the country of Switzerland, which is hundreds of miles to the Southwest of the park, the incredible Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. Close enough to the city of Prague to visit on a day trip, the park is known for its incredible forests, beautiful mountains, and stunning rock formations. In fact, the park is so pretty that several scenes from the movie Chronicles of Narnia were filmed there. Some of the most popular features that you can see within the park include the incredible Pravčická Brána, which is the largest natural rock bridge in all of Europe, and the upper and lower canyons of the breathtaking Kamenice River. The Czech Republic is known for having some of Europe’s most incredible landscapes and parks like the Bohemian Switzerland National Park are a great example.

98. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Canada

national parks in the world

While the parks of the northern Rocky Mountains in Western Canada may get most of the attention, one of the more underrated national parks in the world is located in Eastern Canada. The stunning Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the province of Nova Scotia is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Considered to be one of Canada’s most enchanting places, the park is where the mountains meet the ocean, creating some of the most visually beautiful oceanside bluffs that you will find anywhere in the world. The park is renowned for its incredible vistas, stunning coastline, an abundance of wildlife that includes a large moose population, and some of the best seafood that you will find anywhere in North America. So next time you are thinking of planning a trip to Canada, don’t overlook this amazing park on the country’s eastern coast.

97. Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain

national parks in the world

There are no shortages of incredible national parks in the country of Spain, but one of my absolute favorites is the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park in the southern part of the country. Home to many of Spain’s 3,000-meter (or 9,842-feet) peaks, this amazing park is surrounded by numerous “Casas Blancas”, or traditional, whitewashed Andalusian hillside villages. In addition to being home to some of Spain’s most incredible hiking tracks, the park is also Europe’s southernmost ski destination during the winter months. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Mulhacen (3,479 meters above sea level), or ski on some of Europe’s most underrated slopes. Regardless of what brings you to this stunning park, you are certain to make memories that will last a lifetime!

96. Koli National Park, Finland

national parks in the world

Finland is widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful nations in Europe, and after seeing the beautiful landscapes in its famed Koli National Park it won’t be difficult to understand why. Located in Eastern Finland, in what is often regarded as “Lake Land” because of some 190,000 lakes in the area, the park consists of a chain of peaks that offer breathtaking views of the beautiful Pielinen Lake. The lake is known for its many incredible rocky islands (known as skerries) that make this one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Outdoor adventurers will love climbing the peaks to capture sublime views of the lake and surrounding area and exploring the park’s many wonderful hiking paths. If you are looking for some adventure in a beautiful park, then look no further than Finland’s Koli National Park.

95. Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

national parks in the world

Located only a short 2-hour drive from Sydney, Australia, the Blue Mountains National Park is well known for its incredible soaring sandstone ridges that fill the expansive bushland. The park is woven in between countless charming mountain towns that serve wonderful food and offer warm hospitality in between your hiking and sightseeing adventures. You will also find several incredible Aboriginal rock art sites within the park, as well as an amazing, suspended cableway and the world’s steepest train ride that takes you thru the valleys and down the jagged cliffs. So, if you will be in the Sydney, Australia area and are looking for a fun day trip, I cannot recommend the incredible Blue Mountains National Park enough.

94. Tayrona National Park, Colombia

national parks in the world

Located in the Northern Caribbean region of the country of Columbia, the incredible Tayrona National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks in the world. For those who do know of it, the park is most known for being home to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is the highest coastal mountain in the world. The foothills of this amazing mountain plunge into the ocean like enormous fingers that are reaching into the water and form some of South America’s most beautiful bays and coves. The park has an abundance of soft, white sand beaches for visitors to enjoy that are surrounded by beautiful forests and enchanting mangrove swamps. While relaxing and enjoying the stunning views seems to be one of the most popular activities within the park, there are also several fun activities that visitors can enjoy. This includes hiking, snorkeling, diving, and touring the nearby archeological ruins of an ancient city of the Tayrona people.

93. Gros Morne National Park, Canada

If you are looking for a park with rugged beauty to visit on your next big adventure, then I would look no further than Canada’s amazing Gros Morne National Park on Newfoundland’s west coast. Stretching from the Gulf of St. Lawrence towards the Long-Range Mountains and Tablelands, the park has got some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas and coastline that you will find anywhere in the world. A roadway snakes thru the ruggedly beautiful park terrain as it makes its way from one tiny village to another. In between hikes, kayaking trips, or backcountry skiing adventures, these small towns are great for unwinding and enjoying a nice dinner or a lively cultural festival. So, if getting away from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life to find some peace and solitude is on your bucket list, then the Gros Morne National Park in Canada may be the place for you!

92. Kakadu National Park, Australia

national parks in the world

In addition to breathtaking landscapes and amazing outdoor adventures, the best national parks in the world also offer visitors exceptional natural and cultural values. Few parks in the world exemplify this better than the incredible Kakadu National Park in Australia. As the largest national park in Australia and one of the world’s largest tropics, Kakadu helps preserve a great variety of ecosystems such as savanna woodlands, forests, floodplains, mangroves, and coastal areas. It is one of the least impacted places on the Australian continent, so its untouched beauty is also a haven for a large diversity of wildlife. The area has been important for Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years and the cave paintings and other cultural sites within the park are important for understanding the cultural history of Australia. So, if you are planning a trip to Australia soon, I would suggest adding this incredible park to your travel itinerary.

91. Killarney National Park, Ireland

national parks in the world

Ireland is another country in Europe that has an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and has protected them by creating some of the world’s most cherished national parks. No list of the best national parks in the world for travelers to visit would be complete without mentioning the beautiful Killarney National Park. Located in the Southwestern part of the island nation of Ireland, Killarney National Park is famous for its beautiful rolling hillsides, incredible ancient castles, and pristine lakes. The park is one of the most popular stops on the famed “Ring of Kerry” road trip thru Southern Ireland. If you are planning a trip to Ireland in the near future, the Ring of Kerry and the amazing Killarney National Park are can’t miss attractions!

90. Acadia National Park, United States

national parks in the world

Widely considered to be the most popular national park in the United States located East of the Mississippi River, the beautiful Acadia National Park in the state of Maine in the United States is also one of the more underrated national parks in the world. Few other places in North America will you find a rocky coastline that is as beautiful as the one in Acadia. In fact, along the Otter Cliffs within the park, you will often find rock climbers dangling above the ocean as they try and scale the incredible coastal cliffs. In addition to the park’s beautiful coastline, you will also find an abundance of hiking and biking trails. Much of the land that makes up the park was donated, with the infamous Rockefeller family contributing a large portion. This included many miles of carriage roads that make for wonderful biking and skiing trails for visitors. I would also recommend taking a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain during your visit, as it is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. And after a day of adventure, a stop in nearby Bar Harbour for some food, drink, and shopping is a great way to end an incredible day in one of the world’s most beautiful parks!

89. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, Algeria

national parks in the world

While many of the most well-known of Africa’s national parks are famous for their incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, the beautiful Tassili n’Ajjer National Park in Algeria is famous for many different reasons. The park protects one of the most unique and stunning landscapes in all of Africa, if not the world. The strange lunar landscape of the park and geographical rock formations remind me a lot of what you see in Southern Utah in the United States. The incredible eroding sandstone rock forests are absolutely breathtaking to see in person. In addition to the incredible landscape, the park is also home to more than 15,000 ancient drawings and engravings that record the animal migrations and evolution of human life dating all the way back to 6,000 BC. With so many incredible things to see and discover in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, it is no wonder it is considered to be one of the top national parks in the world for travelers to visit.

88. Rocky Mountain National Park, United States

My guess is that the Rocky Mountains in the United States need very little introduction amongst travel enthusiasts. However, unless you are familiar with America’s national parks, you may not know about the incredible national park that goes by the same name. Beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the state of Colorado in the United States and sits right in the heart of the Rocky Mountain range. Known for its breathtaking mountains, incredible alpine valleys, beautiful lakes and streams, and abundance of wildlife, the park is one of the most popular in the United States. While there are roads that will take you thru many of the most popular landscapes within the park, to truly enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park, you need to get out of your vehicle and hike. Whether it is conquering Longs Peak, which is one of Colorado’s most infamous 14,000-feet (or 4,267-meter) mountains, or just taking a short stroll to see one of the park’s many waterfalls, you won’t regret it. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re there because you will have a great chance of seeing an elk, moose, bighorn sheep, or even a bear during your visit.

87. Ordesa National Park, Spain

While the Alps get most of the attention from mountain-loving travelers visiting Europe, the incredible Pyrenees are arguably the most underrated mountain range in the world. Stretching along the border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees have some spectacular vistas and hiking trails for adventure travelers to enjoy. One of the best places to experience the Pyrenees is in the amazing Ordesa National Park in Spain. Established in 1918, the park covers roughly 156 square kilometers of land and showcases the breathtaking valleys of Ordesa and Anisclo. If you are up for the challenge, the 11,000-feet high (3355-meter) limestone summit of Monte Perdido, the third highest peak in the Pyrenees, sits in the center of the park waiting to be summited. For those who are looking for a more laid-back adventure, there are also plenty of gentle walks for you to take within the park and plenty of delightful small towns like Torla-Ordesa to enjoy some food, drink, and shopping as well.

86. Sundarban National Park, India

The incredible and beautiful country of India has an absolute wealth of amazing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and they all of their unique aspects that make them so compelling to visitors. In my opinion, one of the most unique and captivating of India’s national parks and sanctuaries is the wonderful Sundarban National Park. Like many of India’s parks, the Sundarban is many things at once. It is a biosphere reserve, a national park, and a tiger reserve. The unique and enchanting mangrove ecosystem of the park makes it one of the more unique and beautiful landscapes that you will find in India. After taking a boat tour thru the park you will appreciate just how diverse and beautiful the plants and wildlife within the park really are. But make no mistake, the wildlife in the park certainly steals the show. In addition to being home to many wild Royal Bengal tigers, you can also find leopards, rhinoceros, wild buffaloes, wild hogs, barasinga, spotted deer, hog deer, and Monkeys within the park. With this array of amazing wildlife to see, it is no wonder why the Sundarban National Park frequently ranks amongst the top national parks in the world to visit.

85. Olympic National Park, United States

Because the western United States has a wealth of beautiful national parks, it is tough for all of them to get attention amongst the best national parks in the world. However, it would be an absolute shame for the incredible Olympic National Park in the state of Washington to not get the attention that it is certainly due. Renowned for its breathtaking temperate rainforests like the infamous Hoh Rainforest, many parts of the park are filled with moss-covered trees that make it seem like the forests are enchanted. There are numerous hiking paths thru these forests, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the beautiful vegetation and rich, diverse wildlife. In addition to the incredible forests, the park is also home to some of the continent’s most beautiful coastal mountains. At spots like Hurricane Ridge, the views are jaw-droppingly beautiful. However, no visit to Olympic National Park would be complete without a stop along the coast to see some of the park’s incredible sea stacks and amazing beaches. Olympic National Park is a park-like none other in the United States, which is why it should be on every park enthusiast’s travel bucket list.

84. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

In my opinion, New Zealand is one of the countries in this world with the most breathtaking national parklands. The South Island of New Zealand, especially, has some absolutely incredible national parks. However, while it may not get as much attention from adventure travelers, the North Island of New Zealand has some incredible national parks for visitors to explore as well. One of my favorite spots on New Zealand’s North Island is the amazing Tongariro National Park. Not only is it New Zealand’s oldest national park, but it is also one of its most fascinating. Home to three active volcanic mountains and some of the island’s most iconic landscapes, the park is certain to leave you amazed. There are some fantastic hiking tracks located in the park for visitors to enjoy and many small villages like Whakapapa, Raurimu, and Erua to visit inside the park for wonderful food, drink, and souvenir shopping.

83. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

As breathtakingly beautiful as the country is, I think most travelers will be surprised to learn that Triglav National Park is the only national park in the country of Slovenia. Named after the park’s highest peak, Triglav (9.396-feet\2,864-meters high), the park encompasses most of the eastern part of the Julian Alps, which are some of the prettiest mountains in Europe. One of Slovenia’s most recognized legends tells the tale of a golden-horned chamois who reigned over this region of the Alps and guards a tremendous fortune. However, I would argue that the real treasure in this park is the incredible mountain vistas, wonderful alpine hiking trails, incredible rivers for kayaking, and abundant cultural sites for visitors to explore. Whether you come to explore the beautiful emerald green Soča River, the stunning Lake Bled, or come on a holiday visit to Slovenia’s best-known ski areas, the incredible Triglav National Park won’t disappoint.

82. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

While sitting on a beautiful beach and soaking up the sun is likely the first thing that comes to mind when most travelers think about visiting Central America, there are some extraordinary national parks to visit in this region of the world as well. One of the most underrated of these parks, and one of the most underrated national parks in the world, is the amazing Arenal Volcano National Park in the country of Costa Rica. This beautiful 26,692-acre park is located within the larger 500,000+ acre Arenal Conservation Area, which protects 16 different wildlife reserves between the Tilarán and Guanacaste Mountain ranges. The main attractions in the park are undoubtedly the two volcanoes. The 5,357-foot (1,633-meter) Arenal Volcano and 3,740-foot (1,140-meter) Chato Volcano attract visitors from around the world each year. While the Chato Volcano is not inactive, the Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica’s most active. So, if you would like to see one of the world’s most incredible volcanoes, in addition to seeing some of Central America’s wonderful wildlife, the Arenal Volcano National Park is an excellent choice for your next adventure!

81. Bryce Canyon National Park, United States

The last national park that I will be highlighting in my first segment of the top national parks in the world for travelers to visit is one of my all-time favorite national parks. Located in the famed southern Utah region of the United States, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique and beautiful parks that you will find anywhere in the world. The park centers around the beautiful Bryce Canyon, which is known for being filled with some of the most incredible rock spires (known as “hoodoos”) that you will find anywhere in the world. In addition to having some incredible hiking trails and backcountry camping, the park also offers horseback rides thru the canyon and helicopter rides to give you a bird’s eye view of this amazing place.


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Categories: General Travel, International National Parks, National Parks, Travel, Travel Inspiration, WildlifeTags: , , , , , , , ,

6 comments

  1. Wow, what a list! I have no idea how you ever managed to put all these in order. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of them… and adding some new places to my travel list.

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