LAST UPDATED: 4/18/26 – Best National Parks in the World to Visit

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.

In this installment of my list of the 100 Best National Parks in the World for Travelers to Visit, I continue covering some of the world’s most incredible parklands. To give you a sense of how diverse the parks that I have ranked in the 61-80 segment of my list are, you will find parks from six different continents in this installment.

This includes everything from Africa’s most mysterious and incredible mountain range to one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. One thing that all of these parks have in common is their breathtaking beauty and the sheer joy and wonder you will experience when you visit them.

80. Abisko National Park, Sweden

Abisko National Park is a dreamscape of Arctic birch forests, turquoise rivers, and sweeping mountain backdrops. Its location above the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights, drawing travelers who want to experience the raw, untouched beauty that defines many of the great national parks in the world. The famous Kungsleden Trail begins here, offering hikers a gateway into Sweden’s most dramatic wilderness.

In summer, Abisko transforms into a land of endless daylight, where wildflowers bloom beneath the midnight sun and reindeer graze across open valleys. The park’s combination of accessibility and remoteness gives it a rare duality—easy to reach, yet deeply wild—making it a standout among national parks in the world for travelers seeking both serenity and adventure.

79. Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park blends lush rainforest, white‑sand beaches, and abundant wildlife into one compact, unforgettable destination. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in the world, it delivers an outsized experience with sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds appearing along nearly every trail. Its coastal viewpoints and jungle‑framed beaches make it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.

The park’s trails wind through dense vegetation before opening onto turquoise bays where visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax. Manuel Antonio’s unique mix of biodiversity and beachside beauty showcases why Costa Rica remains a powerhouse among national parks in the world, offering both ecological richness and pure tropical bliss.

78. Sarek National Park, Sweden

Sareks National Park is one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, a rugged expanse of glaciers, deep valleys, and towering peaks. With no marked trails or accommodations, it appeals to seasoned adventurers seeking solitude and immersion in nature. Its raw, untamed landscapes embody the spirit of the most remote national parks in the world.

Reindeer herds roam freely across the tundra, and the park’s dramatic weather patterns add to its sense of wild unpredictability. Sareks is a place where travelers can disconnect completely, experiencing the kind of pristine silence that has become increasingly rare even among national parks in the world.

77. Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada

Mount Revelstoke National Park offers a rare opportunity to drive from lush temperate rainforest to subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers—all within a single scenic route. Its summit area, known for vibrant summer blooms, is one of the most accessible alpine environments among national parks in the world. Visitors can explore boardwalks, viewpoints, and short trails that reveal sweeping views of British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains.

Beyond the summit, the park’s lower elevations feature giant cedars, moss‑covered forests, and tranquil lakes. This dramatic vertical diversity makes Mount Revelstoke a standout among national parks in the world, offering a full spectrum of ecosystems in a compact, easy‑to‑explore setting.

76. Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway

Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the largest glacier on mainland Europe, a sprawling ice mass that feeds turquoise rivers and sculpted valleys. Its glacier arms spill into dramatic fjord landscapes, creating a visual contrast that rivals the most striking national parks in the world. Visitors can hike to glacier viewpoints, explore ice caves in winter, or wander through lush valleys shaped by centuries of ice movement.

The park’s combination of ice, rock, and greenery creates a dynamic environment that feels alive and constantly changing. Jostedalsbreen’s dramatic scenery and accessible glacier experiences make it a highlight among national parks in the world for travelers seeking both beauty and geological wonder.

75. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a volcanic wonderland where smoking craters, ash plains, and towering peaks create one of the most surreal landscapes in Southeast Asia. Sunrise over Mount Bromo is a bucket‑list experience, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness colors and shadows dance across the caldera. Its otherworldly terrain sets it apart from many national parks in the world.

Beyond the famous viewpoint, travelers can hike to the crater rim, explore Tenggerese villages, or trek toward Mount Semeru, Java’s highest peak. The park’s blend of cultural heritage and volcanic drama makes it a standout among national parks in the world for adventurous travelers.

74. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park is a Balkan gem carved by glaciers and rivers, offering emerald lakes, limestone peaks, and deep canyons. The Tara River Canyon—one of the deepest in Europe—adds dramatic flair to a landscape already rich with natural beauty. Its rugged terrain and pristine lakes make it one of the most photogenic national parks in the world.

Visitors can hike to panoramic summits, swim in glacial lakes, or raft through turquoise river rapids. Durmitor’s combination of accessibility and wildness showcases why Montenegro is increasingly recognized among national parks in the world for its breathtaking mountain scenery.

73. Death Valley National Park, United States

Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes—scorching heat, vast salt flats, and towering sand dunes. Its stark beauty and dramatic contrasts make it one of the most iconic national parks in the world. From the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin to the colorful Artist’s Palette hills, the park offers landscapes that feel almost extraterrestrial.

Despite its harsh reputation, Death Valley is full of life, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom across the desert floor. Its vastness and silence create a sense of awe that few national parks in the world can match, drawing travelers who crave both solitude and spectacle.

72. Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and most historic wildlife reserves, known for its red‑dust elephants and sweeping savanna landscapes. Its open plains and seasonal rivers create ideal conditions for spotting lions, giraffes, and countless bird species. As one of the great safari destinations among national parks in the world, Tsavo East offers a classic African wilderness experience.

The park’s remote feel and expansive terrain allow visitors to explore without crowds, enhancing its sense of authenticity. Tsavo East’s wildlife density and dramatic scenery make it a standout among national parks in the world for travelers seeking a true safari adventure.

71. Huascarán National Park, Peru

Huascarán National Park protects the towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, including Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru. Its turquoise lakes, jagged summits, and high‑altitude valleys create some of the most dramatic Andean scenery among national parks in the world. The park is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers drawn to its rugged beauty.

Glacial lagoons like Laguna 69 have become iconic for their surreal blue waters and dramatic backdrops. Huascarán’s combination of cultural heritage, biodiversity, and alpine grandeur makes it one of the most unforgettable national parks in the world.

70. Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia

Tanjung Puting National Park is world‑renowned for its orangutan conservation efforts, offering visitors the rare chance to observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Dense rainforest, winding rivers, and rich biodiversity make it one of the most unique national parks in the world. Travelers often explore by klotok boat, drifting through jungle waterways alive with wildlife.

Beyond orangutans, the park shelters proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and countless bird species. Its immersive river‑based experience sets it apart from other national parks in the world, offering a peaceful yet thrilling journey into Borneo’s wild heart.

69. Rila National Park, Bulgaria

Rila National Park is Bulgaria’s largest protected area, home to glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and the country’s highest peak, Musala. Its Seven Rila Lakes are among the most photographed natural landmarks in Eastern Europe, drawing hikers who appreciate the serene beauty found in many national parks in the world. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.

With well‑marked trails and sweeping mountain vistas, Rila offers both accessibility and adventure. Its blend of cultural heritage—thanks to nearby Rila Monastery—and natural splendor places it firmly among the most memorable national parks in the world.

68. Þingvellir National Park, Iceland

Thingvellir National Park is a geological and historical treasure where visitors can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Its rift valleys, waterfalls, and crystal‑clear springs create a landscape unlike any other among national parks in the world. Thingvellir is also the birthplace of Iceland’s ancient parliament, adding cultural depth to its natural beauty.

Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure offers a surreal experience in some of the clearest water on Earth. Thingvellir’s combination of geology, history, and striking scenery makes it one of the most distinctive national parks in the world.

67. Seoraksan National Park, South Korea

Seoraksan National Park blends jagged granite peaks, colorful forests, and serene temples into one of South Korea’s most beloved natural areas. Its dramatic rock formations and sweeping valleys place it among the most scenic national parks in the world. The park’s cable car and well‑maintained trails make its viewpoints accessible to a wide range of travelers.

In autumn, Seoraksan becomes a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold, drawing visitors from across Asia. Its mix of cultural sites and natural beauty showcases why it remains one of the most cherished national parks in the world.

66. Glacier National Park, United States

Glacier National Park is a masterpiece of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and sweeping alpine meadows. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” it stands proudly among the most iconic national parks in the world. The Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road offers one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth, revealing dramatic cliffs and glacial valleys.

Wildlife thrives here, from mountain goats to grizzly bears, and the park’s extensive trail network invites exploration. Glacier’s combination of grandeur and accessibility makes it one of the most unforgettable national parks in the world.

65. Tatra National Park, Poland

Tatra National Park protects the highest peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, offering dramatic ridgelines, emerald lakes, and charming alpine huts. Its landscapes rival those of the Alps, earning it a place among the most beautiful national parks in the world. Popular trails like Morskie Oko and Rysy attract hikers seeking both challenge and reward.

The park’s blend of rugged peaks and cultural heritage—shared between Poland and Slovakia—adds depth to its appeal. Tatra’s dramatic scenery and well‑maintained trails make it one of the standout national parks in the world.

64. Whitsunday Islands National Park, Australia

Whitsunday Islands National Park is a tropical paradise of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and powder‑white beaches. Its crown jewel, Whitehaven Beach, is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world, helping cement the park’s status among the most idyllic national parks in the world. Sailing, snorkeling, and beachcombing are the main attractions here.

The park’s proximity to the Great Barrier Reef adds another layer of adventure, offering access to vibrant marine life and colorful coral gardens. Its blend of relaxation and exploration makes Whitsunday Islands one of the most enchanting national parks in the world.

63. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien Mountains National Park is a dramatic highland landscape carved by deep valleys and towering cliffs. Home to unique wildlife like the gelada monkey and Walia ibex, it stands proudly among the most distinctive national parks in the world. The park’s rugged terrain and sweeping vistas create a sense of grandeur that leaves a lasting impression.

Trekkers can explore ancient plateaus, remote villages, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal Ethiopia’s natural majesty. Simien Mountains’ combination of biodiversity and dramatic scenery makes it one of the most extraordinary national parks in the world.

62. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy

Cinque Terre National Park blends colorful cliffside villages with terraced vineyards and Mediterranean coastline. Its iconic hiking paths connect five historic towns, offering views that rival the most picturesque national parks in the world. The park’s cultural landscape—shaped by centuries of human craftsmanship—adds a unique dimension to its natural beauty.

Visitors can wander narrow alleys, sample local cuisine, or hike along dramatic coastal trails. Cinque Terre’s fusion of culture, scenery, and seaside charm makes it one of the most unforgettable national parks in the world.

61. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park is one of Africa’s great hidden gems, a vast, untamed wilderness where baobab‑studded plains meet winding rivers and rocky escarpments. Its remote location keeps visitor numbers low, creating an intimate safari experience where you can spend hours with a single elephant herd or lion pride without another vehicle in sight. The Great Ruaha River is the park’s lifeline, drawing huge concentrations of wildlife during the dry season.

Known for its impressive populations of elephants, lions, and wild dogs, Ruaha offers some of the most rewarding game viewing on the continent. Birdlife is equally spectacular, with hundreds of species thriving in its varied habitats. For travelers seeking a raw, authentic safari far from the crowds, Ruaha National Park delivers a powerful sense of wilderness and discovery.

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