When travelling, we generally want to take a break from the tensions and stress of life and go somewhere exciting yet safe. While there’s a great deal of uncertainty, tension, and violence in the world, there are far more peaceful places to live in and visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, the following countries are among the top ten most peaceful and safe in the world, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) scoring developed by the Institute for Economics & Peace.
If you’re wondering what these places offer tourists beyond safety and peacefulness, don’t worry; you’ll find each country’s tourist highlights here, too.
Iceland
Iceland is the safest place in Europe to visit, and adding to its appeal as a travel-worthy destination is that it’s absolutely stunning. The magic of Iceland truly sinks in if you’re willing to embark on a journey along Ring Road. The motorway circles the entire country, spanning 1,328 km. The route will take you through a seemingly impossible number of natural wonders, including the northern lights, glaciers, waterfalls, lagoons, fjords, hot springs, and even volcanoes.
While following Ring Road, you’ll want to check out attractions like Gullfoss Waterfall, Blue Lagoon, and Black Sand Beach. Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is also home to Perlan, an immersive nature museum that’s a huge tourist draw.
Denmark
Denmark is known for many things, including being the home of the LEGO brand, being incredibly bicycle-friendly, and its Viking ancestry. These things are definitely exciting, but the interest in the concept of “hygge” is one of the trendiest things the country is known for.
Hygge is a term without an exact translation, but it loosely means taking a break from the busyness of daily life and appreciating the small things, either on your own or with loved ones. During a visit to Denmark, wanting to take part in the concept of hygge is common, and it is recommended to visit a restaurant for a cosy meal or to spend a sunny day at one of the country’s parks or gardens, like the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Beyond a first-hand glimpse into a hygge lifestyle, Denmark also offers attractions like Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family; Nyhavn, the country’s widely recognised canal; and LEGOLAND.
Ireland
Another country that’s considered one of the safest in Europe (and the world) is Ireland. The country has many world-famous attractions that make it an alluring travel destination. Like Iceland, taking a road trip through the country offers the opportunity to take in all its sights and attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Stone.
If you’re there for city life more than the scenic countryside, Dublin offers everything you’re looking for. In the city, you’ll find the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Trinity College, and even an interactive Irish Whiskey Museum. Adding to the appeal and excitement of Ireland is you can legally gamble online via casinos.com and other similar sites – a perfect complement to the fun and light atmosphere of taste-testing Irish drinks like Guinness.
Austria
Austria is a beautiful, safe country with scenic landscapes and a deep appreciation for fine art, music, and intellectual pursuits. These qualities appeal to tourists wanting to see what inspired great artists and influential minds like Mozart, Sigmund Freud, and Gustav Klimt. Once tourists arrive, the old buildings, including palaces and cathedrals, and stunning outdoor spaces will charm them into falling in love with the country.
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is filled with attractions and activities that invite you to explore the history of the city and country as a whole while indulging in fine art and food. Vienna also invites you to explore your musical side (Vienna is, after all, best known for its music). With concert halls, opera houses, theatres, and even a museum on the subject, there are plenty of ways to listen and learn about music in all its forms. If you can only make it to one city in this country, prioritise Vienna.
Portugal
With good food, fine wine, sandy beaches, art, and stunning architecture, Portugal sets tourists up for a memorable and enjoyable experience within its peaceful borders. The country ranks seventh globally for its GPI score, making it well worth considering for European travel.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is renowned for its colourful buildings and thriving nightlife. Like many capitals, Lisbon is a wonderful place to learn more about Portugal as a whole and to get a taste of the culture and atmosphere of the country.
Lisbon is also home to many of Portugal’s best-known historic sites, like the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Praça do Comércio, and Torre de Belém. There are also many markets and small eateries on the cobblestone streets, and you’ll want to be sure to try a Portuguese tart at one of them.
Slovenia
Last, but certainly not least, on this list is Slovenia, a small country covered in tranquil green spaces and old cities. The capital is Ljubljana, and if you spend your entire trip there, you won’t regret it. The town is filled with charm and old neighbourhoods to wander through – of which the Ljubljana Old Town is the most popular. Within Ljubljana, you’ll also find interesting sites like Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, and Tivoli Park. Slovenia may be small, but it’s filled with arts, culture, and life, making it well worth visiting.
Conclusion
Europe has many safe and peaceful places tourists can feel confident about visiting, but these six lead the pack. They don’t just offer tourist destinations free of tension; they also boast exciting attractions, stunning landscapes, and fascinating histories. These qualities make them must-visit places you’ll want to add to your travel bucket list.
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