Alternative Europe: top under-the-radar destinations

When people dream of traveling Europe, it tends to be for its quintessential experiences – the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the balmy green pastures of Tuscany, drinking sangria in the Barcelonian sun, or touring past the Houses of Parliament on a London bus. There’s a wealth of overlooked destinations crammed within Europe’s borders, however, many of which are slowly gaining a reputation among adventurous travelers keen to see what else the continent has to offer. From Georgia’s flower-strewn hills and bready culinary treats to Poland’s storied architectural treasures, read on to be inspired by our list of destinations for an alternative Europe trip.

Georgia

A hidden star in the South Caucasus, Georgia has been relatively unknown to most of Western tourism until the last decade, when its picturesque towns, imposing monasteries, and sublime hiking routes finally encouraged a small flurry of international visitors.

Tbilisi, Georgia’s buzzing capital, has built a reputation all its own in recent years, particularly for its hip natural wine bars, underground techno clubs and excellent food scene. For an older sense of the city, the hued tiers of balconied architecture in the Old Town and mazes of winding streets offer a glimpse into its Eurasian past. Elsewhere, a lot of Georgia’s towns have memorable assets: atmospheric Gori, the hilltop birthplace of Joseph Stalin, and Mtskheta, home to the UNESCO-protected medieval masterpiece, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Walking trails through the unbeatable scenic countryside regions give a real taste of Georgia’s mountainous surroundings. The road to Stepantsminda offers phenomenal mountain views, while in the Svaneti region, valleys swathed with green meadows are scattered with old-style defensive towers, ancient churches, and tiny villages.

Let’s not forget two of Georgia’s biggest draws: the food and wine. Georgian vineyards of rare grapes are plentiful, while its food combines a satisfying fusion of Asian and European flavors due to its position on the ancient Silk Road. Georgia’s specialty, khachapuri, is a delectable cheesy bread with an egg on top, while other dishes are bejeweled with fragrant spices, nuts and pomegranate seeds.

Poland

Over in Eastern Europe, Poland has incredible history, underrated natural scenery and elegant, multifaceted cities. The former capital, Krakow, is one of its biggest draws, with sprawling squares of Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque architecture and artistic cultural activities galore. Its royal capital city of Warsaw boasts resplendent gardens, superb eating spots, and endless sites of historic significance.

No doubt, Poland will keep history buffs intrigued for weeks on end. Known still for its central positioning in World War II, the country does well to acknowledge this dark past while also honoring its Jewish heritage. On the outskirts of Krakow, Auschwitz is the most prominent of these sites and makes for a distinctly important visit, while museums, synagogues and the Jewish district in Krakow also provide opportunities for quiet contemplation.

Aside from the events around World War II, the country’s fascinating, conflict-ridden history stretches back to the 10th century, so the remnants of multiple occupations scatter its towns and cities. The supremely Gothic Malbork Castle was built by invading Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, while Soviet-era Nowa Huta is a fortress-like square, built to harshly contradict Krakow’s former elegance.

Moving away from the urban sprawls, one feels drawn to the rugged beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, bordering Slovakia in the south. Hiking trails here are distinctly alpine in feel, and very accessible – the perfect opportunity to balance centuries of history with the peaceful solitude of Poland’s natural splendor.

Iceland

Iceland’s tiny landmass packs in enough breathtaking volcanic landscapes, powder-blue lakes and magical views of the northern lights to place it atop any travel bucket list. Reykjavik is where most Icelanders live, offering a compact dose of cosmopolitan city life awash with galleries, museums, and world-class nightlife. It’s an unmissable stop and an excellent springboard for the adventures beyond.

Speaking of adventures, the Golden Circle route is the best introduction to Iceland’s scenic and historic treasures, with visitors often using self-drive to get around at their own pace. As well as the famously inviting Blue Lagoon, it covers Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfalls, both top choices for their ancient natural beauty.

Dedicated hikers are spoilt for choice, as walking is arguably the best way to absorb Iceland’s awe-inspiring terrain. Hiking tours of Iceland can include impressive trails through Landmannalaugar, known as the Pearl of the Highlands for its blue lakes, geothermal hot springs and rhyolite mountains. Further south, the glacial valley of Thorsmork draws hikers of all abilities, as rivers, shrubs and lush forests cover the ground between huge glaciers. In the lesser-visited north are the remote Westfjords and some of the most spectacular and isolated landscapes of Iceland; deep blue fjords, majestic icescapes and unspoiled beaches await exploration, while hot springs invite you to pause and rejuvenate your tired limbs.

Traveling Iceland takes time and everything can’t be covered in a single trip, so use a local expert to plan a route that includes the activities that matter to you. A final and important point for many: visit in the wintry months between November and March for the best chance of seeing the northern lights.

Finland

An electric mix of experiences dictated by seasonal shifts, Finland is a wilderness of tall woodlands and shimmering lakes alongside upbeat, design-led cities. Whether you visit in the peaceful, snow-covered winter or join the jovial beer gardens and music events of the summer, you’ll have a memorable and enriching trip. It’s no wonder the people of Finland are reported as being the happiest in all the world.

Finland draws visitors mostly for its swathes of weather-struck natural beauty, with myriad chances to canoe, bike and horseback-ride in the summer; and ski, dog-sled and Arctic river-raft through the winter. With strongly shifting daylight hours throughout the year, there’s also the otherworldly experience of summer’s midnight sun, or the winter’s northern lights. Aside from exploring the gorgeous, immersive surrounds of nature spots such as Hossa National Park, you could enjoy the chance to meet the Sami reindeer herders, indulge in a Finnish sauna, or embark on a moose safari.

The city life of Finland is just as fun. Loaded with attractive fin-de-siècle architecture, buildings of impressive yet functional design, and a glut of unbeatable restaurants and drinking spots, capital Helsinki is a cluster of islands and bays that you’ll want to stop at for a while. When it comes to food, locally-foraged and farm-to-table ingredients have always been the way for Finnish people, so indulge in the freshwater fish, wild elk, seasonal berries, herbs and pickles for as long as you can.

Latvia

Western tourism knows little about Latvia, an unassuming yet endlessly charming, horseshoe-shaped destination on the Baltic sea. The only city here is capital Riga, where the occasionally-reserved locals tend to speak at least three languages, and the cobblestone streets and Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings of the Old Town are real crowd-pleasers. Riga is a treat to aimlessly wander around, and with ample art museums, live music and streetside cafes, you’ll soon see why the city is considered somewhat of a cultural center in the Baltics.

Latvia’s true draw, however, is that its landmass is 50% wilderness, so it’s essentially an unspoilt natural haven for visitors. Hikers and birdwatchers flock to the Great Kemeri Bog (much more pleasant than it sounds) to cross an elevated moss marsh through a landscape of fragrant wild rosemary, pine trees and lakes. Sigulda and Cesis are two attractive towns in the Gauja Valley, ideal for making the most of outdoor activities like biking, camping and canoeing.

We mustn’t forget the country’s coastal delights, as Latvia’s sprawling beaches draw plenty of sun worshippers from neighboring countries. The resort area of Jūrmala continues the Art Nouveau aesthetic with its wooden seaside villas, while the port city of Ventspils, with its Old Town and 17th-century storehouses, offers a quieter and more historic vibe.

Switzerland

Famed for its chocolate, alpine panoramas and après-ski fondue, Switzerland beats all expectations. You could spend your entire vacation soaking up its beauty, or else combine it with a jaunt to France; with help from our local experts to plan a multi-destination trip, you could soon be enjoying a taste of Western European splendor at its best.

A handful of cities are peppered across the country, but most of the landmass is mountainous – meaning almost every pocket of civilization is backed by stunning views – and well-signposted walking trails abound. The traditional town of Zermatt, though it draws a lot of visitors, is popular for a reason; the iconic Matterhorn is visible from wherever you stand. The highest point of 3,883m, once an exclusive journey for intrepid explorers, can be easily reached via one of many summit lifts, and it’s a smile-inducing ride to the top. On the ground in Zermatt, enjoy the local yodeling performances and traditional log cabins that hint at old Valaisian village life.

Indeed, scenic mountain villages are one of the true joys of a trip to Switzerland – such as Isenfluh, an unspoiled hamlet protected by the looming Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. It is truly off the tourist track, so a great place to take a breather and stock up on sausage and cheese at one of the many family-run stalls. Elsewhere is the resplendent city of Lucerne, which sits on the enormous and idyllic lake of the same name. There, the medieval architecture of the Old Town is so beautifully preserved, it was apparently one of Queen Victoria’s favorite places.

Make it happen

Dreaming of an alternative Europe vacation? To arrange a trip to any of the above destinations or integrate them into an incredible multi-stop tour of Europe, our local experts are on the ground ready to help make your dreams a reality.

1. Georgia
2. Poland
3. Iceland
4. Finland
5. Latvia
6. Switzerland