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Europe’s forests offer some of the continent’s most beautiful settings for a peaceful holiday. For travellers seeking memorable forest escapes in Europe, ancient woodlands, alpine lakes, mist-covered valleys and remote wilderness retreats provide plenty of inspiration. Many are complemented by exceptional spa hotels, private lodges and countryside estates, making them particularly appealing for luxury travellers.
Whether it’s a designer treehouse in Sweden, a lakeside retreat in Finland or a country-house stay in England’s New Forest, these 25 destinations offer memorable woodland holidays with distinctive scenery, experiences and accommodation.
Ancient and Enchanting Forests
1. Białowieża Forest, Poland
One of Europe’s last surviving expanses of primeval lowland forest, UNESCO-listed Białowieża is celebrated for its centuries-old trees and European bison. Visitors can explore woodland trails, visit the European Bison Show Reserve or arrange guided excursions into the strictly protected areas of Białowieża National Park. Hotel Żubrówka, in the village of Białowieża, provides comfortable accommodation and wellness facilities close to the forest.
2. Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal
Fanal Forest is among Madeira’s most atmospheric landscapes, with ancient laurel trees, twisted branches and drifting mountain mist. Part of the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, it offers scenic walking routes and access to the island’s wider network of levada trails. Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira, and Savoy Palace in Funchal provide luxurious bases for exploring the forest and Madeira’s mountainous interior.
3. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Spain
Garajonay National Park protects a remarkable subtropical laurel forest, where moss-covered trees and dense vegetation thrive in the island’s cloud-fed highlands. Walking routes through El Cedro and around Laguna Grande reveal the park’s distinctive scenery, while Alto de Garajonay offers panoramic island views. Hotel Jardín Tecina, near Playa de Santiago, combines comfortable resort accommodation with Atlantic views and convenient access to La Gomera’s natural attractions.
4. Foresta Umbra, Puglia, Italy
Foresta Umbra sits in the wooded interior of Gargano National Park, offering a peaceful contrast to Puglia’s Adriatic coastline. Towering beech and oak trees shade walking and cycling trails, with the Laghetto d’Umbra among the forest’s most accessible attractions. Baia delle Zagare, near Mattinata, offers an appealing coastal base, allowing visitors to combine woodland excursions with beachside relaxation and visits to Vieste and Monte Sant’Angelo.
5. Irati Forest, Navarre, Spain
One of Western Europe’s largest beech and fir forests, Irati is particularly spectacular in autumn, when its woodland turns shades of gold, orange and red. Walking routes around the Irabia Reservoir and Casas de Irati reveal tranquil forest scenery, while nearby Ochagavía offers traditional Navarrese architecture and regional cuisine. Hotel Rural Auñamendi provides a convenient base for exploring this quieter corner of the Pyrenees.
6. Brocéliande Forest, Brittany, France
Associated with Arthurian legend, Brocéliande Forest is known for its ancient trees, peaceful lakes and historic landmarks. Visitors can discover the Fountain of Barenton, the Val sans Retour and the legendary Tomb of Merlin along scenic woodland trails. The village of Paimpont provides a convenient starting point, with charming countryside guesthouses and rural accommodation available throughout the surrounding area.
7. Fontainebleau Forest, France
Fontainebleau Forest combines ancient oak and beech woodland with dramatic sandstone formations and historic royal associations. The Gorges de Franchard and Gorges d’Apremont offer scenic walking routes, while the forest’s rocky terrain attracts climbers from around the world. Nearby Château de Fontainebleau adds cultural interest, with Aigle Noir Fontainebleau providing elegant accommodation opposite the palace.
Alpine Forests and Lakeside Retreats
8. Black Forest, Germany
Germany’s Black Forest is celebrated for its dense evergreen woodland, traditional villages and historic spa towns. Scenic trails around Triberg and the Mummelsee offer walking opportunities, while Baden-Baden offers thermal bathing and refined hospitality at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. Further into the region, Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn combines five-star accommodation, extensive wellness facilities and exceptional dining at Schwarzwaldstube.
9. Engadin Valley, Switzerland
The Engadin Valley is particularly beautiful in autumn, when golden larch forests contrast with snow-dusted peaks and clear alpine lakes. Walking routes through Val Roseg and around Lake Staz reveal some of the region’s finest scenery, with mountain railways providing access to elevated viewpoints. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz and Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina offer luxurious accommodation, acclaimed dining and spa facilities.
10. South Tyrol’s Dolomite Forests, Italy
South Tyrol’s pine and larch forests provide a spectacular setting beneath the limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park is particularly rewarding, with wooded trails, alpine pastures and the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies. FORESTIS, on the slopes of Plose, offers a secluded luxury retreat with contemporary suites, exceptional mountain views and wellness experiences inspired by the surrounding landscape.
11. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its sixteen interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense beech and fir forests. Designated boardwalks and walking trails wind around the Upper and Lower Lakes, with electric boats and panoramic vehicles providing additional ways to explore. Hotel Jezero offers convenient accommodation within the park area, while countryside guesthouses and private villas provide quieter alternatives nearby.
12. Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Triglav National Park encompasses Slovenia’s Julian Alps, combining alpine forests, glacial valleys and clear mountain lakes. Lake Bohinj is particularly picturesque, with nearby attractions including Savica Waterfall, Mostnica Gorge and the Vogel cable car. Hotel Bohinj provides stylish lakeside accommodation, while Vila Muhr offers an intimate luxury retreat near the lake, making the region ideal for walking, outdoor pursuits and relaxation.
13. Salzkammergut, Austria
Austria’s Salzkammergut region is celebrated for its forest-covered mountains, pristine lakes and picturesque villages. Walking routes around Wolfgangsee and Fuschlsee offer beautiful alpine views, while boating, swimming and cycling provide further opportunities to explore. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, overlooking Lake Fuschl, offers luxurious accommodation, refined dining and lakeside wellness facilities, with historic Bad Ischl and Hallstatt adding cultural interest.
14. Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
Bavarian Forest National Park protects an extensive mountain landscape of spruce woodland, natural regeneration areas and scenic hiking trails. The Baumwipfelpfad Bayerischer Wald near Neuschönau provides elevated views across the forest canopy, while the Lusen and Rachel mountains offer more challenging routes. Wellness- und Sporthotel Mooshof in nearby Bodenmais combines comfortable accommodation with extensive spa facilities.
15. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Saxon Switzerland is distinguished by its sandstone towers, deep wooded valleys and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the River Elbe. The Bastei Bridge, Schrammsteine and sections of the Malerweg trail provide some of the region’s most memorable scenery. Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme in Bad Schandau offers elegant riverside accommodation and wellness facilities, with Dresden close enough for a cultural excursion.
16. Šumava National Park, Czechia
Šumava National Park stretches along the Czech-German border, protecting vast forests, glacial lakes and peat bogs. Walking and cycling routes lead to the Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero lakes, the Vydra River valley and the raised bogs around Chalupská slať. Hotel Srní provides a convenient base for exploring the national park, while private chalets and countryside guesthouses offer more secluded accommodation.
Luxury Woodland Escapes
17. Cairngorms and Rothiemurchus Forest, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park contains some of Britain’s finest surviving Caledonian pinewoods, with Rothiemurchus Forest particularly celebrated for its ancient trees and tranquil lochs. Visitors can walk around Loch an Eilein, enjoy guided wildlife excursions or explore the estate’s outdoor activities. The Rowan Tree Country Hotel near Aviemore provides convenient accommodation, while The Fife Arms in Braemar offers a more luxurious Highland retreat with distinctive interiors and an impressive art collection.
18. Harads, Sweden
The pine forests surrounding Harads in Swedish Lapland provide an extraordinary setting for secluded luxury stays. Treehotel’s architecturally distinctive tree rooms include the Mirrorcube, Biosphere, Bird’s Nest and 7th Room, while nearby Arctic Bath offers floating accommodation, saunas and spa experiences on the Lule River. Seasonal activities range from hiking and wildlife excursions to snowshoeing and northern lights viewing.
19. New Forest, England
England’s New Forest combines ancient woodland, open heathland and picturesque villages with some of Hampshire’s finest countryside hotels. Walking and cycling routes around Bolderwood and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive reveal its centuries-old trees and free-roaming ponies, while guided horse riding offers another way to explore. Chewton Glen is renowned for its secluded Treehouse Suites and spa, while Lime Wood near Lyndhurst offers elegant accommodation, the Herb House Spa and dining at Hartnett Holder & Co.
20. Killarney National Park, Ireland
Killarney National Park is celebrated for its native oak woodland, picturesque lakes and historic estates. Visitors can explore Muckross House and Gardens, walk to Torc Waterfall or discover Ross Castle and the Gap of Dunloe. Overlooking Lough Léin, The Europe Hotel & Resort offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining and extensive spa facilities, while The Killarney Park provides another elegant five-star base close to the national park.
Remote Wilderness Destinations
21. Finnish Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland’s vast boreal forests provide a spectacular setting for wilderness holidays, particularly during winter when snow-covered pines and frozen lakes create ideal conditions for Arctic adventures. Husky safaris, reindeer experiences, northern lights excursions and traditional Finnish saunas are among the highlights. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel near Rovaniemi offers contemporary forest-facing suites, while Octola provides an exclusive private wilderness retreat with tailored outdoor experiences.
22. Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Romania’s Carpathian Mountains contain extensive forests, dramatic valleys and rich wildlife habitats, including important populations of brown bears, wolves and lynx. Piatra Craiului National Park offers spectacular hiking, while guided wildlife excursions and visits to Transylvania’s historic villages add variety. Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux near Șimon provides a luxurious mountain retreat, while Bethlen Estates offers beautifully restored heritage accommodation in the Transylvanian countryside.
23. Lake Saimaa, Finland
Lake Saimaa is surrounded by pine forests, wooded islands and peaceful waterways, making it ideal for private lakeside holidays. Visitors can explore Linnansaari National Park, enjoy kayaking and boating or join responsible wildlife excursions in search of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän offers Forest Suites, Panorama Suites and villas alongside its Lake Spa, while the adults-only Kuru retreat provides secluded accommodation with private saunas.
24. Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
Portugal’s only national park combines oak woodland, granite mountains, waterfalls and traditional villages. Walking routes through Mata da Albergaria reveal ancient trees and Roman road remains, while Soajo and Lindoso are known for their historic stone granaries. Pousada Mosteiro Amares, housed in a restored monastery near the park, offers an elegant countryside base with historic architecture and peaceful surroundings.
25. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Durmitor National Park is renowned for its rugged mountains, coniferous forests and glacial lakes. The forest-fringed Black Lake is among its most picturesque attractions, with walking trails around the water and further hiking routes into the surrounding mountains. Rafting through the Tara River Canyon offers a more adventurous excursion, while Hotel Soa in Žabljak provides comfortable accommodation and wellness facilities close to the national park.
Europe’s Forest Retreats Throughout the Year
Europe’s forests offer rewarding escapes in every season. Spring brings fresh greenery and wildflowers, summer is ideal for alpine walks and lakeside holidays, and autumn transforms the forests of the Engadin, Black Forest and Pyrenees into colourful landscapes. Winter is particularly memorable in Finnish and Swedish Lapland, where snow-covered woodland provides the setting for Arctic adventures.
For luxury accommodation, South Tyrol, Harads, the Black Forest and England’s New Forest are particularly appealing, while Białowieża, Garajonay and the Carpathians offer exceptional opportunities to explore ancient landscapes and wildlife. Together, these destinations showcase the remarkable variety of Europe’s woodland escapes.
