It’s almost an impossible task to shortlist just 12 of the most beautiful national parks in the world, but despite having so many to choose from, we’ve cherry picked 12 of the most amazing national parks in the world to visit.
If you are a big fan of nature, then these twelve parks will inspire and fill your heart with joy.
From stunning glaciers to expansive forests and tranquil lakes, these national parks are infinite natural wonders of the world and many of these national parks are UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites,
Not only will you be able to admire the spectacular landscape, by visiting these national parks you are also helping support the protection and preservation of some of the world’s most stunning national parks.
Whether you are a fan of amazing wildlife, love an iconic landmark or simply hanker after beautiful natural wonders, a visit to some of the world’s most beautiful national parks has to be on your agenda.
From the spectacular peaks of Yosemite to the dusty hues of Uluru-Kata Tjuta in Australia, we’ve cherry picked 12 of the most amazing national parks in the world to visit.
Yosemite National Park, USA
Whether you visit Yosemite in the spring, autumn, summer or winter, you are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime.
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, this national park is renowned for having some of the most spectacular landscapes in the USA.
From its towering sequoia groves to its cascading waterfalls, the most staggering views await.
If you love hiking and climbing, Yosemite is an absolute dream destination with more than 800 miles of hiking paths through wildflower-lined lakes, alpine meadows and giant sequoia stands.
For even more action, why not hire a bike and cycle across some of the trails such as the renowned Valley Multi-Use Path where you can take in the sights from the basin floor.
Yosemite is one of the world’s first national parks and was given protection by the US Congress in 1890.
It’s infinitely a natural wonder and a shining example of the awe-inspiring landscape thanks to its thousand-foot waterfalls, striking granite domes and outstanding geologic features.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
This expansive and iconic safari park is one the biggest national parks in Africa.
It encompasses 7,000 square miles,14 different eco-zones and some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.
There are so many incredible national parks that are ideal for spotting wildlife, but Kruger is a fantastic place for a safari holiday.
Kruger is a bastion for animal lovers dreaming of an up-close look at Africa’s famous wildlife which includes the Big Five which includes elephants, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, leopards and (lions).
Wildlife fans can enjoy game drives, bush walks, night safaris and more.
If you are looking to indulge in untamed natural wilderness whilst enjoying an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, then Kruger really should be top on your list of national parks to visit without a doubt.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
There’s no surprise that New Zealand hits the top spot on most national parks to visit.
A vast majority of this unique national park is only accessible by either hiking trails or by boat.
It’s largely uninhabited and is the perfect choice for both adventurers or those wanting some serious solitude when it comes to their national parks.
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland is a popular destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s filled with stunning lakes, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and numerous fiords.
Head on over to the marvellously-named Doubtful Sound lake which is 1,381ft deep, where you might see penguins, bottlenose dolphins and fur seals splashing about.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
We love Uluru! You need to say ‘G’day!’ one of the most incredible national parks in the world.
The giant monolith in this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site which sits in the Northern Territory of Australia is instantly recognisable for its intense dusty red colour.
This shade of rouge actually changes hues depending on the position of the sun and it can render as burnt orange, yellow and even brown.
Uluru is one of the world’s largest monoliths and it is regarded as the sacred site of the local indigenous people.
You can even see traces of the original Aboriginal people from over 10,000 years ago.
At Uluru, you can explore geological marvels, immerse yourself in its culture or simply just soak up the serenity of the surroundings.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan
Stunning and majestic, Mount Fuji is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world, and is one of the most iconic destinations in the world for tourists.
For those who love steamy hot springs, dazzling waterfalls, and of course Japan’s highest peak – Mount Fuji, a trip to Japan’s most-loved of national parks is an absolute must!
The volcano is still active and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a mere two hours trip by bullet train from Tokyo and is as diverse as Japan itself.
You can ski, surf, hike and cycle to your heart’s content and you can even check out the ancient shrines that are dotted around the park.
During the spring and summer months, you can enjoy different activities such as boat riding, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Though sometimes overshadowed by the beauty of Banff, as national parks go, Jasper National Park is a shining example of a natural wonder that is both scenic and wild.
Situated in Canada’s Rocky Mountains when it comes to national parks, Jasper delivers in both an abundance of nature and wildlife.
From grizzly and black bears to Canada geese, bald eagles, elks and coyotes, if you love wild animals, then be sure to enjoy one of Canada’s most stunning national parks.
Why not take a road trip from Banff to Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway which is a 230-km panoramic route between Lake Louise and Jasper.
It offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world and is one of the most exciting journeys in North America.
Jasper is the largest of the national parks in the Canadian Rockies and it offers the most sublime solitude thanks to sights like Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls and Maligne Canyon.
Galápagos National Park, Ecuador
The Galapagos archipelago is one of the most biologically diverse and unique places in the world.
It even has its very own ecosystem which inspired ‘The Origin Of The Species’ by Charles Darwin and his theories of natural selection and evolution.
The beauty of this national park is that 97% of it is uninhabited by humans making it an absolute haven for wildlife which includes finches, iguanas, and giant tortoises.
In the water you can expect to find hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and manta rays.
All of which call these waters home. For those who dare, you can even enjoy a diving expedition where you can explore the waters of the Galápagos National Park.
This inspirational park was created to protect the unique endemic wildlife species that live amongst the islands and ocean waters around the island.
Yorkshire Dales, England
Designated as an area of natural beauty, the Yorkshire Dales are one of the UK’s most spectacular national parks.
From the sublime dales to the Waterfall trails, every corner of this stunning area is a sight to behold.
Covering an area of over 2000 square kilometres, it includes the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Malham Cove and the Bolton Abbey Estate which includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery.
As one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales dominates the landscape of northern England.
It has outstanding natural beauty and interesting things to see and do such as the show caves which just so happens to be the longest cave system in the country with over 2500 caves to explore.
Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
For instagram-worthy pics, head on over to this glorious region of Italy.
National parks don’t necessarily have to be green spaces and this collection of five colourful seaside towns along the Ligurian coast of Italy is a photographer’s dream.
Italy’s most colourful of national parks runs from Monterosso al Mare in the North to Riomaggiore in the South and whether you drive, hike or even cycle.
It’s an absolute delight with several trails offering panoramic views throughout.
Take your time to stop off for refreshing dips and to catch some sun at any of the fabulous beaches, or to enjoy a delicious lunch with a shot of the obligatory limoncello.
It may be the smallest of Italy’s national parks, but it certainly packs a punch and has oodles of charm and character to boot.
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
Like Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, the Wadi Rum protected area shows that you don’t necessarily need green space to be classified as a national park.
Located in Jordan, it’s a unique inclusion in our national parks round up, but it hits the mark when it comes to culture and a staggeringly impressive landscape.
It’s one of the world’s most outstanding desert landscapes, covering 720 square kilometres of dramatic desert and has vibrant red sandstone cliffs, historic ravines and impressive archeological remains, many of which date back more than 12,000 years.
There’s no doubt that the ‘Valley of the Moon’ is an unmissable adventure that all travellers visiting Jordan should not miss.
Who could resist exploring the secret canyons, ravines, monoliths that are so intriguing and there’s always options to camp overnight too in one of the Bedouin camps.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Do go chasing waterfalls, especially when you are visiting one of the prettiest national parks in Croatia.
These astonishing waterfalls are at the heart of this expansive 29,842-hectare national park.
As the name suggests, there are around 16 lakes that are all connected by the waterfalls.
When it comes to stunning national parks that are also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, Plitvice ticks all the boxes and then some.
It was given World Heritage status back in 1979 and has programmes in place to protect the unparalleled beauty of this glorious outdoor space.
Not only does it have a breathtaking landscape thanks to the lakes, waterfalls, and limestone caves, it also has a wealth of wildlife which includes birds, bears and wolves amongst others.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
As one of the largest national parks in Europe, it’s easy to spend countless hours exploring Vatnajökull.
Spanning over 4,600 square miles, it’s also home to Europe’s largest glacier of the same name, Vatnajökull can be climbed, but if you prefer to not scale heights, there’s several hiking opportunities via the parks caves, volcanoes (which are dormant by the way) and of course, the mountains.
The ultimate epitome of Iceland’s moniker ‘the land of ice and fire’, this is definitely one you can’t leave off your national parks bucket list thanks to the endless exciting things to do which includes ice-caving, glacial kayaking, hiking and horse-riding to name but a few.
Yosemite National Park, USA
Whether you visit Yosemite in the spring, autumn, summer or winter, you are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime.
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, this national park is renowned for having some of the most spectacular landscapes in the USA.
From its towering sequoia groves to its cascading waterfalls, the most staggering views await.
If you love hiking and climbing, Yosemite is an absolute dream destination with more than 800 miles of hiking paths through wildflower-lined lakes, alpine meadows and giant sequoia stands.
For even more action, why not hire a bike and cycle across some of the trails such as the renowned Valley Multi-Use Path where you can take in the sights from the basin floor.
Yosemite is one of the world’s first national parks and was given protection by the US Congress in 1890.
It’s infinitely a natural wonder and a shining example of the awe-inspiring landscape thanks to its thousand-foot waterfalls, striking granite domes and outstanding geologic features.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
This expansive and iconic safari park is one the biggest national parks in Africa.
It encompasses 7,000 square miles,14 different eco-zones and some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet.
There are so many incredible national parks that are ideal for spotting wildlife, but Kruger is a fantastic place for a safari holiday.
Kruger is a bastion for animal lovers dreaming of an up-close look at Africa’s famous wildlife which includes the Big Five which includes elephants, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, leopards and (lions).
Wildlife fans can enjoy game drives, bush walks, night safaris and more.
If you are looking to indulge in untamed natural wilderness whilst enjoying an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, then Kruger really should be top on your list of national parks to visit without a doubt.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
There’s no surprise that New Zealand hits the top spot on most national parks to visit.
A vast majority of this unique national park is only accessible by either hiking trails or by boat.
It’s largely uninhabited and is the perfect choice for both adventurers or those wanting some serious solitude when it comes to their national parks.
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland is a popular destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s filled with stunning lakes, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and numerous fiords.
Head on over to the marvellously-named Doubtful Sound lake which is 1,381ft deep, where you might see penguins, bottlenose dolphins and fur seals splashing about.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
We love Uluru! You need to say ‘G’day!’ one of the most incredible national parks in the world.
The giant monolith in this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site which sits in the Northern Territory of Australia is instantly recognisable for its intense dusty red colour.
This shade of rouge actually changes hues depending on the position of the sun and it can render as burnt orange, yellow and even brown.
Uluru is one of the world’s largest monoliths and it is regarded as the sacred site of the local indigenous people.
You can even see traces of the original Aboriginal people from over 10,000 years ago.
At Uluru, you can explore geological marvels, immerse yourself in its culture or simply just soak up the serenity of the surroundings.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan
Stunning and majestic, Mount Fuji is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world, and is one of the most iconic destinations in the world for tourists.
For those who love steamy hot springs, dazzling waterfalls, and of course Japan’s highest peak – Mount Fuji, a trip to Japan’s most-loved of national parks is an absolute must!
The volcano is still active and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a mere two hours trip by bullet train from Tokyo and is as diverse as Japan itself.
You can ski, surf, hike and cycle to your heart’s content and you can even check out the ancient shrines that are dotted around the park.
During the spring and summer months, you can enjoy different activities such as boat riding, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Though sometimes overshadowed by the beauty of Banff, as national parks go, Jasper National Park is a shining example of a natural wonder that is both scenic and wild. Situated in Canada’s Rocky Mountains when it comes to national parks, Jasper delivers in both an abundance of nature and wildlife.
From grizzly and black bears to Canada geese, bald eagles, elks and coyotes, if you love wild animals, then be sure to enjoy one of Canada’s most stunning national parks.
Why not take a road trip from Banff to Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway which is a 230-km panoramic route between Lake Louise and Jasper.
It offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world and is one of the most exciting journeys in North America.
Jasper is the largest of the national parks in the Canadian Rockies and it offers the most sublime solitude thanks to sights like Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls and Maligne Canyon.
Galápagos National Park, Ecuador
The Galapagos archipelago is one of the most biologically diverse and unique places in the world.
It even has its very own ecosystem which inspired ‘The Origin Of The Species’ by Charles Darwin and his theories of natural selection and evolution.
The beauty of this national park is that 97% of it is uninhabited by humans making it an absolute haven for wildlife which includes finches, iguanas, and giant tortoises.
In the water you can expect to find hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, sea lions and manta rays.
All of which call these waters home. For those who dare, you can even enjoy a diving expedition where you can explore the waters of the Galápagos National Park.
This inspirational park was created to protect the unique endemic wildlife species that live amongst the islands and ocean waters around the island.
Yorkshire Dales, England
Designated as an area of natural beauty, the Yorkshire Dales are one of the UK’s most spectacular national parks.
From the sublime dales to the Waterfall trails, every corner of this stunning area is a sight to behold.
Covering an area of over 2000 square kilometres, it includes the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Malham Cove and the Bolton Abbey Estate which includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery.
As one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the UK, the Yorkshire Dales dominates the landscape of northern England with outstanding natural beauty and interesting things to see and do.
Such as the show caves which just so happens to be the longest cave system in the country with over 2500 caves to explore.
Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
For instagram-worthy pics, head on over to this glorious region of Italy.
National parks don’t necessarily have to be green spaces and this collection of five colourful seaside towns along the Ligurian coast of Italy is a photographer’s dream.
Italy’s most colourful of national parks runs from Monterosso al Mare in the North to Riomaggiore in the South and whether you drive, hike or even cycle.
It’s an absolute delight with several trails offering panoramic views throughout.
Take your time to stop off for refreshing dips and to catch some sun at any of the fabulous beaches, or to enjoy a delicious lunch with a shot of the obligatory limoncello.
It may be the smallest of Italy’s national parks, but it certainly packs a punch and has oodles of charm and character to boot.
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
Like Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, the Wadi Rum protected area shows that you don’t necessarily need green space to be classified as a national park.
Located in Jordan, it’s a unique inclusion in our national parks round up, but it hits the mark when it comes to culture and a staggeringly impressive landscape.
It’s one of the world’s most outstanding desert landscapes, covering 720 square kilometres of dramatic desert and has vibrant red sandstone cliffs, historic ravines and impressive archeological remains, many of which date back more than 12,000 years.
There’s no doubt that the ‘Valley of the Moon’ is an unmissable adventure that all travellers visiting Jordan should not miss.
Who could resist exploring the secret canyons, ravines, monoliths that are so intriguing and there’s always options to camp overnight too in one of the Bedouin camps.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Do go chasing waterfalls, especially when you are visiting one of the prettiest national parks in Croatia.
These astonishing waterfalls are at the heart of this expansive 29,842-hectare national park.
As the name suggests, there are around 16 lakes that are all connected by the waterfalls.
When it comes to stunning national parks that are also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, Plitvice ticks all the boxes and then some.
It was given World Heritage status back in 1979 and has programmes in place to protect the unparalleled beauty of this glorious outdoor space.
Not only does it have a breathtaking landscape thanks to the lakes, waterfalls, and limestone caves, it also has a wealth of wildlife which includes birds, bears and wolves amongst others.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
As one of the largest national parks in Europe, it’s easy to spend countless hours exploring Vatnajökull.
Spanning over 4,600 square miles, it’s also home to Europe’s largest glacier of the same name, Vatnajökull can be climbed, but if you prefer to not scale heights, there’s several hiking opportunities via the parks caves, volcanoes (which are dormant by the way) and of course, the mountains.
The ultimate epitome of Iceland’s moniker ‘the land of ice and fire’, this is definitely one you can’t leave off your national parks bucket list thanks to the endless exciting things to do which includes ice-caving, glacial kayaking, hiking and horse-riding to name but a few.
Book today with Orbzii
If you are ready to don your hiking boots to explore some of the world’s most amazing national parks, then it’s time to book an unforgettable trip that encompasses this once-of-a-lifetime adventure.
It all starts with downloading the Orbzii app if you don’t have it already where you can start planning your national parks trip today.
