EuropeZigZag.shop – Summer designs
Many tourists are moving beyond iconic landmarks to deeply immerse in local life, culture, and lesser-known regions. Seeking “living like a local” moments. Check out these suggested places in France, Germany, and Spain to embrace slow travel!
The Bavarian Forest National Park (Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald) in Germany
This is Germany's first and largest national park, protecting vast tracts of ancient mountain forests, high moors, clear streams, and unique wildlife like lynx and capercaillie. It offers unparalleled wilderness feeling with minimal development within the core zones. The “Wildnisgebiet” (wilderness area) is deliberately left untouched.
Slow Travel Suitability: Trains run deep into the forested valleys. From stations, an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails (including the famous “Baumwipfelpfad” treetop walk near Neuschönau) and local buses connect villages, trailheads, and nature discovery centres. Perfect for multi-day hikes, wildlife watching, and immersing in the quiet grandeur of the forest. Stay in small villages like Zwiesel, Grafenau, or Spiegelau.
Slow travel in south of France – The Mercantour National Park (Alpes-Maritimes Hinterland)
This is France's southernmost alpine national park, bordering Italy iwth high peaks over 3000m, glacial valleys, crystal-clear alpine lakes (such as Lacs de Vens), ancient larch forests, and exceptional biodiversity (including ibex, chamois, marmots). It's dramatically different from the coastal Riviera just miles away.
Slow travel in north of Spain – Picos de Europa National Park & Surrounding Valleys (Cantabria & Asturias)
In Spain's first National Park you can look forward to a dramatic landscape of jagged limestone peaks (over 2600m), deep gorges (like the breathtaking Garganta del Cárdes), glacial lakes (Covadonga Lakes), lush beech & oak forests, and verdant high pastures. Offers incredible biodiversity and truly majestic, wild mountain scenery where villages cling to valleys.
