The Schengen area comprises of 22 countries that are members of the European Nation. It also includes four other countries such as such as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland that are members of EFTA (European Free Trade Association). You can visit any of these countries with a Schengen Visit Visa as a tourist or a businessperson. However, with such a large number of countries falling under the Schengen area, it is tough to decide what to see. To help you with your travel plans, here are the top 10 tourist attractions in the Schengen area.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is a four-floor building and the largest amphitheatre in the world. Built by the Romans several centuries ago and devastated by five earthquakes, this giant amphitheatre is one of the top tourist attractions in the Schengen countries. Although in ruin, this place used to an entertainment venue for the Romans. During the past, various public events were held here. The Romans used to enjoy shows of animal hunting and execution, and fierce gladiator battles. Step inside this open-air theatre, sit on the spectators’ seat, and feel like a Roman envisioning the grand spectacles of the gone era.
Fjords of Norway
One thing that you must see in Norway before you die is the fjords. There are over 1000 fjords in Norway out of which only a few are explored. These fjords are not just a unique tourist attraction bestowed upon Norway by nature, but also an important cultural heritage. The formidable mountain frames replete wit slim waterfalls, and hundreds of hiking trails make the Fjords of Norway a delight to explore. The best way to take in the beauty of these fjords are by taking a cruise.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint Michel is a formidable island famous for its Romanesque Abbey Church built in the 11th century. It is a UNESCO Heritage site located in the Northwestern Normandy coastline. Along with the church, it also has monastery buildings with covered paths and a large dining hall, all of which were built over the following two centuries. Besides being a tourist attraction, this landmark holds a great historical and cultural significance and is regarded as a pilgrim centre. During the high tide, the island appears as a floating fortress in the sea.
Palace of Versailles
No monument in the world is closer to the Palace of Versailles in terms of grandeur. This impressive historical monument was the residence of the royal family of France from 1682 to 1789. The ornate façade and dazzling interior of the palace are something to behold. The palace consists of several rooms that reflect the opulence and taste of the royals. Another sight the palace is famous for is its geometric garden that is dotted with conical trees, fountains, and canals. Visiting the Palace of Versailles is one of the best things to do in France.
Canals of Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the romantic cities and the original canal city in the world. It has over 150 canals in diverse sizes. Such is the connection between Venice and canals, that all the other canal cities are compared to Venice or referred to as the Venice of (that region or country). The main and the busiest canal is the Grand Canal, which was a river in the past. The best activity not to miss in Venice is a gondola ride. You can see tourists and locals taking a boat ride on the canal for sightseeing or everyday jobs.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
When you first set your eyes on the Saint Basil’s Cathedral, you will feel like you are in a land of fantasy typical to the Arabian world because of the shape of the domes. This multi-colored building is the most iconic landmark in Russia built in 1955. Due to its unique design and bright multi-colour facade, it will be hard to believe that the structure belongs to Russia. Due to its peculiar architectural style and connection to the battle in Tatarstan in which Russia won, the cathedral has become a symbol of Russia.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Just lay your eyes on this stunning structure and your jaws are bound to drop. This magnificent church was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the church was started in 1882 and is still not completed due to the death of Antoni Gaudi. This majestic church is expected to complete in 2026. What pulls millions of crowds every year are the absorbing decorative stone carving, twisting narrow towers, strange curves, and eighteen towers, out of which eight are still incomplete.
Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria is an impressive sight to behold. The design and architecture of this castle is so impressive that its soaring spires, rounded arches, and thick pillars became the inspiration for the Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It took 17 years to complete the construction of the castle. Being surrounded by forested mountains and the mirrorlike surface of the lakes, this historical castle is an impressive landmark of Bavaria.
London Bridge
Often confused to the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge is an impressive Victorian masterpiece built in 1894. It is a famous landmark of London that showcases the architectural and engineering genius of England. The bridge has north and south towers where the engine rooms are located that propel the drawbridge to raise in order to block the passage or allow ships to pass through. This 19th century engineering marvel is still in operation and wear a stunning look in the evening when the lights are on.
Eiffel Tower
This impressive structure in Paris is something which even a school-going child can recognize it. Built in 1889, the tower is 324 meters tall. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930 when the Empire State Building took over it. You can take a lift to the observation deck and take in the marvellous views of the surroundings such as the Parisian boulevard.
The Schengen area is big and has thousands of stunning sights. While these top ten attractions can surely impress you to apply for a Schengen tourist visa, you will also find popular and beautiful destinations in Switzerland, Greece, Luxembourg, and other Schengen countries.