The best national parks in the world

Have you ever wondered what would remain of the most beautiful corners of our planet if not for the visionary decision to protect them forever? In a world dominated by concrete and rush, national parks are the last bastions of true wilderness – places where nature still dictates its own terms, and we can only be humble guests. They offer more than just spectacular landscapes, but above all, a fascinating history of human foresight, born over 150 years ago. In this article, we'll take you on a journey across all continents, uncovering the secrets of the oldest and newest nature sanctuaries. We'll examine record-holders: from the ice giants of Greenland to microscopic islands in the oceans. You'll learn who truly came up with the idea for creating these parks, what treasures lie hidden in Asian jungles and African savannas, and why, on your next vacation, it's worth trading a luxury resort for a trail in the heart of the wilderness.

The world's best national parks – wildlife sanctuaries

National parks worldwide constitute the world's most important line of defense for wildlife. These are legally protected areas established to preserve intact ecosystems, rare plant and animal species, and unique geological formations. They are defined as territories of exceptional natural and cultural value, where human interference is minimized and the continuation of natural biological processes is prioritized.

The Idea and the Pioneers: Who Invented the National Park?

The history of these extraordinary sanctuaries began as a protest against the thoughtless exploitation of natural resources. Imagine that in the 19th century, when factory chimneys were smoking and progress meant cutting everything down, a group of enthusiasts suddenly said, "Stop. Let's leave it as nature intended." The American painter is often credited with founding the idea. George Catlin, who traveled the American West in the 30s and, seeing the rapid disappearance of Native American culture and buffalo herds, launched the idea of ​​creating a "National Park," wanting the state to protect these areas in their "wild splendor." Other visionaries also laid the groundwork:

• John Muir: Scottish-American naturalist, known as "John of the Mountains." It was his passion and writing that convinced decision-makers that wilderness had intrinsic value, not just for utility. He convinced President Teddy Roosevelt to protect Yosemite by camping with him outdoors.
• Theodore Roosevelt: A US president who made environmental protection a national issue. He believed that nature's treasures should belong to all citizens, not private corporations. Roosevelt was an avid hunter, but he understood that if he didn't start protecting nature, he would soon have nothing to hunt or admire.

First steps: where and when did this story begin?

The oldest national park in the world was established in North America. He is Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872. Its creation was an unprecedented event – ​​for the first time in modern history, the state decided to exclude a vast, resource-rich area from exploitation in favor of protecting the landscape and geysers. Interestingly, at first, no one knew how to manage it! For the first few years, the military (US Cavalry) guarded the park against poachers and loggers, as there were no forest rangers yet.

Soon this idea spread to other continents:

• W Australia Already in 1879 the Royal National Park was established (near Sydney).
• W Europe she was a pioneer Sweden, which in 1909 created as many as nine such units (including Sarek).
• Asia: At the beginning of the 20th century, parks began to be established in India and Japan.

• Africa: Here, the breakthrough came in 1925 and the creation of Alberta National Park (today the famous Virunga National Park in Congo), created mainly to save mountain gorillas.

Records and numbers: as of May 2026

According to data from May 2026, the network of national parks covers almost every corner of the globe, although their size and character vary drastically:

• The largest park in the world: National Park Grenlandii NortheastIt covers an area of 972 000 km², making it larger than most European countries. There are no roads, and the only permanent inhabitants are musk oxen, polar bears, and a handful of soldiers stationed there with dog sleds.
• The smallest park in the world: it is often pointed out Moyenne Island National Park na Seychelles (approx. 0,09 km²), proving that even a microscopic island can have a colossal impact on biodiversity. For years, a single man cared for the island, planting trees and caring for giant tortoises, until it was finally declared a park.
• The youngest objects: Although new parks are established regularly, in 2026 special attention will be paid to new protected areas in Canada and newly announced parks in Ecuadorthat protect endangered parts of the rainforest.

Structure and objectives of protection

National parks around the world are usually divided into zones to reconcile protection with human presence:

• Strict protection zone: The heart of the park, where nature thrives without any human intervention or assistance. Access here is usually severely restricted.
• Active protection zone: where treatments aimed at restoring the natural state of the ecosystem are allowed (e.g. reintroduction of species).
• Area available for tourists: designated trails, viewpoints and educational centers.

The main task of parks is to protect the so-called umbrella speciesBy protecting large predators like tigers and lions, you automatically ensure the safety of the entire food chain and thousands of smaller organisms living in the same area.

How many national parks are there in the world?

It is estimated that there are currently approximately 4000 national parks:

• Asia (ca. 650): leads the way in protecting rare species such as giant pandas and Bengal tigers.
• Australia and Oceania (c. 620): protect unique eucalyptus ecosystems and large coral reefs.
• North America (ca. 460): has the most established culture of visiting and managing parks.
• Africa (ca. 400): focuses on protecting the great migrations, the Big Five and the rainforests in parks such as the Serengeti and Kruger.
• Europe (ca. 350): the parks here are smaller, but often very old and strongly integrated with environmental education.
• South America (ca. 310): crucial for protecting the "lungs of the Earth" and the as-yet-undiscovered species of the Amazon. These are often gigantic stretches of jungle where no tourist has yet set foot.

It's worth knowing that national parks are not just forests. Many of them are marine parks, where the boundaries of protection end deep underwater. Others, like Galapagos National Park, have become the cradle of science – it was there that Charles Darwin gathered evidence for the theory of evolution. Meanwhile, in parks like Glacier National Park in the USA, you can witness firsthand the dramatic pace of contemporary climate change through the disappearance of glaciers.

Why is it worth visiting a national park while on vacation?

When planning a vacation, you often seek a compromise between relaxation and engaging activities. Including national parks in your itinerary is one of the most rational decisions you can make as a traveler. It's not about fleeting experiences, but about the tangible added value you gain from professionally managed infrastructure and unique natural resources found nowhere else.

The world's most famous national parks are sites that triumph over commercial attractions primarily in their authenticity. While amusement parks and resorts are designed to appeal to the masses, a national park presents reality as it is. For you, this means the opportunity to witness phenomena that in other parts of the globe have been irrevocably destroyed by agriculture or industry.

A visit to a national park offers benefits that can be divided into several key areas:

• Guarantee of the highest quality landscape: Regardless of the continent, only areas with the highest natural values ​​are granted national park status. By choosing such a destination, you can be sure to reach a place that the country has deemed its most precious treasure. It could be the rainforest of Costa Rica, the rock formations of China, or the untouched glaciers of New Zealand. This guarantees that your vacation time will be invested in the most spectacular views available in that region.
• Organized infrastructure in a wild setting: A visit to a national park is the safest way to experience truly wild nature. Instead of trudging through dangerous thickets, you use professionally prepared paths, footbridges, and bridges that protect both you and the delicate vegetation. Trail marking systems are usually standardized, making orientation easier, and the presence of local conservation services (rangers, wardens, or guides) minimizes the risk of getting lost or having dangerous encounters with wildlife.
• Sustainable logistics and local color: National parks around the world are promoting ecotourism. Instead of concrete hotels, they offer accommodations in facilities integrated with the landscape – from eco-lodges in Africa, to traditional mountain huts in the Alps, to designated camping sites in the Australian bush. This infrastructure allows you to be close to nature while supporting local economies and communities that thrive on preserving these lands, not exploiting them.
• A concentrated dose of knowledge (Nature Interpretation Centers): Most modern national parks have educational centers that function like interactive museums. Instead of wasting hours reading unverified information online, you can get reliable, scientifically prepared information about the local geology, climate, and unique species on-site. This allows you to better understand what you're seeing on the trail—you'll learn why a particular volcano is active, how nearby caves were formed, or the role of a rare bird you just passed in the ecosystem.
• Guarantee of silence and security standards: National parks have strict regulations regarding noise, pollution, and vehicular traffic. This ensures that your vacation will not be disturbed by noisy developments, industry, or excessive commerce. These are some of the few places in the world where peace is a priority—for both animals and visitors.

What exactly do the world's most famous national parks offer?

When you visit globally renowned destinations, you gain access to attractions that are iconic to entire continents. For example, in Argentina's Iguazu Park, you can stand on special walkways right above gigantic waterfalls—infrastructure costing millions of dollars and built solely to allow you to safely experience the power of water. At Arches National Park in the United States, you can witness rock formations that seem to defy the laws of physics, all accessible via perfectly maintained roads and parking lots, making logistics easier if you're traveling with a large amount of equipment or with a family.

Rest that truly regenerates

From the perspective of the psychology of transportation and recreation, being in a natural environment with a high degree of biodiversity has a measurable impact on your health. Research shows that forest bathing or simply being in a clean ecosystem lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) much faster than resting in urban environments. For you, as people who work and live in a constant state of flux, this is a tool for recuperation before returning to your duties.

Additionally, by visiting national parks, you become conscious consumers. Your entry fee supports local communities, which, instead of engaging in activities such as poaching or logging, find employment in tourism and nature conservation. This means your vacation has a positive impact not only on you but also on the planet.

The best national parks in Africa

Africa It's a continent synonymous with wilderness and unfettered freedom in the popular imagination. National parks around the world serve many functions, but it's Africa's that are truly "Noah's Arks," protecting the last remaining large populations of megafauna. The continent's conservation system is crucial to the survival of species that have become extinct or rare elsewhere. African national parks are not just protected areas; they are powerful ecosystems where the cycle of life and death has continued unabated for millions of years.

The historical foundation of nature conservation in Africa is Virunga National Park (formerly Alberta National Park) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, established in 1925, making it the oldest national park on the continent. The largest protected area of ​​this type is considered Namib-Naukluft National Park w Namibia, which covers almost 50,000 km² of desert landscapes. At the opposite extreme is the previously mentioned Moyenne Island National Park na Seychelles (often classified as the smallest), and the youngest status often goes to new marine reserves or recategorized areas in Gabon or Ethiopia. Their primary purpose is to protect the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros) and unique habitats—from humid equatorial forests to extremely arid deserts.

Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Located in the northern Tanzania, Serengeti It is undoubtedly one of the most famous national parks in the world. Its name in the Maasai language means "infinite plane," which perfectly captures the character of this place, which covers an area of ​​approximately 14,750 km². The park protects a unique savanna ecosystem and is the scene of the Great Migration – the largest natural spectacle on Earth, during which over 1,5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of fresh grazing. The Serengeti is a paradise for predators: it is home to one of the world's largest lion populations, as well as numerous leopards and cheetahs. Visitors are primarily guided safaris in open-top 4x4 off-road vehicles, allowing for safe, close-up observation of the animals. A wide range of accommodations are available within the park, from luxury lodges and tented camps to public campsites for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Sleeping in the heart of the savannah, with the distant sounds of lions roaring, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on the planet, and its climate, vegetation, and fauna have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. It is here, in the nearby Olduvai Gorge, that the remains of early hominids have been discovered, earning this region the nickname "the cradle of humanity." The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key stop on any trip to East Africa.

Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Located in the northeastern part South African Republic, Kruger National Park It's a giant, covering almost 19,500 km², making it comparable to Slovenia. It's the best-organized and most accessible park in Africa, protecting incredible biodiversity, including all the Big Five species. Kruger is renowned for its excellent infrastructure: the roads are well-maintained, and exploration is possible not only with a licensed guide but also by self-drive, meaning you can drive your own or rent a car, a rarity in other African parks. A network of state-owned Rest Camps operates within the park, offering bungalows, campsites, shops, and even restaurants and gas stations. For more discerning guests, luxury residences are available in the private reserves bordering the park. Kruger Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, connecting protected areas in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, allowing animals to move freely between countries without barriers such as fences. This park is also a leader in advanced rhino protection techniques, utilizing drones and specialized anti-poaching units. It's an ideal destination for those seeking to combine the wilds of Africa with a high level of comfort and safety.

Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Etosha in the northern Namibia This is a park unlike any other in the green savannas of East Africa. Its heart is the Etosha Pan – a vast, white salt flat covering approximately 5000 km², visible even from space. The entire park covers over 22,270 km² and protects species adapted to the harsh, arid climate, including rare black rhinos and endemic black-faced impalas. The strategy for exploring Etosha is based on waterholes. Due to the lack of water in other parts of the park, animals gather en masse at the few springs, meaning tourists don't have to search for them – simply park at a waterhole and wait for the elephants, giraffes, and lions to come to them. There are several main camps within the park, such as Okaukuejo and Halali, which offer accommodation in lodges and campsites. A real highlight and curiosity are the illuminated watering holes right next to the camps – you can sit on a bench with a glass of wine and observe the nocturnal animals that come to drink just a few meters from the fence. Etosha is known for its incredibly photogenic landscape – white dust from the salt flats often settles on the animals, giving them an almost unreal appearance.

Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Chobe, located in the northern Botswana, is the kingdom of elephants – it is estimated that over 50,000 live here, representing one of the largest concentrations of these mammals in the world. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 11,700 km² and is divided into several diverse areas, the most popular of which is the Chobe River coast. It is the river that defines the way to explore this park – besides the classic car safari, a sunset boat cruise is an absolute must. From the water, you can observe bathing elephants, herds of buffalo, and vast numbers of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Chobe protects key animal migration corridors in the Kalahari region. Within the park and its immediate vicinity (especially around the town of Kasane), there are numerous accommodation options – from campsites to luxury lodges right on the river. Chobe lies almost at the border of four countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, making it an excellent base for visiting the nearby Victoria Falls. The river's unique microclimate ensures a vibrant life even during the hottest seasons, and the density of predators, such as lions and African wild dogs, is exceptionally high. Chobe is the epitome of African water wildlife, offering some of the best conditions for nature photography on the continent.

The best national parks in Asia

AsiaAs the largest and most diverse continent, Asia harbors ecosystems unmatched anywhere else on Earth. From the icy peaks of the Himalayas, to dense tropical jungles, to unique volcanic islands, Asia's most beautiful national parks provide a foundation for protecting global biodiversity. Asia's conservation systems are crucial because they protect critically endangered species that have become symbols of nature's struggle for survival, such as the Bengal tiger, the giant panda, and the Komodo dragon.

The history of conservation in Asia has deep roots. the oldest national park on the continent it is considered Jim Corbett National Park w India (originally established as Hailey National Park) in 1936. Title the largest national park currently held by the Chinese Sanjiangyuan National Park, which covers an unimaginable area of ​​approximately 123,100 km² on the Tibetan Plateau, protecting the sources of three great rivers: the Yellow, Yangtze and Mekong. At the other extreme are parks of an island or urban nature, often considered the smallest, such as some reserves in Singapore or on the small islands of Thailand. When it comes to the youngest, the state as of May 2026 indicates the intensive development of the national park system in China i VietnamAsian sanctuaries primarily protect primary rainforests, rare predators, and endemic plant and animal species that evolved in isolation.

Komodo National Park (Indonesia)

Located in the heart of the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago, Komodo National Park It is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. It encompasses three main islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islets, with a total area of ​​approximately 1,733 km². The park was established in 1980 to protect the world's largest lizard – the Komodo dragon, commonly known as the dragon. In addition to these fascinating reptiles, the park protects a rich marine ecosystem that is part of the Coral Triangle. Visitors to the park travel almost exclusively by sea – tourists travel between the islands by chartered boat or luxury phinisi yacht. On Komodo and Rinca, trekking is exclusively with rangers armed with forked sticks, who ensure the safety of guests during encounters with the Komodo dragons, whose saliva contains toxic proteins and bacteria that make even a single bite fatal to buffalo or deer, making them one of the most effective land predators. Within the park itself, within the strict reserve, accommodation options are very limited (mainly simple researcher's quarters or campsites), so most travelers opt to sleep aboard boats or at base camps like Labuan Bajo. Padar Island offers one of the most iconic views in Asia – a panorama of three beaches with different colored sands: white, black, and pink (Pink Beach).

Khao Sok National Park (Thailand)

Considered by many to be the most beautiful protected area in Thailand, Khao sok It is located in the southern part of the country, in Surat Thani Province. Covering an area of ​​739 km², it is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, believed by scientists to be older and more diverse than the Amazon. The park's focal point is the enormous, artificial Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by monumental limestone outcrops rising vertically from the water to heights of several hundred meters. The park protects rare mammals such as gibbons, macaques, Malayan tapirs, and elephants. Visiting Khao Sok is a true adventure – you can participate in kayaking trips, night jungle expeditions, or cave exploration. One of the park's most unique features is the opportunity to stay overnight in floating cottages directly on the lake. Waking up in a bamboo hut to the sounds of gibbons singing across the water is an unforgettable experience. A natural curiosity that attracts botanists here is the Rafflesia – the largest flower on Earth, whose diameter can exceed 80 cm. This flower has no leaves or stem, is parasitic and blooms only for a few days a year, giving off an intense odor of rotting meat to attract flies.

Yala National Park (Sri Lanka)

Located in the southeastern part Sri Lankan, Yala National Park It is the most frequently visited reserve on the island. It covers an area of ​​approximately 979 km² and is divided into five blocks, two of which are open to tourists. The park is primarily known for the highest leopard density in the world, making it the best place in Asia to observe these shy cats. In addition to leopards, Yala also protects numerous herds of Asian elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds. The park's landscape is incredibly diverse, from dense bush and jungle to sand dunes and lagoons on the Indian Ocean. Visits are exclusively available as part of organized safaris in open-top off-road vehicles, guided by experienced trackers. Although there are no hotels in the heart of the park, luxury tented camps are located on its outskirts and in the so-called buffer zones, offering five-star accommodation while maintaining a complete connection with nature. Interestingly, during the tragic tsunami of 2004, despite the massive destruction of coastal infrastructure in the park, almost no wild animals were killed. According to eyewitness accounts, elephants and deer fled inland to higher ground long before the wave struck, a phenomenon that remains the subject of research into animal intuition.

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park (Indonesia)

Located in East Java, this park is a kingdom of fire and dust, covering an area of ​​502 km². Its name comes from two volcanoes – one active bromo and the highest peak Jaws, Semeru, and the Tengger people who inhabit these areas. The park protects a unique volcanic landscape, including a gigantic caldera known as the "Sea of ​​Sand," surrounding volcanic cones. It is one of the few places where nature isn't associated with verdant greenery, but with a stark, almost lunar beauty. Visitors to the park usually begin before dawn, with jeeps driving up Penanjakan Hill to watch the sunrise over the smoking craters. Then, descend into the caldera and climb the 250 steps to the very edge of the active Bromo crater to peer into its interior. Numerous hostels and guesthouses with views of the volcanoes can be found on the rim of the caldera. The annual Yadnya Kasada festival, organized by the local Tengger community, is worth a visit. Hindus climb the volcano to throw offerings of food, flowers, and even live animals into the crater, believing this will appease the mountain gods and ensure their prosperity. This site demonstrates how deeply Asia's most beautiful national parks are intertwined with local spirituality and culture.

The best national parks in North America

Ameryka Północna is the cradle of the modern idea of ​​nature conservation, a place where, for the first time in human history, it was recognized that wild landscapes are a national treasure that should be preserved for future generations. National park systems in USA i Canada They are considered exemplary, combining strict protection with excellent tourist accessibility. It was on this continent that an idea was born that changed the face of global ecology, giving rise to a global network of nature sanctuaries.

The history of nature conservation on this continent is inextricably linked to the date of March 1, 1872, when it was established Yellowstone National Park – considered to be the first national park in the world. Title the largest national park North America (and one of the largest in the world) holds Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, which covers an area of ​​over 53,000 km², making it larger than Switzerland. At the other extreme is Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri, which due to its symbolic, urban character occupies only about 0,4 km², being the smallest in the US system. In turn, for the youngest park (as of May 2026) are recognized as newly established areas in the Canadian system, although in the USA the last major strengthening of the system was the establishment of the New River Gorge in 2020. These parks primarily protect unique geological formations, glaciers, primary forests and megafauna such as grizzly bears, bison and wolves.

Yellowstone National Park (USA)

Located at the border of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone It's not only the world's first national park, but above all, a gigantic hydrothermal field nestled in the caldera of a supervolcano. Covering an area of ​​approximately 8,983 km², it protects a unique combination of geological phenomena and wildlife. It's home to more than half of the world's geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, and spectacular, multi-colored hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring. The park is one of the few places in the US where you can still see vast herds of wild bison, as well as grizzly bears, wolves, and elk. While sightseeing is primarily via the Grand Loop road system, which connects key attractions, Yellowstone's true beauty is revealed along hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails. The park offers a wide range of accommodations, from historic hotels like the monumental Old Faithful Inn to numerous campgrounds, which require reservations months in advance. Interestingly, Yellowstone harbors a massive magma chamber underground; if the supervolcano were to erupt, the effects would be felt worldwide. Another fascinating aspect is the story of the reintroduction of wolves in 1995, which completely transformed the park's ecosystem, demonstrating how the presence of a single predator affects river flow and tree growth.

Grand Canyon National Park (USA)

Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon It's one of the most recognizable natural wonders on Earth. The park covers an area of ​​4,926 km², and its heart is the Colorado River Gorge, which, over millions of years, has carved away rock layers, creating a chasm over 1,5 km deep. The park protects exposed geological layers, constituting a nearly complete chronicle of Earth's history dating back billions of years. Visits are usually divided into two main areas: the South Rim, accessible year-round and well-connected, and the North Rim, more rugged and closed in winter. The most adventurous tourists choose to trek to the canyon floor, which requires excellent physical fitness and adequate preparation for the extreme heat. Accommodation is available in hotels on the rim (Grand Canyon Village) and at the very bottom of the canyon at the iconic Phantom Ranch, where you can sleep after hours of hiking or rafting (however, the spot must be chosen in a lottery). The Grand Canyon has its own unique microclimate—the temperature difference between the rim and the floor can be as much as 20 degrees Celsius! Furthermore, the air in the canyon is so pure that on a clear day, visibility exceeds 160 kilometers. This place is also sacred to many Native American tribes, such as the Havasupai, who to this day inhabit isolated villages in the canyon's side branches.

Banff National Park (Canada)

Banff This is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Covering an area of ​​6,641 km², it is the epitome of alpine beauty – protecting majestic, snow-capped peaks, vast ice fields, and crystal-clear lakes with an incredible turquoise color, such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The water's color is due to the presence of so-called glacial flour, tiny rock particles suspended in water from melting glaciers. The park is a haven for grizzly and black bears, moose, snow goats, and wolves. Exploring Banff is exceptionally convenient thanks to the scenic Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Tourism here revolves around trekking, kayaking in summer, and skiing in winter. Within the park lies the charming town of Banff, where you'll find a full range of accommodations – from luxurious Fairmont hotel-chateaus to cozy guesthouses and forest campsites. A fascinating feature is the wildlife crossing system over the Trans-Canada Highway: these special bridges lined with forest allow wildlife to migrate safely without the risk of collisions with vehicles. Banff is part of the larger Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this region one of the largest protected mountain ecosystems in the world.

Yosemite National Park (USA)

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Yosemite It's a sanctuary for granite giants and giant sequoias. Covering 3,027 km², the park protects some of the highest waterfalls in North America and monumental rock faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, a mecca for climbers from around the world. The heart of the park is Yosemite Valley, carved by glaciers and offering breathtaking views of rock formations and dense coniferous forests. The park also protects Mariposa Grove, a grove of giant sequoias, some of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Exploring the valley is made easier by a free shuttle bus system, which aims to reduce emissions and traffic congestion. Staying overnight in Yosemite is a logistical challenge – you can sleep at the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel, in tented cabins at Curry Village, or at numerous campsites, which, during the season, fill up within seconds of opening online reservations. In February, the "Firefall" phenomenon occurs: under the right weather conditions, the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall so that it appears as if lava flowed instead of water. Yosemite was also the site of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt's 1903 campsite, ultimately sealing the park's fate as a federally protected area and defining American conservation for centuries to come.

The best national parks in South America

South America It's a continent of astonishing contrasts, where the world's highest mountains outside of Asia coexist with the largest rainforest complexes and the harsh, glacial deserts of Patagonia. The world's largest national parks often find their counterparts here, in regions that, due to difficult access, have remained off limits to intensive human activity for centuries. South America's nature conservation system is crucial to the global climate, protecting not only unique fauna and flora but also vast freshwater resources and the "lungs of the Earth" in the Amazon basin.

The history of creating parks on this continent began in Argentina, where the Parque Nacional del Sud (today's Nahuel Huapi) was established in 1922, making it the oldest in the region. Title the largest national park South America (and one of the largest in the world) belongs to the Brazilian Mount Tumucumaque National Park, covering an area of ​​approximately 38,800 km² of virgin equatorial forest. At the other end of the spectrum are small island or historical reserves, and behind the youngest units (as of May 2026) newly created areas are considered Chile, the result of massive donations of private land to the state as part of the Park Routes project. These parks primarily protect the biodiversity of tropical forests, endemic Andean species, and monumental glacial formations and waterfalls.

Iguazu National Park (Argentina/Brazil)

The one located on the border Argentina i Brazil the park houses some of the most spectacular wonders of nature – Iguazu FallsThe Argentine section of the park, established in 1934, covers an area of ​​approximately 677 km² and protects a rare Atlantic forest ecosystem. The main attraction is a system of 275 rapids, the most powerful of which, the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), reaches a height of over 80 meters. Visitors to the park can use an extensive network of jetties and footbridges that allow them to walk almost to the very edge of the cascading water. An eco-friendly train service takes them to the farthest points, and boats take them right up to the cascades. Within the park are the luxurious Gran Melia Iguazu hotel (on the Argentine side) and the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (on the Brazilian side), which offer guests exclusive access to the views after the park closes for day visitors. The name Iguazu comes from the Guarani language and means "big water." The park is home to exotic animals such as coatis, which accompany tourists everywhere, as well as rarer jaguars and toucans.

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Located in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine It is considered an icon of rugged, southern beauty. It covers an area of ​​approximately 2,270 km² and protects unique granite spire formations (Torres), glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vast pampas. The park is a haven for Andean condors, guanacos, and a growing population of pumas, which are exceptionally easy to spot here. Exploration is primarily based on trekking: the most famous routes are the "W" (accessible for intermediate hikers) and the complete "O" loop. You can also explore the park by car or take a boat trip to the Grey Glacier. A variety of accommodations are available within the park, from luxury eco-lodges to refuges (refugios), and designated campsites. In 2013, the park was voted the eighth wonder of the world by VirtualTourist, beating out hundreds of other locations. The weather in Torres del Paine is extremely unpredictable: you can experience all four seasons in a single hour, which only adds to the magic of the landscape. This is a must-see for any mountain enthusiast or landscape photographer.

Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)

Located in the Santa Cruz Province in Argentine Patagonia, Los Glaciares is the country's second largest national park, covering an area of ​​approximately 7,269 km². The park was established to protect a vast expanse of continental ice sheet—the largest outside of Antarctica and Greenland. Its most famous feature is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few in the world that does not retreat but remains in a state of equilibrium. Visiting the southern part of the park involves a system of steel observation balconies opposite the glacier's front and boat trips. The northern part of the park, near the town of El Chalten, is the world capital of trekking, centered around the majestic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Accommodation within the park is limited primarily to hiking campsites, with most tourists choosing base camps in the nearby towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. An interesting phenomenon is the Perito Moreno Glacier bursting – every few years, a mass of ice blocks the flow of water in Lake Argentino, creating a natural dam that eventually bursts under the pressure of the water with a mighty roar. This spectacular spectacle attracts film crews and symbolizes the power of nature.

Galapagos National Park (Ecuador)

This truly unique sanctuary, located on an archipelago of volcanic islands approximately 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador. Established in 1959 as Ecuador's first national park, it covers 97% of the islands' land area (approximately 7,970 km²). The park protects a unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution. Here, you'll find species found nowhere else: giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and blue-footed boobies. Visits are strictly regulated – only with a licensed guide, along designated trails or via expedition cruises. Sleeping is permitted only in designated residential areas on four islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana), where eco-friendly hotels and guesthouses are located. Animals on the Galapagos Islands fear no humans because they have evolved for thousands of years without the presence of large land predators. You can walk right past a sea lion sleeping on a bench in the harbor or snorkel with Galapagos penguins. This park is considered one of the most rigorously managed sites on earth, allowing this "living museum" to remain virtually intact despite growing tourist pressure.

The best national parks in Europe and Oceania

Europe and Oceania These are two radically different worlds, united by one thing: an extraordinary commitment to preserving unique ecosystems for future generations. While Europe prioritizes the protection of cultural and natural landscapes, Alpine peaks, and the last remaining primeval forests, Oceania (with Australia and New Zealand dominating) protects relict flora and fauna and gigantic coral reef systems. When considering how many national parks there are in the world, it's worth knowing that their number exceeds 4000, and those located in Europe and Oceania are among the most frequently visited and best-managed.

In Europe for eldest the park system in Sweden (e.g. Sarek), established in 1909, is recognized. The biggest is the Greenland National Park (Danish territory), and the smallest numerous urban or island parks (e.g. in Croatia). In Oceania, the leader is Australia's Royal National Park (1879) – the second oldest after Yellowstone. the biggest The Great Barrier Reef National Park is recognized in the region. The youngest Units are regularly established in Western Australia and on smaller Pacific islands as a means of protecting against climate change. These parks primarily protect glaciers, fjords, endemic marsupials, and unique coral formations, creating some of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

Vatnajokull National Park (Iceland)

This gigantic protected area in southeast Iceland is the largest national park in Europe (excluding Greenland), covering approximately 14,141 km², almost 14% of the island's total area. The park protects the Vatnajokull glacier—the largest ice cap in Europe outside the polar regions—as well as the surrounding volcanoes, lava fields, and mighty glacial rivers. This is where nature manifests itself in its rawest form: as a battle between fire and ice. Exploring the park offers a wide range of activities, from walks along the black sand beaches around the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, to trekking to the Svartifoss waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, to professional expeditions to the glacier itself and exploration of the blue ice caves. On the outskirts of the park, in towns like Hofn and near Skaftafell, there is excellent accommodation, from modern hotels to picturesque campsites. Beneath Vatnajokull's thick ice cover lie some of the island's most active volcanoes, including Grimsvotn, whose eruptions can pierce the ice, creating gigantic glacial floods known as jokulhlaups. The park has also served as a setting for numerous science fiction films and the TV series "Game of Thrones," imitating the lands "beyond the Wall."

Teide National Park (Spain – Tenerife)

Located in the heart of Tenerife, it is the oldest and largest national park in the Canary Islands, covering an area of ​​189,9 km². It protects Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide (3715 m above sea level), and the gigantic Las Cañadas caldera, 16 km in diameter. This area is of unique geological and astronomical importance and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park protects endemic high-mountain flora, including the famous reddish-colored "Echium purpureum," which blooms in spring and reaches 3 meters in height. Visiting is easy thanks to a network of trails leading to an altitude of 2356 m, from where you can take the Teleferico cable car to the summit (a special permit is required to reach the summit). Accommodation is available directly within the park, either in the luxurious Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide state-run mountain hut, or in the simple Altavista mountain hut, perched high on the slopes (for those who want to watch the sunrise). The park's landscape is so similar to Mars that NASA and the European Space Agency regularly test robots and instruments there before space missions. Furthermore, Teide is "Starlight" certified, making it one of the best places on Earth for stargazing due to its lack of light pollution and clear air.

Fiordland National Park (Nowa Zelandia)

Located in the southwest of the South Island, Fiordland is the largest of New Zealand's 13 national parks, covering a massive 12,600 km². It is a land of almost mystical beauty, sheltering deep fjords carved by glaciers, ancient temperate rainforests, and unique fauna, including flightless birds like kiwi and takahē. The most popular destinations are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Exploring the park is primarily through fjord cruises and multi-day treks – three of New Zealand's "Great Walks," including the famous Milford Track, are located here. Within the park, you can sleep in designated huts for hikers and on cruise ships offering overnight cruises. Fiordland experiences some of the highest rainfall in the world (over 200 days of rain per year), resulting in hundreds of "temporary waterfalls" that cascade vertically down the granite fjord walls during each downpour. It was these dark, misty landscapes that inspired Peter Jackson while filming scenes for "The Lord of the Rings." It is one of the most desolate and wild places in Oceania, where nature still holds sway over man.

Freycinet National Park (Australia – Tasmania)

Located on the east coast of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park It is the island's oldest national park (established in 1916) and covers an area of ​​approximately 169 km². While not a giant in terms of size, its natural significance cannot be overstated – it protects the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula with its distinctive pink granite Hazards Mountain Range. The park's greatest attraction is Wineglass Bay, considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world due to its perfectly semicircular shape, white sand, and contrasting turquoise water. Exploring the park is primarily based on trekking: the most popular route leads to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, but it's also worth descending to the beach itself or taking a longer walk towards Hazards Beach and Sleepy Bay. Within the park and its immediate vicinity (Coles Bay), there's excellent accommodation – from luxurious, eco-friendly lodges (like Saffire Freycinet), to holiday cottages, and picturesque campsites located right on Richardson's Beach. The pink hue of the local rocks is an interesting fact – it's the result of a unique blend of minerals, including orthoclase (potassium feldspar), which shimmers most beautifully in the rays of the setting sun. The park is also a haven for rare fauna, including the Tasmanian devil, and seabirds, and during the winter and spring seasons, migrating whales can be spotted from its shores.

How to prepare for a visit to a national park?

Preparing for a visit to a national park is key to ensuring your trip is not only enjoyable but, above all, safe for you and the environment. National parks are particularly strict areas, so planning should go beyond simply packing a backpack.

Research and Logistics (Before You Leave Home)

• Availability check and reservations: Many of the world's most popular national parks (e.g., in the US and Asia) have implemented reservation systems or limited permits for specific trails. Check the official park website to avoid disappointment at the entrance gate.
• Map and route analysis: Don't rely solely on GPS navigation, which is often unreliable in dense forests or canyons. Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me or Google Maps) and, if possible, bring a traditional paper map.
• Park regulations: Each park has its own specific rules – some do not allow dogs, others require special food containers to protect against bears.

Equipment and clothing (layering principle)

• Dressing in layers: The weather in national parks, especially mountain parks, changes dynamically. The basics include thermal underwear, an insulating layer (fleece), and a protective layer (a jacket with a raincoat).
• Footwear: This is the most important piece of equipment. Shoes should be worn in, with a grippy sole and ankle support. Never go hiking in new shoes straight from the store.
• Backpack with essentials: Your backpack should contain: a first aid kit, a power bank, a flashlight (preferably a headlamp), a rescue whistle and a multi-function knife (be careful about restrictions in different countries!).

Food and hydration (energy on the trail)

• Water supply: The rule is simple: take more water than you think you'll need. In difficult terrain or high temperatures, your body's needs increase dramatically. Consider taking water purification tablets or a travel filter.
• High-energy snacks: Nuts, energy bars, dried fruit and kabanos sausages are products that take up little space, provide essential calories and do not spoil under the influence of temperature.

Safety and health

• Tell someone about your plans: Always leave information with someone close to you about which trail you are going on and what time you plan to return. In many parks, phone reception is nonexistent.
• Knowledge of fauna: Find out what animals inhabit a given area and how to behave in the event of an encounter (e.g. how to avoid a bear attack or what to do in the event of a snake bite).
• Protection against sun and insects: UV cream, sunglasses and tick or mosquito repellent are an absolute must, regardless of the season.

Leave no trace ethics

• Waste management: Everything you bring into the park must be returned. This includes organic waste (banana peels, apple cores), which takes a long time to decompose and changes the feeding habits of wildlife.
• Staying on the trails: Shortening roads destroys vegetation and causes soil erosion. Trails are designed to minimize human impact on the most valuable ecosystems.

A trip to these unique places is a chance to see the world in its most authentic state, far from the hustle and bustle of civilization and the transformed landscape. The world's national parks exist to protect our planet's most precious resources, but their survival also depends on the attitudes of us as tourists. Traveling consciously, adhering to local regulations, and supporting nature conservation funds are concrete actions that truly help preserve these ecosystems.