Explore the Natural Beauty of The Balkans with a Two Country Select Eurail Pass

Europe is an eclectic mix of multifaceted countries, each with their own distinct culture, history, cuisine and defining landmarks. While many flock to Europe to visit iconic cities like Paris, London, and Rome, there are just as many fantastic destinations to explore as you head further east. If you’re a great admirer of natural beauty, then the Eastern European countries of Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro should be next on your travel bucket list. Read on for some incredible examples of the natural wonders to be found in these countries, and how to reach them using a Eurail Two Country Select Pass (Croatia/Slovenia and Serbia/Montenegro).

Explore crystalline lakes and cascading waterfalls in Croatia

Croatia is one of the world’s most popular beach destinations, but it's also the perfect place to begin your journey through the incredible landscapes of Eastern Europe. Croatia abounds with stunning examples of natural beauty, from an extraordinary coastline with craggy peaks to its rolling vineyards further inland. However, if you were to choose just one scenic highlight from this magnificent country it would be Plitvice Lakes National Park. This stunning National Park boasts an incredible 16 lakes, their crystalline waters connected via a series of cascading waterfalls (the largest, Veliki Slap, is 70m tall).

The deep woodland of this UNESCO World Heritage listed paradise is populated by a host of native wildlife, including deer, bears, wolves, boars, rare bird species and a kaleidoscope of butterflies. Plitvice Lakes National Park spans a total of 300 square kilometres, and with 18km of wooden footbridges to wander through, it’s best to set aside an entire day to explore this natural wonder (note: visit purely to admire the stunning vistas, as the lakes are not accessible to swimmers).

How to get there: Plitvice Lakes National Park is easily accessed from Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Take the 396 train from Zagreb Glavni Kolod (the main train station) and disembark in Sisak. From here you can catch a bus to Plitvi ka Jezera, a minute’s walk from the national park. The entire journey takes around 3 hours and 42 mins (including a 1 hour transfer).

 

Experience the fairy tale allure of Slovenia's Lake Bled

Cross the border into Slovenia and you will be greeted with even more incredible examples of natural beauty. One of Slovenia’s scenic highlights is Lake Bled; a picture perfect emerald green lake set against the backdrop of the magnificent Julian Alps. In the centre of the lake is Bled Island, which, with its gothic hilltop church and abundance of greenery, looks like something out of a fairytale. Bled Island is reached by pletna, a special type of Slovenian boat, similar to the gondolas of Italy only much larger. Once on the island you will be able to get a close-up view of the Church of the Assumption and marvel at its mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture. To reach the building you will need to climb 99 stone stairs, and once inside there is an opportunity to ring the church’s legendary wishing bell.

Back on the mainland, there is also plenty to explore. Walk the 6km circuit around the lake and hike up Osojnica Hill for a spectacular view of Lake Bled’s sparkling waters contrasted against the alpine peaks in the distance. Other highlights include the mixed architecture of the stunning cliffside Bled Castle (dating between the 11th and 16th centuries) and the magnificent Vintgar Gorge, which is a 4km trip from the town centre.

How to get there: Take the regional train from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, and disembark in Kranj. From Kranj you can take a bus straight to Bled. The entire journey takes around 1 hour and 49 mins, including a 48 minute transfer.

Visit one of the world’s most perplexing rock formations in Serbia

Serbia, another of the Balkans' highlights, is a country of great contrasts – simultaneously hosting a slew of idyllic country towns and villages whilst also being known for the raging party scene in its capital, Belgrade. However there is more to this fascinating country than quaint old buildings and an impressive nightlife.

Head South to Djavolja Varos to experience one of nature’s most strange, and eye-catching, rock formations. Djavolja Varos, which literally translates to Devil’s Town, consists of some 202 stone-capped soil towers, formed by natural erosion.

These stone pyramids are steeped in mythology, with legend dictating that they are petrified wedding guests who were trying to arrange a marriage between siblings to appease the devil. Nearby are two natural springs, javolja voda (Devil’s Water) and Crveno vrelo (the Red Well)  which have an extremely acidic water and high mineral concentration .

How to get there: Serbia’s rail network will get you from Belgrade to the town of Kursumlija, which is about 30km Northeast of Djavolja Varos. A taxi will get you from Kursumlija to Djavolja Varos in around 40 minutes.

 

 

Nature and history collide at Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is an incredible cliffside town, situated along Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast. The town has been built upon a natural harbour; its Romanesque churches, quaint houses, and ancient town walls seamlessly weaving their way through the terraced landscape and rocky hills. The historical architecture throughout this UNESCO World Heritage site makes it feel like a living museum and the towering peaks that encapsulate the bay’s pristine waters make it one of the most scenic locations in Eastern Europe.

How to get there: If you’re starting out in Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, you can take the train to the coastal town of Bar. From here you will be able to access Kotor via bus. Buses from Bar to Kotor leave almost every hour, with around 10 departures daily, and the journey can take between 1 hour 15 mins to 2 hours.

The Balkans are so unique in their mix of culture, architecture, and natural wonders, and should be visited at least once by every avid traveller. The pristine landscapes listed in this article are just the beginning, with a world of opportunity to experience nature at its finest when you purchase a Eurail Two Country Select Pass (Croatia/Slovenia and Serbia/Montenegro). Purchase yours before the 27th of December and receive 20% off!