National Geographic’s Best European Destinations for 2027
The list of the Best of the World in 2027 has been announced by National Geographic. Six destinations in Europe are included on the list, but Paris, Rome and Barcelona are not.
The editors have instead looked for places which are worth making a trip to in the coming year. Normandy is celebrating the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. Scotland is getting a new dark sky observatory and there are a number of major museum openings in northern Spain.
Germany has music festivals, there is a world sailing championship in Poland and there are a few improvements that would make it easier to explore the fjords of Norway.
The list of 25 destinations across six continents was released on 20th October 2026. We have now narrowed down the list of destinations to the six European locations. Here’s what you need to know about the 2027 locations and what you should prepare for before you start planning your trip.
National Geographic’s Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2027
| Destination | What’s happening in 2027 |
| Normandy, France | 1,000 years since William the Conqueror’s birth |
| Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland | Planned opening of a new dark sky observatory |
| Cantabria, Spain | Major art and archaeology museum openings |
| Leipzig, Germany | Musical anniversaries and festivals |
| Tricity, Poland | World Sailing Championships in Gdynia |
| Vestland, Norway | Improved overnight rail options and fjord experiences |
The locations are not ranked. They were selected for different reasons, so there is no official first place winner.
1. Normandy, France: Celebrating 1,000 Years of History
There is so much to see and do in Normandy. There is the Mont Saint Michel, the D-Day beaches, medieval towns, and the countryside that inspired some of the best French Impressionist painters.
There’s another reason to visit in 2027.
The region is marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, the Norman duke who invaded England in 1066. More than 1,000 events are planned as part of Millennium 2027: European Year of the Normans. Source: National Geographic’s Normandy guide.
The celebrations are to start in February with a sound and light show at the Abbaye aux Dames in Caen. Exhibitions, concerts, medieval feasts and a fleet of Viking-style ships on the Normandy coast in June will also be held.
Caen’s historic landmarks are also getting some attention, including the restored Château de Caen.
This is a special year for anyone who is interested in medieval history, or the history between France and England in particular.
One thing to watch is the Bayeux Tapestry. It’s scheduled to be displayed at the British Museum while its home in Bayeux undergoes renovations. If seeing the tapestry is part of your Normandy plans, check where it will be on display before booking.
The celebrations will go on all year in 2027, but each one will have its own specific date. You might want to check out the Normandy tourism website to see the dates of the celebrations before you decide when to go.
2. Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland: Dark Skies and Outdoor Adventures
Most tourists who go to Scotland will be going to Edinburgh, the Highlands or the Isle of Skye. The Dumfries and Galloway area in the southwest of Scotland is not as popular.
For 2027, National Geographic is highlighting the region’s dark skies and expanding outdoor attractions.
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is scheduled to open near Clatteringshaws Loch in midsummer. Plans include two observation domes and a 360-degree planetarium, giving visitors another way to experience an area already known for stargazing. Source: National Geographic’s Dumfries and Galloway guide.
The Galloway Forest Park is known to have some of the darkest skies in the UK, but clear weather is still required for a good stargazing night out.
There’s plenty to do during daylight hours, too.
The 206-mile Gallovidian Gravel cycling route connects mountain biking networks across the region, while the 83-mile Rhins of Galloway Coast Path offers a way to explore the peninsula on foot. Source: www.nationalgeographic.com
Caerlaverock Castle is marking its 750th anniversary in 2027.
Dumfries and Galloway has a new observatory, cycling trails, coastal walks and historic sites. But it is a region that is often overlooked.
The observatory is not yet officially open, so if you want to make a trip to see it you should check the status of the observatory before booking an entire trip around it. If you want to go stargazing, you should book more than one night in case the Scottish weather doesn’t clear.
3. Cantabria, Spain: A Big Year for Santander’s Museums
Santander might not be the first place you think about going for your next European holiday. But the capital of Spain’s Cantabria province on the northern coast of Spain is set to see some big cultural projects in 2027.
The Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid will be opening a branch in the city of Santander. The branch will hold the Archivo Lafuente collection of modern and avant-garde art.
The city’s Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology is also to move to a new building where it will be able to display thousands of artefacts. Source: National Geographic’s Santander guide.
These projects follow the September 2026 opening of Faro Santander, which features a collection of European art.
The openings could make Santander a popular place for art and history fans, particularly those visiting northern Spain.
There are also many things to do outside of the museums.
Santander has beaches, a promenade, seafood restaurants, and easy access to the surrounding Cantabrian countryside. A morning visit to a museum and an afternoon on the beach can both be easily accomplished without having to travel far.
The main consideration is timing. Both major museum projects are scheduled for 2027, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be open in January. Check confirmed opening dates and exhibitions before booking a trip specifically to see them.
4. Leipzig, Germany: Classical Music Takes Center Stage
Classical music has a long tradition in Leipzig. The composer Johann Sebastian Bach lived and worked in Leipzig and so did Felix Mendelssohn, who was an important contributor to the city’s musical culture. Richard Wagner was also born in Leipzig.
In 2027, several important anniversaries are bringing that history back into focus.
The city’s annual Bachfest in June will mark 300 years since Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. A Beethoven Festival in May commemorates 200 years since the composer’s death, while the Mendelssohn Festival returns in November. Source: National Geographic’s Leipzig guide.
Leipzig is also expanding its Music Trail, adding another route connecting sites associated with the city’s musical history.
Classical music fans should use the event as an opportunity to travel to see live performances, rather than visit the usual tourist attractions.
Bach is not the only reason to visit Leipzig.
The city has a modern arts scene, independent shops, historic restaurants and areas which are easy to explore on foot. There is a lot to see and do outside of the concert halls and you will be able to spend several days exploring.
If you’re visiting for a particular festival, look at the program before choosing your dates. The major events are spread across the year, and popular performances may require advance tickets.
More details about the festival can be found at the official tourism website for Leipzig.
5. Tricity, Poland: Three Baltic Cities and a World Sailing Championship
The Tricity is a region in Poland comprising the three cities along the Baltic coast of Poland: Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.
They’re close enough to explore on one trip, but each has a different character.
Gdańsk is a city known for its historic architecture, its maritime heritage and waterfront. Sopot is a city with beaches and is a traditional seaside resort. Gdynia is a modern port city with a strong connection to sailing and the sea.
The main multi-class event of the World Sailing Championships will be held in Gdynia in 2027. The event will bring international competitors and spectators to the region. Source: National Geographic’s Tricity guide.
There is another more recent event that is worth mentioning. Gdynia’s Modernist City Centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2026 for its 20th century architecture.
The region has a food scene, and there are also restaurants serving traditional Kashubian cuisine and local food.
The sailing championships will be the highlight of the year, but you don’t need to be a sailing fan to have fun in the area.
If you’re planning to attend the competition, check the official schedule before booking. Those more interested in sightseeing and the beaches may prefer to visit outside the main championship dates.
6. Vestland, Norway: Fjords and Better Rail Connections
Norway’s fjords don’t exactly need an introduction. The scenery has been drawing visitors for decades, and Vestland is home to some of the country’s most recognizable landscapes.
The region is home to the Hardangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and Bergen. Hiking, kayaking and exploring the coast by boat are all possible activities in the area.
National Geographic’s 2027 selection also draws attention to changes in how travelers can reach and explore the area.
Norwegian train operator Vy has begun offering convertible lie-flat seats on overnight trains from Oslo to Bergen, providing an additional choice for passengers traveling across Norway. Source: National Geographic.
It is a practical improvement for those who prefer to travel by train rather than a short flight. Remember to look at the seating and service options when booking.
Bergen is also worth more than a quick stop. Its historic Bryggen waterfront, harbor and surrounding mountains make it a useful base for exploring western Norway.
Unlike Normandy or Leipzig, Vestland doesn’t have one major anniversary driving its inclusion on the list.
The attraction is that it has all the natural attractions you love, but with a better travel experience. If you are planning to go on a trip that involves hiking, visiting fjords and going on scenic train rides, you should definitely consider this.
Just remember that outdoor conditions vary considerably by season. Some mountain routes are only suitable during certain months, and train schedules can change.
Which European Destination Should You Visit in 2027?
All it comes down to is what you want to do.
| Your travel interests | Where to go |
| Medieval history and anniversary events | Normandy |
| Stargazing, cycling and coastal walks | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Art museums, beaches and seafood | Cantabria |
| Classical music and cultural festivals | Leipzig |
| Baltic cities, sailing and regional food | Tricity |
| Fjords, hiking and scenic train journeys | Vestland |
Normandy, Leipzig and Tricity are the most obvious choices if you’re planning around a specific event.
Cantabria and Dumfries and Galloway have new attractions scheduled to open, making their exact opening dates important.
Vestland is more flexible, in particular if you are interested in the landscape rather than an event which only happens on specific dates.
Before Booking a European Trip in 2027
Some locations are listed as they are places where large events take place at set dates. Some locations are also listed because there are attractions that are currently under construction or development.
It can matter if you are planning a trip.
A museum scheduled to open in 2027 might not be ready until late in the year. A festival could run for several weeks, but the performance you want to attend may only take place once.
It’s important to do some checks before you purchase non-refundable flights or accommodation.
- Attraction openings: Confirm that new museums, observatories and visitor facilities will be operating during your visit.
- Event schedules: Check the exact dates and whether tickets or reservations are required.
- Transportation: Look at rail schedules, local connections and any planned service disruptions.
- Entry requirements: Passport validity, visa rules and permitted lengths of stay vary depending on your nationality.
- Weather and seasonal access: Hiking routes, coastal activities and stargazing can all be affected by the time of year.
You should also be aware of any immigration rules if you are traveling to several countries.
The UK is not in the Schengen Area and therefore entering and staying in Scotland is different to visiting France, Spain, Germany, Poland or Norway.
For travelers subject to the standard Schengen short-stay limit, the allowance is generally 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. Norway participates in Schengen even though it isn’t an EU member. Source: European Commission’s Schengen short-stay guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are National Geographic’s best European destinations for 2027?
The chosen regions are in Normandy in France, Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, Cantabria in Spain, Leipzig in Germany, Tricity in Poland and Vestland in Norway.
Why did National Geographic choose these destinations?
The choices include major anniversaries, cultural events, new attractions, outdoor experiences and improvements to transport. They all have their own reasons to make 2027 a good year to visit.
Which European destinations have major events in 2027?
The Normandy region in France is celebrating 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror. The city of Leipzig in Germany is celebrating some musical anniversaries. Gdynia in Poland is hosting the main multi-class regatta in the World Sailing Championships.
Which destinations have new attractions opening in 2027?
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is scheduled to open in Dumfries and Galloway, while Santander in Spain is preparing for major museum openings. Confirm the dates before planning a trip around them.
Is Armenia on National Geographic’s 2027 list?
Yes. The Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia is one of the 25 destinations featured by National Geographic on its global list. The magazine features Armenia in the Asia category, so it is not featured in the list of the six European destinations featured here.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of reasons to visit Europe in any given year. What makes National Geographic’s 2027 selections interesting is that several have something specific happening that you won’t necessarily get to experience on a future trip.
The Normandy millennium celebrations and the musical anniversaries in Leipzig and the sailing championships in Poland are just a few of the things that you can plan your trip around.
The new attractions in Scotland and Spain are different. They could be a great addition to any trip, but you may need to watch out for their opening dates.
And then there’s Vestland, where the draw is still the fjords, mountains and scenery, with a few improvements that could make getting around more comfortable.
If any of these are on your bucket list, 2027 is the year to travel there.
You can check out all 25 destinations featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027.
Sources: National Geographic, Best of the World 2027, published October 20, 2026; Euronews, Six European Destinations Included in Best of the World Selection for 2027, published October 22, 2026.
Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Future opening dates, events and transportation schedules are subject to change.
