Though national parks are originally an American creation (Yellowstone National Park in 1872), today nearly 100 countries around the globe have lands designated as national parks. These natural or semi-natural parks are set for either human recreation or environment protection. Spectacular scenery and diversified flora & fauna are what a national park usually includes.
Then which is the most beautiful national park throughout the world? Well, it is really hard to tell the answer, for there is a plethora of “candidates” on our planet. But with our well selected photos and pictures below, you may easily find out your best answer!
No matter you are looking for a place for wildlife watching, or just need a hideaway to kick back and enjoy some of the most beautiful views, the 25 national parks on our list will be the ultimate green oasis.
1. Yellowstone National Park, The United States
Credits: slobirdr, jeffgunn, koiart71, Alaskan Dude
It was established in 1872 in Wyoming State, and throughout century-plus years, this park offers natural refuge for a large variety of wildlife. The park has the world famous geyser – the Old Faith Geyser.
2. Iguazu National Park, Argentina
Credits: kevin.j, vtveen, MiguelVieira
Surrounded by the lush subtropical jungle, this park showcases some of the best natural beauty of Argentina and boasts the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
3. Kakadu National Park, Australia
Credits: Pierre Roudier, WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com)
The spectacular natural views, as well as the unique wilderness, put this park on the list of the most visited parks in the world for honeymooners.
4. Glacier National Park, The United States
Credits: okeos, brianandjaclyn, RTPeat
Resting in the northeast end of Montana State in the US, this national park originally had over 150 glaciers, which reduced to only 25 by 2010. It is estimated that all the glaciers might disappear by 2010 according to the current climate conditions.
5. Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
Credits: HappyTellus, pj_in_oz, auldhippo
Breathtaking mountain scenery dominates the multitude of walking tracks in the park.
6. Yosemite National Park, The United States
Credits: Rennett Stowe, Sebastian Bergmann, John Bruckman, Christopher Chan
Ranked as the 3rd most visited park in the US, Yosemite National Park is notable for the steep granite cliffs and huge sequoia groves, but best know for the stunning waterfalls!
7. Deosai National Park, Pakistan
Credits: wikipedia, Meraj Khattak, Misha and Huzi
Established on one of the highest plateaus in the world, this national park receives the best scenery in spring season when the land is blanketed by a carpet of flowers and grass.
8. Olympic National Park, The United States
Credits: IMLS DCC, Vicki & Chuck Rogers, jeffhutchison
There is hardly a chance to find a national park including Pacific Ocean beaches, rainforest valleys, snow-capped mountains and a wide array of plants and wildlife, however, Olympic National Park has done it!
9. Madain Saleh National Historic Park, Saudi Arabia
Credits: Asma Mohiuddin
This national park’s exquisiteness lies in its distinctive natural desert landscape, with a number of ancient constructions showing ancient magnificence.
10. The Grand Canyon National Park, The United States
Credits: http2007, Al_HikesAZ
Millions of years of carving by the Colorado River have created one of the most gorgeous natural wonders in the world – the Grand Canyon. Actually, this park is the second most visited national park in the US for its breathtaking colors and a variety of activities, like hiking and white-water rafting.
11. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Credits: - peperoni -, To Uncertainty And Beyond
With the beautiful European landscape at its best, this national park, along with its overwhelming natural scenery, is blessed by an ultra-clear blue lake.
12. Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland
Credits: wikipedia
The world’s largest national park lies in northeast Greenland, covering an area of 375,000 sq mi. Polar bears and musk ox are the year-around inhabitants here, and chances are that you may see ringed seal, harp seal and even Beluga whale.
13. Hortobagy National Park, Hungary
Catch the incredible sight of Eastern Europe in Hungary’s first national park. See an array of rare species of birds accompanied by Przewalski horse and migratory waterfowl.
14. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Credits: tvancort, ColetteSimonds
This national park has added more natural loveliness to the world! The natural beauty is coupled with the dynamic wildlife, while religious atmosphere from the monasteries brings peacefulness to your heart and soul.
15. Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Great Britain
Credits: wikipedia, Anita363, Darkroom Daze
Spectacular mountain view of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is completed with a large variety of species of birds, castles, waterfalls, lakes…you get the idea!
16. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Credits: wikipedia Alexandra Roberts
Boasting the most impressive natural views and wildlife watching, this park is inhabited by a diversity of African mammals and birds.
17. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The United States
Credits: wikipedia, mikerhicks, michael-gerard
Here comes the most visited national park in America! Countless miles of scenic hiking trails and landscaped campgrounds are traversed by rivers and streams. Beautiful picnic areas and a variety of recreation attract millions of families each year.
18. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Incredibly “big skies,” the vast savannahs, annual wildebeest migration and the chance of a hot air balloon ride…it is no surprise that this park is one of the best known in the whole of Africa!
19. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
Whether you believe or not, 97% of Ecuador land makes up this country’s first national park!
20. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan
Credits: jaimeperez, m_kahn
With the world famous Mount Fuji as the centerpiece, this park offers an ideal venue for weekend getaway. April of each year witnesses the blooming season of cherry blossoms and welcomes the best time to visit the park.
21. Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China
Credits: wikipedia
Chinese for “Nine Village Valley,” this national reserve is best known for the gorgeous blue, green, and turquoise lakes, fabled waterfalls and unique wildlife.
22. High Tatra National Park, Slovakia
Credits: peterfenda, P Donovan
This is one of the world’s last places to spot the mountain chamois, of course if you are lucky! Snow-capped giant mountains, along with the glacier mountain lakes, have been the symbols of Slovakia.
23. Vikos-Aoos National Park, Greece
Encompassing over 31,135 acres of mountainous land, this park is boasting a multitude of rivers, lakes, deep canyons, and dense deciduous forest. However, due to the location, it is relatively untouched by large-scale visitors and best keeps its original beauty.
24. Swiss National Park, Switzerland
As the only national park in the Switzerland, this nature-oriented park makes a peaceful and ecological sanctuary for a large variety of flora and fauna.
25. Zion National Park, The United States
Credits: wikipedia, Djof, Ken Lund
Zion, which means “the place of refuge” in Hebrew, is a true sanctuary, boasting four different habitats for a variety of wildlife. The cliffs of Zion Canyon give the park distinctive creamy red colors.
