Reasons to Visit Some of the Least Visited Countries in Europe
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Trying to define exactly what Europe is a matter of debate. Some include 44 countries; others 51—the additional countries are partly in Europe and in Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus and Turkey). The reason for this is geographers have used two key land features, the Ural Mountains and the Ural River to divide Europe and Asia. Since the landmass is not totally separated by a sea or an ocean, the division is really due to the distinct historical, cultural and political identity of Europe that is quite different from Asia and not by any true geographical physical boundaries.
If I were deciding upon what is Europe, I would count only the European part of Turkey, exclude the former Russian countries of Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine and most of Russia except St. Petersburg. I also would include Cyprus. While the Schrader Europe (41 countries) has no bearing on any geography division, Schrader Europe really is about the quality of tourist sites or experiences that appeal to enough travelers to make a visit worthwhile, in my humble opinion.
But this is not a geography lesson; this is a blog about why you should consider visiting some of the least visited countries in Europe.
As a concession to the correct definition of Europe, we do have PowerPoints on all 44 countries in Europe on our website. They are organized by the 4 regions of Europe and include a special section on Little Treasures that provides information on some of the smaller European countries. We also have city guides for 6 of the 8 countries covered in this blog—Reykjavik, Vaduz, Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino and Belgrade. It is easy to order them from our website.
So, let’s visit 8 of the 10 least visited countries of Europe. Although Moldova (#1 least visited) and Belarus (#4 least visited) are in the top 10 of the least visited, there are not many reasons for the average person to visit and I am not writing about them in this blog.
A word about the data—it is from the World Tourism Council, some is outdated, and with the travel world on hold currently with COVID-19, is just for comparisons purposes only. I include the country’s rank (#1 being less visited), but choose not to include the number of visitors, as I cannot verify the data widely available is all from the same year, or has any meaning as all as numbers are sure to plummet in 2020. However, it seems the trends and rankings are quite valid—the 8 countries I have listed are the least visited countries in Europe for at least the last 5 years or more. I decided to list them alphabetically instead of ranking 1-10.
Ready? Let’s go!
Bosnia & Herzegovina (#7)
A small country of the former Yugoslavia, most folks know this country from the 1984 Winter Olympics and the devastating civil war that followed (1992-1995). Bosnia, as it is commonly called, has a very small coastline, especially compared to its immediate neighbor Croatia. We have not really visited here except for a 10 minute stop while on tour in Croatia.
Sarajevo was featured on TV during the Olympics before the brutal civil war and was a beautiful city. The war damaged some of the city, but it has since recovered. A great place to visit is in the old town, Sarajevo Bašcaršija, which features towering mosques, bustling bazaars with traditional handicrafts like copper plates and gold-gilded tea sets. Also try the outdoor cafes for sipping strong Bosnian coffee.
Another good place to visit is Mostar, which many call the most picturesque city in Bosnia. It has perhaps the most famous site in the country—the Stari Most bridge which arches across the Neretva River right in the center of the old town. Destroyed during the civil war, it has been reconstructed with great care.
The last good place to visit is just outside the city of Blagaj. There you can see the Velagić House and a monastery complex, both of these structures are dramatically built into the side of a cliff.
Iceland (#8)
This island nation has the northernmost capital city in the world. It is full of wonderful natural sights. I briefly visited while in the Army, but had little chance to enjoy the country as it was an official visit with military work that precluded any tourist destinations.
Most of the best sights in Iceland are the natural wonders. These include: the Blue Lagoon (a famous geothermal hot springs lake); the Golden Circle (The Golden Circle is the popular tourist route that includes Gullfoss waterfall, Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park); and the Northern Lights (best seen September to April, but often not visible due to clouds, rain or snow—it might take some luck and patience on your part to see the aurora borealis).
Reykjavík, the colorful capital city, is known for its nightlife. A little remote, but can be access by flights or for the really brave, an ocean cruise (I guess I don’t qualify as a Viking raider!).
Liechtenstein (#2)
This is one of the world’s smallest countries—it is only 62 square miles! I have driven through the entire country and visited its capital Vaduz in 1989. Vaduz has about 5,000 inhabitants. Most of the country is Alpine mountains or Alpine valleys. The language of Liechtenstein is German and they use Swiss Francs for currency. The capital is Vaduz and there are some interesting things to do including hiking up the castle of the Prince and visiting the stamp museum and Prince’s Art Gallery.
If you have ever seen the movie, The Mouse that Roared with Peter Sellers, for me, Liechtenstein was the model for the small country, that to avoid bankruptcy, declared war on the United States. The plan was to attack with a small force and surrender, so to have the US bail them out as it had done to other European countries under the Marshall Plan. However, in this farce, the small force captured a Q Bomb and now was the most powerful country in the world. It just seemed to me to fit, as I sat drinking a beer in an outdoor café, gazing up at the castle—I guess I’m a true romantic—small does not have to mean uninteresting!
Luxembourg (#10)
Luxembourg is a holdover of the Holy Roman Empire feudal system. This place is a gem, with interesting sights packed into a tiny country. The walled city, Luxembourg City, is a fortress city with steep cliffs surrounding the old city complex. Anne and I visited in 1989 and liked our brief overnight stay.
The old town is charming and the steep city walls make for great views in Luxembourg City and the surrounding rest of the town. Other sites in the town are the Grand Ducal Palace, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the underground tunnels. Expensive but a great place—it is one of the richest countries in the world.
The Walled City of Luxembourg
Old Town Luxembourg
Outside the city, there is an awesome castle complex at Bourscheid Castle. There is an American Cemetery about 5 miles outside town and is the final resting place of Lt. General Patton and many other soldiers—quite a moving place to visit. World War II history buffs will also like a visit to the Ardennes region, with its Battle of the Bulge Museum.
American Cemetery in Luxembourg—Lt. General Patton is buried here
North Macedonia (#6)
The ancestral home of Alexander the Great, this tiny country does not have very many visitors but has endured a battle over the name of the country that has hurt tourism. Recently, the country in 2018 resolved a 27 year dispute over the correct name for this former part of Yugoslavia, after Macedonia declared independence in 1991. The problem here is that Greece has a part of their country also called Macedonia and both claimed the name. It finally has been resolved by renaming the new country—the correct name is now The Republic of North Macedonia.
Of all the countries of this blog, tourism has a way to go, in my opinion, as this country has not been able to join the EU (European Union) and the political disputes have hurt the tourism sector.
In the capital, Skopje, the old bazaar and Kale fortress deserve a visit. Perhaps the best place to visit in the Republic of North Macedonia is Ohrid. Ohrid is known for its churches. Two of the most famous are the church of Kaneo, and the monastery of Plaoshnik. They are stunning buildings on Lake Ohrid. Ohrid is known as Jerusalem of the Balkans, for the fact that it once had 365 churches, and was a very important area in the growth of Christianity.
Monaco (#5)
A remnant of the Holy Roman Empire, Monaco is an old principality—it is only about 2 square miles. It has the highest population density of any country in the world. This country is known for being a tax haven and is home to one of the most famous casinos in the world—Monte Carlo Casino. It has one of the best formula one races in the world—the Monaco Grand Prix. In Monaco, they speak French and use the Euro for currency.
I visited in 1971 and the first place I went was the casino—it was not lost on me that James Bond gambled here! The changing of the guard at the palace and the wonderful aquarium of Jacques Cousteau are also worth a visit. Just wander here—it is a playground of the rich and famous!
San Marino (#3)
This is an independent country completely surrounded by Italy (we in the geography world call this an enclave). It is only 24 square miles. It is the smallest and oldest republic in the world. The town of San Marino does not allow automobiles. Attractions include the 3 forts on the 3 peaks of Monte Titano, a Basilica, and shopping in the village’s narrow streets. San Marino postage stamps are highly sought after by collectors. The language used here is Italian and they use the Euro.
San Marino Castle
Freedom Square, San Marino
You have to love a place that has cross bow competitions, and parades at noon of villagers dress up in medieval costumes. We really enjoyed our visit and want to return. A little hard to get to but what a gem!
Cross Bow Competition, San Marino
Noon Parade, San Marino
Serbia (#9)
It might seem strange for a relatively large country to be on this list, but it does not draw many visitors compared with other European countries. There are some very impressive fortresses and several large houses of worship. A good place to start is Belgrade, the capital city. Kalemegdan Fortress, on the banks of the Danube, is huge and an interesting site to visit. Also, the large Orthodox Saint Sava Church is an impressive structure.
Kalemegdan Fortress, on the Danube near Belgrade, Serbia
Weapons Display, in Kalemgdan Fortress
Belgrade, Serbia
St. Sava Orthodox Church, Belgrade, Serbia
The Iron Gates on the Danube and Novi Sad deserve your time. We visited on an AmaWaterways lower Danube cruise and it was a great way to be introduced this interesting country.
Novi Sad, Serbia
Petrovaradin Fortress near Novi Sad on the Danube River
Iron Gates on the Danube River
Church on the Banks of the Danube in the Iron Gates
My Final Thoughts
Wow—what unique places these 8 countries are for me! As we grapple with how travel will be after we resume our explorations, perhaps these lesser known places with draw more interest away from some of the sometimes crowded tourist top places to visit in Europe. I certainly hope so!
Please let us know if you have visited any of these 8 countries and as always, your pictures are welcome!
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations. As you can see, our full service agency can get you to almost anywhere you desire to travel and provide you a great experience and vacation.
When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48+ years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
