If you are studying abroad in Europe, chances are you will want to jump on a train with your friends and discover new and exciting places. We all know the obvious ones: Paris, London and Rome — but there are a lot of lesser known European cities that are well worth the train ride to see.
Here are eight hidden gems of Europe that you won’t want to miss:
1. Hallstatt, Austria
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Hallstatt is a quiet and quaint city, with only about 1,000 inhabitants. In exchange for liveliness, you will find incredibly scenic walking paths that lie between the Eastern Alps and the Hallstätter See. There are virtually no cars in Hallstatt — instead you can expect great hiking, skiing and water activities. It is home to 250-year-old salt mines, which you are allowed to tour. Hallstatt is a peaceful city, with unbeatable beauty and charm.
2. Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest is a thriving city with nearly 2 million inhabitants and a rich history. “Buda” and “Pest” were formerly two cities that were divided by the Danube river. Now, the Budapest Bridge connects the two. Tons of cafes line the Danube river, while homes are in the hills above the water. Budapest’s parliament building — built in 1904 — is one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition, Budapest is home to thermal springs nicknamed the “baths of Budapest” which are open to the public for a fee. They often host “bath parties”— events for the nightlife lover in you.
3. Freiburg, Germany
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This city is covered with cobblestone paths and organized gutters called bächles. These features, along with the romanesque and gothic architecture, make for a charming atmosphere. There is a university and a town center, along with great shopping boutiques.
“Most small university cities in Germany are a hub,” said Austrian local Karin Obermayr. “This is where famous philosophers and writers lived and taught.”
Also in Freiburg is the Black Forest, a great hiking and viewing deck destination. There are great restaurants at the top of the hills, where you can sip a beer with a view of the entire city.
4. Hvar Island, Croatia
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Hvar Island is located between Italy and the mainland of Croatia, and has a rich mediterranean culture with a mild climate year round. There is incredible nightlife on the island, while there is also great nature (including vineyards!)
5. Segovia, Spain
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Segovia has the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, along with having medieval streets and beautiful rivers.
“I loved walking from the (central) aqueduct to the castle (Alcazar of Segovia) because I could see a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and houses in a five minute time span,” said Amy Bussell, a University of Oregon student. “During the summer, there was always a festival going on with soccer games, dances, or performances in the plaza.”
6. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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The “Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” is the financial hub of Europe, with a rich history from World War II. It is a clean city with rivers, hills, and pedestrian promenades. The old town drapes around the gorges of the rivers.
7. Turku, Finland
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Turku is home to tons of experimental art and vibrant festivals. There is a university there, so there is a big nightlife scene.
“There are plenty of sculptures,” said University of Oregon student Olivia Determan. “And a building with a light fixture that changes color during the time of day. The locals use it to tell time at night.”
8. Kraków, Poland
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Kraków is full of castles, cathedrals, and museums. There is a medieval style old town center. Kraków has a mythical atmosphere, with an old legend that it was founded upon the defeat of a dragon.