Western Europe
Rich and developed, organized, touristic, conventional sightseeing
Western Europe attracts more international tourists than any other region in the world.
The interpretation of regions and their boundaries in Europe varies according to the context and does not conform to a singular definition.
In my definition of Western Europe, I also include the areas of Northern and Southern Europe, using the historical political boundaries as the primary criterion for distinction. The concept is commonly associated with liberal democracy, socialism and the European Union, which also encompasses several Eastern European countries.
There are 23 countries included in the category of Western Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Tourists are not welcome everywhere anymore
Europe’s distinctiveness became most visible during the Cold War. For 40 years, the Iron Curtain split the continent into Western and Eastern blocs with completely different political and economic systems.
The majority of countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, which permits the free movement of people and cargo.
I love how easily I can cross borders freely, use the Euro everywhere, and stay connected with one mobile zone.
Western Europe is the area with the highest quality of life, where a deep historical heritage coexists with modern innovations. People care about the environment, enjoy high safety, and have strong social ties.
Seven out of the ten most frequented countries globally are situated in Western Europe (2023). The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, contributing to its status as a favored destination for travelers.
During the 2020s, the strategy of continuously boosting tourist number underwent a transformation in some of the most popular destinations. They began using measures to discourage visitors who harm local communities. Many city centers have become less viable for permanent living anymore, as real estate prices have surged, resulting in the replacement of local suppliers with international brands in restaurants, cafeterias and shops.
Iceland – my top Western Europe travel destination
My first taste of Western Europe travel came through cross-border shopping trips with my parents during the 1980s, driven by shortages in Yugoslavia. Experiencing the region’s prosperity left me eager to return, explore more deeply, and maybe one day live or work there.
I began my travels by hitchhiking to Paris and Amsterdam, which led to an Interrail journey through Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain. During my academic years, I also spent three months studying English in London. However, as I discovered more exotic locales outside of Europe, my interest in Western Europe waned considerably.
Although I have visited every country in Western Europe, there are still many areas, landmarks, attractions, and things to do that I have not yet explored. The northern regions of Scandinavia and the countryside of the United Kingdom are particularly high on my list of places to visit.
If I had to identify a single country in Western Europe that has most captivated me, I would probably choose Iceland as my top pick for its unforgettable highlights.
This is primarily because it stands apart from mainland Europe, offering a remarkable fusion of stunning natural landscape, which includes glaciers, volcanos, waterfalls and hot springs.
Countries visited in Western Europe – 23 of 23
