Western Europe
Rich and developed, organized, touristic, conventional sightseeing
The interpretation of regions and their boundaries in Europe varies according to the context and does not conform to a singular definition. The distinctiveness of Western Europe was most clearly illustrated during the Cold War, when the continent was divided for 40 years by the Iron Curtain into two separate blocs: the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, each marked by unique political and economic structures.
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
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, along with a range of other benefits and regulations. The opportunity to cross borders without the necessity of visas or document checks, use a single currency (Euro), and a single zone form mobile coverage are just a few of the advantages that Western Europe extends to its inhabitants and visitors.
This is the area with the highest quality of life, where a deep historical heritage coexists with modern innovations. Special attention is paid to environmental issues, security is at high level and social cohesion is strong.
It is noteworthy that 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. Some of these frequented destinations started to implement measures to deter certain visitors, whose actions cause harm to 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 stands out as my top destination
My first introduction to Western Europe came through cross-border shopping with my parents, necessitated by the shortages of clothing and various food items in the former Yugoslavia during the 1980s. The prosperity of this region sparked a desire within me to explore, visit, and perhaps even establish a career or residence 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 and sites 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.
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.
