EUROPE

Europe is the second smallest continent by land area, covering approximately 10.2 million square kilometres, yet it is densely populated with over 746 million people. It forms part of the larger Eurasian landmass and borders the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The continent is geologically diverse, with features ranging from ancient shields, such as the Baltic Shield, to the younger and still-rising Alpine mountains. Other prominent landscapes include rolling plains like the Russian Platform and the fragmented fjords of Scandinavia​.

  • Europe’s ecosystems are deffined by high geographical diversity and climatic variations. In the north, the tundra supports hardy species adapted to extreme cold. At the same time, the temperate forests of central Europe host a variety of flora and fauna, including oak, beech, deer, and foxes. The Mediterranean region is known for its biodiversity, with drought-resistant plants like olives and unique animal species like the Iberian lynx. Human activity has significantly shaped these environments, transforming landscapes for agriculture, industry, and urbanization.​

    Culturally, Europe is known for its extraordinary diversity, being home to over 40 countries and numerous languages, traditions, and religions. The birthplace of Western civilization - Europe has a rich history, from the ancient Greek and Roman empires to the cultural Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of modern democracies. Its historical influence is evident in its architecture and art.

Last beams of warm sun on a way to Kalški Greben - 2224 m.a.s.l.. In the middle layer, you can see the peak of Storžič and in the back are the Julian Alps, with Triglav standing up as the tallest mountain of Slovenia. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Last beams of warm sun on a way to Kalški Greben - 2224 m.a.s.l.. In the middle layer, you can see the peak of Storžič and in the back are the Julian Alps, with Triglav standing up as the tallest mountain of Slovenia. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Morning light falling on the Kamnik Saddle (1903 m), a scenic and easily hikeable pass. The photograph was taken on a climb to the bordering peaks of Mount Brana (2253 m). (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Morning light falling on the Kamnik Saddle (1903 m), a scenic and easily hikeable pass. The photograph was taken on a climb to the bordering peaks of Mount Brana (2253 m). (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Pogačnikov Dom na Kriških Podih is a high-mountain hut (2,050 m) in Triglav National Park, situated on the Kriški Podi plateau. In the background is the peak of Triglav - Slovenia's highest mountain. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Pogačnikov Dom na Kriških Podih is a high-mountain hut (2,050 m) in Triglav National Park, situated on the Kriški Podi plateau. In the background is the peak of Triglav - Slovenia's highest mountain. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

I patiently waited for the sunrise on the top of Begunjščica mountain when a herd of about 50 curious sheep appeared nearby. Excited to catch them on the photo, together with a sun peeking over the mountains, I approached them cautiously. Firstly, th

I patiently waited for the sunrise on the top of Begunjščica mountain when a herd of about 50 curious sheep appeared nearby. Excited to catch them on the photo, together with a sun peeking over the mountains, I approached them cautiously. Firstly, they ran away, but when I was mounting the camera on the tripod, they slowly came closer, watching me peculiarly with interest. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

On the way to Velika Mojstrovka 2366 m.a.s.l., in the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

On the way to Velika Mojstrovka 2366 m.a.s.l., in the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

Autumn truly is the most magical time to visit the Slovenian Alps. One of the main spectacles at this time of the year is definitely the golden larches. Being the only conifers in Slovenia to shed their needles in the winter, the larches save up chlo

Autumn truly is the most magical time to visit the Slovenian Alps. One of the main spectacles at this time of the year is definitely the golden larches. Being the only conifers in Slovenia to shed their needles in the winter, the larches save up chlorophyll, by breaking it down into smaller molecules and storing it to use it again after the harsh winter. It's time for the other pigments, such as carotenoids, to stand out. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Mount Triglav (2,864 m) is the highest peak in Slovenia and the Julian Alps. It is a national symbol deeply rooted in Slovenian identity, and every Slovenian should climb Triglav at least once in their lifetime. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Mount Triglav (2,864 m) is the highest peak in Slovenia and the Julian Alps. It is a national symbol deeply rooted in Slovenian identity, and every Slovenian should climb Triglav at least once in their lifetime. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Alpine ibex youngsters are born in late spring to early summer (May–June) after a five—to six-month gestation period. They are remarkably agile from birth and quickly adapt to the rugged alpine environment. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Alpine ibex youngsters are born in late spring to early summer (May–June) after a five—to six-month gestation period. They are remarkably agile from birth and quickly adapt to the rugged alpine environment. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Pohorje, a mountain range in northeastern Slovenia, transforms into a winter paradise with its dense forests and rolling hills. Due to climate change, these types of winters are becoming rarer and rarer. (Pohorje, Slovenia)

Pohorje, a mountain range in northeastern Slovenia, transforms into a winter paradise with its dense forests and rolling hills. Due to climate change, these types of winters are becoming rarer and rarer. (Pohorje, Slovenia)

Drežnica, a village under mount Krn, holds one of the most famous Slovenian festivals of pagan origin. 2. Sunrise from Ossuary of Italian WWI soldiers above Kobarid, known for the Battle of Caporetto, documented in Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingwa

Drežnica, a village under mount Krn, holds one of the most famous Slovenian festivals of pagan origin. 2. Sunrise from Ossuary of Italian WWI soldiers above Kobarid, known for the Battle of Caporetto, documented in Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. (Drežnica, Slovenia)

Kúrent/kórant. A mythical creature whose origins are mysterious and connected to Slavic, Illyrian, Celtic and Greek-Roman mythology. A semi-god that drives away evil spirits and winter and calls for better times to the land - a warm spring and a good

Kúrent/kórant. A mythical creature whose origins are mysterious and connected to Slavic, Illyrian, Celtic and Greek-Roman mythology. A semi-god that drives away evil spirits and winter and calls for better times to the land - a warm spring and a good harvest. (Ptuj, Slovenia)

Predjama Castle is a dramatic medieval fortress built into a towering 123-meter-high cliff. Known as the largest cave castle in the world, it is a blend of natural rock and human construction, making it one of the most unique castles in Europe. (Post

Predjama Castle is a dramatic medieval fortress built into a towering 123-meter-high cliff. Known as the largest cave castle in the world, it is a blend of natural rock and human construction, making it one of the most unique castles in Europe. (Postojna, Slovenia)

Triglav National Park is Slovenia's only national park and one of the oldest protected areas in Europe. The park covers 4% of the country's area and was officially established in 1981, but conservation efforts began in 1924. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Triglav National Park is Slovenia's only national park and one of the oldest protected areas in Europe. The park covers 4% of the country's area and was officially established in 1981, but conservation efforts began in 1924. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Slovenia is characterized by its karst landscape - limestone formations, underground rivers, and vast cave systems. The small country has over 10,000 caves. (Kriška Jama, Slovenia)

Slovenia is characterized by its karst landscape - limestone formations, underground rivers, and vast cave systems. The small country has over 10,000 caves. (Kriška Jama, Slovenia)

Bivouacs are small, unmanned mountain shelters for hikers, climbers, and mountaineers exploring remote alpine areas. These shelters offer basic protection from the worst elements. Bivak II na Jezerih was originally built in 1937, yet changed recently

Bivouacs are small, unmanned mountain shelters for hikers, climbers, and mountaineers exploring remote alpine areas. These shelters offer basic protection from the worst elements. Bivak II na Jezerih was originally built in 1937, yet changed recently. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Most alpine valleys in Slovenia, such as Krnica Valley close to Kranjska Gora, were formed by glaciers during the Ice Ages, tectonic plate movement and river errosions. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Most alpine valleys in Slovenia, such as Krnica Valley close to Kranjska Gora, were formed by glaciers during the Ice Ages, tectonic plate movement and river errosions. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Marmot is a large rodent that lives in the alpine and mountainous regions of Europe. They are social animals that live in burrows and form family groups. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Marmot is a large rodent that lives in the alpine and mountainous regions of Europe. They are social animals that live in burrows and form family groups. (Julian Alps, Slovenia)

Velika Planina (Big Pasture Plateau) is the largest hight mountain pasture plateau in Slovenia. In spring, purple takes over as millions of saffron crocus start flowering. (Kamnik Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Velika Planina (Big Pasture Plateau) is the largest hight mountain pasture plateau in Slovenia. In spring, purple takes over as millions of saffron crocus start flowering. (Kamnik Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

There is a first time for everything in life, like seeing the sunrise at Lake Bled before heading to the mountains. The most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia, usually packed with tourists, was calm and peaceful in 2020 due to the recent Covid-1

There is a first time for everything in life, like seeing the sunrise at Lake Bled before heading to the mountains. The most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia, usually packed with tourists, was calm and peaceful in 2020 due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. (Bled, Slovenia)

Koroška, a mountainous region of mighty forests, is a region in northern Slovenia. The landscape, shaped by the Pohorje, Karavanke, and Kamnik-Savinja Alps, is one of the most forested areas in Slovenia, with forests covering more than 80% of its sur

Koroška, a mountainous region of mighty forests, is a region in northern Slovenia. The landscape, shaped by the Pohorje, Karavanke, and Kamnik-Savinja Alps, is one of the most forested areas in Slovenia, with forests covering more than 80% of its surface. (Kamnik-Savinje Alps, Slovenia)

The pig-killing tradition, or "koline" in many Slavic countries, is a cultural practice passed down through generations. Typically carried out during winter, it is an important event in village communities, where families work together to process the

The pig-killing tradition, or "koline" in many Slavic countries, is a cultural practice passed down through generations. Typically carried out during winter, it is an important event in village communities, where families work together to process the meat. (Dolenjske Toplice, Slovenia)

Planika is the Slovenian name for the edelweiss flower, an iconic flower of the Alps. Almost extinct in the past, it is a protected species in several countries. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Planika is the Slovenian name for the edelweiss flower, an iconic flower of the Alps. Almost extinct in the past, it is a protected species in several countries. (Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Slovenia)

Once important for iron ore and cement production, the alpine village of Mojstrana is a charming entry point for three magnificent valleys, Vrata, Krma and Kot, all part of Triglav National Park. (Mojstrana, Slovenia)

Once important for iron ore and cement production, the alpine village of Mojstrana is a charming entry point for three magnificent valleys, Vrata, Krma and Kot, all part of Triglav National Park. (Mojstrana, Slovenia)

The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland off the country's west coast. It is famous for its spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, as well as its rich history and Gaelic culture. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland off the country's west coast. It is famous for its spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, as well as its rich history and Gaelic culture. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Camasunary Bothy is part of the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) network, which maintains free, simple shelters for hikers in the UK. The bothy is unmanned and offers basic facilities, providing shelter from the elements but no electricity or r

The Camasunary Bothy is part of the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) network, which maintains free, simple shelters for hikers in the UK. The bothy is unmanned and offers basic facilities, providing shelter from the elements but no electricity or running water. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Sligachan Bridge, with the Black Cuillin mountain range in the background, was built in the early 19th century to connect the northern and southern parts of the island, improving access between the Portree area and the Elgol region. (Isle of Skye, Sc

Sligachan Bridge, with the Black Cuillin mountain range in the background, was built in the early 19th century to connect the northern and southern parts of the island, improving access between the Portree area and the Elgol region. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Old Man of Storr is a rock pinnacle of the Trotternish Ridge, a range of steep hills and cliffs formed by ancient landslides and volcanic activity. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Old Man of Storr is a rock pinnacle of the Trotternish Ridge, a range of steep hills and cliffs formed by ancient landslides and volcanic activity. (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Dolomites, made of dolomite rock, a type of limestone were formed over 280 million years ago, originally as a coral reef in a prehistoric ocean. (Dolomites, Italy)

Dolomites, made of dolomite rock, a type of limestone were formed over 280 million years ago, originally as a coral reef in a prehistoric ocean. (Dolomites, Italy)

The dolomite rock gives the Dolomites their pale, almost glowing appearance, especially at sunrise and sunset. This phenomenon, known as "Enrosadira", turns the peaks shades of pink, orange, and red. (Dolomites, Italy)

The dolomite rock gives the Dolomites their pale, almost glowing appearance, especially at sunrise and sunset. This phenomenon, known as "Enrosadira", turns the peaks shades of pink, orange, and red. (Dolomites, Italy)

Croda da Lago massif is part of the Ampezzo Dolomites and features a jagged crest with multiple peaks. The highest point is Cima d’Ambrizzola (2,715 m). (Dolomited, Italy)

Croda da Lago massif is part of the Ampezzo Dolomites and features a jagged crest with multiple peaks. The highest point is Cima d’Ambrizzola (2,715 m). (Dolomited, Italy)

Alta Via 1 is 120km long walking route through the Italian Dolomites from Dobbiaco in the North to Belluno in the South. (Dolomites, Italy)

Alta Via 1 is 120km long walking route through the Italian Dolomites from Dobbiaco in the North to Belluno in the South. (Dolomites, Italy)

“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across… “ - Forrest Gump (Dol

“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across… “ - Forrest Gump (Dolomites, Italy)

Built in the late 19th century, the Teth Church has been a spiritual and cultural center for the isolated highland communities of the Shala Valley. (Teth, Albania)

Built in the late 19th century, the Teth Church has been a spiritual and cultural center for the isolated highland communities of the Shala Valley. (Teth, Albania)

The Prokletije Mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps, are one of the most rugged mountain ranges in Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. (Prokletije, Montenegro)

The Prokletije Mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps, are one of the most rugged mountain ranges in Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. (Prokletije, Montenegro)

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