Europe Castles & palaces, Peaceful, People + Waterfall pictures

• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Maze-like hedges, marble sculptures and colorful flower beds adorn this historic royal garden, where the palace’s stables and carriages once lay.

Nature and technology, history, festivals and performing arts make this one of the most popular cities in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region.

Make your way along elegant promenades to find medieval churches, thermal spas and stunning gardens in the shadow of the Italian Alps. 

Learn about Toulouse’s long history of aeronautics with the three guided tours of this iconic developer’s factory and main sites.

Find one of Europe’s largest glaciers, its most powerful waterfall, most extensive national park and oldest parliament in this island nation on the verge of the Arctic.

Go to the top of this great mountain in San Sebastián and visit a traditional amusement park with spectacular views as a backdrop.

Although it’s not the Auvergne region’s highest summit, this dormant lava dome is its most iconic. Join the thousands of hikers who visit every year.

A lake and a majestic fountain are among the highlights in this urban park that stands on the site of the city’s former fortress.

Be spellbound by the scale and splendor of the Spanish Royal Family’s former official residence.

Ponds, sculptures and slides grace the leafy park near this long and innovative two-part bridge that doesn’t quite meet in the middle.