The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries and visitors to the region must have a corresponding visa. This visa came into force when Schengen nations abolished passport control at their mutual borders with the intention of promoting tourism. A Schengen visa is essentially an entry permit for non-EU nationals that allows the holder to make a short or temporary visit of up to 90 days to a country in the Schengen area within any 180-day period.
Let's look at the countries categorised as Schengen nations and discuss a few of the best ones to explore.
Which countries are included in the Schengen Visa?
Refer to the following list to learn about countries covered by the Schengen visa:
- Italy
- France
- Latvia
- The Netherlands
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Portugal
- Norway
- Iceland
- Greece
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- Czech Republic
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Liechtenstein
- Finland
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain
- Malta
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Austria
- Croatia
The Best Schengen Nations to Visit this Summer
Now that you know about the various European countries within the Schengen region, let's explore the best options for your next summer trip.
1. Austria
Austria is noted for its impressive alpine summits, which number over 240; a notable example is GroÃglockner, its highest peak. On your trip to Austria, you can:
- Fly to Vienna and visit Hofburg, the imperial palace. Another must-see location is Upper Belvedere Palace, famous for the world's largest collection of Klimt paintings.
- Visit Salzburg to explore Altstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also explore Mozart Residence, Hohensalzburg Castle, and Spanish Riding School.
- Visit the quaint town of Zell am See. The region is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. Over here, you can marvel at the glacier-capped Kitzsteinhorn and hike the Pinzgauer Spaziergang trail.
- Relax in the beautiful village of Hallstatt. Explore the nearby Dachstein Salzkammergut region and witness the charm of nearby alpine villages.
2. Denmark
Denmark is the perfect country to explore hidden Scandinavian gems. Some things you can do include the following:
- Visit Copenhagen and drive to Nyhavn Harbour, visit the Little Mermaid statue, or explore the historic Rosenborg Castle.
- Visit the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, sunbathe on the beautiful beaches, and stroll through lush forests in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city.
- Relax at Fyn Island, also known as the 'Garden of Denmark.' Enjoy time in beautiful villages and explore the castles dotting the landscape.
- Drive to Bornholm, which is noted for its sandy beaches, cliffs, and the Hammershus Castle ruins. It also has various small fishing villages.
- Have you heard about the stories of Vikings? If so, Ribe is the place for you. Denmark's oldest town is famous for its cobbled streets, the Wadden Sea National Park, and Ribe Cathedral.
3. Belgium
Belgium, in northwest Europe, has breathtaking sights to offer. Some of the places you should add to your list include the following:
- Visit the Grand-Place in Brussels, considered to be the most beautiful medieval square in Europe. You must also visit the Manneken Pis statue in this city.
- Explore the historic centre of Bruges, which is famous for its Gothic architecture. Take a boat ride along the canals and marvel at the famous Belfry.
- Visit the lively city of Ghent, which offers tourists both medieval and modern architectural sights. You can explore the Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral.
- Drive to Antwerp, also known as the food capital of Belgium. Apart from an unforgettable culinary experience, the city also offers visitors views of the Cathedral of Our Lady and the MAS Museum.
4. Spain
Spain is known for its iconic European landmarks and culinary tourism. When in Spain, the following should be on your bucket list:
- Visit Barcelona and explore Antoni GaudÃ's architectural designs. You must also visit BasÃlica de la Sagrada FamÃlia and Park Güell. Take a memorable stroll down Barri Gòtic, which dates back to the Roman Empire.
- Visit Santiago de Compostela, a medieval city in northwestern Spain. It is the final stop on the ancient pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago.
- Segovia is just 55 miles northwest of Madrid. Here, you can enjoy a hot-air balloon ride and visit the Alcázar De Segovia fortress.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to Explore Schengen Nations?
Before arriving at any of the Schengen nations listed above, you will need travel insurance for Schengen visa. Additionally, your insurance must offer a minimum coverage of â¬30,000. It should cover conditions like medical emergencies, repatriation costs, and more.
Travel insurance also generally reimburses for lost passport and baggage, as well as extended stays or trip cancellations due to unavoidable situations.
Conclusion
The Schengen Area comprises a vast European region, and you will require a Schengen visa to travel freely within this area. However, before you embark on your journey, ensure you have travel insurance with sufficient coverage to protect against unexpected events.
