When UNESCO officially announced the first World Heritage Sites in 1978, it laid the foundation for a remarkable project. Because since then, the initially quite manageable list of twelve sites from eight countries, has been joined by 1,199 sites in 168 countries.

Beauty that's worthy of protection

As different as they are, they are united by one aspect: All members of this selection are perceived as particularly worthy of protection. They come from the most diverse areas. In addition to monuments, city ensembles and cultural landscapes, industrial monuments and works of art also belong to the world heritage. They are all worth seeing. But what are the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites in Europe?

Dubrovnik. © Shutterstock

A total of 491 natural, cultural and mixed World Heritage sites are on the European list. Choosing the most beautiful destinations from them is no easy task. After all, they're all fascinating and varied in their own way. But these destinations should definitely be at the top of the bucket list:

Italy: Florence

Why? Renaissance streets and alleys, beautiful magnificent buildings and endless opportunities to enjoy culture: Florence is not without reason since 1982 World Heritage Site. Strolling through the streets, visiting the Uffizi Gallery, strolling along the Ponte Vecchio or standing in front of the cathedral, you are following in the footsteps of impressive personalities such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Galileo Galilei.

Florence Cathedral, © Shutterstock

Where to Stay: Directly at the Piazza della Repubblica lies the Hotel Savoy. It belongs to the Rocco Forte collection and therefore scores with service of the highest level. The property itself can also be seen. Because it lies behind a historic facade with a partial view of the cathedral.

© Rocco Forte Hotels

Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Piazza della Repubblica, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Tel: +39 055 27351
Website: roccofortehotels.com
Price: from € 500

Croatia: Dubrovnik

Why? Today the Pearl of the Adriatic is the talk of the town. Cruise tourists and fantasy fans (Game of Thrones) are enchanted by the impressive old town during the summer months. But long before Hollywood, UNESCO noticed how unique the port city on the Mediterranean is. For it awarded the entire old town core of Dubrovnik the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many cultural-historical monuments.

Dubrovnik, © Shutterstock

Where to Stay: The Hotel Excelsior repeatedly accommodates numerous A-list celebrities. Who stays here, stays in one of the renowned Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Guests have the choice between the Villa Odak and The Tower, the more modern new building.

© Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Frana Supila 12, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385 20 300 300
Web: adriaticluxuryhotels.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 450

Austria: Wachau

Why? The Wachau cultural landscape, located on about 20,000 hectares on the Danube and just outside Vienna, has been a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe since 2000. The committee sees it as a landscape still characterized by a traditional way of life. Apart from the beautiful nature dominated by vineyards, wine cellars, small villages with cobblestone streets and wine determine life here.

Dürnstein/Wachau, © Shutterstock

Where to Stay: Villa Schönthal below Dürstein Castle has been an enchanting, privately bookable hideaway since 2016. Up to eight guests can enjoy peace and privacy here, but on request during hotel opening hours they can use the services of the 5-star hotel. Dürnstein Castle experience

© Villa Schönthal

Villa Schönthal
Dürnstein 82, 3601 Dürnstein, Austria
Tel: +43 2711 212555
Web: villawachau.at
Price: from € 500

France: Loire Valley

Why? The French have always proven that they know how to appreciate the finer things in life. On the one hand, by inventing culinary delights - we are thinking, for example, of baguettes, croissants and wine. And on the other hand, by that world-famous feeling of savoir vivre. Simply enjoying live, letting the soul dangle. And where could you do that more beautifully than in the Loire Valley? Beautiful landscapes, historic sites and architectural wonders characterize the region. For exactly this reason it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe in 2000.

Chambord Castle, © Shutterstock

Where to Stay: Remarkably, you can stay in the Loire Valley directly opposite a world heritage site. Because the Hotel Relais de Chambord is located with a view of the world-famous Chateau Chambord, which is already part of the list since 1981.

© Relais de Chambord

Relais de Chambord
Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord, France
Tel: +33 2 54 81 34 00
Web: relaisdechambord.com
Price: Doubles from € 200

Switzerland: Swiss Alps

Why? The 824 square kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Bernese Alps covers the cantons of Bern and Valais. It also includes the famous mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The region was included in the World Heritage List in 2001. This made it the first natural heritage site in the Alpine region. Besides the impressive mountain landscapes, it's also all the rare animal and plant species that make a trip worthwhile.

View of Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger © Shutterstock

Where to stay: The Schweizerhof in Bern has been the city's premier hotel for over 160 years. In a direct location right next to the train station, timeless elegance meets outstanding service. The 500-square-meter spa and the culinary concept are also top-notch.

© Hotel Schweizerhof Bern

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Bahnhofplatz 11, 3001 Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Tel: +41 31 326 80 80
Web: schweizerhofbern.com
Price: Doubles from € 420