Before I begin, I just want to say that for the purposes of this post, I’m lumping all countries east of Berlin into the greater category of “Eastern Europe,” although this term is more complicated than that, and many of these countries are under more specified regions, like the Baltics or the Balkans. I also am including many countries that are more Central Europe but it’s all for the purpose of simplification, not to offend! And to get you interested in this under-explored but highly deserving region of the world.
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Now that Eastern Europe is in my rearview mirror (sob!), I can’t stop thinking about this region of the world. Being back in the States for a little while, many people are surprised we spent three years in places like the Czech Republic and Hungary. Apparently there’s still a stereotype alive and well amongst our American family members and friends–that Eastern Europe is depressing, gray, dingy, and fairly uniform.
Well, I’m here to tell you that this area of Europe quickly climbed up my list as one of my favorite regions in the entire world. Not only is it incredibly diverse, but it’s full of gorgeous landscapes, cities that rival the likes of Paris–at a fraction of the cost!, intricate architecture, unique cultural institutions, and tons of amazing food!
So if Eastern Europe isn’t on your radar, here are 20 pictures to inspire you to visit–and if you do, let me know, so I can live vicariously through you (I miss it so much!).
prague
prague
cesky krumlov, czech republic
budapest
budapest
eger, hungary
bratislava, slovakia
lower tatras, slovakia
belgrade, serbia
transylvania, romania
brasov, romania
korcula island, croatia
kotor bay, montenegro
athens, greece
santorini, greece
lake ohrid, macedonia
krakow, poland
wroclaw, poland
lake bled, slovenia
smartno, slovenia
Linking up with Wanderful Wednesday.