9 Silent and Wild Places in Europe That Feel Like Space

In 2025, discover 9 remote places in Europe that feel otherworldly. Silence, nature, and stars align here.

Have you ever closed your eyes for a moment on the tram to work and imagined yourself on Mars? Or, while watching a sunset on a beach, thought to yourself, "This beauty surpasses the world"? If we dream of escaping notification sounds, screens, and crowds, perhaps the solution isn’t found in the stars, but by looking a little further north or west.

Throughout Europe, there are secluded spots where you will feel as if you’ve just stepped out of a space capsule, enveloped in silence and appearing as if born from nature’s wild palette. In this piece, we won’t suit you up in an astronaut’s jumpsuit, but we will show you places that will lift your spirit and reconnect you with the sky. I remember the first time I arrived at Landmannalaugar—setting down my bag and standing there, speechless for five minutes, just taking in the surroundings. Now, I want you to experience that feeling too.

9 Secluded Spots in Europe That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in Space

1. Iceland’s Highlands: A Lunar Landscape Next Door

Where?: When you venture into the interior of Iceland, especially to regions like Landmannalaugar, Askja, and Kerlingarfjöll, you will witness nature transforming into a surreal stage. It takes about 4-6 hours by car from Reykjavík. But be warned: most of these regions are accessible only during the summer and by 4x4 vehicles. This isn’t a spontaneous trip—it requires well-planned exploration.
Why Go?: Because this area is one of the most “otherworldly” must-see spots in Iceland. Pitch-black lava fields, sulfurous mud pools, vast barren plains, and mountains in shades of orange and green… Especially the Laugavegur Trail, part of the Landmannalaugar trekking routes, feels like an expedition to Mars for hikers. The views are not only breathtaking, but also thought-provoking. Sometimes it’s just you and that light, space-age solitude.
My Own Experience: I first visited Landmannalaugar in August. There wasn’t a single tree or birdsong along the way. When I got out of the car, the first sensation was that the ground beneath my feet didn’t feel of this world. A gentle breeze blew, yet no sound could be heard. Sometimes, the silence is so profound that you only want to listen to your own breath. In that moment, I felt as if I weren’t with nature, but alone on another planet.
What to Know: The Hálendið region is directly affected by climate change. The summer season has shortened and sudden weather changes are more frequent. So, if you’re wondering how to explore Iceland’s Highlands, the clear answer is: keep a daily eye on the weather, don’t set off without GPS, and be sure to bring extra clothing. Forget about WiFi—signals are hard to catch in space anyway.
Why the Space Feeling?: Volcanic barren landscapes, the emptiness that merges with the sky, minimalist natural textures, and extreme isolation.
Tip: Bring plenty of sandwiches because the nearest snack bar might as well be in another galaxy. A 4x4 vehicle is a must—normal cars will have you saying “Game Over.” And if you don’t even know how to change a tire, you’ll learn from nature directly rather than from YouTube on this journey!

2. Scotland’s Highlands (Especially Rannoch Moor): A Void in the Mist

Where?: Rannoch Moor is located near the heart of Scotland, between Fort William and Perth, and close to the Glencoe Valley. The most practical way to reach this area is by taking a train from Glasgow for about three hours. As soon as you step off at Rannoch station, silence and mist greet you. Even today, the region remains largely unspoiled; there are no grand hotels or throngs of tourists.
Why Go?: Because for those seeking undiscovered nature trails in Scotland, Rannoch Moor is a true gem. It is not just a landscape, but an atmosphere. Brown marshes, peat bogs, and ever-changing misty weather make you feel as if you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s an open-air studio for photographers and solo hikers alike. The answer to the question Where can you find misty nature walks in Scotland? is clearly here.
My Own Experience: I first visited Rannoch Moor in September on a morning when dense mist had settled. Stepping off the train, I only had my walking stick, a waterproof jacket, and a fully charged memory card with me. In the first 10 minutes, I almost felt lost in the mist, yet strangely, I wasn’t afraid. Instead, it felt as if the entire universe had drawn a curtain behind me. Never before had solitude felt so peaceful.
What to Know: Climate change has also affected Scotland. Even in summer, sudden mists and brief showers occur more frequently. So, if you’re wondering what to consider on a misty nature excursion in Scotland, the clear advice is: waterproof clothing is essential, as mobile signals are scarce in many areas. But here’s the good news: nature’s signal is always strong!
Why the Space Feeling?: Endless marshes, swirling mist walls, a dramatic and isolated atmosphere – visually, it gives the impression of an alien planet.
Tip: Try bringing a bagpipe along and give it a go—you never know if its echo might reply from another dimension! Or, worst-case scenario, the Scottish sheep might look at you and say, “Are we getting a performance too?”

3. Svalbard, Norway: An Icy Planet

Where?: Svalbard is located in Norway’s Arctic region, about 1,000 km north of mainland Norway. There is a small but significant settlement called Longyearbyen. Direct flights from Oslo are available on certain days of the week. Once you step off the plane, you might wonder whether you’ve landed in Europe or at a NASA base. Polar bears are real, but WiFi is still a distant dream in many places.
Why Go?: Because this is the only place in Europe where you can experience a true polar adventure. Whether you want to hike on Svalbard’s glaciers, observe polar bear habitats, experience the midnight sun or the polar night, you needn’t look anywhere else. In summer, the sun never sets, while in winter, darkness can last for weeks. It truly is a cycle that feels “otherworldly.”
My Own Experience: When I first set foot in Longyearbyen, the biting polar air hit me, and at the same moment, my phone’s battery drained. In this small yet orderly town, people carry weapons because the threat of polar bears is very real. But don’t worry—the locals are very helpful and show great respect for nature. In the first icy valley I stepped into, I only heard the sound of the wind. With every step on the thin ice beneath the snow, the feeling of “I do not belong here” grew stronger. Perhaps that is exactly why Svalbard so rightfully earns its place on this list.
What to Know: Due to global warming, the glaciers in Svalbard are melting rapidly. This has led to the closure of some trekking routes and shortened ice tours. The most important tip for nature trips in Svalbard is to travel with a licensed guide and be mindful of areas that require special permits. Additionally, tourists from outside Norway need a Schengen visa.
Why the Space Feeling?: Extreme isolation, polar climate, landscapes perpetually blanketed in snow, the absence of a day-night balance, and the feeling of being alone with nature.
Tip: Think twice before greeting a polar bear with “Hello, neighbor!” They might not be very hospitable. Thermal underwear, sunglasses, and a spare charger will be your best friends. And yes, even at -30°C you can snap a selfie—just don’t be surprised if your fingers go numb.

4. Lapland (Finland/Sweden/Norway): Endless White Under the Northern Lights

Where?: Lapland lies at the very edges of Northern Europe, spanning the borders of three countries—Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The most accessible region is Rovaniemi in Finland, which can be reached easily by both train and plane. During the winter season, there are several direct flights daily on the Helsinki-Rovaniemi route. This city is the capital of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and endless white expanses.
Why Go?: Because it is one of the places in Europe where you can see the Northern Lights at their clearest. As the nights lengthen in winter, Aurora Borealis tours are organized throughout Lapland. But what makes this place special isn’t just the sky. Activities like husky sledding through snowy forests, staying in igloo hotels, and ice walking on frozen lakes literally transport you to another planet.
My Own Experience: When I first arrived in Lapland in December, it was around 2 PM, yet the sky looked like night. Despite my thermal clothing, I couldn’t feel the tip of my nose, but at the same time, the green-purple lights sparkling in the sky seemed to say, “Welcome, interstellar traveler!” Sitting by a campfire sipping hot blueberry juice, I realized that I wasn’t just listening to the north, but to the very soul of the world. The silence was so deep that you could almost hear the wind changing direction.
What to Know: In recent years, climate change has also affected the visibility of the Northern Lights. Therefore, the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Lapland is between December and March, but outdoor areas with low light pollution should be preferred. Regions like Kiruna (Sweden), Tromsø (Norway), and Inari (Finland) offer the best show with minimal light interference. In touristy spots like Rovaniemi, you might need to leave the city to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Why the Space Feeling?: Endless white blankets, dancing lights in the night sky, frozen nature, atmospheric silence, and extreme polar cold.
Tip: Watch out for reindeer traffic! Especially on rural roads, these cute yet unpredictable creatures can be faster than any GPS. And if you jokingly say while walking, “If I slip, I’m off to the stars,” it might just come true.

5. Teide National Park, Tenerife, Spain: A Mars-like Landscape in the Canary Islands!

Teide National Park, Tenerife, Spain

Where?: The Teide National Park is located in the heart of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest volcano at 3,718 meters, is a beacon for both observers and nature enthusiasts. It is reachable in about 1.5 hours by car from either the North or South airport of Tenerife. Although intra-island transportation is well-developed, some routes within the park are accessible only with special vehicles or guided tours.
Why Go?: Because this is one of the most realistic places in Europe where you can be reminded of the surface of Mars. Reddish lava fields, enormous craters, wind-sculpted lava tubes, and occasionally barren, stony areas—especially rock formations like Los Roques de García—evoke the surface of an alien planet. From the peak of Teide, as you gaze over the clouds, you feel like an astronaut peering out of a space capsule. At night, it is also one of the best spots in Europe for stargazing.
My Own Experience: On my first hike on Teide, I set out at noon when the sun was at its peak. The weather seemed warm, yet the wind struck you like a gentle caress from outer space. The color of the ground, a mix of red and yellow, made me feel completely detached from Earth after just a few steps. It was so quiet that even the sound of my footsteps echoing against the rocks was audible. And then... that sky. The unfiltered photos captured stars that seemed as if they might just fall upon you.
What to Know: Those wishing to climb Teide still need to obtain a special permit in advance. While it is possible to ascend by cable car, if you want to walk the final 200 meters, a permit is required. Additionally, there are official stargazing tours in Teide, which are very popular due to the UNESCO-protected quality of the night sky. Daytime temperatures are around 20°C, but at night they can drop to -5°C. Layered clothing is essential.
Why the Space Feeling?: High altitude, barren lava vistas, rock formations that appear to be from another world, and a star-studded night sky.
Tip: The altitude might make you a bit dizzy—what could be considered “space intoxication.” So, don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and water. And make sure you don’t end up looking like a sunburnt Martian!

6. Tabernas Desert, Spain: Europe’s Wild West (or Barren Planet)

Where?: The Tabernas Desert is located in southeastern Spain, in the Andalusia region, about 30 km from the city of Almería. It is easily accessible both by buses departing from Almería and by rental cars. So, you don’t have to wait for Elon Musk to head to Mars!
Why Go?: Because this is the only place in Europe where you can experience a desert climate. Also known as a natural film set, the Tabernas Desert served as the backdrop for classic Westerns like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon a Time in the West.” But its true charm lies in the sunlit orange rock formations, nearly barren hills, and the cracked, dry soil that acts like a portal to another planet. Especially in the early mornings or at sunset, as the shadows change, you feel as though you’re in a science fiction film.
My Own Experience: The first time I visited Tabernas, it was the height of summer and the car’s thermometer read 41°C. But as impressive as the heat was, so was the silence of the desert. There wasn’t a bird’s chirp or a rustle of leaves—after all, there were no trees! It felt like a movie soundtrack was playing in my head; with Ennio Morricone’s notes guiding me, I walked slowly. While examining the reddish soil, I thought, “This place should be where NASA trains its astronauts.” And yes, while posing for selfies, I felt like a true space explorer.
What to Know: Tabernas is known as the driest region in Europe. For those who wish to experience a desert climate in Spain, this is ideal, although summer temperatures can be extremely high. As of 2025, traditional film studios can still be visited in the area and hiking trails are maintained. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. In the evenings, temperatures can drop suddenly, so a light jacket might come in handy.
Why the Space Feeling?: Barren, vegetation-free terrain; an orange-brown soil texture; silence and solitude; and rock formations reminiscent of another planet’s surface.
Tip: Don’t forget your cowboy hat and your toy laser gun! You might not encounter Clint Eastwood’s ghost, but you could find yourself battling the sun. And yes, if you stay in the sun too long, you might feel like Luke Skywalker on Tatooine!

7. Faroe Islands, Denmark: Green Cliffs at the Edge of the World

Where?: The Faroe Islands consist of 18 volcanic islands scattered in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland. Officially, this autonomous region belongs to Denmark. Typically, you reach the islands via connecting flights through Copenhagen or Edinburgh. The capital, Tórshavn, is one of the smallest yet most impressive capitals in the world. Although the airport is modern, inter-island travel is still mostly accomplished by ferries and tunnels.
Why Go?: Because this is one of the few places in Europe where you’ll feel as if you are walking at the end of the world. Dramatic cliffs, steep rocky slopes, ever-changing mist, and the roaring sound of the Atlantic combine to present nature in its most raw, unfiltered form. Spots like Gásadalur Waterfall, Saksun, and the Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy are favorites among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
My Own Experience: To reach Kalsoy Island, I took a ferry and then continued my journey by minibus along mountain roads. The number of sheep I encountered was so high that I couldn’t even joke about it: there were more sheep than people. When I reached the Kallur Lighthouse, the wind was so strong that my tripod almost flew away. Gazing at the Atlantic, I felt transported not only from the world but from my own thoughts. In the end, I sat there quietly, as if a seagull was silently asking, “Another photo?”
What to Know: The weather in the Faroe Islands is unpredictable. My answer to the question When is the best time to visit the Faroe Islands? is: summer (June to August), but dress warmly! The wind, rain, and mist can change every 10 minutes. The roads are narrow and winding, so be careful if you plan to rent a car. Also, some of the smaller islands require advance reservations.
Why the Space Feeling?: The isolated location amid the ocean, colossal rocky surfaces, dense layers of mist, wind-shaped landscapes, and the feeling of being able to walk for hours without hearing another human sound.
Tip: The wind might mess up your hair and your head, but the views are so magnificent that an “alien selfie” is definitely Instagram-worthy. And yes, the seagulls might sometimes follow you—but perhaps they’re just trying to capture the perfect shot!

8. The Dolomites, Italy: Another World Among Jagged Rocks

Where?: The Dolomites stretch across northern Italy, spanning the regions of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. This UNESCO World Heritage mountain region is easily accessible: cities like Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Bressanone offer access by car or public transport. The roads are in excellent condition, and aside from hiking trails, there are also plenty of cycling and climbing routes for nature lovers.
Why Go?: Because for those who wish to see a continental, almost otherworldly landscape in Europe, the Dolomites are the most aesthetically pleasing spot. With their jagged peaks, deep valleys, and the effect of Enrosadira (the pinkish glow of the mountains at sunset), they look like the surface of another planet. Places like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi offer experiences of a space-station-like silence for those seeking solitude in nature.
My Own Experience: I first climbed Tre Cime in the early hours of the morning, almost illuminated by moonlight. The air was so still that even hearing my own breath felt strange. The jagged peaks stretching toward the sky, along with the total absence of birdsong, made me believe that the mountains were changing their own color palette as the sun rose. The feeling there was not just peaceful—it was the thought that “beyond this world, beauty also exists.”
What to Know: In the Dolomites, weather conditions can change rapidly. For those planning to hike here, it’s best to set out early in the morning and dress in layers. Even in summer, mornings can be cool. Also, a good pre-planned route is essential since it’s easy to get lost in the valleys. Even in 2025, this region retains its calm for all nature enthusiasts.
Why the Space Feeling?: Sharp peaks, dramatic rock formations, silence, light plays reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, and atmospheric changes due to high altitude.
Tip: Try listening for echoes at high altitudes—maybe the spirit of the mountains will reply with a “Who’s there?” Or, if a mountain goat poses, it might let you take the selfie first. But be careful: these goats are known for sneaking into the frame when you’re posing!

9. Wild Atlantic Way Coasts, Ireland: A Window to the Ocean’s Infinity

Where?: The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for about 2,600 kilometers along Ireland’s west coast, from Galway to Donegal. Along this route, you’ll find countless cliffs, coves, windswept hills, and untouched beaches. Places like Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, Dingle Peninsula, and Achill Island are particularly popular among nature lovers. The roads are generally well-maintained, though some village roads remain narrow and winding.
Why Go?: Because this is one of the few places in Europe where you can gaze at the ocean and feel as if you are floating in a void. As the mighty waves of the Atlantic crash against the cliffs and merge with the grey-blue hues of the sky, it feels as if you are suspended in an endless, almost extraterrestrial void. Moreover, this route connects isolated Irish villages, unspoiled nature, and a rich Celtic heritage in a unique journey.
My Own Experience: While watching the sunset on the Dingle Peninsula, with the endless ocean unfolding before me, time seemed to stand still. I sat on an old stone fence, accompanied only by the sound of the wind. In the distance, a lighthouse blinked slowly, and I thought, “If the world were a book, this page would be pure emptiness.”
What to Know: It is important to plan your accommodation and transportation along the Wild Atlantic Way in advance. There are numerous B&Bs along the route, but they often get fully booked during the summer months. The wind is a constant companion year-round, so visiting between April and October is more advisable. Additionally, long-distance trails like The Burren Way and Kerry Way are available for hiking enthusiasts. The route is also ideal for stargazing.
Why the Space Feeling?: An endless view of the ocean, wild nature, the sensation of walking along steep cliffs, a horizon that merges with the sky, along with feelings of solitude and freedom.
Tip: Leave your umbrella behind—the wind will whisk it away into another dimension in an instant. A waterproof jacket, a windproof hoodie, and sturdy hiking boots will be your best companions. And remember, when it comes to the wind here, there’s no argument—it always wins.

9 Secluded Spots in Europe That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in Space – They Will Captivate You

Even in 2025, if you are still in search of tranquility, the spots listed here are the perfect escape routes in tune with the spirit of the times. Whether you choose to hike through Iceland’s volcanic solitude, stand amid Lapland’s endless white illuminated by the Northern Lights while gazing at the sky, these nine locations will reunite your soul with silence. To escape the hectic pace of city life, artificial screen lights, and crowded spaces, you don’t need an astronaut suit—a little courage and curiosity are all that’s required.

So which route would you choose? For a walk in nature, the Dolomites or the Scottish Highlands are perfect. If you’re after an icy, almost surreal experience, you should consider Svalbard or Teide National Park. And if you want to feel the sense of infinity while gazing at the ocean, the Faroe Islands or the Wild Atlantic Way might capture your heart. For a visually cinematic experience, the dry silence of Tabernas or the lava fields of Iceland’s Highlands will make you feel like you’re on an entirely different planet.

Now is the time to explore these places, as many natural areas are changing with climate change, tourism pressure, and global transformation. Perhaps some of these beauties won’t remain as they are today in a few years. It’s the perfect opportunity not only to explore but also to witness nature with respect.

Which would be your favorite “space base”? Maybe there’s a place not mentioned in this list that has left a galactic impression on you. Share your thoughts in the comments—who knows, perhaps our next journey will lead us there!

1 Likes

Publish Date: 04 Apr 2025

| Author: Olivia White

| Category: Secret European Destinations