National parks of Russia
Kologrivsky forest
The reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Russian Plain. All rivers of the reserve are left tributaries of the Volga, the largest of which are Kostroma and Unzha. Quite large areas of the reserve are occupied by swamps and wetlands, which is primarily due to the flat topography. The reserve has small forest rivers and no large lakes and rivers, which ensures a significant density of animals whose life is directly connected with water bodies - these are, first of all, otter, mink, and beaver.
Katunsky Biosphere Reserve
The territory of the Katunsky and Altai nature reserves is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List under the name “Golden Mountains of Altai” (1998). The absolute heights of the Katunsky Nature Reserve range from 1300 to 3280 m above sea level. The territory contains 135 lakes with an area of 151,664 hectares or more. In the highlands there are a large number of glaciers, with a total area of 283 square meters. km.
Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve
Shulgan-Tash State Nature Reserve in Bashkortostan, which has federal status. It is located in the western foothills of the Southern Urals, in the mountain-forest belt, within the Burzyansky district. Total area - 225 sq. km. The rich landscape mosaic also determines the high diversity of flora. The relief is low mountain. Mixed broad-leaved and coniferous-deciduous forests occupy 92% of the territory.
Divnogorye Natural Museum-Reserve
The natural architectural and archaeological museum-reserve Divnogorye is located on the territory of Russia, in the Liskinsky district of the Voronezh region. The area of the museum-reserve is more than 11 square meters. km. From a geological point of view, the reserve consists of chalk deposits on the surface of the earth. The maximum height of the plateau above sea level reaches 181 meters, relative - 103 meters (the mouth of the Tikhaya Sosna River at the confluence with the Don, which flows at the foot of the plateau, is located at an altitude of 78 m above sea level). Due to the rather significant difference in altitude between the plateau and the floodplain of the Don and Tikhaya Sosna rivers, its microclimate differs significantly from the surrounding floodplain lowland.
Kuznetsky Alatau
The Kuznetsky Alatau State Nature Reserve is located in the south of Central Siberia, at its highest point - on the western descent of the ridge, at the intersection of Mezhdurechensky, Tisulsky and Novokuznetsky districts of the Kemerovo region. The Kuznetsky Alatau ridge itself extends over almost a third of the Kemerovo region. This ridge is a relief consisting of medium and high mountain ranges dissected by rivers.
Kedrovaya Pad
The Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve is located in the Khasansky district of Primorsky Krai, between the western coast of the Amur Bay and the border with China, on the spurs of the East Manchurian mountain ranges, the Sukhorechensky and Gakkelevsky ridges, separating the Kedrovaya River basin from the basins of the Barabashevka and Narva rivers, flowing near the boundaries of the reserve.
Lazovsky Reserve
The Lazovsky Nature Reserve is located on the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin, in the interfluve of the Kievka and Chernaya rivers. In terms of size and moisture regime, the mainland part of the territory of the Lazovsky Reserve, located north-west of the Zapovedny ridge. Almost the entire territory of the reserve is divided between two independent drainage basins of the Kievka and Chernaya rivers, flowing into the Sea of Japan. The remaining numerous rivers and streams of different sizes, directions and character are either tributaries of these rivers, or independently collect water from a narrow coastal strip, the average width of which is about 10 km, and flow directly into the Sea of Japan.
Baikal-Lena Nature Reserve
The main part of the reserve's territory is represented by taiga forests of various types. On the coast of Lake Baikal, fragments of ancient relict steppes have been preserved; 50 species of mammals and about 240 species of birds live. The reserve is also famous for its high number of bears. In addition, here you can meet such rare and interesting birds as the white-tailed eagle, black stork, hump-nosed scoter, common scoter, and gray crane.
Sochi National Park
The national park is located on the territory of Greater Sochi: from the borders with the Tuapse region, between the mouths of the Shepsi and Magri rivers in the northwest to the borders with Abkhazia in the southeast and from the Black Sea coast to the watershed line of the Main Caucasus Range. Most of the park's territory is occupied by mountains, dissected by river valleys. The foothill zone occupies a narrow strip along the Black Sea. About 40 rivers and streams of the Black Sea basin flow through the park.
Altai Nature Reserve
The Altai Nature Reserve is located in the mountains of Southern Siberia. This is the land of mountains and swift mountain rivers, the kingdom of giant trees and the country of ancient wild animals. A walk through the mountain taiga landscapes of the reserve is fascinating in its unpredictability. Vertical belts, steppe, forest, subalpine and alpine, replacing each other as you climb the mountains, hide their secrets. Even the forests within the reserve are different. In the north there are practically only firs, to the south - cedars, in the south - deciduous trees.
UK National Parks
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons are located on a mountain range in South Wales and occupy a national park of approximately 1345 sq. km, the park contains the highest mountain in southern Britain. The Brecon Beacons translates to "Brecon Beacons", a name that comes from ancient times when people used fires lit on mountain tops to signal each other that enemies were approaching.
Norfolk Broads
Broads National Park covers Norfolk and Suffolk. This is a large, protected wetland area of Great Britain that is home to some of the UK's rarest plants and animals. This is the third largest park in the UK, which occupies vast expanses of water. The park includes seven major rivers and 63 remains of medieval peat excavations.
Dartmoor
The beautiful expanse of the Dartmoor moors in Devon covers a huge area of the UK. Dartmoor contains the largest concentration of Bronze Age artefacts in Britain, and is home to many ancient stones and other monuments.
Cairngorms
The largest British national park, with an area of 4528 square meters. km. The area is home to a high and massive mountain range, with four of Scotland's five highest mountains located within the park, and there are 55 peaks over 900m high. Overall, the Cairngorms occupy about six percent of Scotland.
Lake District
Lake District, often compared to the sea, the park is located in the mountainous region of Cumbria, in north-west England. The entire territory of England with an altitude of more than three thousand meters above sea level is within the territory of the National Park, including Scafell, the highest mountain in England. The deepest and longest lakes of England are also located here.
The Trossachs and Loch Lomond
This park in western Scotland is located in the Loch Lomond area, which represents the largest freshwater reserve in mainland Britain. The park contains 21 peaks with a height of more than 1000 meters and 19 peaks with a height of more than 2500 m, as well as two forest parks - Queen Elizabeth and Argyll.
Peak District
Britain's oldest national park. It attracts around 10 million visitors a year, largely due to its proximity to a number of major cities in northern England, making it one of the UK's busiest national parks. The Peak District is conventionally divided into the northern Dark Peak, where most of the territory is occupied by swamps, and the South Peak, where most of the territory is occupied by limestone rocks.
US National Parks
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the iconic places in the United States of America. The Grand Canyon stretches almost 450 km in length. It was formed by the influence of the Colorado River over thousands of years. The National Park is famous for its picturesque desert landscapes.
Yellowstone, Wyoming
The first national park in the world, famous for its geysers, hot springs burst out of the ground, producing a unique impression on viewers. The park is home to many wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose.
Rocky Mountain, Montana
On the Canadian border, Rocky Mountain Park is home to about 130 lakes and is home to thousands of plant species and hundreds of animal species.
Everglades, Florida
The Everglades is a network of wetlands and forests and is home to 36 protected species, including panthers and American crocodiles.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological structures that cut the sky with narrow peaks. The structures were formed by weathering and erosion by sediment flow.
Death Valley, California-Nevada border
Death Valley is the hottest and driest place in North America. Here you will discover a harsh desert landscape that, despite everything, attracts many species of animals.
Denali, Alaska
Denali is located around the highest mountain in North America. Denali's landscapes are a mixture of forest, tundra, glaciers and rocks.
Hawaiian volcanoes
This dramatic landscape includes two active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the most active in the world, and Mauna Loa.
Yosemite, California
Yosemite is famous for its attractive El Capitan and Half Dome cliffs. There are beautiful steep waterfalls and ancient redwood trees here.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The underground park is a huge cave with an area of 1220 m, 191 m wide and 78 m high. Photographers here will be amazed by the beautiful limestone cave landscapes.
National parks in Europe
Saxon Switzerland, Germany
The park features extremely beautiful rocky landscapes and canyons. Ancient coniferous trees grow in Saxon Switzerland.
Swiss national park
The Swiss National Park is the oldest park in the Alps and provides protection to many rare animals. Mountain goats, marmots and countless varieties of birds live here.
Teide, Tenerife island, Spain
The volcanic peak of Teide is the most visited national park in Spain. It is known for its surreal landscapes and amazing views of the surrounding Canary Islands.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
16 lakes amaze visitors to this Croatian national park. The shades of water in the lakes vary from crystalline green to dark blue.
Vatnajokull, Iceland
The largest glacier in Europe is located in Vatnajökull National Park. The glacier occupies about 8% of the entire territory of the country.
Cevennes, France
Cevennes is located in the mountainous region of France. Here you will see picturesque mountain landscapes and gorges. There is a chain of cave systems within the park.
Olympus, Greece
Here is the famous Mount Olympus, the highest mountain and the legendary home of the Greek gods. The park is rich in history, culture and ecological diversity.
Abruzzo, Italy
The Abruzzo Park is home to huge granite peaks and beech forests. This mountain wilderness is home to brown bear, wild lynx, wolves and royal eagles.
Tatra Mountains, Slovakia
The oldest national park in Slovakia covers 741 square meters. km area. Pines and other coniferous trees grow here. There are many lakes in the park, and a wide variety of wild animals live here.
Burren, Ireland
The Burren is the smallest of Ireland's six national parks. The area of the park is only 15 square meters. km, but there is something to see here.
Goreme, Türkiye
Turkey's national park inspires photographers around the world with its surreal landscapes, caves and bizarre hills.
National parks of the world
Fiordland, New Zealand
The snow-capped mountain peaks of the national park will inspire any photographer. Most of the plots of the film “The Lord of the Rings” were filmed here.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
This park is one of the best places to visit to see all the flavor of the African continent. Lions, African elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinoceroses live here.
Banff, Canada
It is Canada's oldest national park and features rich mountain ranges, densely forested regions, glaciers and ice fields. Banff is home to grizzly bears, elk and bighorn sheep.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The island's wildlife has developed in isolation over millions of years, resulting in unique animals and rare plant species growing in the park.
Sagarmatha, Nepal
Most of the park is occupied by mountains, one of which is the highest point on our planet - Mount Everest. The territory of the park amazes with rivers, glaciers and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is home to the impressive Andean peaks. Lakes, glaciers and mountain glades are presented to the attention of photographers. Here you can find guanacos, pumas and rare birds.
Kakadu, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to impressive waterfalls, rivers and swamps, and is home to many wild animals, including saltwater crocodiles.
Iguazu, Argentina / Iguazu, Brazil
We are talking about two Iguazu parks at once, one of which is located in Brazil, and the second in Argentina. The hallmark of the parks is a chain of beautiful waterfalls surrounded by jungle. Visitors are impressed by the huge variety of birds living around Iguazu Falls.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is famous for the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle that passes through the park.
Fuji Hakone Izu, Japan
Japan's most popular national park includes views of the dormant Mount Fuji at the center of the park. Fuji Hakone Izu is shrouded in clouds in spring and summer.
Zhangjiajie, China
Unique and unrepeatable mountain landscapes await visitors to Zhangjiajie Park in China. The park is home to tall sandstone pillars, the result of years of erosion caused by ice expansion.
Jim Corbett, India
The national park is named after a hunter who gave up his job and began to protect nature in order to save the Bengal tiger. It is the oldest national park in India and is home to Himalayan bears, leopards and elephants.
Canaima, Venezuela
The park will amaze you with picturesque cliffs and waterfalls, including Angel Falls, which is more than one kilometer high.
Ao Phang Nga, Thailand
A distinctive feature of Ao Pang Nga Park are the highest cliffs that run straight into the water. The combination of sea and mountain landscapes will definitely impress photographers
Some governments make great efforts to protect certain areas in order to preserve the cultural and natural wealth of their people for future generations.
There are more than 160 thousand protected areas in the world. In total, they occupy 10% of the entire surface of the planet. Here are the biggest ones:
The largest nature reserves in the world
1. Papahanaumokuakea (area – 1.5 million km²)
Monk SealThe idea of creating a conservation area in Hawaii was first proposed by former US President Theodore Roosevelt back in 1909. But only 100 years later, in 2006, George W. Bush, with the support of the US Departments of Commerce and the Interior, which allocated funding, created the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument.
And in 2016, Barack Obama nearly quadrupled the amount of protected area, making Papahānaumokuākea the largest nature reserve in the world.
It is home to more than 7 thousand species of various plant and animal species, including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
2. Northeast Greenland National Park (area – 972 thousand km²)
Considering that the national park covers the entire northern part of Greenland, it is recognized as one of the largest national parks in the world. Its size is larger than the area of 163 of the 195 existing countries in the world.
This national park is home to polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, snowy owls and many other species, some of which are critically endangered. The park was created in 1974, over time its territory increased, and in 1977 it already received the status of a biosphere reserve of international importance.
3. Marine protected area of the Chagos Archipelago (area – 544 thousand km²)
The territory of the world's largest marine conservation area is under the patronage of Great Britain and is the largest reserve of marine flora and fauna on the planet.
The area of the region is larger than France and is located 500 km south of the Maldives. The reserve covers seven atolls and coral islands with a beautiful and diverse underwater natural world, which plays a key role in the formation of the local ecosystem.
Chagos is home to more than 1,200 species of coral, various fish and one of the rarest species of sea turtles.
4. Kavango-Zambezi Transboundary Nature Reserve (area – 444 thousand km²)
The reserve covers the territory of several African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are several national parks here, including Chobe, Nhai Pan and Bwabwata, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls.
Kavango-Zambezi was founded to protect the migration of animals from one country to another. The region's biological resources include one of the largest elephant populations on the African continent.
5. Phoenix Islands Protected Area (area – 408 thousand km²)
The protected area is located in the Republic of Kiribati and is the largest natural reserve of marine life in the Pacific Ocean.
These sites are connected to the mystery of the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, a famous female pilot whose plane is believed to have disappeared in these waters in 1937.
Five of the eight protected islands are home to extremely rare and endangered bird species, attracting attention from tourists and researchers. Some areas of the reserve can be visited, but only with special permission.
6. Great Barrier Reef (area – 344.4 thousand km²)
One of Australia's most interesting natural attractions is undoubtedly the Great Barrier Reef, the largest collection of coral in the world. Many exotic species of marine flora and fauna live here in one place.
The area was declared a national park because the corals were rapidly disappearing due to environmental pollution. Now, for example, tourists and surfers visiting a nature park are required to follow strict rules of conduct.
The Great Barrier Reef is located near the state of Queensland and consists of a chain of more than 900 islands and 2,900 individual reefs stretching over 2,600 kilometers in length.
Tourism in this region generates billions of dollars in revenue for Australia.
7. Galapagos Marine Reserve (area – 133 thousand km²)
Marine iguana The islands of the archipelago are located a thousand kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. The reserve is home to many species of sharks, whales, turtles, and fish. The remote location, the mixing of warm and cold sea currents, fresh and salty waters, contributed to the development of an extraordinary animal world.
Charles Darwin studied in detail the various species of animals that lived on these islands, and subsequently, based on the analysis of the data obtained, he developed his theory of evolution.
The greatest threat to the conservation of the region's biodiversity today is illegal fishing of fish, lobsters, sea cucumbers (holothurians) and some species of sharks.
8. Air and Tenere National Reserve (area – 77.36 thousand km²)
The protected area is located in Niger and is protected by UNESCO. The name appeared as a result of a combination of the names of the two regions where the reserve is located: the eastern part on the Air plateau, and the western part in the Tener Desert (part of the Sahara).
The reserve is home to various endangered species, and only some parts of it are accessible to tourists.
A distinctive feature of this territory are dunes, caves, canyons, underwater caves and other geographical features of various shapes and types that are found only in this part of the world.
There is a mountain made of real marble, as well as sand dunes with an ever-changing appearance.
9. Rangel St. Elias (area – 53.3 thousand km²)
This national park and wildlife refuge was created in 1980 and is located in southern Alaska and nine US states.
The park's 16 mountain peaks are the highest in the United States, and the landscapes are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
10. Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (area – 37.6 thousand km²)
The protected area of the park continues to expand and currently covers lands in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, uniting several national parks.
Animals inhabiting the area: African elephants, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, white rhinoceroses, cheetahs, mongooses, etc.
Tourism is developed here and various safaris are held. In addition to standard jeep tours, there are canoe tours, walking tours, and various events and festivals are held for guests.
Greater Limpopo National parks help preserve the diversity of plant and animal species on our planet. The beauty that is created by human hands cannot be eternal. Only beautiful creatures of nature can die and be reborn again - they are eternal.
National parks of the world
Serengeti, Tanzania park
Some anthropologists claim that the cradle of the world is located in the Olduvai Gorge of Tanzania. During archaeological excavations, a large number of remains of prehistoric animals and primitive people are found here. It is believed that the age of such finds exceeds two million years. The Serengeti Game Reserve is home to the largest population of large animals in Africa. There are over three million of them here: rhinoceroses, zebras, leopards, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, buffaloes, and antelopes are found everywhere in these places. The local family of lions, numbering over three thousand individuals, is considered the largest in the world.
Of particular interest to tourists and scientists is the massive annual seasonal migration of animals. It happens twice a year.
During the dry months of the year, October and November, approximately one million antelope and 220,000 zebras move from the northern part of the country to its southern regions in search of pastures. In April, when the rainy season begins in the south, huge herds that can amaze people with their numbers return to the north.
Lensays Maranhenses, Brazil
This unusual park is located in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, near the Bay of São José. Its name from Portuguese is translated not too poetically - “Maranhão underwear”. This is due to the fact that from a great height its territory resembles white canvases stretched across the ground. This place causes controversy among scientists, as it has its own peculiarity. During the dry season, it is an almost lifeless desert, but after the rainy season, lakes form between the dunes. Moreover, for some unknown reason, within a few days these lakes become inhabited, filled with all kinds of living creatures: small fish and crabs. Such a rapid colonization of water bodies by living organisms causes numerous disputes among scientists. There are two opinions on this matter. According to the first version, the eggs are brought here by birds arriving to drink, and according to another, life is preserved from the previous period, resuming with the appearance of water.
Yellowstone Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park is unique due to its age: it is considered the oldest park on the planet, as it was founded back in 1872 by President Grant. There are plenty of animals here: moose, grizzly bears, pumas and bison feel great in the local forests. But the main feature of the park is not the richness of the animal world. Tourists come here to look at the unusual landscapes of the Valley of Geysers. It all looks amazingly beautiful, but the smell of rotten eggs emitted by hydrogen sulfide fumes somewhat spoils the picture. At the bottom of Yellowstone Lake, several geysers are actively functioning at once, so all the trees near the lake stand dead, covered with a snow-white coating of hydrogen sulfide.
Swaziland Hlane Park
Hlane Park is a habitat for leopards and lions. Only one person has the right to hunt in this reserve - the King of Swaziland. But, as a person who loves nature, he comes here only once a year for the purpose of relaxing and admiring the beautiful animal kingdom, and not to exterminate innocent animals.
Kronotsky Nature Reserve, Russia
The oldest reserve in Russia is known throughout the world as the territory where the largest population of brown bears lives. Besides this, this is practically the only place left where beautiful wild reindeer can still be found. But it’s not even these wonderful creatures of nature that attract tourists from all over the world, but the amazing Kamchatka landscapes. In the small territory of the reserve, there are currently more than a hundred geysers and hot springs, as well as eight active volcanoes.
France's Port-Cros Nature Reserve
Port-Cros National Park is located on the island of the same name, not far from the French Cote d'Azur. Tourist visits to the park are strictly limited, no more than 1,500 per day. What's interesting about this place? Picturesque bays with white sandy beaches.
Tongariro, New Zealand
On the territory of Tongariro National Park, nature has created real lunar landscapes, since there are three active volcanoes located here (while there are only four of them in the country). In the distant past, this territory was a sacred place for the Maori tribe. It is currently known as Mordor from The Lord of the Rings.
Cairngorms National Park in Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park status was only granted in 2003. The reserve's lakes are considered the cleanest bodies of water in Britain. What makes these places especially picturesque is the huge population of swans that flock to the local lakes.
Nordwest Spitsbergen National Park, Norway
Spitsbergen is the kingdom of the animal world and northern expanses. Arctic foxes, walruses, reindeer and polar bears live here. A real Christmas fairy tale. Traces of numerous polar expeditions remain on the territory of the reserve.
Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada
The owners of Wood Buffalo Park are the mighty bison; there are about sixteen thousand of them here. Tourists often come here in the summer not only to admire the mighty animals, but also to engage in active recreation. Hiking, cycling and canoeing excursions are organized here. In winter, the reserve is visited by ski lovers, who are often rewarded by nature with a special prize - the opportunity to observe the northern lights.
Protecting natural societies appeared in the 16th century. However, the first national park was discovered only at the end of the 19th century in the USA. This truly high honor was given to the unique Yellowstone Plateau, rich in geysers and hot mineral springs, where Yellowstone National Park was opened in 1872. In 1916, the Service was created in the USA national parks. US national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Jasper, Olympic and others are now well known outside of North America.
The best nature reserves and national parks in the world
Since then, many have been discovered on all continents national parks. The first national park in Europe was created in 1914 in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. Then in 1922 the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy was opened. First national park in France there was Vanoise, created in 1963. It borders the Italian Gran Paradiso for 14 kilometers. There are seven national parks in France, three of which are located in the Alpine crescent that stretches from France to Austria. The Alpine Crescent also contains other famous national parks of the world: Berchtesgaden in Germany, Hohe Tauern in Austria, Stelvio in Italy and Triglav in Slovenia.
Yellowstone - US national park
Yellowstone National Park- probably the most world famous national park. It is located on the border of the American states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park, founded on March 1, 1872, is famous for its numerous geysers, and Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in North America, is located in the crater of the largest supervolcano on the continent. Therefore, most of the park is covered with solidified lava.
Yellowstone is home to nearly three thousand geysers, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world. It is home to the world's largest Steamboat Geyser, as well as one of the most famous geysers in the world, Old Faithful Geyser. The latter throws jets of hot water to a height of more than forty meters, and the interval between eruptions ranges from 45 to 125 minutes. Besides Yellowstone, there are only four geyser fields in the world - the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, as well as fields in Iceland, Chile and New Zealand.
In addition to geysers, the park is home to about ten thousand different geothermal springs, including hot and hydrogen sulfide springs and mud volcanoes. Yellowstone is home to half of all geothermal springs in the world. In addition, about two thousand species of plants grow here, and several hundred species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish are found.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Name " Plitvice Lakes" was first recorded in 1777, in 1949 the lakes received the status national park, and 30 years later they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are 16 large karst lakes, 140 waterfalls, and 20 caves in the park. Moreover, Plitvice Lakes is one of the few national parks a world where new waterfalls are born every year. What is especially characteristic of the park is the color of the water. The pictures of the lakes look like a photo montage, but the water here really has an azure color. You can admire it from wooden decks, the total length of which reaches 18 km.
There are also walking routes throughout the park, the shortest of which takes two hours, and the longest takes eight. A boat also runs along the lakes, and mountain roads can be viewed using an electric train with observation cars. It is strictly forbidden to swim in the lakes of the park, as well as to have picnics, make fires, and bring dogs. In addition, there is a unique beech and coniferous forest that has been preserved since ancient times and has the ability to regenerate itself.
Snowdonia, UK
Snowdonia National Park, located in north Wales, was created 60 years ago and became one of the three original national parks in England and Wales. The park owes its name to Mount Snowdon (1085 m), which is the highest point in Wales.
Unlike nature reserves in other countries, Snowdonia, like other national parks around the world, includes both public and private lands. Moreover, about 26 thousand people live in the park, while about 6 million tourists visit it annually. Snowdonia has 2,381 km of open footpaths, 264 km of trails for walkers and riders and 74 km of other open roads. Moreover, Mount Snowdon can be reached either along a picturesque 13 km long walking trail or by cable car. At the same time, the routes of several historical railways pass through the park.
Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world located on the Colorado Plateau, in the US state of Arizona. Its length is 446 km, and its depth reaches 1600 m. The canyon was cut by the Colorado River through limestone, shale and sandstone about 5-6 million years ago. These are perhaps the most complete geological outcrops in the world, representing the history of the Earth over 1.5 billion years. Moreover, the canyon continues to grow today.
About 2 million people visit the Grand Canyon Reserve every year, and the most popular among tourists is rafting down the Colorado on inflatable rafts. The climate on the plateau and at the bottom of the canyon differs sharply - when at the top it is about fifteen degrees Celsius, at the bottom of the gorge, among the hot stones, the temperature rises to plus forty. Therefore, most tourists prefer to admire the canyon from observation platforms located on its banks. After all, in order to go down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, it will take more than one hour.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is famous for the huge number of animals living in this territory. According to scientists, about five hundred species of birds and three million large animals live here. Moreover, a significant part of the animals (wildebeest and zebra) migrate annually from the north of the park, where drought sets in, to the south. With the onset of the rainy season in April-June, animals migrate to the west and north. It is also home to the largest population of lions on the planet of any national park in the world. The Serengeti is also home to thousands of elephants, gazelles, hyenas, hippos and rhinoceroses. And the name of the park in the Maasai language means “endless plains,” because most of the Serengeti is endless savannah.
Fiordland, New Zealand
Fiordland National Park- the largest in New Zealand, it occupies most of the mountainous southwestern part of the South Island. Here are the deepest lakes in New Zealand, and the mountains in this part of the island reach a height of 2746 meters. Fiordland is still one of the most inaccessible areas in New Zealand. In addition to picturesque fjords, waterfalls and rushing rivers, the park is famous for its rich flora and fauna.
Rare species of birds live in dense forests, for example, cockatoos. While visiting Fiordland, you might see bottlenose dolphins or penguins. One of the most popular places in the park is Milford Sound, which famous writer Rudyard Kipling called “the eighth wonder of the world.” The bay, about 16 km long, is surrounded by majestic mountains more than a kilometer high. Moreover, this is one of the wettest places on the planet: only every third day here is not marked by rain.
Iguazu, Argentina-Brazil
Name Iguazu Falls comes from the Guarani words y (water) and guasu (big). Legend has it that God wanted to marry a beautiful Aboriginal woman, but she ran away with her lover in a canoe. In anger, God cut the river, creating waterfalls, condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
Today, a complex of 270 waterfalls has formed on the Iguazu River. Par is located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The border between the countries is marked by the Devil's Throat waterfall, which is 150 m wide and 7000 m long. This is the largest waterfall in the complex. The height of the water fall on Igausa reaches 82 meters, but at most waterfalls it does not exceed 60 meters. You can view the waterfalls thanks to the bridges, the total length of which is about 2 km.
Banff National Park, Canada
The oldest Banff National Park Canada was founded in 1885. Two trans-Canada highways pass through the southern part of the park - a railway and a road. It was during the construction of the railway in 1883 that hot springs were accidentally discovered in caves on the eastern slopes of the mountains. Two years later, these places were recognized as unique and taken under protection.
The park was named " rocky mountain park"and became the first national park in Canada and the second created in North America, after Yellowstone National Park. Today it is one of the most visited national parks in the world. After all, here you can find everything that is associated with Canada: landscapes of extraordinary beauty and the smell of fir trees. There are glaciers, hot springs, hiking trails, and ski slopes. The center of the park is the highest settlement in Canada, the city of Banff, located at an altitude of 1463 m above sea level.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park located in southern Chile, in Patagonia. The name of the park translated from the Araucan Indian language means “Blue Towers”. It is the three needle-shaped granite mountains, whose height ranges from 2600 to 2850 m, that have become the symbol of the national park. The highest point of Torres del Paine is Mount Paine Grande, whose height is 3,050 m.
There are two routes through the park. One of them takes 4 days, the second – about a week. Moreover, the park is one of the most visited tourist sites in Chile. After all, there are glaciers, high mountains, lakes, forests, many animals and birds live here, and you can even find orchids among the flowers.
Tatra Mountains, Poland-Slovakia
The two Tatra National Parks - one in Poland, the other in Slovakia - share a common border of 64 km. This is the highest part of the Carpathians, the length of which is approximately 60 km. These mountains were formed by glaciers, so the Tatras have many U-shaped valleys and mountain lakes with incredibly clear water. Green areas and bare rocks occupy more than a quarter of the national park.
The flora of the Tatras consists of more than a thousand plant species, and the chamois can be called a living symbol of the park. This is a small animal from the goat subfamily, weighing 30-35 kg, covered with thick hair. Despite conservation measures, these animals are still on the verge of extinction. The park also contains deer, wild boars, roe deer, as well as wolves, bears and lynxes. Thanks to its varied topography, the Tatra Mountains are a favorite holiday destination for ski lovers.
The American television channel CNN has compiled a rating of the 30 most beautiful national parks in the world. The evaluation criteria were the beauty of nature and picturesque places, safety and hospitality of local residents. The TV channel noted that US parks are not included in the rating.
30 PHOTOS
1. First place in the ranking was given to Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina. It is believed that the waterfalls on the Iguazu River, surrounded by tropical nature, are one of the most beautiful and spectacular places on Earth. (Photo: REUTERS/Jorge Adorno). 
2. Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina took second place in the ranking. 30 percent of the park's territory is covered with ice, which is why it is also called the Patagonian Glacier Park. (Photo: 123 RF). 
3. Third place: another National Park of Argentina - Nahuel Huapi, which is located in the Andes at an altitude of 767 meters above sea level. (Photo: 123 RF). 
4. Fourth place: Gandoca-Manzanilla National Reserve in Costa Rica. 
5. Fifth place in the ranking: Tikal National Park in Guatemala. It includes one of the largest and most famous archaeological sites in the world - the most important center of the Mayan civilization, Tikal. (Photo: 123 RF). 
6. Sixth place in the ranking: Rapa Nui National Park, which is located on Easter Island (Chile) and is famous for its stone sculptures - moai. It is believed to be the most geographically remote inhabited island in the world from other islands and lands. (Photo: 123 RF). 
7. Seventh place: Torres del Paine National Park located in the Chilean part of Patagonia. According to scientists, the park is 11 million years old. (Photo: 123 RF). 
8. Eighth place: Canaima National Park, located in southeast Venezuela. This is where the tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, is located. (Photo: Flickr/Heather Thorkelson) 
9. Ninth place: Galapagos Islands National Park in Ecuador. The famous Galapagos tortoises, which give the islands their name, are the longest-living animal record holders - they live for more than two hundred years. (Photo: 123 RF). 
10. Tenth place: Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. The park has extensive heathland where birds nest. (Photo: Flickr). 
11. Eleventh place: Goreme National Park in Turkey, which is also an open-air museum - there are 350 Byzantine churches carved from the rocks. (Photo: 123 RF). 
12. Twelfth place: Tatrzansky or Tatra National Park is the only high-mountain park in Poland, created to protect unique mountain landscapes, flora and fauna. (Photo: Marek Podmokly/ Agencja Gazeta). 
13. Thirteenth place: Croatian Plitvice Lakes National Park, which includes 16 beautiful karst lakes connected by waterfalls. (Photo: 123 RF). 
14. Fourteenth place: Victoria Falls National Park - located on the Zambezi River in Zambia. (Photo: 123 RF). 
15. Fifteenth place: Kruger National Park is the oldest park in South Africa, which is part of the Kruger to the Canyons Biosphere Reserve. (Photo: 123 RF). 
16. Sixteenth place: Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia. Covering almost 50,000 square kilometers of mostly desert, it is one of the largest protected areas in the world. (Photo: 123 RF). 
17. Seventeenth place: Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Even in the dry season, there is a lot of moisture here, which is very important for the ecosystem and animals. (Photo: Flickr/ninara). 
18. Eighteenth place: Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, on its territory there are many water cascades that waterfowl love. (Photo: 123 RF). 
19. Nineteenth place: Halgurd Sakran National Park in Iraq, which includes Mount Halgurd with a height of 3607 meters. (Facebook/press materials). 
20. Twentieth place: the deserted Ein Avdat National Park in Israel, which protects the beautiful areas of the canyon, inhabited in the times of the first Christians by monks and Nabateans. (Photo: 123 RF). 
21. Twenty-first place: Zhangjiajie National Park in China. This is where the famous movie Avatar was filmed. (Photo: 123 RF). 
22. Twenty-second place: Naejangsan National Park in South Korea - it is especially beautiful in the fall. The park is hidden in the Naejangsan Mountains south of Seoul. (Photo: 123 RF). 
23. Twenty-third place: Pagsanhan Gorge National Park in the Philippines. It includes the largest waterfalls in the country. According to legend, before the waterfalls appeared, two twins lived in this place. One day, after a severe drought, one of them died, then the second twin climbed high rocks and began to curse the gods, when suddenly a spring began to flow from under his feet, which laid the foundation for the waterfalls. (Photo: 123 RF). 
24. Twenty-fourth place: Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, whose main pride is its large population of elephants. (Photo: 123 RF). 
25. Twenty-fifth place: Sundarbans National Park - a tiger and biosphere reserve in India. (Photo: 123 RF). 
26. Twenty-sixth place: Bannerghatta National Park in India. Part of the park is a nature reserve, where more than a hundred species of birds, many mammals (including elephants, bears, leopards) and insects are strictly protected. There is also an animal rescue center here. (Photo: Flickr/Nisha D). 
27. Twenty-seventh place: Bandhavgarh National Park, home to the largest population of tigers in all of India. (Photo: 123 RF). 
28. Twenty-eighth place: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia. The famous red-brown mountain Uluru (Ayers Rock) changes its color depending on the angle of the light. (Photo: 123 RF). 
29. Twenty-ninth place: Blue Mountains National Park in Australia. The name “Blue Mountains” comes from the blue eucalyptus trees growing on the slopes of the mountains. (Photo: 123 RF). 
30. Thirtieth place: Paparoa National Park in New Zealand, the main attraction of which is the pancake limestone cliffs, as well as beautiful caves. (Photo: 123 RF).
