6 Most Relaxing National Parks In The World

Being in nature is one of the best ways to relax. It’s almost impossible to be stressed when you’re surrounded by the sounds of birds and views of mountains reaching out towards the sky.

But some natural destinations are more relaxing than others. If you’re seeking serenity and focusing on wellness, we have 6 national parks from around the world that are perfect for that. They cover most corners of the planet, from Australia to South Africa and North America.

These are the most relaxing national parks in the world for the ultimate wellness escape.

# Yellowstone National Park

Few national parks in the U.S. enjoy the fame that Yellowstone has. Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, the park is perfect for a much-needed escape from reality. Not just because nature always helps to ground us, but also because the landscape of Yellowstone is quite literally otherworldly.

It's hard to focus on the mundane when you're gazing at the swirling colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring or seeing Old Faithful spout boiling water with a force that reminds you of the volcanic activity that's happening under your feet.

Yellowstone also has 600 lakes and 1,000 rivers, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water.

# Goreme National Park

Goreme National Park receives the smallest number of visitors from any park featured on this list. Only about 50,000 people make their way here, which is great news for those who want to disconnect from everyone else.

You can meditate or ruminate while completing one of the 25 hiking trails. We recommend this activity as a way to see the peculiar rock formations and the ancient rock houses from up close. But once you've done that, we also encourage you to take a hot air balloon to have the quintessential Cappadocia experience.

# Jasper National Park

Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is a natural wonderland. Snow peaks feed pristine lakes that are impossibly clear and incredibly cold. Wildlife abounds within the mountains, the evergreen forests and near the banks of the lakes and rivers that crisscross the park.

Yes, many other places have similar landscapes, but there is a special stillness in Jasper that makes you feel as if time is standing still. Sometimes, it is so quiet, you are left alone with the sound of your own heartbeat until something rustles the leaves in the trees above you. But rather than feeling lonely, the stillness of Jasper somehow helps you connect to the quiet movements of the forest.

# Fiordland National Park

Fjords dominate the horizon of New Zealand's most famous national park. To complement them, there are three lakes that work as perfect mirrors for the fjords and snowy mountains of the park. Numerous hiking trails are open throughout the year, as are cruises that immerse you within the landscape in a way your own two feet never would.

Fiordland is not always easy to traverse, especially during winter, but the reward is so high, it can actually invigorate you. Then again, you can go the relaxed route and enjoy the views without overexerting yourself.

# Banff National Park

Canada's first and best national park comes in at No. 2 in the world for wellness and relaxation. Banff is famous for its perfect mountain landscape, with towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

Though it is within the Canadian Rockies, it places higher than Jasper for a number of reasons. One, it is more accessible, which means that you won't have to wait as long to start relaxing. It also offers numerous wellness classes and retreats that cater to a range of interests. The park's hot springs have ensured a number of spas have sprung up around. Soaking away your worries is one of the most popular things to do in gorgeous Banff.

# Swiss National Park

There are many reasons why Swiss National Park deserves to be No.1 on this list. So many, in fact, that it scored 11 points higher than the second most relaxing park.

For one, the crisp mountain air is extremely clean, so you can enjoy your breathing exercises more than almost anywhere else. Numerous hiking routes take you through quintessential Swiss scenery that borderlines on perfect, and there are also over 70 boat tours available.

As if that weren't enough, the park has 71 workshops available for visitors, so you're sure to find one that fits your interests. There are also dozens of spas and wellness activities. And to really reach perfection, the park only gets 150,000 visitors a year, so you can easily enjoy solitude here.