Wilderkind Nature Tourism: Top Rural & Scenic Destinations to Explore in 2026

Nature tourism is becoming one of the fastest-growing travel trends of 2026. Travelers around the world are searching for peaceful escapes, rural villages, scenic mountain routes, forests, lakes, and authentic nature experiences far from crowded cities. This global shift perfectly aligns with Pinterest Predicts 2026 trend “Wilderkind”, which highlights the rise of rustic, nature-based tourism.

In this guide, we explore the top countries and destinations for nature tourism, with curated travel ideas you can book through trusted tour platforms like Viator.
👇 You can add your affiliate links inside each section.

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🇲🇦 1. Morocco – Northern Escapes, Waterfalls & Mountain Valleys

Morocco is emerging as a top nature tourism hotspot thanks to its stunning mix of blue villages, lush forests, mountain valleys, and quiet rural towns. The north offers some of the most scenic landscapes in North Africa.

Top Nature Destinations in Morocco

• Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl surrounded by mountains

• Akchour Waterfalls – One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco

• Imlil – A peaceful mountain village near Mount Toubkal

• Oued Laou – Scenic coastal village with turquoise water

     Best Activities to Book:

• Hiking tours in Akchour 

• Chefchaouen nature day trip 

• Toubkal trekking experience 

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🇹🇷 2. Turkey – Lakes, Forests & Northern Villages

Turkey offers incredible natural diversity: green mountains, tea valleys, lakes, and stunning rural landscapes—especially in the Black Sea region.

Top Nature Tourism Spots

• Uzungöl Lake – A dreamy mountain lake

• Ayder Plateau – Hot springs & forest views

• Rize Tea Valleys – Perfect for scenic photography

• Trabzon Highlands – Villages surrounded by endless green

     Recommended Tours:

• Uzungöl + Ayder full-day trip 

• Black Sea region nature tour 

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🇨🇭 3. Switzerland – The Ultimate Nature Destination

Switzerland is world-famous for its pristine lakes, snowy peaks, and unbelievably scenic hiking routes. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers.

Top Nature Highlights

• Lauterbrunnen Valley – 72 waterfalls in one valley

• Interlaken – Lakes & adventure sports

• Zermatt – The iconic Matterhorn

• Lucerne Lake District

      Bookable Experiences:

• Mount Titlis + cable car 

• Jungfraujoch Top of Europe 

• Interlaken nature tours 

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🇦🇹 4. Austria – Villages, Lakes & Mountain Routes

Austria offers a mix of rural alpine villages, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking panoramic roads.

Where to Go

• Hallstatt – The world’s most photographed village

• Salzkammergut Lakes Region

• Grossglockner High Alpine Road

• Innsbruck Mountain Trails

     Tours to Add:

• Hallstatt day trip 

• Austrian Alps hiking tour 

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🇳🇴 5. Norway – Fjords, Waterfalls & Scenic Routes

Norway represents the heart of nature tourism: dramatic landscapes, deep fjords, and powerful waterfalls.

Top Places

• Geirangerfjord

• Trolltunga

• Lofoten Islands

• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

     Suggested Nature Experiences:

• Fjord cruises 

• Hiking Trolltunga 

• Northern Norway nature tours 

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🇨🇦 6. Canada – National Parks & Mountain Adventures

Canada is a paradise for nature travelers, especially the Canadian Rockies.

Best Nature Destinations

• Banff National Park

• Lake Louise

• Jasper National Park

• Yoho National Park

     Popular Tours:

• Banff wildlife & nature tour 

• Lake Louise scenic trip 

• Icefields Parkway experience 

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🇺🇸 7. USA – Oregon, Washington & Montana Nature Routes

The Pacific Northwest is one of the trendiest regions for nature tourism in 2026.

Top Nature Places

• Oregon Coast

• Mount Hood National Forest

• Washington Olympic National Park

• Montana Glacier National Park

     Nature Experiences:

• Oregon waterfalls tour 

• Seattle nature day trips 

• Montana Glacier guided tour 

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Why Nature Tourism Is Growing in 2026

• Travelers want peaceful, quiet environments

• Increased interest in mental wellness & slow travel

• Rising desire to disconnect from busy cities

• Growing popularity of eco-friendly tourism

Nature tourism is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift.

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🌍 Conclusion

Whether you're dreaming of Morocco’s blue mountains, Turkey’s lush valleys, Switzerland’s alpine lakes, Norway’s dramatic fjords, or the massive national parks of Canada and the USA, Wilderkind Nature Tourism offers endless opportunities for exploration.