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Schengen Visa - Hidden gems to visit in the Schengen zone

26 states make up the Schengen zone, most of them in mainland Europe. With a Schengen visa, you can travel through these countries freely. What do they have in common? The Euro. The Schengen Zone is the name given to the countries that share the Euro as a common currency.

These countries are very popular among travelers. People get their Schengen visas at iVisa.com and plan their Euro tours to explore as many countries as they can, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy among the most popular ones.

But there are hidden gems, countries that are not as popular as the European giants but are as beautiful as them. Here, we’ll list our favorite hidden gems to visit in the Schengen zone with your Schengen visa

Luxembourg
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg is a tiny, landlocked country in the heart of Europe. Surrounded by the giants France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxemburg is often overlooked when planning a trip to the old continent.

One of the advantages of visiting Luxembourg is its size. Being a small country, it allows visitors to see most of its tourist attractions within a few days. But we’re sure you’d like to stay a bit longer.

Luxemburg holds some magnificent sights like the historic Old Quarters, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, and the Grand Ducale Palace, a gorgeous Renaissance building that serves as the home of the reigning monarch.

If you’re a nature lover, then the green valleys of the Ardennes are a must-see. Crossed by the Meuse, the longest and largest river in the area, and surrounded by steep cliffs and fertile plains, this landscape strongly contributes to the region’s identity.

On top of that, Luxemburg has many restaurants with Michelin stars, where visitors can enjoy local and international cuisine.

In conclusion, Luxemburg offers the perfect combination between modern city life, historical locations, and amazing natural landscapes to delight its tourists, which makes it a hidden gem in the Schengen zone.

Iceland
Iceland is far from being a land of ice. With incredibly beautiful natural landscapes, Iceland has everything to offer to those seeking adventure.

If you visit during the summer, one of the first things you’ll notice is that between mid-May and late July, the sun never settles in Iceland. This phenomenon is called the midnight sun and it’s due to the country's location, just below the arctic circle.

But if on the contrary, you’re more of a night owl, and prefer to visit Iceland during the winter, there’s another natural spectacle to see. The northern lights or aurora borealis are celestial wonders that show up in the sky between September and mid-April.

To enjoy either of these shows you can try hiking to any of the Icelandic mountains. Iceland is a hiker’s paradise, and it offers many different and accessible opportunities to enjoy the country’s natural landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you can find a tour that suits your level somewhere in the country.

Go and explore Iceland, one of the hidden gems in the Schengen zone.

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Liechtenstein
The principality of Liechtenstein is another tiny landlocked country in the middle of Europe. This one is right between Austria and Switzerland. It’s a popular destination for skiers as it sits right in the Alps, but there is so much more to see there.

Liechtensteiners are very proud of their country and they treasure it. That’s why visitors can find incredibly unpolluted landscapes all over this small country. As we said before, it’s very popular among skiers, but if you love to hike, you will love Liechtenstein during summer. There are so many tracks to walk, lakes to swim, and places to camp. If you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to contact a travel agency so they can recommend the best paths according to your level.

If you’re a wine lover, then in Liechtenstein you’ll find some great vineyards for a wine tasting. One, in particular, is The Hofkellerei of the Prince of Liechtenstein, where you can taste delicious wine while overlooking the Vaduz Castle. It’s a breathtaking view.

Liechtenstein is another hidden gem in the Schengen zone that is worth a visit.

Estonia
You might be surprised, but Estonia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Its capital city, Tallinn, is the best-preserved medieval city in the continent.

Traveling through Estonia is quite easy, once you get your Schengen visa. You can get there by bus, train, or plane from any other country in mainland Europe, and within the country, all transportation modes work like clockwork.

Estonians are known to speak multiple languages. Younger generations speak Estonian as well as English and quite often a third language, while older generations speak German and Finnish besides their mother language. So, you won’t find any language barriers in Estonia.

For nature lovers, Estonia is a great option. Around half of the country is covered by forests while a quarter of it is protected lands. Hikers will have plenty of opportunities to explore around and enjoy the local wildlife.

And for those who want to pair up their trips with some local history and culture, Estonia has an extensive island culture. Estonian islands are located in the Baltic Sea and many of them still hold remnants of their Viking past. Many of these islands have been uninhabited since WWII when islanders abandoned them due to the conflict. However, the islands that are still populated hold their unique coastal culture, comprised of singing, dancing, and traditional dressing, and of course, lots and lots of seafood.

Estonia is another hidden gem in the Schengen zone. Get your Schengen visa and travel off the beaten path, visit Estonia!

Malta
This island nation, located in the Mediterranean, is populated by the most welcoming people. Almost everyone speaks English, so you’ll be sure to understand everybody everywhere, and they enjoy receiving tourists and showing them around their little paradise on Earth.

Many of Malta’s historic and cultural attractions like the Mdina and the Tarxien temples are located within a small area, which allows you to hit several of them and then have plenty of time to enjoy their main attraction: the beach. Like any great island in the Mediterranean, Malta is the perfect summer destination. Breathtaking beaches that stretch for many kilometers are their main tourist attractions. Scuba diving and windsurfing are popular beach activities for those visiting Malta. And the best part is that here the weather is great all year long!

Malta is also not short of hotels or accommodation. If you’re looking for a luxury holiday, you can find plenty of 5-star hotels on the island. And if you’re traveling on a budget, there are also lots of self-catering apartments and hostels.

Malta has anything you want in a holiday destination and more. Another hidden gem in the Schengen zone.

If you’re ready to check out any of the hidden gems in the Schengen zone, you’ll need to first get your Schengen visa. At iVisa.com, we pride ourselves on making visa processes quick and easy for our clients. Getting a Schengen visa will allow you to travel to any of the 26 countries that belong to this area for a period of 90 days. The price of this visa with iVisa.com varies depending on the processing speed. It goes between $25.00 USD to $80.00 USD and it’ll take 6 to 10 business days to be processed. You’ll need to fill in an online application and gather some documents depending on the reason for your trip. You can find a comprehensive list on our product page. If you need any help during the process or have questions, you can always contact our customer support team, who are available 24/7 to solve your inquiries.