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The European continent is vast, with various destinations to choose from and sights to see. Because of this, planning a trip to Europe can be tricky. There are a number of countries, each with its own culture and history. The most prominent is the Schengen States Itinerary.
To make things easier, many backpackers choose to limit their European travels to the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual border. Thus the need to understand the Schengen States Itinerary and states to visit.
All Schengen States are members of the European Union as well. Making it easier for travellers to move back and forth between the two continents. Keep reading to learn more about this 20-day itinerary. That will have you exploring all the wonderful sites in the Schengen Area.
The European continent is indeed vast, but many travelers choose to limit their travels to the Schengen Area. So, what exactly can you see in this 20-day Schengen States Itinerary?
The first stop on this trip is Berlin, Germany. Berlin has a rich history with a beautiful blend of an old and new architecture. You’ll want to spend at least four days exploring the city before heading out on your next adventure.
After Berlin, it’s time to visit some other cities in Germany, like Munich and Frankfurt! You can want to spend two days in each city. Long enough so you can get a feel for each one’s vibe as well as soak up all the sights and sounds.
Your next stop will be Prague, Czech Republic. Prague has an even mix of Eastern and Western Europe culture and architecture. You’ll have plenty of time (six days) to explore the city before moving on.
The final destination on this trip is Budapest, Hungary, perfect for those who love food! Budapest is also home to some breathtaking sights like Buda Castle, so make sure you plan more than three days here! That should give you plenty of time (six days) to enjoy everything from underground rivers. Include them in your Schengen States Itinerary.
There are a lot of benefits to travelling in the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Area is made up of 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual border. This means you can travel freely between these countries without needing a visa. And there are no passport checks when you cross the borders.
The 26 countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (Rome).
Latvia (Riga), Liechtenstein (Vaduz), Lithuania (Vilnius), Luxembourg (Luxembourg City), Malta (but not including Gozo and Comino). Netherlands (including Amsterdam and Rotterdam), Norway (including Oslo and Tromsoe), Poland (including Warsaw and Krakow), Portugal (including Lisbon and Porto).
Slovakia (of which Bratislava is the capital city) Slovenia 1992(which includes Ljubljana) Sweden 1993(which includes Stockholm). Switzerland 1999(of which Geneva is the capital city).
The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is a beautiful city with many museums, galleries, and art collections. It’s the only Nordic capital city with a population of under one million. But there are plenty of things to do and see here.
One popular attraction is the Temppeliaukio Church, which sits on top of an active volcanic fault line.
The Finnish National Museum is also the largest in Finland and offers an excellent view of Finnish culture. When you’re ready for some relaxation.
After all those hours of touring, head to the Linnanmäki amusement park for a day or two.
You can also head to the Sibelius Monument to see a statue in honor of Finland’s famous composer.
You can also walk along the coastline and enjoy an evening stroll by the seaside market.
The Schengen Area is made up of 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual border. All Schengen States are members of the European Union as well. Making it easier for travelers to move back and forth between the two continents.
The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985. By five of the ten member states at the time (France, West Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands). Eliminated internal border controls when traveling within this area. This means that you can enter any country in the Schengen Area. Without being subjected to traditional border checkpoints or questioning your citizenship.
Countries such as Malta, Italy, and Spain are not part of the Schengen Area. But they are still considered European Union countries. The only difference is that you will have to go through a regular border checkpoint if you visit those areas. From a country in the Schengen Area.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a must-see when you’re in the Schengen Area and the must-visit Schengen States Itinerary. It’s one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. The city has a lot to offer both tourists and locals alike.
Amsterdam is home to over 800 bridges and is famous for its canal system, which stretches throughout the city. Tourists can take educational boat tours to learn more about the history of Amsterdam. Or relax on a scenic cruise along one of the many canals.
For art lovers, Amsterdam offers a number of museums that showcase some of the world’s finest collections. Holland’s national museum, Rijksmuseum, houses Dutch art from the 17th century onwards. This makes it the best Schengen States Itinerary.
There are also plenty of opportunities to indulge in some traditional Dutch cuisine while visiting this European hotspot. Amsterdam offers food from across Western Europe as well as diverse dining options like Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants.
The country of Denmark is small and densely populated. It’s rich in history and culture and offers travellers many different sites to explore. A great place to start is the city of Copenhagen. It has a number of attractions, like the Nyhavn Canal, as well as plenty of restaurants and nightlife options.
There are also plenty of popular tourist destinations around the city. Like the Tivoli Gardens amusement park or the historic Rosenborg Castle. How can you miss this on your Schengen States Itinerary.
This city is known for its cobbled streets, impressive architecture, and bustling nightlife. It has been named one of the top cities to travel to in Europe.
After exploring Copenhagen during the day, head out at night and explore the lively atmosphere surrounding this city. The vast number of nightclubs will have you dancing all night long!
Prague is the capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe and has played an important role in the country’s history. It was built on a hill by two rivers, making it a beautiful sight. Prague is full of rich history, which you can learn about at many museums and galleries throughout the city.
The city has a lot of sights to see and things to do as well. From visiting the old town square, the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge or walking through some beautiful gardens. There’s always something new to experience.
Your 20-day European adventure starts in Budapest, Hungary. This country is rich in history and culture. You’ll want to make a beeline for the Parliament Building. Which was designed by Imre Steindl and offers some spectacular views over the Danube River. The country’s capital city is also home to Saint Stephen’s Basilica, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
Budapest is a relatively new city, only starting to grow in the 19th century. The city grew quickly, thanks to industrialization, but it still has retained its historical charm. Its many historic sites, including the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, can be seen. You can also get a sense of Budapest’s past by visiting one of its many synagogues or churches.
Hungarian cuisine is also an important part of any trip to Budapest. As this country is known for its goulash and paprika-based dishes. Hungary is also home to some of the best wines in the world, with nearly 1,000 different types available for tasting.
A: The 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area are:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (not an EU member). Italy, Latvia (not an EU member), Liechtenstein (not an EU member) Lithuania (not an EU member), Luxembourg (not an EU member). Malta (not a European Union Member), Netherlands, Norway (not an EU Member), Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia.
A: No. The Schengen Area does not include Ireland and the United Kingdom. Therefore you need to apply for a visa to visit those countries.
A: Yes! If you travel within the Schengen Area with your passport, then it counts as proof of identification.
Planning a trip to Europe? Check out our ultimate guide to traveling in the Schengen area, a continent of endless possibilities.
Get up to speed on the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a region in Europe where you can move freely without passport checks and border controls. It comprises 26 European countries that allow the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This means you can visit as many as 20 countries on your trip without going through passport control.
The Schengen Agreement governs the Schengen Area. The Agreement was signed on March 26, 1985 and became active on November 26, 1995. Due to the Agreement, border checks have been abolished and instead there are a few external border controls.
Now that you know about the Schengen Area, it’s time to focus on the countries in this region. As we mentioned, you have up to 20 countries to choose from!
We’ve put together a day-by-day itinerary for a perfect 20-day stay in Europe. It includes some of the most popular destinations in Europe. And is designed to keep you moving at a good pace but still give you plenty of time.