How to Get High in Europe

At an elevation of more than 11,000 feet, Switzerland's Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest train station. Take the rail journey to the "Top of Europe" and don't miss the Sphinx Observatory, which offers panoramic views of Europe's longest glacier, the Aletsch.

World-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi worked with more than just buildings—he was also a landscape gardener. Guell is a park designed by Gaudi, and it's full of mosaics and other artwork, not to mention amazing views. For the best vistas of Barcelona, head to Turo del Calvari in Guell's southwest corner.

Meteora means "suspended in the air" in Greek, and it's easy to see how this spot got its moniker. It features six monasteries that almost appear to be floating atop the sandstone rock pillars on which they were built. The pillars rise more than 1,300 feet above the ground, offering incredible panoramas of the surrounding valley. Today, tourists can hike to Meteora, but in the past, visitors were often hoisted up the cliffs by precarious rope and net systems.

Trolltunga is nature's viewing platform for the surrounding Hardangerfjord, Folgefonna Glacier, and mountains of Norway. Although this rock outcropping is at an elevation of almost 2,000 feet, there are no safety rails to block the scenery (or your fall).

At more than 1,000 feet high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe. Head to The View from The Shard (on floors 68, 69, and 72), where all of London is spread out underneath panoramic windows. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles out.

For a unique perspective of Paris, head to Montparnasse Tower's observation deck. The elevator will whisk you up to the 56th floor, almost 650 feet above the city. The Montparnasse Tower is the only skyscraper in the center of Paris, so no other buildings will get in the way of your view.

Take the elevator to the roof and then climb the 320 stairs up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a bird's-eye view of Rome and the Vatican from around 375 feet high.

The Petrin Tower is actually a copy of the Eiffel Tower, built for the General Land Centennial Exhibition, a world's fair held in Prague in 1891. Unlike its French cousin, however, Petrin is built atop a hill, which puts you even higher above the city. (The tower is about 200 feet tall and sits atop a hill more than 1,000 feet high.) You can walk up the hill or take a funicular to reach the lookout tower.

Get 360-degree views as far as France and Germany without even having to turn your head at Piz Gloria in Switzerland. This revolving restaurant atop the Schilthorn does a full rotation every hour, so diners will get the scenery from all angles. Hike to the top or opt for the easy cable-car ride.

In just 20 seconds, Europe's fastest elevator will whisk you up to the 328-foot-high viewing platform at the Kollhoff Building in Berlin's central Potsdamer Platz. This is one of the best places to really get an understanding of how the Berlin Wall divided the country, as you can see both the east and west sides. You'll have a great vantage point to snap photos of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and other iconic Berlin sites.

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