WHAT ARE EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS OF EXCELLENCE (EDEN)?
These are unique places that offer visitors inimitable atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, fascinating culture and hospitable welcome from local people. They are emerging European tourist destinations, often little known, which pursue the objective of economic growth in such a way as to ensure social, cultural and environmental sustainability. EDEN destinations are still undiscovered and uncrowded places, which will provide you with many unforgettable memories and experiences.
The idea of the European Destinations of Excellence started in 2006 when the European Commission launched a pilot project named EDEN in an effort to rediscover the unknown paradise of new emerging destinations in different parts of the continent, remarkable by their picturesque sites, protected areas, traditions and cultural life.
The beneficiaries of the award are emerging, little known European destinations situated in the 27 Member States and candidate countries. The EDEN project helps to spread the sustainable practices used in the selected destinations across the Union and to turn these places into all-year-round venues. The process thus aims to help de-congest over-visited tourist destinations.
New “excellence theme” is being chosen annually. Tourism and protected areas was the main subject of 2009, whereas the year 2010 is devoted to the theme of Aquatic Tourism. EDEN themes aim to draw attention to incredible richness and great diversity of tourist destinations with a focus on natural resources, cultural heritage, traditional festivals and local cuisine.
Polish Tourist Organization is the main coordinator of polish edition of EDEN competition.
Discover the winner and runner-ups destinations!
By visiting these destinations not only will you experience wonderful moments, but also you will contribute to further prosperity of these places.
See how to do it in our guide on how to travel responsibly.
More about EDEN: www.edenineurope.eu
The section of the Oder river extending between the mouth of its largest tributary, the Warta, near Kostrzyń, and the Baltic Sea is called the Lower Oder Valley
The Barycz Valley has been awarded in the EDEN competition owing to the fact that it is a region of an integrated ecosystems management with well-protected environment and well-preserved cultural traditions.
Drawsko Lake, is 1,871 ha large, 12,6 km long and 3.9 km wide (the 12th largest lake in Poland). Its maximum depth is 83 m, making it the second deepest lake in Poland.
Większość terenu wygranej destynacji znajduje się na obszarze chronionym Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego, który należy do największych obszarów chronionych w Polsce. Walory przyrodnicze tego terenu obejmują płynącą na tym terenie rzekę Biebrze, jej rozlewiska, torfowiska, stanowiące najrozleglejsze tereny bagienne w Polsce.
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