Formed on Aug. 24, 1949, as a collection of countries united to counterweigh Soviet-occupied nations in Europe after the devastating effects of World War II, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is considered to be a safeguard to the continent and its allies, with a mission of promoting peace. The original group of nations that established the treaty consisted of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Since its inception, 19 additional countries have elected to join the esteemed group of nations, with Finland being the most recent to join. Sweden could soon be added into the mix as well, with Ukraine also interested in joining the mix. While not every nation must be a democratic one, each does have to have stable law systems and military and stand united in protecting one another. As a united force for stability in Europe, its countries are considered the most welcoming to travelers and are filled with friendly citizens.
They are also filled with historical attractions and beautiful surroundings. Here, we provide a peek into each country in NATO and the must-see places to enjoy when you visit.
Best Thing to Do in Germany: Marienplatz
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Following WWII, Germany was divided into four occupied zones, with Great Britain, France and the United States overseeing the formation of the German Federal Republic (FRG) in the west and the Soviet Union controlling the east. The FRG, more commonly referred to as West Germany, joined NATO in 1955, although East Germany remained under Soviet control until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990.
The largest square in Munich, Marienplatz is southwest Germany’s storybook center and dates back to the Middle Ages. As the central marketplace, Marienplatz is a pedestrian zone that still welcomes markets, specifically its renowned Christkindlmarkt each December. Surrounded by restaurants and shops, the square’s main feature is the whimsical Glockenspiel. The dancing clock re-enacts stories from the 16th century and features 32 life-sized figures and 43 bells. It begins its dance every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., lasting 12 to 15 minutes.
Best Thing to Do in Italy: St. Peter’s Basilica
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Benito Mussolini, a socialist/fascist/communist, seized control of Italy well before WWII, but his goals of seizing more power and areas of Europe had him setting an alliance with Adolf Hitler, becoming a member of the Axis powers. Yet, in late 1943, after witnessing the horrors taking place under Nazi regime, Italy’s people rallied and voted Mussolini out of power, then declared war on Germany. This helped the Allies arrive in Italy and played an important role in the war, which is why the country was invited to join forces with NATO at its inception.
Depending on the Italian region visited, the locals will provide their favorite site all tourists should see. Still, the entire country will agree that Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart and soul of the nation. Within the papal enclave, the famously domed ceiling of the church dedicated to St. Peter is the largest in the world and was constructed and completed under the watchful eyes of popes between 1506 and 1615.
Best Thing to Do in Latvia: Old City Riga
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A Baltic land tucked between Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia’s Gulf of Riga and Baltic Sea proximity made it an important piece of land for the Soviets, which had occupied the country since 1940. It was considered one of the wealthiest areas in the Soviet Union. However, it, too, sought independence in 1990 and became a republic with a modern defense military that made it alluring to NATO countries, which extended an invitation.
Every traveler by air and cruise ship will arrive first in Latvia via its capital city, Riga. Make your way straight to Old Town, Vecriga, established in 1201. As the oldest part of the capital, the district is filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment, and visitors will love exploring the streets lined with architecture from its 1,000 years of existence.
Best Thing to Do in Luxembourg: Le Chenin de la Corniche
Smaller than the state of Rhode Island, Luxembourg is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. A Grand Duchy declaring itself neutral, Luxembourg was quickly taken hold by Germany until the Allies liberated it in 1944. Although small in size, the country was nearly unanimous in wanting to join NATO, eager to unite Western Europe, which it does unto this day.
Luxembourg’s capital is often a stop for travelers wanting to check another European nation off their list. The city’s Corniche along the fortress’s ramparts has been called the “Most Beautiful Balcony of Europe,” as it affords the best views of the Alzette Valley and The Grund, the city’s oldest neighborhood.
Best Thing to Do in Slovenia: Ljubljana Old Town
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Not to be confused with Slovakia, which rests above Hungary, Slovenia borders Italy, Croatia, Austria and, well, also, Hungary. As a territory within Yugoslavia, Slovenia was a Socialist nation until its independence in 1991. Before it was within Yugoslavia, it was under the control of the Austrian Habsburg family. After a decade of establishing itself on its own, it joined the alliance.
Its capital still bears a resemblance to more than its 20th-century history, however. In fact, Ljubljana was a medieval crossroads. You’ll see hints of this in Old Town. Quiet yet picturesque, the city will slowly unveil itself with a day of wandering.
