European Smallest Capitals
Europe’s smallest capitals, what are they? Big cities in all glory, but small towns can be very cozy. When a small town also happens to be the capital, it often becomes extra interesting. Here we list Europe’s ten smallest capitals.
EUROPE’S SMALLEST CAPITALS
We recently listed Europe’s largest cities, and then Europe’s largest countries. Check Countryaah for all countries in Europe. It is certainly exciting to visit large hectic cities and populous countries, but sometimes it is at least as nice to visit smaller cities. If the cities also happen to be capitals, it will be a bit special. In a capital city, everything from politics to culture often gathers. Here is a list of Europe’s smallest capitals. We start at place number 10 and count down to the smallest capital in Europe. For each country in Europe, please follow Abbreviationfinder.
10. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and has a population of around 288,000 people (2016). We passed here during our motorhome trip in 2011, but unfortunately did not have time to see more than Ljubljana’s camping. Slovenia’s capital is now quite high on our Bucket list.
9. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, with a population of around 133,000 residents (2017). We visited this city last summer and were really delighted by the fountains, the rose garden and the old bell tower. In addition, we took a refreshing swim in the flowing river Aare.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, with its 123,000 residents (2016), ranks eighth among Europe’s smallest capitals. We have been here several times and we love this vibrant and cultural small town, which is so intensely surrounded by geysers, volcanoes and lava landscapes.
7. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is the capital of the country of the same name and has around 114,000 residents (2017). We have never been to the country of Luxembourg, but when we visited the German city of Trier this summer, we almost touched the border. Unfortunately we did not have time for a visit, but on occasion we want to experience Luxembourg!
6. Monaco
Monaco is a microstate and also the capital, located on the Mediterranean Sea bordering France. The state and the city have around 37,000 residents (2016). We have several times driven past Monaco on the highway, but since we suspect that it is difficult to park a motorhome, we have not dared to stop.
5. Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra and has about 22,000 residents (2015), which places the city as number five among Europe’s smallest capitals. The whole country of Andorra, which lies between Spain and France, has no more than 85,000 residents. The language is Catalan.
4. Valletta, Malta
Valletta is the capital of the island kingdom of Malta and has around 5,700 residents (2016). We have been here several times, and it is impossible not to fall in love with this medieval stone town, filled with impressive buildings, magnificent arches and charming balconies. We will be happy to return!
3. Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Vaduz is the capital of the small country of Liechtenstein, and has a population of about 5,400 residents (2017). The city was founded in 1150 and has been the seat of the Count of Vaduz since the 14th century. In the pictures you can see a high castle, with dramatic mountains in the background.
2. San Marino
The city of San Marino is the capital of the Republic of San Marino and has just over 4,000 residents (2018). This small micro-state is completely surrounded by Italy and in the whole country live only 33,000 people. However, the capital is not the largest city – Dogana has 7,000 residents.
1. Vatican City
One on the list of Europe’s smallest capitals is the Vatican City, which is also the world’s smallest country. Here live between 800 and 1000 residents according to various sources (2017). This is, to say the least, a different and interesting place to visit, laden with history, religion and architecture.
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