The Schengen Area is one of the most remarkable achievements of European integration. It is a border-free zone that allows for passport-free travel between its member countries, creating a single external border and a common visa policy. As of the current year, there are 29 countries in the Schengen Area: 25 European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The other three EU states—Ireland, Cyprus, and Bulgaria—are not yet full members, though Bulgaria and Romania have partially implemented the rules. The UK is also not a member.

Below is a comprehensive list of all Schengen countries, with each entry including a brief description of the country and its capital city, followed by a numbered summary table for quick reference.

List of Schengen Countries in Europe and Their Capitals

1. Germany
Capital: Berlin

Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and a founding member of the Schengen Area. It shares borders with nine countries and is known for its strong economy, cultural heritage, and central role in European politics. Berlin, its capital, is a vibrant city renowned for its history, art scene, and landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

2. Austria
Capital: Vienna

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, rich musical heritage, and imperial history. Its capital, Vienna, is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, famous for its palaces, coffee houses, and cultural institutions like the Vienna State Opera.

3. Belgium
Capital: Brussels

Belgium is a small but strategically important country in Western Europe, home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Its capital, Brussels, is a multicultural city known for its Art Nouveau architecture, chocolate, and as the de facto capital of the EU.

4. Croatia
Capital: Zagreb

Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, becoming the newest full member. Known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, ancient walled cities like Dubrovnik, and over a thousand islands, Croatia has become a popular tourist destination. Its capital, Zagreb, is a vibrant city with a charming old town and a lively café culture.

5. Czech Republic
Capital: Prague

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe famous for its medieval architecture, beer, and cultural heritage. Its capital, Prague, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with a well-preserved historic centre that attracts millions of visitors each year.

6. Denmark
Capital: Copenhagen

Denmark is a Scandinavian country known for its progressive social policies, design, and quality of life. Its capital, Copenhagen, is a charming city with a rich Viking history, famous for its colourful harbour Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue, and its status as a global centre for cycling and sustainable living.

7. Estonia
Capital: Tallinn

Estonia is a small Baltic nation known for its digital innovation and medieval old towns. Its capital, Tallinn, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and a thriving tech scene that has earned it the nickname “e-Estonia.”

8. Finland
Capital: Helsinki

Finland is a Nordic country known for its stunning natural beauty, thousands of lakes, and high-quality education system. Its capital, Helsinki, is a coastal city with a distinct blend of Russian and Scandinavian influences, known for its design districts, saunas, and vibrant cultural scene.

9. France
Capital: Paris

France is one of the founding members of the Schengen Area and one of the most visited countries in the world. Its capital, Paris, is known as the “City of Light,” famous for its art, fashion, gastronomy, and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

10. Greece
Capital: Athens

Greece is a country with a rich ancient history, known as the cradle of Western civilisation. Its capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world, home to the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon. Greece’s thousands of islands make it a top destination for summer travel.

11. Hungary
Capital: Budapest

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its thermal baths, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Its capital, Budapest, is often called the “Pearl of the Danube,” with its stunning parliament building, historic Buda Castle, and lively ruin bars.

12. Iceland
Capital: Reykjavík

Iceland is a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic, known for its dramatic landscapes, geysers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights. Its capital, Reykjavík, is the world’s northernmost capital city, a small but vibrant hub known for its colourful houses, geothermal energy, and thriving arts scene.

13. Italy
Capital: Rome

Italy is a country steeped in history, art, and cuisine, home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country. Its capital, Rome, is known as the “Eternal City,” with thousands of years of history visible in its ancient ruins, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City.

14. Latvia
Capital: Riga

Latvia is a Baltic nation with a rich cultural heritage and a beautiful coastline along the Baltic Sea. Its capital, Riga, is the largest city in the Baltic region, known for its well-preserved Art Nouveau architecture, medieval old town, and vibrant cultural scene.

15. Liechtenstein
Capital: Vaduz

Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria. It is one of the smallest countries in the world but boasts a high standard of living. Its capital, Vaduz, is a small, picturesque town known for its castle, art galleries, and status as a global financial centre.

16. Lithuania
Capital: Vilnius

Lithuania is a Baltic country with a rich history and a growing modern economy. Its capital, Vilnius, is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, a UNESCO-listed old town, and a vibrant cultural life that has earned it the nickname “the G-spot of Europe.”

17. Luxembourg
Capital: Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe known for its wealth, banking sector, and picturesque landscapes. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with a stunning old town and the impressive fortifications that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

18. Malta
Capital: Valletta

Malta is a Mediterranean island nation known for its warm climate, historic fortifications, and rich cultural heritage. Its capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its baroque architecture, fortresses, and stunning harbour views.

19. Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a low-lying country known for its canals, windmills, and liberal social policies. Its capital, Amsterdam, is a world-famous city with its iconic canal ring, world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.

20. Norway
Capital: Oslo

Norway is a Scandinavian country known for its dramatic fjords, mountains, and high standard of living. Its capital, Oslo, is a modern city with a rich Viking history, known for its green spaces, waterfront architecture, and the famous Viking Ship Museum.

21. Poland
Capital: Warsaw

Poland is a large Central European country with a rich and often turbulent history. Its capital, Warsaw, is a city of resilience, rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, now a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and history, with a beautiful old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

22. Portugal
Capital: Lisbon

Portugal is a coastal country on the Iberian Peninsula, known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich maritime history. Its capital, Lisbon, is a vibrant city famous for its hills, trams, and the iconic Belém Tower, with a lively atmosphere and a growing reputation as a top travel destination.

23. Slovakia
Capital: Bratislava

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its mountainous landscapes and medieval castles. Its capital, Bratislava, is a charming city located on the banks of the Danube River, with a compact old town, a hilltop castle, and a growing reputation as a budget-friendly travel destination.

24. Slovenia
Capital: Ljubljana

Slovenia is a small Central European country known for its green landscapes, Alpine mountains, and short but stunning coastline. Its capital, Ljubljana, is a charming city with a car-free old town, a picturesque castle on a hill, and a river that winds through the city centre.

25. Spain
Capital: Madrid

Spain is a diverse country known for its warm climate, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its capital, Madrid, is a bustling metropolis famous for its art museums like the Prado, its royal palace, and its lively nightlife and tapas bars.

26. Sweden
Capital: Stockholm

Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its innovative design, progressive social policies, and stunning natural landscapes. Its capital, Stockholm, is built on 14 islands, with a beautiful old town, Gamla Stan, and a reputation as one of the most stylish cities in Europe.

27. Switzerland
Capital: Bern

Switzerland is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, known for its neutrality, its banking system, and its stunning Alpine scenery. Its capital, Bern, is a charming city with a well-preserved medieval old town, a bear pit, and a laid-back atmosphere that reflects the country’s reputation for quality of life.

EU Member States Not Yet in Schengen

Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia

Bulgaria is a Balkan nation known for its ancient history, Thracian treasures, and Black Sea coastline. Its capital, Sofia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a mix of Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet-era architecture. Bulgaria is a partial Schengen member, with land border controls still in place.

Cyprus
Capital: Nicosia

Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, known for its beaches, ancient ruins, and divided capital. Its capital, Nicosia, is the last divided capital in Europe, with a UN buffer zone separating the Greek and Turkish parts of the city. Cyprus is not yet a Schengen member.

Ireland
Capital: Dublin

Ireland is an island nation on the western edge of Europe, known for its green landscapes, literary heritage, and friendly culture. Its capital, Dublin, is a vibrant city with a rich history, famous for its pubs, its writers, and its landmark Trinity College. Ireland has opted out of the Schengen Agreement.

Romania
Capital: Bucharest

Romania is a large Eastern European country known for its forests, medieval castles, and the Carpathian Mountains. Its capital, Bucharest, is a bustling city with a mix of historic and communist-era architecture, sometimes called “Little Paris” for its wide boulevards. Romania is a partial Schengen member, with land border controls still in place.

Numbered Summary Table: Schengen Countries and Capitals

Number Country Capital
1 Germany Berlin
2 Austria Vienna
3 Belgium Brussels
4 Croatia Zagreb
5 Czech Republic Prague
6 Denmark Copenhagen
7 Estonia Tallinn
8 Finland Helsinki
9 France Paris
10 Greece Athens
11 Hungary Budapest
12 Iceland Reykjavík
13 Italy Rome

 

Number Country Capital
14 Latvia Riga
15 Liechtenstein Vaduz
16 Lithuania Vilnius
17 Luxembourg Luxembourg
18 Malta Valletta
19 Netherlands Amsterdam
20 Norway Oslo
21 Poland Warsaw
22 Portugal Lisbon
23 Slovakia Bratislava
24 Slovenia Ljubljana
25 Spain Madrid
26 Sweden Stockholm
27 Switzerland Bern

If you hold a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between any of the 27 full member countries without passing through passport control. Always confirm current membership status before travel, as the Schengen Area continues to evolve. Bulgaria and Romania are partial members, while Cyprus and Ireland remain outside the Schengen zone.

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Conclusion on List Of Schengen Countries In Europe and their Capitals

There you have the List of Schengen Countries. If you have a Schengen visa, remember you have 27 countries at your fingertips that you can visit.