Europe Has No Rainforests: Is That Actually True?
An exploration of Europe's climate explains the absence of tropical rainforests while revealing the continent's own rare temperate and primeval forest ecosystems.
The idea that Europe has no rainforests is common, shaped by the continent’s image of temperate woodlands rather than vast jungles. This perception is mostly accurate, as the classic tropical rainforest is absent from the European landscape. The reasons are rooted in the continent’s fundamental geography and climate, which have fostered different forest ecosystems.
What Defines a Rainforest
A rainforest is defined by high annual rainfall and a dense, continuous tree canopy, receiving between 2,000 to 10,000 millimeters (79 to 394 inches) of rain each year. Its multi-layered canopy, formed by tall trees, creates a ceiling that limits sunlight on the forest floor. This shaded, humid environment supports a unique array of flora and fauna.
There are two main types of rainforest. Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, with consistently high temperatures and humidity. In contrast, temperate rainforests are located in mid-latitudes, often in coastal regions with cooler temperatures and distinct seasons. While both are defined by heavy rainfall, these temperature differences result in different plant and animal species.
Europe’s Climatic and Geographic Constraints
Europe’s geographic position prevents it from hosting tropical rainforests. The continent is at higher latitudes, causing seasonal variations in temperature and daylight, unlike the stable warmth of equatorial regions, which is necessary for tropical rainforests to thrive. Most of Europe lies within a temperate climate zone, with some areas featuring Mediterranean or colder boreal climates.
The continent’s climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which bring milder, wetter conditions to Western Europe. While this creates a damp climate, it lacks the consistent heat of a tropical ecosystem. Other regions have continental climates with cold winters or Mediterranean climates with dry summers. None of these profiles can support a tropical rainforest.
Identifying Europe’s Temperate Rainforests
While tropical rainforests are absent, Europe is home to small, fragmented pockets of temperate rainforest. Often called “Celtic Rainforests,” these woodlands are found along the Atlantic coasts of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Similar examples exist in the coastal regions of Norway and northern Spain.
These forests are characterized by an abundance of mosses, lichens, and ferns covering trees and rocks due to the high humidity. The dominant trees are oak, birch, and other broadleaf species, unlike the towering evergreens of many other temperate rainforests. Despite their small scale, these European rainforests are recognized as important habitats for rare and specialized species.
The Continent’s Last Primeval Forests
Beyond its temperate rainforests, Europe possesses other ancient woodlands. The most famous is the Białowieża Forest on the border of Poland and Belarus, considered the last tract of the primeval forest that once covered the European Plain. This old-growth forest is a mixed deciduous woodland, representing an ancient ecosystem.
Białowieża is a UNESCO World Heritage site with high biodiversity, including ancient trees and dead wood that supports many species. The forest is also a sanctuary for the European bison, the continent’s largest land mammal, which was brought back from the brink of extinction through conservation efforts centered in Białowieża. This forest serves as a living link to Europe’s wild, pre-industrial past.