In Europe, Lyme disease is endemic from southern Scandinavia into the northern Mediterranean countries of Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece and east from the British Isles into central Russia. Incidence is highest in Central and Eastern European countries.

Ticks are prevalent across almost all of Europe in 2026, but the highest risk for Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease is concentrated in Central and Northern Europe. According to 2026 ECDC reports, countries with "high-incidence" regions include Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Germany is also a major hotspot, with significant spikes reported in Bavaria and Saxony in early 2026. Ticks are most active from early spring to late autumn in grassy and forested areas. Even urban parks in cities like Berlin, Prague, and Stockholm have seen an encroachment of ticks due to warmer winters. Travelers planning to hike or camp in the Black Forest, the Alps, or the Scandinavian wilderness are strongly advised to wear long trousers tucked into socks and use DEET-based repellents. In 2026, while there is no human vaccine for Lyme disease, many Europeans and frequent travelers opt for the TBE vaccine, which is highly effective and widely available through travel clinics across the continent.