Groundwater recharge estimates in Europe were evaluated using different models based on groundwater head data. Three models were tested: Metran, AquiMod, and GARDÉNIA. While all models performed well in predicting groundwater levels, the recharge estimates varied. Metran's method of using groundwater head data for recharge estimation was found to be unreliable. AquiMod improved recharge estimations by including physical information, but still had limitations. GARDÉNIA, which incorporated discharge information, provided more reliable recharge values. Overall, estimating recharge from groundwater head data alone is uncertain and less precise, but adding local system knowledge can enhance accuracy.