Europe’s museums and ruins tend be a stronger draw than its mountains and rivers. But for any traveler, budget or otherwise, solo or companioned, expert or neophyte, an excursion to the outdoors can round off (or salvage, as the case may be) any journey. Fjords, volcanoes, valleys, gorges, and plateaus mark the spots where the Earth’s plates collide. Waters of innumerable shades of blue wash up on uninhabited shores of black-, white-, and red-sand beaches. Mountains, whether sprawling with trees or culminating in ice, continue to challenge mankind and dwarf the man-made, just as they did when civilization began.
Camping can be a great way to see Europe on the cheap. There are organized campgrounds outside most cities. Showers, bathrooms, and a small restaurant or store are common; some sites have more elaborate facilities. Prices are low, usually US$5-15 per person plus additional charges for tents and cars. While camping is a cheaper option than hosteling, the cost of transportation to and from campgrounds can add up. Some public grounds allow free camping, but check local laws. Many areas have additional park-specific rules. The Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (www.gorp.com) provides excellent general info.
|
Just Chillin’ |
Hardcore Thrill-Seekin’ |
|---|---|
|
AUSTRIA: THE HOHE TAUERN NATIONAL PARK . Filled with glaciers, mountains, lakes, and endangered species, Europe’s largest park offers mountain paths once trod by Celts and Romans. |
AUSTRIA: INNSBRUCK . The free Club Innsbruck membership is one of the best deals in Western Europe for avid skiers. When skiing becomes old hat, adventurers opt for paragliding. |
|
BRITAIN: PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK . Despite its name, this park doesn’t have many mountains, but it does have some of Britain’s finest scenery and it claims the title of the second most-visited national park in the world. |
FRANCE: MONT BLANC . The tallest mountain in Europe (4807m), Mont Blanc has vertigo-inducing slopes. It is a haven for international bikers, hikers, snowboarders, and skiers. |
|
CROATIA: THE DALMATIAN COAST . Touted as the new French Riviera, the Dalmatian Coast has some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. What it doesn’t have is dalmations—at least no more than any other place. |
GERMANY: DER SCHWARZWALD . The eerie darkness pervading this tangled evergreen, once the inspiration Brothers Grimm, lures hikers and skiers (instead of red-caped little girls.) |
|
DENMARK: ÆRØSKØBING . Economic stagnation and recent conservation efforts have successfully fossilized the 19th-century lifestyle and charm of this tiny island town. |
ITALY: CINQUE TERRE . An outdoorsman’s paradise, the hiking trails of Cinque Terre have opportunities for cliff diving, horseback riding, and kayaking between villages. |
|
ESTONIA: HIIUMAA . The Soviets unwittingly preserved rare species on this island by restricting access for 50 years. The Säärtirp peninsula’s promontory is especially beautiful. |
NORWAY: FJÆRLAND . At the base of the Jostedalsbreen glacier, Fjærland provides a perfect rest from serious, year-round hiking and camping through Norway’s fjords. |
|
FRANCE: D-DAY BEACHES . The heroism of the Allied forces is tastefully preserved on the beaches near Bayeux, where thousands of soldiers were killed or wounded over 60 years ago. |
NORWAY: SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO . The northernmost town in the world also happens to be one of the most badass. Rifle skills are a must for solo trekking, but dog sledding is open to all. |
|
GREECE: DELPHI . Journey to the beautiful mountaintop of the Oracle of Delphi, where ancient citizens went to hear cryptic prophecies. Soak in the history, and prepare to know thyself. |
PORTUGAL: SAGRES . Once considered the edge of the world, the windy town of Sagres has dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters that now attract more windsurfers than navigators. |
|
ICELAND: THERMAL POOLS . Iceland may be expensive, but freeloaders can find naturally occurring “hotpots” outside of Reykjavík. Each thermal pool maintains its distinct character. |
SLOVAKIA: THE TATRA MOUNTAINS . Part of the Carpathian range and spanning the border between Slovakia and Poland, the Tatras make a great, if extremely demanding, hiking destination. |
|
IRELAND: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK . Glacial activity during the Ice Age shaped Ireland’s best park, which has pristine lakes, forested mountains, and an elusive herd of 850 red deer. |
SPAIN: PAMPLONA . While not outdoorsy in the traditional sense, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona attracts runners and adrenaline junkies from all over the world. |
|
THE NETHERLANDS: HOGE VELUWE NATIONAL PARK . Wild boars and red deer inhabit the 13,500 acres of forestry, while the park’s museum houses works by Picasso and van Gogh. |
SWITZERLAND: INTERLAKEN . Thanks to its mild climate and pristine landscape, Interlaken is Europe’s adventure sports capital, with every adrenaline-inducing opportunity imaginable. |
There are a variety of publishing companies that offer hiking guidebooks to meet the educational needs of the novice or the expert. For information about biking, camping, and hiking, write or call the ...more
Staying warm, dry, and well hydrated are the keys to a happy and safe wilderness experience. Before any hike, prepare yourself for an emergency by packing a first-aid kit, a reflector, a whistle, high-energy ...more
What To Buy Good camping equipment is both sturdy and light. North American suppliers tend to offer the most competitive prices. Sleeping Bags: Most sleeping bags are rated by season; “summer” ...more
Organized adventure tours offer another way of exploring the wild. Activities include hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, climbing, photo safaris, and archaeological digs. Organizations ...more
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 50 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Overview