Europe’s top 5 walking destinations #SeeingSwitzerland #Giveaway
I am very much a country girl at heart and although I do love exploring Europe’s bustling cities and staying in hotels or Airbnb apartments I still enjoy spending time in the great outdoors both at home at abroad.
Every year I go camping with my family in the UK giving me the chance to enjoy getting back to nature. When casting my eye further a field I have come across some really inspiring destinations in Europe where you can take in the sights of the countryside. Here are my top 5 European walking destinations, in collaboration with Inntravel.
Switzerland
My husband and I visited Switzerland as part of our European tour honeymoon and we spent a couple of days exploring Lucerne which sits amid snowcapped mountains around the beautiful lake and we were captivated by the stillness of the water and the majesty of the mountains.
Between the Eiger and the Matterhorn lies some stunning walking opportunities. Explore among towering, snow-capped Alps starting from the famous north face of the world’s most recognisable mountain to high-mountain passes on true alpine trails and deep into valleys via lakes, forest and classic mountain villages. Switzerland is well known for its culinary delights so be sure to sample local cheeses and chocolates along the way!
If you’re a first timer why not try a self-guided walking tour of Switzerland, like the Inntravel’s From the Eiger to the Matterhorn walk, which provides hotel-to-hotel walking, allowing you to explore classic routes and little-used trails shared by the tour company.
Montenegro
Last year I turned 30 and as my gift, my sister took us away for a week in Montenegro. I have to admit I didn’t really know anything about this country before going but we had a lot of fun travelling around the Bay of Kotor and visiting all the villages and towns en route.
Although Montenegro’s coast is popular with tourists for its stunning views across the Bay the interior is made up of exciting Balkan wilderness, refreshingly undeveloped and ready for anyone looking for an active holiday. The Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, formed by glaciers and is traversed by rivers and underground streams with 23 mountain tops over 2300 meters of altitude.
The park boasts the deepest gorges in Europe, the Tara river canyon and you will find dense pine forests interspersed with clear lakes with a large range of endemic flora. Trails can be accessed from the well-serviced hub of Zabljak, on the edge of the park.
Ireland
I have always wanted to visit our neighbour island of Ireland with its spectacular natural beauty, rich history, unhurried pace of life and legendary hospitality. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with the Irish countryside with many fantastic walks to take in on a holiday.
The Kerry Way is a low-level circuit of the spectacular Iveragh Peninsula, a region of wild, natural beauty steeped in history and legend. Kerry’s hills are eerie and wet, but atmospheric with the range called MacGillycuddy’s Reeks being a fine example of Irish mountainscape and makes a superb centrepiece for a long weekend.
County Wicklow, often referred to as ‘the Garden of Ireland,’ is a picturesque landscape of serene lakes, glacial valleys, majestic mountains, forests and farmland. The Wicklow Way, one of the first waymarked trails to be established in Ireland, visits this unspoilt region and combines the culture-rich city of Dublin with remote mountain trails and secluded valleys. Keep an eye out for stunning Sika Deer and Red Squirrels as you walk near Powerscourt House near Enniskerry!
Crete
I have fond memories of exploring this Greek island which is said to have been the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. Heraklion, the capital, is home to a renowned Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artefacts and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement of workrooms, living spaces and store rooms close to a central square decorated with high colour frescoes showing people, mythological creatures, real animals, rocks, vegetation, and marine life.
If you’re looking to discover some history along your walk then why not visit Crete? The island offers access to a variety of routes, taking in necropolises, deserted coastal paths and olive groves. Don’t miss the beautiful Sirikari Gorge with the Acropolis of Ancient Polyrrinia around a 30-minute hike from the Sirikari village.
The south-west is a flowery paradise in spring. Walk an early-day circuit from roadless Loutro up the mountain to Anopolis, returning down the Aradena Gorge. Loutro is a quaint seashore village, perched on craggy rocks and nestled in a cove, affords an opportunity to experience life in a less accessible part of the island. After your walk why not indulge in some delicious fresh seafood caught by local fishermen?
Austria
I have visited Austria a couple of times taking in the sights of the City, Vienna, as well as the stunning mountainous landscape of Innsbruck which is a perfect Christmas break destination.
Austria boasts a landscape dotted with mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests perfect for holidays with hiking and biking among the most popular activities. Trails here are available for all preferences and ability. Hallstatt is a perfect hub for exploring the Austrian lake district. From here you can travel between steepled villages on easy footpaths, indulging in the odd lake crossing.
If you’re a fan of Austrian food then the Bregenzerwald’s famous Cheese Trail is for you! Along the route, you can sample regional delicacies by farmers, alpine dairymen, cheesemakers and restaurants. The Cheese trail network is made up of Farmers, alpine dairymen, cheesemakers, restaurants, inns, museums, railways and tourist organisations dedicated to the cultivation and the maintenance of culinary delights and regional culture. Who can resist?
Win!
Are you planning a holiday in the great outdoors? If so, check out the giveaway below to get you started by winning a Mammut Xeron Element Rucksack perfect for storage while hiking. Good Luck!
73 comments
I would love to visit Peru to see the unusual pyramids
I would love to go walking in the Australian outback – I am really interested in learning how the Aborigines live and their culture etc
Patagonia, Argentina – because it has the most dramatic and drastic landscapes on the planet!
Scotland its stunning
The mountains of Austria
Iceland for the volcano’s
venice, it looks so beautiful and romantic x
I loved Lake Garda in Italy and I would love to explore it again
Peru – Machu Picchu, I’ve always wanted to go, the views must be amazing!
I’d like to visit the Grand Canyon because its so huge I think you need to be there to appreciate it.
Would love to explore The Lake District, never been and heard a lot of good things about it,
I am happy exploring Scotland, so much to see here
I would love to visit Scotland. I have not ever been but have heard from others who have and would love to go.
i would love to go to australia but im not too sure about all the insects
More of the Lake District. There are lots of places to walk and it’s stunning. Wish I lived there.
I would love to explore Iceland, Its one of those places that you see in pictures and looks magical! Its on the top of my list to do!
Great write up!
I would say Peru because it just seems mysterious
i like to visit different places in the uk, but my main place is loch ness its beautiful and love taking photos there
I would love to visit Japan Kyoto is one of the places I would like to visit. I just love the architecture and landscape
I would love to visit Kenya as I love the beautiful nature and the chance to see animals on a safari.
I would love to explore the Lake District. I have never been there before and it looks so pretty!
I’d love to visit the jungles of Peru
Australia looks beautiful
I would love to hike in the New England area of the USA
Id love to go to Croatia, looks a beautiful country to explore x
I would love to go to Australia and visit Ayers rock. Thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Iceland for the dramatic volcanoes and geysers
I would love to walk the Appalachian Trail on the east coast of America because you get to walk through fourteen states and see wonderful scenery and wildlife.
I’d love to explore the lake district
I’ve never been abroad but always wanted to visit Switzerland
I would love to visit the fjords of Norway as they just look stunning
I would love to walk the great wall of china because I think it must be amazing at its heights11
Scotland for the scenery
The Lake District, lots of places to walk and it’s stunning
Iceland as after long days out i love to go back to The Grand Hotel in a Tower Room.
id love to see venice
The mountains of Austria – beautiful.
the tropical rainforest x imagine all the beautiful things yu could see
I’d love to explore the Himalayas – from Pakistan across India through Nepal and on to Bhutan!
Costa Rica for the fabulous rainforest
New Zealand. I wanted to go before the LOTR and Hobbit films came out. And now that i’ve seen them, i want to go even more.
The Amazon
It’s my dream to visit the Amazon Rainforest!
death valley in america it is the hottest place on earth
I’d love to visit New Zealand as the scenery was incredible in the Lord of the Rings films.
would love to visit new Zealand just from watching it on films
as I’m into herpetology I would love to explore the Amazon Rainforest
has to be antarctica – last real unexplored area of the world.
Australia as there is so much to see.
My Son would love to visit Disneyland in the US, so as soon as I get a job this is where we are going to go. In the meantime we will explore different parts of the UK. Fantastic prize, thank you x
i would love to follow the inca trail in Peru.. what a fantastic experience it would be and so spiritual
I would love to explore New Zealand as my family have been there and said it is beautiful. I have also got relatives over there.
I would love to explore Naxos
I really enjoy walking around my local area as it always clears my mind and makes me feel better after a hard days work and removes the stress of every day life. I am also a country girl at heart and working and living close to London can be quite difficult. I haven’t experienced going out on a proper walking trip, but i am hoping i can do this, this summer in Wales.
I would love to go to egypt to see the pyramids
You can’t beat walking in the West Coast of Scotland stunning scenery and views and the weather isn’t usually hot 😉
I would explore Italy for the beautiful buildings
id love to go walking in wales. its lovely there
Would love to go walking in New Zealand to get the fabulous views I see in pictures from there
The Lake district because it is huge and I have always wanted to go walking there – the scenery is so beautiful.
Switzerland does look beautiful, but my ultimate trip would be to Japan to see the amazing scenery and culture.
New Zealand as it looks so stunning in Lord of the Rings
There are so many wonderful places i would love to visit – one being the Amazon Rainforest
I would love to visit the Canadian Rockies with all that wonderful scenery.
I’d love to explore Italy more, such a beautiful country
Great Barrier Reef as it is my dream to explore it.
I would love to visit Australia and New Zealand
as a photographer it has to be norway/iceland to see the northern lights. every togs dream
Norway, would love to see The fjords
Milford Sound New Zealand because we did visit but didn’t have time to get on the boat to go down the sound… big mistake
I would love to visit the lake distict it looks amazing
Australia because many of my friends live there
I would love to visit Chiang Mai in Thailand to see elephants in their natural habitat.