Guest Author - Julie Fredrick
How do you decide where your next European vacation will be? I am experiencing that very problem this year, and have had to weigh in on many options and possibilities. Typically, I have decided the previous year where to spend my travel dollars, but this year, new windows have opened and I am more confused than ever.
Recently several friends, as well as readers have asked me, to list some good hiking destinations in Europe. For the sake of this first segment on Hiking in Europe, I will focus on three popular destinations. Upcoming features will include more.
In choosing an active vacation, there are several questions that you must first ask yourself.
How active do you want to be during the day? How strenuous do you want your hike? Are you OK with climbing both up and down mountains? (Do you have knee problems?) Do you have problems with altitude? Last, but probably most important, what type of accommodations appeal to you?
The Tour Du Mont blanc
If you like to be challenged physically and prefer long days, then you could consider hiking in the Alps. The Tour Du Mont Blanc is a wonderful opportunity to travel on foot through three countries while meeting other like-minded travelers from around the world. A comprehensive hut system allows you to shower, eat filling hot meals and sleep on comfortable bedding at night. Some of the huts even offer private rooms in addition to dormitory-style rooms.
Walking between Switzerland, France and Italy allows you to experience many small villages, rural countryside and cosmopolitan resorts in a matter of about 10-12 days. The beauty of this trip is that public transportation will get you wherever you need to go, and can be used to shorten the number of hiking days, as well.
Slovenia's Julian Alps
The rugged Julian Alps in Slovenia are nestled between Italy and Austria, and offer jaw-dropping scenery with relatively few hikers. Triglav National Park is one of Europe’s largest parks. The hut system is used here, as well, although shuttles and transfers are usually necessary to trailheads and between villages. Few of the huts offer private rooms, and some do not offer heating.
The Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre, so named for the five small villages that the hiker walks through, is on Italy’s famed Italian Riviera. It lies in the Liguria region of the country, and is easily accessed by footpath, train, and boat. The more popular trails linking the five villages require a fee, the less popular ones (which are also tougher) do not. Accommodations range from intimate guesthouses to small hotels, and the food is guaranteed to be a highlight of the trip, since you are on your own to decide where to eat. The hike itself can be completed in as short as a few days, but give yourself more time to enjoy the outstanding beauty of this popular tourist destination.
Coming up in future features will be different options for active vacation destinations in Europe, so stay tuned!
3 books to get you started Hiking in Europe from Amazon.com
