Cities are Europe’s main asset and the reputation that it has is largely due to them. Most capitals lie within a few hours of fjords, volcanic coastlines and limestone ranges that are equal to those in the Americas and Asia. The landscapes are provided by these ten and most of them are accessible for every physically healthy person.
Mountains and High Country
1. The Dolomites, Italy
Pink sunset towers of pale limestone, above meadow, and alpine huts. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is the main day hike and the via ferrate routes were first constructed for First World War soldiers. Based in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Val Gardena.
2. The Tatra Mountains are located in Poland and Slovakia.
The only authentic alpine region in Central Europe, straddling a border. Frosty lakes, like Morskie Oko, a sharp granite ridgeline, and mountain huts with hot food. The main gateway is Zakopane and it is much less expensive than the Alps.
3. The beautiful lake Bled and Triglav, Slovenia
A castle above an island church on a glacial lake, with the Julian Alps in the background. The boardwalks of Vintgar Gorge and the turquoise river of Soča Valley are within an hour.
Coast and Islands
4. Norway’s Fjords and Lofoten.Norwegian Fjords and Lofoten.
Geirangerfjord’s cliffs plunge into water more than a thousand feet deep. Further up north, the Lofoten Islands rise to the edge of fishing villages and white-sand beaches, bathed in midnight sun for much of the summer from late May to mid-July.
5. The Faroe Islands
A cascade at Múlafossur, which plunges straight into the sea, and a waterfall, houses with turf roofs and sheer sea cliffs, on 18 islands in the North Atlantic. Every 20 minutes there’s a change in the weather, part of the charm.
6. Madeira, Portugal
Irrigation channels (levadas) with walking paths along them run through the laurel forest, which is older than the last ice age, and are cut into the subtropical Atlantic islands. It is one of the best ridge walks in Europe from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
Lakes, Lochs, and Forest
7. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Sixteen series of terraced lakes linked by cascades with a wooden boardwalk just above the water’s surface. Consider early or late morning hours to get here as the lines are long midday.
8. Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands.
An hour’s walk takes you to the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr or the Fairy Pools, all of which provide drama. The wider Highlands include empty glens and single track roads, as well as the West Highland Way.
Strange Landscapes
9. Iceland’s South Coast
Within a few hours of Reykjavík, black sand beaches, glacier tongues and the ice lagoon at Jökulsárlón. The Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls are right off the ring road.
10. Meteora, Greece
Six operational monasteries on rock pillars hundreds of feet tall constructed during the only way to get up to them was by rope ladders. Walk the pathways between the hike rather than drive between.
Practical Advice
Book Huts and Cabins Early –
In the Dolomites and the Tatras, alpinist refuges have opened their doors months early and are already very busy during the summer months of July and August.
Respect the Weather
The weather over the mountains and over the North Atlantic moves quickly. Weatherproofs and warm layers regardless of forecast – turn back early not late.
Travel in Shoulder Season
June and September are the least crowded with longer daylight. There are short viable windows in Iceland and in the Faroes – check road and trail access before planning.
Put the paper back where you found it.Put paper back where it lies.
Many of these are experiencing significant pressure as a result of visitor numbers. Walk on designated trails, clean up and pack away, park in designated areas.
The cities will wait and see. The detours are worthwhile in these landscapes.