From foraging in a Norwegian forest to hiking in Italy’s fairytale Dolomites, Europe's natural offerings are sure to inspire. Check out this list of the ultimate adventures in the great outdoors that will leave you feeling grounded and recharged.
Hiking in the Dolomites
If there’s one place on earth that deserves the accolade of otherworldly, it’s the Dolomites; here, hulking granite sentinels erupt from wildflower-covered alpine meadows and emerald-hued forests.
Immerse yourself in this fairytale landscape by lacing up your boots and heading off on a hike. There are countless options, from gentle strolls – such as the forested circuit around the bright turquoise Lago di Braies – to multi-day hikes, including the Alta Badia High Route, which offers stunning views of the surrounding saw-toothed mountains as it hops between rustic refugios (mountain huts). One of the best is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo: this not-too-strenuous day hike loops around a trio of pointed towers that seem to be balanced atop a lunar-like scree slope.
Immerse yourself in this fairytale landscape by lacing up your boots and heading off on a hike. There are countless options, from gentle strolls – such as the forested circuit around the bright turquoise Lago di Braies – to multi-day hikes, including the Alta Badia High Route, which offers stunning views of the surrounding saw-toothed mountains as it hops between rustic refugios (mountain huts). One of the best is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo: this not-too-strenuous day hike loops around a trio of pointed towers that seem to be balanced atop a lunar-like scree slope.
Foraging in Norway
Access to the great outdoors is a fundamental part of life in Norway, so much so that allemannsretten – the right to access uncultivated land – is enshrined in law. With such love for nature and exploration, it’s no wonder that foraging is an everyday activity for many Norwegians.
Make like a local and head out into field and forest to harvest your own dinner. Visit the glaciated landscapes of Rondane National Park to unearth some “mountain gold” – sunset-coloured cloudberries – or head to the woods of Hardangervidda to go mushroom-hunting. You could even exchange land for sea and forage along the coast, collecting mussels or fishing for wild salmon.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that foraging can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing – so make sure you book onto a tour led by an expert guide, especially if you’re picking mushrooms.
Make like a local and head out into field and forest to harvest your own dinner. Visit the glaciated landscapes of Rondane National Park to unearth some “mountain gold” – sunset-coloured cloudberries – or head to the woods of Hardangervidda to go mushroom-hunting. You could even exchange land for sea and forage along the coast, collecting mussels or fishing for wild salmon.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that foraging can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing – so make sure you book onto a tour led by an expert guide, especially if you’re picking mushrooms.
Wildlife watching in Poland
It might be known more for its historic cities, but Poland is also brimming with diverse wildlife. The Biebrza Marshes – a vast area of wetlands, bog forests and peat bogs – is the home of industrious beavers, powerful elk and sleek otters, not to mention an abundance of birds and butterflies. The remote Bieszczady Mountains, meanwhile, are prowled by predators such as brown bears, lynx and wolves.
The star of the show, however, has to be Białowieża National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the last remnant of a primeval forest that once blanketed central Europe – is a haven for the endangered European bison. Visit to spy this muscular, curved-horned beast padding through grassy glades, and past ancient oaks and elm.
The star of the show, however, has to be Białowieża National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the last remnant of a primeval forest that once blanketed central Europe – is a haven for the endangered European bison. Visit to spy this muscular, curved-horned beast padding through grassy glades, and past ancient oaks and elm.
Kayaking Scotland
Crisscrossed by rivers, dotted by lochs and encircled by 9,910 km (6,160 miles) of coastline, Scotland was made for kayakers. Paddle across the glassy surface of Loch Morlich surrounded by the imposing Cairngorm mountains, float past arches and sea cliffs off the coast of Orkney or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try tackling the whitewater rapids at Grandtully on the River Tay.
For some unexpected Caribbean-esque scenery, though, you can’t beat the west coast. Try the Summer Isles, a picturesque archipelago found just north of Ullapool; here, you can paddle past water-whittled caves and wave-beaten arches, before wild camping on one of the beach-fringed islands. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Sound of Arisaig – its clear waters are home to everything from seals and otters to basking sharks and dolphins, as well as being sprinkled with sandy shored skerries.
For some unexpected Caribbean-esque scenery, though, you can’t beat the west coast. Try the Summer Isles, a picturesque archipelago found just north of Ullapool; here, you can paddle past water-whittled caves and wave-beaten arches, before wild camping on one of the beach-fringed islands. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Sound of Arisaig – its clear waters are home to everything from seals and otters to basking sharks and dolphins, as well as being sprinkled with sandy shored skerries.
Wild swimming in Bavaria
Looking for the perfect wild swimming spot? Bavaria will do the trick. Scattered across the bucolic plains and sky-scraping alps of this German state are hundreds of sparkling lakes, which beckon swimmers in for a refreshing dip.
Walchensee, nestled amongst snow-topped mountains and lined with stony beaches, is an undoubted highlight. Its pristine waters, some of the purest in the region, are rich in minerals, helping both to give the lake an enticing turquoise tone and to revive any aching muscles. As you float along, you’ll also be treated to views of the forested peaks which soar over the lake’s tranquil waters.
Beyond Walchensee, there’s plenty more to explore, from biodiverse Altmühlsee, home to a nature reserve that’s popular with migrating birds, to tiny Mandichosee, edged by chilled-out bathing beaches and lawns.
Walchensee, nestled amongst snow-topped mountains and lined with stony beaches, is an undoubted highlight. Its pristine waters, some of the purest in the region, are rich in minerals, helping both to give the lake an enticing turquoise tone and to revive any aching muscles. As you float along, you’ll also be treated to views of the forested peaks which soar over the lake’s tranquil waters.
Beyond Walchensee, there’s plenty more to explore, from biodiverse Altmühlsee, home to a nature reserve that’s popular with migrating birds, to tiny Mandichosee, edged by chilled-out bathing beaches and lawns.
Surfing in Portugal
Whether you’re a nervous newbie or a wave-riding pro, Portugal is the place to be for surfing – the country’s stunning coastline is blessed with both beautiful beaches and excellent swells.
Happily, many spots are great for surfers of all abilities. With over 200 different surf schools, Peniche is good if you’re learning the ropes, but is equally good for a challenge thanks to the spectacular tubular waves of “Supertubos” beach. Then there’s the 12 beaches of Ericeira, just north of Lisbon: the sandy seabed and mellow waves of Praia da Foz do Lizandro are ideal for first-timers, while the reef-lined Praia dos Coxos, known for its big barrels, is suitable for experts only.
If you’re a super-confident surfer, it’s worth visiting the golden sands Praia do Norte – found near the pretty fishing village of Nazare – to take on the massive Atlantic rollers. In 2011, at this very spot, surf legend Garret McNamara tackled a 24-m (78-ft) wave – the largest in history ever surfed.
Happily, many spots are great for surfers of all abilities. With over 200 different surf schools, Peniche is good if you’re learning the ropes, but is equally good for a challenge thanks to the spectacular tubular waves of “Supertubos” beach. Then there’s the 12 beaches of Ericeira, just north of Lisbon: the sandy seabed and mellow waves of Praia da Foz do Lizandro are ideal for first-timers, while the reef-lined Praia dos Coxos, known for its big barrels, is suitable for experts only.
If you’re a super-confident surfer, it’s worth visiting the golden sands Praia do Norte – found near the pretty fishing village of Nazare – to take on the massive Atlantic rollers. In 2011, at this very spot, surf legend Garret McNamara tackled a 24-m (78-ft) wave – the largest in history ever surfed.
Stargazing in Hungary
The site of three International Dark Sky Parks – all officially certified by the International Dark-Sky Association – Hungary is one of Europe’s best spots for stargazing.
Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first attempted to preserve its night sky as a way to conserve wildlife; appreciate its efforts on one of the park’s guided stargazing walks, where you’ll spy the curving arc of the Milky Way twinkling above you. Or make a beeline for mountainous Bükk National Park, where you’ll get to glimpse a night sky blazing with constellations, the odd meteor illuminating the scene with streaks of light.
To learn all about astronomy, you can’t beat Zselici Star Park in southwest Hungary. The visitors centre boasts a public observatory where you can star-spot through powerful telescopes, plus a meteor collection and a planetarium. It’s also one of the best places to spy supernatural zodiacal light (a cone of ghostly light that appears on the horizon just before dawn or following sunset) and naked-eye views of the spectacular spiral-shaped Triangulum Galaxy.
Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first attempted to preserve its night sky as a way to conserve wildlife; appreciate its efforts on one of the park’s guided stargazing walks, where you’ll spy the curving arc of the Milky Way twinkling above you. Or make a beeline for mountainous Bükk National Park, where you’ll get to glimpse a night sky blazing with constellations, the odd meteor illuminating the scene with streaks of light.
To learn all about astronomy, you can’t beat Zselici Star Park in southwest Hungary. The visitors centre boasts a public observatory where you can star-spot through powerful telescopes, plus a meteor collection and a planetarium. It’s also one of the best places to spy supernatural zodiacal light (a cone of ghostly light that appears on the horizon just before dawn or following sunset) and naked-eye views of the spectacular spiral-shaped Triangulum Galaxy.
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