From glaciers, mountains, wildlife and wild fun, there is even more adventure to keep your adrenaline pumping while in Europe. So once you’ve had your fill of museums, ruins, and cathedrals, head outdoors and way out of town and enjoy even more white knuckle fun throughout all of Europe.
Hunting
Sustainable and eco friendly hunting expeditions are an important feature throughout much of Europe. Centuries of civilizations here have created a tradition of conscious hunting practices that help to balance the wild populations, not blindly destroy them. Keep in mind that you will need to obtain a hunting license from the country you intend to hunt in and this may take time to get approval. You must also exercise caution if you plan on bringing your own weapon as automatic or semi-automatic weapons are forbidden in most countries also. Bow hunting however is legal in most areas of Europe. In the Hungarian forests for example you’ll find red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer that are famous all over the world and is considered one of the best places in Europe to hunt. In Poland you can enjoy hunting deer and wild boar. You can also find first class guided hunting expeditions in the Czech Republic where you can hunt deer, duck, and pheasant.
Skiing
From the Pyreneese to the Alps, Europe has by far some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing in the world. A mecca for skiiers, the mountain ranges of Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France have challenged and excited skiiers of all skill levels for decades. One of the best resorts for cross-country skiers is located in the Upper Bavarian region in Germany. Known as Unternberg, or Ruhpolding, you will find perfect trails that wind through scenic valleys in an interconnected network. In Trysil, Norway you will enjoy miles of flood light trails across the arctic north. Ranked as one of the top resorts by cross-country skiers themselves, Trysil has reliable snow and is ideal for all levels including children. St. Johann and Oberndorf in Tyrol, Austria is yet another world class cross-country skier’s dream. With scenic views and friendly people, you’ll no doubt enjoy trekking the slopes in no time.
Tyrol, Austria also provides many of the best places in the world for downhill skiers as well. In the village of Kitzbuehel you will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants and activities as well as reliable and well-maintained snow. Head to Zillertal, Arlberg, or Soelden, just to name a few, for more superb skiing in the Tyrol region. In France, join in the crowds in the Chamonix region or Hautes-Alpes and find some of the best, albeit expensive, ski havens in Europe. Throughout Switzerland and northern Italy you’ll find even more slopes to shoot down.
Head to France’s sister mountain range that lies along its border with Spain and you’ll find more world class skiing in the Pyrenees and much less crowds as well. Deep in the ragged peaks are fantastic resorts that blend the laid back feel of both the French and the Spanish cultures. Baqueira/Beret in Spain is a great place to start or even Val d’Aran with ancient churches and deep, reliable snow.
Hiking
Whether you are traveling with your children or adults, there is a vast array of breathtaking hiking and camping opportunities throughout Europe. Backpacking across Europe can literally still be done but here are few really superb places to consider if you just want to find some nice weather and friendly people. Pack you hiking shoes and head to Turkey to start with. The Lycian Way is a perfect trail if you are traveling with kids as the trail is well designed and clearly marked. Many of the trails in Turkey are old footpaths and roads that have been traveled by people and horses for centuries and some are even under protection and conservation, a good thing to keep in mind while traveling these incredible trails. You can find historical places, castles, and views of mountains, valleys and the Black Sea. Some villagers even offer rooms in their homes to weary hikers as well making it a unique way to immerse yourself in the Turkish culture.
One of the most famous trails in Europe is the Camino trail in Spain. Stretching whopping 500 miles, it theoretically could take up to 40 days to complete that incredible hike. However the vast majority of people simply pick a section and walk for one day or maybe a week. You efforts will be rewarded with rolling, lush hills, warm weather, ancient villages and ruins, and very friendly people. With millions of people making the journey you will find plenty of cheap accommodations, food, and water along the way allowing you to only need to carry very little.
