11 best backpacking routes in Europe

Which walking and driving routes for backpacking in Europe are especially popular in 2023? You will learn about the most spectacular routes in the South and North of the continent, the secrets of their popularity, features of the local tourist infrastructure, logistics and prices.

Let's start with hiking in Europe, then we will dwell in more detail on the most interesting destinations for traveling by car.

Tourist routes of Europe: 11 places

1. Tatras, Slovakia

The Tatras are a mountain range of the Carpathians in the east of the European Union. They form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Approximately ¾ of the mountains are located in Slovakia, and the rest of the mountains are in Poland.

The best backpacking Europe route "Janosikove diery" is located near the town of Terchova, and it is more convenient to get to Lake Zelene Pleso from Tatranska Lomnica.

There are many national parks with beautiful nature, as well as all conditions for summer and winter sports.

There are a lot of convenient marked paths for beginner hikers. You can just walk through the forest for your own pleasure, visit the glacial lake Zelene Pleso or climb Mount Yagnatsi Shtit, 2229 meters high. There is a campsite near the lake where you can eat and spend the night.

Hiking in the High Tatras for 6 days will cost 280 euros. The best conditions for trekking are in June and in the second half of September.

The best way to get there is by plane, train or by bus to Kosice. It is most convenient to go further by a rented car, but you can also use the local train or bus. They will take you straight to the mountain range.

2. Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland

Mont Blanc is a mountain range in France in the French Alps, in Italy in the Italian Alps and in Switzerland in the Graian Alps.

Here you can see rocks, glaciers, steppe landscapes and emerald green pastures at the same time. This is one of the most scenic trekking routes in the world with fantastic views of local lakes, valleys and waterfalls. For those who like extreme hikes in Europe, there are routes of higher complexity.

In the warm seasons, local resorts offer hiking and cycling. Ski resorts operate in winter. The local cable cars and trams are very popular. They take tourists to an altitude of more than 2000 meters above the sea level.

Climbing the classic route lasts 9 days and costs 1280 euros. The ideal time for trekking is from June 15 to September 15.

Travel by plane, train or by bus to Cointrin International Airport and another 88 kilometers to the town of Chamonix by any local transport. Driving the entire backpacking Europe route in your own car on excellent roads is also a great idea.

3. Southwest Bank Trail, UK

It starts at the town of Minehead in Somerset and ends at the largest natural harbor in Europe, the town of Poole in Dorset. This is the place where it is easiest for you to understand what classic hiking trips in Europe are.

The trail is a route of 1016 kilometers along the coast with fantastic scenery. Occasionally the road turns inland along the rivers. The features of the local terrain are sand dunes and bays. An ideal place for those who adore to relax far from civilization. You can occasionally come across local villages, but not all of them will have a store.

Large differences in altitude – up to 35 km throughout the route. For unprepared tourists, the knees can hurt already on the first day of the trip. But painkillers work well in this case. There are frequent rains and strong winds, so waterproof and windproof clothes and reliable shoes are a must have.

The cost of walking backpacking tours in Europe is approximately from 500 to 1000 euros depending on its duration. There is no clearly defined season, you can come at any time of the year.

Get first to Bristol by any convenient means of transport. Then you need to find the Temple Meads bus station in Bristol and get to Minehead with a transfer in Taunton.

4. French King's Road, Spain

It starts in the Atlantic Pyrenees near the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and ends in Spanish Galicia on the Atlantic coast. There are stops along the way in Pamplona and Leon.

This place is very popular with pilgrims. Although such a document is issued to anyone who wants it. This gives you the right to pay for food and accommodation with a discount throughout the entire route. There are many historical monuments, monasteries and temples on the way.

The route will seem difficult only for completely unprepared tourists. Along the way, there is the necessary infrastructure for tourists to find a place to eat, get cleaned up and spend the night. Also known as Jacob's Way or the Pilgrim's Way, the Kings' Road runs along the ocean coast, and there is the healing salty smell in the air.

A hike lasting 6-7 days will cost 590 euros. The ideal time to visit is spring and autumn. During these periods, it is not so hot and there are fewer tourists.

First, you need to fly or come to Paris. From the capital of France, take the train to the city of Bayonne. Here you need to transfer to the train or bus to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Traveling by car is also very convenient – the roads are of excellent quality.

Read also: How to plan a trip yourself: 8 tips

5. Fimmvurduhauls Pass, Iceland

Travelers who love hiking in Europe never miss the Fimmwurduhauls Pass. It lies between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. There is a hiking trail between Skougar and Thorsmörk. It continues with the famous tourist routes for backpacking Europe – Laugavegur and Landmannalaugar.

This is a unique opportunity to see lava fields, waterfalls, picturesque mountain peaks, real fields of that very green Icelandic moss, hot springs and canyons in one place.

The total length of the route is about 80 km. Along the way there are houses where it is nice to stop to sleep, eat and restore energy. The climate here is no less severe than in the UK, so good trekking shoes, as well as waterproof and windproof jackets will be needed. .

Hiking along the route of 70 km will cost 350 euros. Local tourist lodges are open from late June to mid-September.

The main thing is to get to Reykjavík in any way convenient for you. Then everything is simple – there is a regular bus service between the capital of Iceland and the Pass.

6. Black Forest, Germany

Schwarzwald is translated as "Black Forest". This is a mountain range in southwestern Germany, on the land of Baden-Württemberg.

One of the most picturesque natural attractions in Germany. This is the area that inspired the Brothers Grimm to write many of their world-famous masterpieces. The main attraction is the Schwarzwald Hochstraße highway.

This is a high-altitude road between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. A wide and smooth highway will lead auto tourists past dozens of cozy green parking lots with gorgeous views of the mountains and endless forests.

There are thousands of picturesque paths in the local forests and mountains. Many of them lead to old hunting lodges. There are a lot of healing mineral springs around, the most famous of which are located in the city of Baden-Baden.

The Black Forest is a popular place for gastronomic tourism. Here they make world-famous ham and cook an amazingly delicious secret recipe cherry cake.

Complex backpack Europe trips are mainly organized in the Black Forest with a visit of a large number of attractions, including thermal springs. Approximate cost starts from 1000 euros. There is no pronounced season, consider the season that you like most. Many tourists note that in winter these places acquire a particularly fabulous charm.

The nearest relatively large city is Freiburg. Get to it by any convenient means of transport, and then it’s better to explore local attractions in your own or rented car. The B500 highway is considered the most picturesque. It goes from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, and also from Triberg to Waldshut.

7. Transfagaras Highway, Romania

This highway connects two regions of the country, Transylvania and Wallachia, and also passes through the Fagaras mountain range. It starts in the city of Pitesti and ends in the commune of Arpacho de Jos.

A picturesque mountain road stretches along the Arges River. The complex mountain serpentine adds adrenaline, but the surrounding views and landscapes are even more breathtaking. Famous sights on the route are Poenari Castle and Balea Glacier Lake.

If you drive your car without a tour, please note that there will be no gas stations on the way. A couple of shops are the local maximum, so it is highly recommended to take a supply of food and especially water with you. It would be useful to take pills for motion sickness. The recommended speed is 40 km/h, so it is better to plan the route in advance so that you can make it within daylight hours. On weekdays there are fewer tourists and the road is not so busy.

The cost of a two-day excursion is about $150 dollars per person. The road is open from June to October.

Many walking and driving routes for backpacking Europe are away from cell towers. Coverage may be a problem. But if you install the Yesim app, you can always stay connected and, if necessary, quickly switch between multiple numbers and operators. Most importantly, be sure to check the compatibility of your gadget with eSIM technology on this page of the service.

8. Troll Staircase

When going hiking in Europe, plan to see the Troll Staircase, which is located in the northern part of western Norway, in the region of Vestland. In fact, it is part of the RV63 road between the towns of Ondalsnes and Valldal.

The road was opened in 1936 and is still considered a masterpiece of engineering and design. Along the route, travelers pass 11 sharp turns, and the height of the slope reaches 9%. In some places the road narrows to almost 3 meters, therefore cars longer than 12.4 meters are prohibited. In short, if you like beautiful mountain scenery and a little adrenaline, this cocktail is definitely for you.

It's best to leave as early as possible, so you don't get stuck in a traffic jam of slowly moving tour buses and cars. That way you can enjoy the waterfalls, fjords and lakes earlier and longer. There is an observation deck about 200 meters above the road. It is worth having a Norwegian coffee with waffles in the local tourist center.

If you get there on your own, a 1.5-2 hours tour right near the Troll Staircase will cost up to 100 euros. The road is usually open from mid-May to October. To get there, enter the needed route into the memory of your or a rental car navigator. Alternatively, you can take a tourist bus in the town of Ondalsnes. Buses also run from Bergen and Trondheim.

9. Kerry Ring, Ireland

A popular hiking route runs along the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry County. There are seven relatively large settlements along the perimeter of the 166 kilometers route.

The scenic route passes through wild Atlantic beaches, mountains, cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. The beauty of the Emerald Isle is revealed in all its imaginable and unthinkable beauty along the route. You'll find convenient viewpoints, Irish towns with pubs and colorful houses, monastery settlements, and authentic castles on the way.

It's best to leave as early as possible, so you don't have to follow a slow moving line of tour buses all day. Despite the fact there will be all the necessary infrastructure on the way, do not forget that it is Ireland. You should wear good hiking shoes, and wear waterproof and windproof clothes.

If you get to the place on your own, the cost of the bus tour along the route will be about 30 euros. Of course, it is more convenient to travel by car. Despite the route going in a conditional circle, it is still better to buy a travel card at the nearest shop.

The most favorable time to travel on the Ring of Kerry, in any format, are considered the summer months.

First, you need to get to Dublin by any convenient transport. Then take a train, plane, car or bus to the town of Killary. This is the beginning of the route.

10. French Riviera, Marseille-Monaco

The best tourist destinations in Europe also include the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, which stretches from the town of Toulon to the Italian border. The Principality of Monaco is part of one of the world's best seashores for recreation.

Ideally you should drive a convertible among these winding serpentines, picturesque hills, and prestigious resorts. World-famous attractions such as Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are all here. There will be everything on the way - bustling metropolises, respectable quays, including the Croisette and quiet charming Mediterranean villages.

The Côte d'Azur will appeal to those who like to visit casinos, restaurants and nightclubs. If you come with children, be sure to visit Marineland, the largest zoo in Europe, the Butterfly Jungle greenhouse, as well as the local amusement park and the water park. The local puppet theater at the Provençal farm and the racetrack with night races are also very popular.

The cheapest bus for the European backpacking route to visit all the major cities and attractions of the Côte d'Azur costs from 320 euros per person. The late fall and winter months are the best time for the most comfortable r vacation on the French Riviera.

The main thing is to drive or fly to Paris. And then take a bus, train or plane to one of the major logistical hubs of the coast. For example, in Marseille, Toulon or Nice.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Europe: how to choose and connect the best option

11. Amalfi Coast, Italy

It is located on the southern coast of the island of Sorrento, on the Gulf of Salerno. The main town is Amalfi, with its unique cathedral built in Y937. The village of Positano is the real pearl of the area. Its streets-roads descend from the mountain slopes directly to the sea coast.

The medieval villages with their pastel-colored houses look very harmonious and seem to grow on the local cliffs. High cliffs, lemon groves and green mountains are included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complexity of the winding and narrow serpentine mountains is fully compensated by the picturesque views and the landscape.

It is better not to spare money and rent a classic Italian convertible. Then you'll have a trip to remember for the rest of your life. The most comfortable European backpacking route without rushing is with overnight stops in Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello. It's a “crime” to limit yourself to only walking around the city, make sure you visit the gorgeous local beaches.

If you get to Amalfi on your own, the cost of local tours starts from 66 euros. The best months for vacation are from April to May and from September to October.

Take any convenient transport to Naples, then take the train directly to Amalfi. Trains leave every hour. In addition, there is a bus service between the two cities.

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