I want to backpack Europe but have no idea what there is to do there
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Jan 20, 2013 9:39 AM Last Post By: GigiGriffis
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I want to backpack Europe but have no idea what there is to do there
I want to go but can't think of anything to do there... everyone's recommendations are always stuff like "oh go see the Eiffel Tower/Coliseum/Autobahn/Big Ben" -- and do what exactly? Take a picture of it and then walk around the city? Seems pointless and boring to do it that way, is that what most people go and do there?I have traveled extensively in North and South America mountaineering (my main passion), skiing, rafting, and exploring the outdoors or finding ways to push myself. For money reasons and lack of partner reasons I can't mountaineer in the Alps.
What kind of adventures are there in Europe?
1
There are plenty of other mountains in Europe/UK besides the Alps. Wales and Scotland ?Wind surfing the the Mediterranean near Marseille/France.
Google white water rafting in glacier rivers.
I think if you research you will find adrenalin based activities in Europe so that you can see the great sites as well as some adventure. The Dolomites in Northern Italy are great hiking Mountainous areas. The Greek Islands during the summer months are great for water sports.
2
There is great mountain hiking, some of it pretty much adrenaline-boosting, all over the Alps, Pyrénées, scottish Highlands,Tatras mountains, etc., if the lack of a partner bars you from "serious" climbing. There are also plenty of clubs and organisations you may join for this purpose, even solo.Water sports, river sports, via ferrata, sky and air activity, underwater world, spelunking...name it...never far from interesting "touristy" sites.
3
I want to go but can't think of anything to do there.So why go? Why not enjoy your outdoor activities closer to home? Lots of people have lived perfectly satisfactory lives never having gone to Europe -- or anywhere else for that matter.
4
Here´s one activity, bearkeys, seems intersting for you.But I´a bit reticent to paint many possibilities since you should provide more info, such as:
-when
-budget limitations
-preference where to enter Europe c.q. land?
-ditto lodging
-ditto transsport (active, but also cycle, speed skating?)
and maybe more
If your trip is not tomorrow, also a huge bunch of info is coming back on the Forum in due time, now being checked by the moderators on dirty stuff and killers as Autobahn which I should NOT advice you for an adrelain visit.
So waiting for more info.
5
Adding http://www.buckettripper.com/mud-walking-through-a-unesco-site-in-northern-holland/(also waiting for the edit button)
7
I'm puzzled. If you don't know what attracts you in Europe, why do you want to go?On the other side: It's hard not to find anything that attracts you in Europe. The continent is fairly big and knows numerous countries, types of nature, archeologicial/historical/beautiful sites etc. that allow for all sorts of holidays and experiences.
First, ask yourself what it is you're looking for in a holiday. If the answer does not include cities, than don't go to London, Paris, Rome etc. even though other people do so. If the answer is 'nature activities' than get yourself a Lonely Planet and see what you can do around Europe. All the things you have done in the America's, can be done in Europe as well. And when you have at least some idea of what you want to do, come back and ask for concrete advice.
8
... and other people find it totally pointless to get up a mountain only to get down as quickly as possible. Tastes and interests differ.I find Europe the perfect place for cycling with a wide choice of terrain with different possibilities to 'push yourself'. I still have good memories of the vertical challenges of the French Alps and the horizontal ones of the thinly populated areas of Scotland. Good for mind and body.
9
.. and there are epic tours to be made, by foot or by pedal. The already mentioned Camino de Santiago is a famous one; less explored is going down the Danube (in Europe known as the Donau with slight varieties). Close to 2900 kilometers, it crosses not only a variety of landscapes, but also a diversity of cultures.10
As many of the other posters have said, there are plenty of outdoorsy things to do in Europe (that's how I spend as much of my time as possible!).Hiking in the Black Forest is really nice (and has varying trails for varying skill levels). I don't know what your reasons are aside from being partner-less, but I've hiked in Alps (no climbing, but regular hiking) by myself and been just fine (depending where you go, there are plenty of well-marked trails in frequently hiked areas). Then, of course, there's tons of gorgeous outdoor landscapes in Ireland, Scotland, northern Italy, France, etc. for hiking and camping. And then there's the Bernese Oberland (Switzerland) for paragliding, base jumping, kayaking (both lake and river) and all manner of other outdoor activities.
If you want to find something outdoorsy to do, it's pretty easy.
