Frommer’s describes the Bavarian Alps as Germany’s “best mountainous landscape”. This beautiful area of culture, natural excursions and castles worthy of storybook illustrations, is located in Germany’s southwest corner along the Austrian border. Opportunities abound for every season, from skiing in the winter and hiking or cycling in the summer to palace and castle visits … Read more
Monte Rosa (“Dufourspitze”) on the border between Switzerland and Italy,elevation 4,634 m (15,203 feet) Now for our final journey through the Via Alpina, we’ll traverse the Blue Trail, the fifth of the international trails. It passes through Italy, Switzerland and France, and consists of 61 costal and inland stages ranging between 7.3km and 25.3km in … Read more
The Eiger (3,970m/3,025ft), Bernese Alps, Switzerland Via Alpina’s Green Trail Offers the Best Hike in the World! We’ve tested our endurance on the Red Trail, explored historical landmarks on the Purple Trail and marvelled at geological wonders on the Yellow Trail. Now it’s time to trek through Liechtenstein and Switzerland on Via Alpina’s shortest of the five … Read more
Discover the Dolomites and Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano (Bozen) Last week we walked through Slovenia, Austria and Germany by way of The Via Alpina. Today we’ll include a large portion of Italian Alps and explore The Yellow Trail, which connects with the previously discussed Purple and Red Trails. The Yellow Trail begins in Trieste, … Read more
Last week we introduced the Via Alpina, a series of long distance footpaths that connect the eight European countries that surround the Alps. The network of walking and hiking opportunities consists of five international trails. The longest of the tracks, The Red Trail, was described in our first blog post, An Alpine Walker’s Dream. Today … Read more
The Via Alpina, once discovered, is not only a hiker’s dream – it is also symbolic of a treaty formed between the eight countries that communally share the Alps mountain range. Just over a decade ago, a vision to formally unite Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and France via a transalpine hiking and … Read more
When it comes to enjoying your walking adventures, choosing the best hiking socks will often mean the difference between a wonderful walk or a terrible test of endurance. That’s because your socks play an important role in not keeping your feet dry and at the right temperature, they can help make sure your feet remain … Read more
To visit the bizarre yet breathtaking mountain range that is Saxon Switzerland is like being transported to another world. There is an inherent gothic atmosphere derived from the vast sandstone pinnacles that dwarf the trees and houses below, and the intrigue of the castles, caves, gorges and forests peppered between them causes your imagination to … Read more
Nordic Walking was originally invented for top cross-country skiers, enabling them to train during the summer months. However, the sport grew in popularity and it is now regarded as one of the healthiest activities in the world. Nordic Walkers often look as if they are simply taking a leisurely stroll with the help of two … Read more
A wonderful, extended hike from Lake Karersee to the Latemar rock labyrinth with glorious views of the Rosengarten (another Dolomite massif). This walk is particularly recommended during early summer when the snows have melted and the Karersee’s water has been sufficiently replenished to reflect the unique beauty of the Latemar. The magical Rosengarten Mountain, once … Read more
Melk Abbey: For more than 900 years, Melk Abbey has been regarded as Austria’s foremost spiritual and cultural center. Its walls house a fascinating museum, informing visitors of its history and present-day use. The Abbey’s interior includes a number of highly impressive features such as the marble hall and the library. The views across the Danube … Read more
Switzerland is a natural paradise for those looking for either a peaceful walking holiday or an adventure hiking experience. The country’s terrain is wonderfully diverse, making each trail you take seem completely different. Switzerland is also culturally rich, as it surrounded by Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. And through most of your Switzerland holiday, … Read more
