Planning a backpacking trip across Europe can seem daunting, especially with so many amazing countries to consider and choose from. Backpacking can be the most rewarding experience of your life, you’ll make friends, laugh, cry and most importantly make ever-lasting memories. Anyone lucky enough to travel Europe will have the pleasure of experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, including the gorgeous beaches of Southern Italy to the wonderfully historic buildings of Berlin. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to travelling across these beautiful countries, but here’s a guide to some of the best places you can visit:
France
On the edge of mainland Europe, just across the sea from Britain, you’ll find France. France is a fantastic place to start off any backpacking trip due its diversity. In the most northern regions of France you’ll find character aplenty in places like Amiens, Lille and Le Havre. Northern France is very much known for its idyllic small towns and villages, in fact many movies and television shows have chosen Northern France as the perfect backdrop due to its picturesque buildings and cobbled streets. When you travel further down France to the most southern regions you’ll find the more well-known tourist hotspots like Cannes, Saint Tropez and Nice. Perfect for a wine tasting session, a dip in the sea and relaxing beach day, the South of France is a great pitstop for your next adventure.
Germany
If you’re looking for a country that embodies all of the best elements of Europe, then you’ll want to visit Germany. It’s a truly spectacular country to explore, ideal for backpackers who want to indulge in different cultures and learn more about historic cities. Berlin is filled with museums and galleries, as well as iconic landmarks you’ll want to see such as the strikingly impressive Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building. It’s a city bursting with streets to explore, with delicious restaurants on every corner and plenty to do and see.
Switzerland
Switzerland has so much to offer when it comes to breath-taking views and serenity during your long travels. Covered in hills and mountains, Switzerland is the perfect place for backpackers to explore. It’s a great idea to stay in one of their cosy wood lodges complete with warming open fire. There’s also several lakes perfect for swimming in, that is if you don’t mind the cold. The cities are incredible too, hot spots like Geneva and Zurich prove popular favourites with tourists for their idyllic streets and impressive buildings.
Austria
Austria, much like Switzerland, offers a diverse scene of beautiful landscapes and swooping hills. In Vienna you’ll find a city filled with a rich and immersive art scene, featuring many galleries and museums showcasing their incredible artists and history. For opera lovers, the famous Austria Opera House is certainly not to be missed, with world famous Opera singers often performing at this prestigious venue.
Italy
Italy is a phenomenal country to visit if you’re travelling Europe, often regarded as one of the best. The friendly citizens will make you feel at ease, the outstanding food will make you never want to leave, and you’ll come home with a beautiful Mediterranean glow from the scorching sun. Italy is another example of a country that has a diverse culture, with the most Northern parts famous for their iconic fashion houses and hectic lifestyle, and the southern regions popular tourists looking to explore and relax on one of their many stunning beaches.
Where to next?
Wherever you choose to go on your next adventure, you can be sure that any European country you visit will leave you feeling inspired. Once you’ve explored every breadth of these gorgeous countries you will understand why so many tourists consider Europe to be one of the best places to holiday on earth.
