6 Adventures to Turn Your Lazy Euro Summer Into the Trip of a Lifetime

Over multiple summers spent in Europe, Wendy’s climbed and hiked her way around some of the continent’s most coveted routes. If you’re seeking inspiration to level up the adventure on your next Euro trip, Wendy’s got the goods.

Not all travel insurance fits every adventure – But this worked for me

There are two major things I’ve learned on my travels:

1. Plans always change – unpredictable weather, new ideas, and sketchy planning all mean that flexibility is key
2. Most travel insurance either lacks adventure flexibility or becomes expensive fast

After way too many hours spent hunched over a laptop deciphering different insurance policies, I finally discovered Freely. It lets you manage your travel cover through an app and gives you flexibility when it comes to adding cover for things like snow sports, trekking, and climbing.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Euro summer adventure or have already booked tickets, add one (or more) of these adventures to your trip – and don’t forget insurance that covers your plans!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

6 Adventures to Level Up Your European Summer

1. Climbing in Kalymnos, Greece

A climbing Mecca and a worthy pilgrimage for any sport climber, Kalymnos has all the beauty and charm of less adventurous Greek Islands – think sparkling beaches, fresh seafood, and stunning sunsets – as well as more than 3,000 bolted sport climbs on limestone cliffs.

When I visited in 2022, I stayed in an Airbnb within walking distance of more climbs than I could possibly do in my two-week visit, and a short drive from hundreds more. My personal favourites were the long, easy multi-pitches with views across the stark rock to the Aegean Sea. Starting at just grade 5c (or 17 in Australian grades), you don’t have to be a climbing gun to reach the top.

It gets seriously hot in summer, though, so either time your trip for the shoulder season (spring or autumn), or aim for early morning climbs and spend your afternoons floating in the ocean.

Check it Out

2. Walking the Camino de Santiago, Spain

Often trekked as a religious or spiritual journey, on the Camino de Santiago, you’ll experience forests, rolling hills, dramatic mountains, coastal views, and medieval history. The full trail covers 800km across the northwest of Spain, and is dotted with small towns and cities, so you can find a bed each night and buy delicious food along the way.

@_caitlinrobson_

Explorer Caitlin Robson spent a month on the trail with her parents. She explains that the official history of the Camino de Santiago dates back to the Middle Ages, and the significance of the walk is that the remains of Saint James, one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, were interred in the Cathedral de Santiago. So every year, hundreds of pilgrims make the journey to visit his remains.

@_caitlinrobson_

It’s not a difficult hike, per se, but to cover the distance, most people aim to walk around 25km each day, which takes six or seven hours and a solid amount of fitness.

Explore Now

3. Cycling the Loire Valley, France

Enjoy the scenery and soak up a bit of history along the Loire River on the 900km ‘La Loire à Vélo’ cycling trail. Located in northwest France, the route is dotted with villages and the trail is generally flat, making it accessible for casual cyclists.

@tsmithnz

Thomas and his wife Erin spent 11 days following the trail for 400km, towing their two small kids in a trailer. Showing that adventures are still absolutely possible with small children, they enjoyed campsites, croissants, and respectably good wine for just 5 Euros a bottle, as they cruised through the countryside.

Take a Ride

@tsmithnz

4. Hiking the Zugspitze, Germany

There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Germany’s highest peak, the 2,962m Zugspitze, with routes involving various combinations of hiking, climbing, via ferrata, and glacier-crossing. I’ve climbed it twice.

The first time was the Höllental Route, which begins with a meander through the forest along a river, then angles upwards through a canyon interwoven with old mining tunnels, before reaching the first section of via ferrata. Strap on crampons to head up a glacier, then scramble onto the second, lengthy via ferrata to the summit. The day I did it began with a bluebird morning and ended in such thick sleet and fog that the ‘view’ from the top was non-existent.

For take two, three years later, I took the Stopselzieher Route, a trail involving hiking through the forest and crossing into Austria (the mountain sits on the border) before a section of easy via ferrata that finally crosses back into German territory right before the summit. The summer weather was scorching, and it felt like a different mountain.

Whichever route you take, remember that conditions can change fast at altitude. Check the weather before you go, but make sure you’re prepared for extremes.

Explore Now

5. Climbing the Via Ferrata in the Dolomites, Italy

The rugged Dolomites are known for hiking, climbing, skiing (in winter), and via ferrata – I attempted three via ferrata routes back in 2022.

Via ferrata translates as ‘iron road’ and refers to what are generally long, easy rock scrambles or climbs, protected by steel cables secured to the rock – popular in Europe, less common in Australia. You wear a harness and clip yourself onto the cables for safety. There’s a variety of difficulties, naturally, ranging from absolute beginner to wildly terrifying.

In the Dolomites, many routes are based on lines from World War I when the area formed a front between Italy and Austria, and soldiers hammered steel cables into the rock to aid their movement through the jagged peaks. With some routes reaching more than 3,000m, I loved the opportunity to explore high into the mountains, enjoying many of the perks of climbing without having to lug ropes and heavy gear.

Get Climbing

6. Hiking the Kungsleden Trail, Sweden

The Kungsleden, or ‘King’s Trail’, in northern Sweden takes you through the ‘last true wilderness of Europe’. Think arctic valleys, alpine vegetation, winding rivers, green mountains, lakes, and the chance to spot reindeer. The full trail is 450km, but the majority of walkers just do the week-long (105km) northern section.

Photo by Saphira Bloom-Quinn

Seasoned hiker Saphira Bloom-Quinn explains that with cabins located every 10-20km along the well-marked trail and minimal elevation, it’s about as accessible as a multi-day hike can get.

Photo by Saphira Bloom-Quinn

Wild camping is also permitted along most of the route, except for in Abisko National Park (there are designated campsites in this area), so those seeking solitude can camp alone under the stars.

Photo by Saphira Bloom-Quinn

This far north of the equator – the hike is inside the Arctic Circle – be prepared for wind, rain, and ice-cold weather, even in midsummer.

Check it Out

Turn Euro Summer Into an Adventure

Make your air miles count and stay long enough for some serious adventure! Keep safe on the trails and in the mountains, ensure you have the necessary equipment, experience, and don’t forget to check your travel insurance matches your plans.

Activities like climbing, trekking, and cycling may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Some providers – like Freely – offer flexible, activity-specific options that can be added only for the days you need them. Just make sure to check your policy before you go, and if you book with Freely, use the code EXPLORERS15 before the end of September to receive 15% off the cost of your cover.

This article provides general information only and is based on personal experience. Any advice is general advice only. Remember that limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. We may receive a commission if you visit Freely via links in this article. Freely Travel Insurance is administered by Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713) on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Please be sure to read the PDS and TMD available at freely.me before deciding if the product is right for you.