There are few issues as thrilling as embarking on a backpacking journey by means of Europe. The push of pleasure as you step off the airplane or prepare in a brand new nation is an unbelievable feeling.
As a traveller who spent eight months backpacking round Europe, it’s a sense I do know fairly properly. Beginning in London, I spent the higher a part of a 12 months mountaineering by means of snowy Sweden, devouring pasta in Italy, making new hostel mates in Budapest, and dancing the night time away in Spain.
This Europe backpacking journey was probably the very best expertise of my life — it’s one thing I might wholeheartedly advocate to anybody sooner or later.
Should you’ve ever contemplated spending a number of weeks or months in Europe, then this text is for you. I’ll talk about the very best itineraries in Jap and Western Europe, what to anticipate by way of security, and how one can get off the crushed path to see a number of the world’s most unbelievable sights.
*Notice: Regulate this. Apparently, as of 2024, residents from the USA, Canada, Australia (and different international locations) who didn’t want to use for something to be able to go backpacking within the Schengen visa international locations of Europe, will quickly want to use for an ETIAS (European Journey Info and Authorization System) visa waiver. Additionally, some international locations that wanted to use for a Schengen Visa up to now could now solely must acquire an ETIAS waiver. Study extra in regards to the ETIAS necessities right here.
Finest Time To Go Backpacking in Europe
Should you’re planning on backpacking by means of Europe, you’ll first must determine what time of the 12 months to go. This may rely on a number of elements, together with your finances and what international locations you intend on visiting.
Relying on the actions you need to do, I believe early fall and late spring are the very best occasions to go to Europe. Relying on the place you’re going, the climate will most likely be extra bearable than summer time or winter.
As a result of faculty vacation schedule, summer time is taken into account the height season in Europe. The climate is heat, the solar units later, and the streets are crammed with households, tour teams, and travellers normally.
Should you plan on backpacking Europe in June, July, or August, you may also anticipate that costs for lodges and flights might be a lot larger. It’s not unusual to spend two or thrice greater than you’d in case you went in the course of the low season.
Talking of the low season, the least busy time to journey is from late fall to winter. Though some individuals take additional time in the course of the Christmas holidays, Europe is usually the most affordable throughout these months.
You may assume that the chilly temperatures and brief days make backpacking more durable, however with out all of the vacationers, you’ll get to expertise a wholly completely different aspect of Europe.
Throughout my backpacking journey, I made a decision to fly to Stockholm, Sweden for a number of days in the course of January. Due to the freezing temperatures and harsh snowfall, a number of my mates thought I used to be loopy! Nonetheless, my hostel was tremendous low-cost, and I by no means needed to battle by means of crowds or wait in line for eating places. To not point out, I felt like I had the town all to myself.
The reality is, there’s actually no incorrect time to go backpacking in Europe. There are benefits and drawbacks to every season, so that you’ll simply must determine which period is best for you.
The best way to Get Round Whereas Backpacking Europe
It ought to come as no shock that elements of Europe are identified for his or her quick and environment friendly transportation system. Whereas some international locations make it straightforward to get round when backpacking Europe, different locations is likely to be tougher. When planning your itinerary, it is best to take the next strategies of transportation into consideration.
Practice
Zipping from nation to nation by high-speed prepare is a quintessential European backpacking expertise. They’re quick, normally on time, and usually reasonably priced in comparison with some flights and automobile leases. In some international locations, trains even have free wifi and eating vehicles.
Lately, resulting from finances airways, the prepare is extra of an expertise and a snug journey than an inexpensive approach of getting round.
Bus
Taking a bus by means of Europe could also be time-consuming, nevertheless it’s one of many most cost-effective methods of backpacking Europe. FlixBus and BlaBlaBus are two respected corporations working in Western Europe. You’ll find tickets for as little as €5 every approach — nonetheless, most journeys price between €20 – €40.
Aircraft
Should you’re brief on time or going lengthy distances, flying is likely to be the most suitable choice. Though you’ll want to permit time for check-in and safety, it’s typically a lot quicker than driving or taking the bus. You’ll additionally rating good offers on tickets by reserving with a low-cost airline corresponding to RyanAir, EasyJet or WizzAir.
Automobile
Renting a automobile is a wonderful choice if you wish to discover completely different cities and cities at your personal tempo. You’ll even have the possibility to go to locations which can be extra distant or not related by prepare. Nonetheless, leases are typically dearer. And relying on the place you’re travelling, you may want a world driving license and the inexperienced mild from the rental firm to cross borders.
Caravan/Campervan
For the last word backpacking expertise, contemplate renting a campervan to journey by means of Europe. Not solely will you get monetary savings on lodges, however you’ll additionally be capable of get off the crushed path to a number of the continent’s most hidden locations!
Backpacking Western Europe
As one of the iconic backpacking locations, Western Europe has all of it. It boasts the glitzy cities and larger-than-life historic monuments that most individuals envision after they consider Europe. There’s at all times a brand new metropolis to discover and new cultures to expertise, whether or not it’s your first, second, or one-hundredth time on the continent.
Nonetheless, it could be laborious to determine which locations to go to throughout your Western Europe journey. So, I put collectively this listing of my high international locations for backpackers.
Backpacking Italy
Overflowing with historical past and tradition, Italy is a basic cease on any Western European itinerary. Whether or not you’re marvelling on the ruins in Rome, the unbelievable structure in Matera, or wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy is assured to have one thing that sparks your curiosity.
Greater touristy cities are likely to price rather more than the outskirts. Thankfully, a few of Italy’s most lovely settings are the place you least look forward to finding them.
- Finances: €50-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Finances Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €4
- Value of Transport by prepare: €1.50 a method
Backpacking Germany
Many individuals journey to Germany for Oktoberfest, Carnival, or just to spend time within the nice outside. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are perfect for individuals who need to expertise metropolis life.
Alternatively, there are many cute and charming medieval villages and castles to discover right here too. Better of all, Germany’s environment friendly prepare system makes backpacking by means of the nation a breeze!
- Finances: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €30-€50
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €70-€80
- Common Finances Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Practice: €2.50 a method
Backpacking France
Though it could be one of the costly international locations on this listing, France remains to be a must-see vacation spot when backpacking by means of Europe. You may buy groceries in Paris, take cooking lessons in Provence, or chill out on the coast in Good.
To not point out, the meals is out of this world! Its central location additionally makes it perfect for travelling between different international locations round Western Europe.
- Finances: €100-€120/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €30-€50
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €90-€100
- Common Finances Meal Value: €12
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €5
- Value of Transport by Practice: €2 a method
Backpacking Spain
The laidback ambiance of Spain makes it one of many coolest locations to go to in Western Europe. Large cities like Barcelona and Madrid are crammed with museums, parks, and wonderful structure.
For hotter climate, make your approach down south to Seville or Malaga. Or, you’ll be able to at all times hop to the Canary Islands and Majora for the last word seashore getaway. Foodies and tradition addicts will get pleasure from spending the day museum hopping and tapas sampling by means of Spain.
- Finances: €70-€80/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Finances Meal Value: €8
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Practice: €2.20 a method
Backpacking the Netherlands (Holland)
Backpackers flock to Amsterdam for the gorgeous canals, world-class museums, and raging nightlife. Nonetheless, there are lots of different picturesque cities and villages to go to within the Netherlands.
For example, you’ll be able to spend a number of days in a number of the Netherlands’ different massive cities, like The Hague and Rotterdam. Or, make your strategy to Giethoorn, a fairy-tale-like metropolis with lush inexperienced foliage and dozens of picturesque canals.
- Finances: €90-€100/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€40
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €70-€80
- Common Finances Meal Value: €10
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €3
- Value of Transport by Practice: €3.50 a method
Backpacking Jap Europe
Jap Europe is usually ignored by travellers in favour of well-known international locations like France, Germany, and Italy. However for the adventurous backpacker who’s in search of one thing a bit completely different, japanese Europe packs a giant punch. To place it merely, international locations in Jap Europe are breathtaking. To not point out, it’s normally lots cheaper than Western Europe.
If you wish to get off the crushed path and make your greenback stretch additional, try my favorite locations in Jap Europe.
Backpacking the Czech Republic (Czechia)
Teeming with gothic structure and cobblestoned cities, the Czech Republic is without doubt one of the best international locations to succeed in from Western Europe. It’s only a brief prepare trip away from Germany, Poland, and Austria.
Structure lovers should go to Prague, the nation’s capital metropolis — in any other case generally known as the “Metropolis of a Hundred Spires”. Different cities, corresponding to Český Krumlov and Brno, are much less touristy however equally gorgeous to go to.
- Finances: €60-€70/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €20-€30
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €60-€70
- Common Finances Meal Value: €6
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Value of Transport by Practice: €1.50 a method
Backpacking Bulgaria
Situated on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a wonderful vacation spot for individuals who need each seashore and metropolis life. The capital of Sofia has 2,000 years value of historical past, which is mirrored by the town’s various and ornate structure. After a number of days within the metropolis, head to culture-rich Plovdiv, or Varna, a small resort city situated on the Black Sea. This vacation spot is reasonably priced and identified for its white-sand seashores and sunbathing.
- Finances: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €10-€20
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Finances Meal Value: €3
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Value of Transport by Practice: €.80 a method
Backpacking Romania
From the forested area of Transylvania to the clifftop fortress of Bran Fortress, Romania is dotted with otherworldly sights. Metropolis-goers can spend time exploring Bucharest and Brașov, whereas out of doors lovers will revel within the majestic marvel of the Carpathian Mountains.
Most travellers truly spend extra time within the outside right here than they do within the metropolis! Better of all, Romania is without doubt one of the most cost-effective locations to go to in Jap Europe.
- Finances: €30-€40/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €10-€15
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Finances Meal Value: €4
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €2
- Value of Transport by Practice: €1 a method
Backpacking Hungary
Best for everybody from finances backpackers to high-end travellers, Hungary is a rustic that attracts you in. In Budapest, you’ve gritty hostels and avenue meals stalls standing subsequent to luxurious resorts and gourmand eating places. It oozes class and royalty, nonetheless, nonetheless manages to pay homage to its various cultural heritage.
- Finances: €40-€50/day
- Common Dorm Mattress Value: €15-€30
- Common Finances Lodge Value: €30-€40
- Common Finances Meal Value: €7
- Value of Beer in Restaurant: €1.50
- Value of Transport by Practice: €1.50 a method
Really useful Itineraries for Backpacking Europe
There are 44 international locations in Europe, which may make planning the suitable backpacking itinerary a little bit of a problem. Until you’ve a vast finances and trip time, you’ll should be strategic about the place you go to. Should you want some inspiration, then check out a few of my pattern journey itineraries.
2 Weeks in Western Europe: First Time Travellers
Should you’re coming over to Europe for the primary time, you’ll be desirous to see as a lot as you’ll be able to in only a brief period of time. Though it’s a whirlwind tour, this 2-week itinerary takes you to Western Europe’s most iconic cities.
Whereas two weeks isn’t sufficient time in Europe, you’ll be able to nonetheless take advantage of your go to by tackling the largest highlights and sights.
Day 1-3: London, the UK
Day 3-6: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 6-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-11: Paris, France
Day 11-14: Barcelona, Spain
2 Weeks in Jap Europe: First Time Travellers
Should you’re seeking to save a couple of bucks in your first backpacking journey, then contemplate heading to Jap Europe. Lodging, meals, and leisure are less expensive there than in Western Europe, that means you’ll be able to really feel comfy shopping for your new hostel mates an additional spherical of drinks.
Between the traditional cities and ornate structure, you’ll be capable of make your approach by means of a few of Jap Europe’s most gorgeous locations.
Day 1-3: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 3-5: Krakow, Poland
Day 5-7: Bratislava, Slovakia
Day 7-10: Budapest, Hungary
Day 10-12: Bucharest, Romania
Day 12-14: Sofia, Bulgaria
1 Month in Jap and Western Europe: Highlights
With one month in Europe, you’ll be capable of get a really feel for the ambiance and tradition of every nation. Not solely are you able to spend time within the massive cities, however you’ll additionally get an opportunity to enterprise to smaller villages and cities. By escaping the vacationer traps, you’ll get monetary savings and see a extra genuine lifestyle.
Day 1-3: Paris, France
Day 3-5: Good, France
Day 5-8: Barcelona, Spain
Day 8-10: Seville, Spain
Day 10-14: Rome, Italy
Day 14-16: Florence, Italy
Day 16-19: Munich, Germany
Day 19-21: Prague, the Czech Republic
Day 21-24: Budapest, Hungary
Day 24-26: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Day 26-28: Bucharest, Romania
Day 28-30: Sofia, Bulgaria
1 Month in Western Europe: Sluggish Paced
Typically, it’s higher to soak within the metropolis fairly than race by means of it. Sluggish-paced travellers can nonetheless backpack by means of Europe and benefit from the completely different websites many European international locations have to supply. As a profit, you’ll additionally spend much less time (and cash) on the highway.
Day 1-4: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Day 4-8: Berlin, Germany
Day 8-12: Munich, Germany
Day 12-14: Zurich, Switzerland
Day 14-17: Milan, Italy
Day 17-21: Barcelona, Spain
Day 21-25: Madrid, Spain
Day 25-28: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 28-30: Porto, Portugal
Is Backpacking Europe Protected?
After I instructed individuals I used to be backpacking by means of Europe, their first thought was “Is Europe Protected?” In spite of everything, I used to be a solo feminine traveller staying in hostels, taking trains, and strolling alone for eight months. Their issues had been wholly justified.
Nonetheless, it’s laborious to reply point-blank if Europe is protected or not. Security will rely on a wide range of elements, together with the place and how you journey. Whereas each place world wide has its personal set of risks, there are a number of methods to be protected whereas backpacking Europe.
Take Care of Your Valuables
Regardless of in case you’re in a giant metropolis or small village, it’s at all times vital to regulate your private belongings. Pickpockets and thieves might be anyplace.
Don’t carry round giant quantities of money, and take a look at to not put on something you don’t need to lose, like costly sun shades or positive jewelry. Should you’re staying in a resort, preserve your passport and valuables locked within the resort protected. And in case you’re in a hostel, put money into a padlock to maintain your luggage safe all through the night time.
Make Dependable Pals
Take it from me, backpacking alone is a incredible expertise. You get the possibility to satisfy new individuals in hostels and even pleasant locals within the cafe. In my view, it’s essential to make reliable mates in the course of the journey. Not solely will you’ve somebody to hang around with, however they’ll be there that will help you in case something goes awry.
Inform Household and Pals Your Itinerary
Earlier than you allow on your journey, give your loved ones and mates your detailed itinerary. Write down the tackle of your hostels, particulars of your prepare journey, and another data that can be utilized to succeed in you. Don’t overlook additionally to inform them in case your plans change!
Get Journey Insurance coverage
Probably the most vital issues you’ll be able to take in your journey is worldwide journey insurance coverage. Journey insurance coverage protects you in opposition to a wide range of travel-related incidents and might prevent 1000’s of {dollars} in payments and bills.
Good journey insurance coverage ought to present protection for emergency medical therapies, emergency evacuation, and journey cancellation and interruption. It may additionally embrace safety for misplaced and stolen baggage, in addition to missed or delayed flights.
Know The place the Nearest Embassy or Consulate Is
If one thing had been to go incorrect in your journey, it’s essential which you could flip to your private home nation embassy for assist. Most international locations in Europe have one embassy and a number of consulate places of work on your dwelling nation. From misplaced passports to medical emergencies, the embassy ought to be capable of help you in dire occasions of want.
Backpacking Europe Off the Overwhelmed Path
If it’s your first time in Europe, you’ll most likely need to go to the large cities and well-liked landmarks. Who can blame you – the Eiffel Tower at night time is spectacular! Nonetheless, a number of the greatest recollections might be made in case you get off the crushed path.
Positive, touristy cities are well-liked for a cause. Alternatively, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with different vacationers fairly than immersing your self with the locals. Should you’re in search of an genuine expertise in your nation, I like to recommend trying exterior the guidebooks and discovering a number of hidden gems by yourself.
Turn out to be Pals with Locals
Locals have the very best recommendations on what to see and do of their dwelling nation. They know the place all the very best eating places are, the place you’ll be able to rating good offers on garments and souvenirs, and most significantly, the place try to be spending your time throughout your journey.
Fb, MeetUp, and Couchsurfing are three glorious websites for assembly different travellers and locals. Or in case you’re feeling pleasant, you’ll be able to at all times ask your waitress, bartender, or resort workers to level you in the suitable course.
Hire a Automobile or Scooter
Should you solely depend on trains and buses, you’re restricted to the place you’ll be able to go within the nation. Most public transport techniques take you the place the touristy websites are within the metropolis centre or to the residential suburbs. By renting a automobile or scooter, you’ll be capable of enterprise wherever your coronary heart needs.
Moreover, you’ll be able to go at your personal tempo. Because you’re not tethered to a decent prepare schedule, you’ll be able to discover your complete space at your leisure.
Do Your Analysis – However Not Too A lot!
As an alternative of studying a guidebook for the very best locations to go to, I like to recommend scouring the web for recommendation. You’ll discover tons of of websites and journey blogs (with photos) about completely different locations different individuals have stumbled upon. And likelihood is, the areas might be approach much less touristy than what your guidebook recommends.
Though it’s good to do your homework, attempt to not keep on with a strict itinerary. Be at liberty to be open-minded and take a number of dangers! A number of the greatest experiences are those that occur whenever you least anticipate them.
The Finest Off the Overwhelmed Path Locations in Europe
By now, it is best to have an thought of the place you’d like to go to whereas backpacking in Europe. However for extra inspiration, check out my favorite secret and tucked away locations all through the continent.
- Cavtat, Croatia: This portside village is only a stone’s throw away from the center of Dubrovnik, Croatia’s most well-known walled metropolis. Alongside the water, you’ll discover out of doors cafes, boutique outlets, and sun-soaked seashores.
- Reims, France: Should you’re trying so as to add a little bit of luxurious to your backpacking journey, head to French champagne nation. Reims is surrounded by dozens of champagne caves and tasting rooms the place you’ll be able to pattern this bubbly favorite.
- Orvieto, Italy: Nestled on the cliffside of a volcano, Orvieto is a cultured, charming village in the course of Umbria. Come for the breathtaking views or pattern a number of the most scrumptious handmade pasta from a family-run restaurant.
- Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany: Ripped proper from the pages of a fairy story, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is a picturesque medieval city. This walled metropolis might be visited only for a day journey. Nonetheless, I like to recommend staying a number of days round Christmas for the well-known Christmas market!
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Within the coronary heart of Transylvania sits Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant, vibrant metropolis identified for its full of life scholar inhabitants. After testing their cobblestoned outdated city, sit in an out of doors cafe and luxuriate in a pleasant, low-cost cup of espresso.
Backpacking Europe: The Finest Hikes
After all, the large cities in Europe are fantastic on their very own. Nonetheless, it’s the pure fantastic thing about the outside that brings these international locations to life. For a breath of recent air, contemplate embarking on an out of doors journey with considered one of these wonderful back-country hikes in Europe.
You’ll discover trails and hikes anyplace there are mountains, however listed here are a number of the hottest journies in Europe.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Attracting non secular and leisure hikers alike, the Camino de Santiago has 300 years of custom. This hottest route takes roughly a month and leads you from the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Be ready to satisfy tons of different like-minded people who’re additionally on a self-discovery journey. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Jap Dolomites, Italy
Many individuals flock to the Dolomites within the winter for picture-perfect snowboarding and snowboarding circumstances. Nonetheless, Jap Dolomites can also be an excellent place for mountaineering within the spring or summer time.
Contemplate making the trek from Dobbiaco to Belluno on this 10-day mountaineering tour of Italy. The very best level of the journey is sort of 3,000-meters above sea degree, the place you’ll get to get pleasure from marvellous views of neighbouring Tofana and Lagazuoi.
Slovenian Mountain Path, Slovenia
Crossing over 5 completely different mountains, the Slovenian Mountain Path is without doubt one of the greatest Jap European backpacking trails. In simply 28 days, you’ll get to discover Slovenia’s most interesting – Pohorje Hills, Kamnik and Savinja Alps, the Karavanke Alps, and the Julian Alps. It’s not a visit for the faint of coronary heart, nevertheless it’s a must-do for any nature lover!
Eagle’s Stroll, Austria
With over 33 completely different trails, Austria’s Eagle’s Stroll is ideal for each day journeys and long-distance hikes. Learners will benefit from the flat, leisurely tempo alongside Lake Zireiner See, whereas consultants can take your complete 24-day problem to see as a lot of South Tirol as they will.
There are dozens of huts and lodges alongside the way in which, the place you’ll be able to eat and spend the night time. Since they will ebook out upfront, I like to recommend reserving a mattress forward of time.
Samaria Gorge, Greece
If you end up in Crete, then contemplate taking the journey throughout the gorgeous Samaria Gorge. This 16 kilometer hike is good for intermediate or skilled travellers, because the trek to the highest might be steep and rocky. Nonetheless, the dramatic views from the 100-metre peak make it value it.
Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech Republic
Regardless of its identify, Bohemian Switzerland truly runs from Germany into the Czech Republic! Situated just a few hours from Prague, this brief, leisurely hike boasts a number of the coolest karst formations in your complete nation. The spotlight of the hike is Pravčická Gate, a singular rock bridge that was used within the Chronicles of Narnia movie.
Able to Go Backpacking Europe?
Now that you’ve an thought of what backpacking Europe is like, it’s time to begin planning your perfect vacation. Spend a number of weeks train-hopping by means of Germany, sunbathing within the south of Spain, or driving down the coast from Romania to Bulgaria. Regardless of in case you select Jap Europe, Western Europe, or each, your choices for journey are limitless.
Even if in case you have only one week, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from many cities and sights on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. However with extra time, you’ll actually get to immerse your self in your environment.
And keep in mind, it’s at all times vital to journey with an open thoughts. As a backpacker, you’ll inevitably expertise new cultures and have the chance to satisfy individuals from world wide. So long as you’re open to new experiences, I’m certain you’re going to have an unforgettable backpacking journey.
