Top 10 Adventure Playgrounds in Europe

Although Europe is more popularly known for its many picturesque castles and churches, it can also be every adventure junkies dream playground due to its widely varied terrain and activities. You can quite literally hop around from one country to the next to go on epic hikes, try your luck doing extreme sports, or even make your way through the many available trails and activities. Here is a list of the top 10 adventure playgrounds that we would love to experience while we are in Europe.

Explore the Rugged Terrain of Iceland

Iceland is one of those places that we would LOVE to visit. Apart from fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams of seeing the Northern lights, there are plenty of epic adventures to go on while in Iceland. Fancy going for a dive in between the fault lines in Lake Þingvallavatn separating Europe and America? How about ice caving by Vatnajökullaving? If those aren’t adventurous enough for you, you can also fly over the Bárðarbunga volcano and gaze at spewing lava. (I know, right!)

Read: Why we Don’t have a Bucket List and Why You Should Get Rid of Yours

Hike the the Berchtesgaden Alps in Germany

Now if you asked me a couple of years ago if I would prefer hiking mountains or lying by the beach, I would go for the latter in a heartbeat. Nowadays though, hiking is slowly becoming an enjoyable activity for me. Naturally, when in Germany, what better way to experience the alps than by hiking through the Berchtesgaden National Park. They have a variety of trails which can be easily done during a day trip from Munich.

Other things to do: Traveling to Germany in November or December? Head to the Hannover Christmas Market, it’s famous for a reason!

Enjoy the Winter activities in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its many winter activities from snowboarding, skiing, and even sledging. Head on over to Interlaken, a haven for all winter sports. Want to bomb down slopes as you go snow tubing? How about experiencing once in a lifetime views as you paraglide by the swiss alps? The activities in Interlaken vary from adrenaline filled sky diving, heli-skiing to toboggan runs.

Read: Where to Stay in Interlaken, Switzerland

Try Water Sports in Fuerteventura

Located in the Canary islands in Spain, Fuerteventura is an ideal spot for water enthusiasts as they have both kiteboarding and surfing to keep you preoccupied. With pristine white beaches, sunny warm weather, who wouldn’t want to go here? You can either laze around their beaches or head out kayaking, snorkeling, or even diving. Heading here with friends and want to take your holiday to the next level? Consider renting a house from Villa Plus. We rented villas in Bali with friends and it was an awesome experience!

Adventure around Austria

Surprisingly, Austria is full of adventurous things to do. From paragliding to while water rafting, there is a little bit of everything by the Austrian Tyrol. Witness the awesome sights of the Austrian landscape as you go down the rapids-just don’t fall in! There are also mountain biking trails for those cyclists eager to bike through amazing scenery.

Related Read: Unique Places to Visit in Europe

Hike around Scotland

Scotland is home to many amazing hiking trails which are easily accessible without guides or tour companies. This cool website walk highlands allows you to do your research on trails, download GPS waypoints all while providing complete information on your chosen hike. Take the time to absorb the dramatic views and scenery as the scenery here is absolutely amazing.

Read: What the Hell does Adventure Mean?

Conquer the Tour du Mont Blanc

The 14-day circuit around Mont Blanc can possibly be one of the most epic hikes you can do while in Europe. Although this type of adventure requires a bit of training as you navigate your way through some of Western Europe’s highest mountains. It passes through Switzerland, Italy, and France and is a combination of meadows, small quaint towns, and glaciers. Definitely a must for avid climbers and hikers.

Editor’s Note: Traveling around France? Check out our personal recommendations on the Best Places to Stay in Paris

Explore the Coast of Croatia

The coastal town of Croatia near Split is the perfect backdrop for adventurers as you can hike, swim, kayak, and even go canyoning amidst their varied landscape. With the Centina River as the base of your adrenaline fuelled activities, you can explore hidden caves, waterfalls, or even just go on scenic walks. Their rapids in Croatia vary from Class 3 or 4 rapids so you’re definitely in for a ride if you opt to go!

Go Dog sledding and Live in an Igloo in Finland

In Finland, there are many tours that will take you on a dog sled across the forests of Lapland where you can travel over snow-covered lakes and mountains and finally learn how to build your own igloo. I am not even kidding. How awesome is that?? The Lapland area is vast and borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia.

Coasteering your way through Wales

Tom is from Wales so insisted that this should make the list! Pioneered in Wales, coasteering is a mix of rock climbing, cave exploring, and cliff jumping and is slowly growing into the fastest adventure sport in the United Kingdom. Often done along the coast of Pembrokeshire, this adrenaline-filled adventure sport will get your heart pumping as you traverse through steep rocks and caves.

Read: Best Outdoor Adventures in Wales

All these activities range from fun to extreme proving that Europe definitely has a little bit of everything for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Europe, one adventure at a time.

Related: A Quick Guide to Planning your Dream EuroTrip

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Check out or other articles on Europe for inspiration 

• How to Survive Europe on a Budget
• The Best Ways to Travel around Europe