Want to combine culture and nature? Try one of these beautiful day hikes departing from Europe's major cities.
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There's nothing quite like a holiday in a European city, but sometimes you need to get away from the crowds.
Luckily, mountains, fjords and forests are often closer than you might think: Alpine towns mean nature is on your doorstep, and even some of the continent's party capitals offer gateways to the great outdoors.
If you're looking to combine culture and nature, a day hike from one of Europe's major cities will give you the best of both worlds.
Experience a sensory hike near Innsbruck, Austria
Known for its mix of mountain and city life, the alpine city of Innsbruck is the perfect gateway to Austria's stunning nature.
Just over an hour away by train is Sankt Anton am Arlberg, high in the Tyrolean Alps, which has been recognised by the United Nations Tourist Board as one of the best villages for tourists to visit in 2024.
Known for skiing in winter, the village also boasts the “Wanderwanderweg” (great hiking trail) that stimulates all the senses.
The “Alpenblumen und Kröter” trail takes you through 14 gardens, among alpine plants and aromatic herbs. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot along the trail, admiring the grasslands beneath your feet.
For added relaxation, a meandering water trail leads you through crystal clear mountain streams, while the kids can let off some steam in the natural play area complete with treehouses.
With 300 km of marked trails, Sankt Anton am Arlberg is packed with adventures for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers.
Innsbruck is easily accessible by rail from many major European cities via Eurostar, TGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF.
Exploring the glacial lake near Bergen, Norway
Climbing the towering, flat plateau of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of Norway's most popular and iconic hikes, but the country has plenty of other natural wonders to explore.
Less than a three-hour bus and boat ride from Bergen lies the glassy Lake Bondhusvatnet. Part of Folgefonna National Park, the lake can be reached by an easy two-hour return hike. Behind the lake lies the Bondhusvlein glacier, a further 30-minute walk away.
Want to step it up? Try the dramatic Trolltunga hike, 3 hours from Bergen or 1 hour from Bondhusvatnet. This jutting rock formation rises 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet and is a 7-12 hour round trip trek from the car park.
If you plan to travel to Trolltunga by bus, you'll likely need to stay overnight in the nearest town, Odda, which has a convenient shuttle to the departure point.
Walking through the limestone landscape near Krakow, Poland
Poland's second largest city is known for its cheap eats and wild nightlife, but just a short walk from Krakow's historic Old Town you'll find rolling green forests topped by towering Jurassic limestone karst formations.
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Reachable by bus or taxi in about 45 minutes, Ojcovski National Park offers a relaxing retreat with kilometers of walking and cycling trails.
Explore castle ruins and Neolithic caves along well-marked tourist routes, then refuel at one of the many cafés.
Visit in the fall to enjoy the spectacular scenery of gold and scarlet autumn leaves.
Want to venture into the Tatra Mountains? Krakow is just two hours from the tourist city of Zakopane, gateway to scenic walking trails, pine forests and lakes.
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Hike the mystical sandstone bridges near Dresden and Prague
Straddling the German-Czech border, Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bohemian Switzerland National Park cover 700 square kilometres of rugged wilderness in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Hike among the majestic rock formations of the Bastei Bridge. Kurort Rathen is just 40 minutes away from Dresden by S-Bahn.
The impressive Plavčka stone arch on the Czech side of the border has a mystical charm and was featured in the films The Chronicles of Narnia.
Various tour companies offer day trips from Prague, or if you're traveling independently, you can take the 1.5-hour train to Decin and then catch a bus from there.
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Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway into the Swiss Alps near Zurich
The German and Czech national parks are named for their resemblance to Switzerland's, but nothing compares to the real thing.
With international train connections to Paris, Munich, Budapest and more, Zurich is the gateway to the Swiss Alps.
To ascend Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, take a 40-minute train ride from Zurich to Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Once at the top, enjoy views that stretch from the Swiss Alps to France and the Black Forest in Germany.
There are a variety of hiking trails for beginners to advanced hikers, allowing you to enjoy hiking without the crowds.
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The 40-minute Drachenweg (Dragon's Path) follows a circular route where, according to legend, mythical creatures once lived. After the walk, take the cable car down to Kriens for a change of pace.
Looking for a bigger challenge? Skip the cog railway and take the 4.5-hour hike from Alpnachstad to Pilatus-Kulm via Emsiegen, passing flower-filled alpine meadows and flowing streams along the way.
View of the Dolomites from Bolzano, Italy
The northern Italian city of Bolzano is known as the gateway to the beautiful Dolomite mountain range, but if you're really pressed for time, admiring it from afar is just as well worth it.
The Renon cable car, located near the main train station, will take you to the mountain village in just a few minutes.
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Surrounded by 300 km of hiking trails and offering sweeping views of this part of the Italian Alps, Renon or Litten has routes for all types of hikers.
Walk the medium-difficulty trail to Soprabolzano to see the Earth Pyramids, natural spires of eroded rock jutting out of the wooded landscape.
Alternatively, the well-signposted Sant'Oswald Promenade will take you to Roncolo Castle, known for its medieval frescoes, and the vineyards of Santa Maddalena.
