If you’re looking to go on an outdoor adventure, then you’ll probably want to consider mainland Europe. There’s an enormous diversity of terrain to discover – and, if you’re travelling on foot, or by bicycle, you can enjoy the sights while giving yourself a workout, at the same time.

Alpine High Roads: From Hairpins to Peaks

Let’s start by considering the highest parts of the continent. The right mountain pass might provide you with a stunning view of your surroundings. Travel the Trollstigen in Norway, or the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, and you’ll be treated to dramatic snow-capped peaks, soaring cliffs, and dense forest.

Of course, to get the most from this kind of adventure, you’ll need to first consider the weather. Certain roads might be closed if the weather is too snowy – and you might find the view restricted by clouds. If you’d prefer to stretch your legs rather than go for a drive, you’ll often find that these regions offer high-quality hiking holidays. Just be sure that you’re physically prepared for the challenge of mountain walking.

Coastal and Island Loops: Sea Views, Cliffs and Wind-in-the-Hair

If you’d like to relax and escape into nature, then a drive (or a walk) along the coast might be exactly what’s required. The sound and smell of the sea are extremely therapeutic, and there are plenty of coastal walks across the continent. You might trek around the Atlantic coasts of the British Isles, the amazing fjord-skirts of Norway, or the circumference of a sun-drenched Mediterranean island. The open sea, the soaring cliffs, and sandy beaches might all provide the required inspiration.

Rail and Multi-Modal Scenic Journeys: Slow Travel, Big Views

Europe offers an impressive network of trains, coaches, and boats, each of which can help to add excitement and variety to a journey. This is especially so if you’re taking small children along for the journey. Recent promises of bilateral treaties between the UK and Germany have raised hopes of better rail links across the continent. But the truth is that trains in many parts of Europe are already markedly superior to their counterparts in the UK.

Forest, River and Valley Trails: Where the Wild Feels Close

The European outdoors isn’t just about mountain passes and coastal views. There are also vast, dense woodlands to explore in just about every corner of the continent, and enormous, beautiful rivers, too. You might follow the Danube from the famous Black Forest of Germany, all the way to the Black Sea.

Expeditions Into Wild Terrain: Remote Routes For The Bold

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then you’ll be pleased to learn that not all of Europe is well-developed. There are also plenty of remote wildernesses to head out into, including mountain passes, islands, and forests. You can spend a few days away from civilisation, and thereby get some much-needed time to reflect. Just make sure that someone knows where you’re going.