EuroCheapo's Hikes Articles

Zakopane: A visit to Poland’s premier mountain resort

Zakopane Poland train station
Zakopane's train station in deep winter. Photo © hidden europe

Feb 20 Is it not curious how some small communities have so powerfully shaped the European imagination? Sometimes it is merely one treaty or a single military encounter that propels a place to continent-wide recognition. Yalta, Solferino and Austerlitz are all good examples (though many of us might be hard-pushed to pinpoint these spots on a modern » Read more

Posted in Europe, hidden europe, Hikes, Krakow, Outdoors, Poland, Slovakia, Sports, Trip Planning

Gimmelwald, Switzerland: A visit to the tiny mountain village

Gimmelwald, Switzerland: A visit to the tiny mountain village

Nov 30 “Do you mean Grindelwald?” This is the common response I receive when telling people about my favorite Swiss destination of Gimmelwald. While not many people have heard of it, it’s more because of its remote location than its lack of offerings. Located in the Bernese Oberland, the tiny mountain village sits at an altitude of » Read more

Posted in Day Trips, Geneva, Hikes, Switzerland, Zurich

Germany: Steaming through the Harz Mountains

Germany: Steaming through the Harz Mountains

Sep 21 Compared to the Pyrenees and the Alps, the Harz Mountains are no more than a ripple in the flatlands of northern Germany. But they are a welcome relief to those who find little appeal in the two-dimensional landscapes that mainly prevail in this part of Europe. The Harz region is easily accessible from Hamburg or » Read more

Posted in Budget Deals, Europe, Germany, hidden europe, Hikes, Practical Info, Train, walking

England: Slow Sussex and the South Downs

England: Slow Sussex and the South Downs

Aug 24 Britain’s newest national park is also the most accessible from London. Less than 50 miles from the capital, the South Downs National Park takes in impressive downland, a spectacular stretch of cliffed coastline in East Sussex and some breathtakingly beautiful villages. We love this part of England. After the frenetic pace of London, Sussex and » Read more

Posted in Britain, hidden europe, Hikes, Outdoors, Parks, Train, Trip Planning, United Kingdom, walking

Exploring Luxembourg City

Exploring Luxembourg City

Aug 17 Diminutive Luxembourg City is certainly not the smallest capital city in Europe. Indeed, it is a dozen times larger than Vaduz which serves as the pristine, albeit rather sterile, capital of Liechtenstein. Luxembourg City deserves to be much better known, and it is a great spot to stop off and relax for a day or » Read more

Posted in churches, City Guides, hidden europe, Hikes, Luxembourg, Practical Info, Train, Travel Smarts

Florence: Piazza Michelangelo offers great city views

Florence: Piazza Michelangelo offers great city views

Aug 06 On the South bank of the Arno River, up a majestic hill and down a winding, cobblestone path known as the Viale Michelangelo, you will find the Piazza Michelangelo (sometimes referred to as Piazzale Michelangelo). The piazza was constructed in the 1890s, beautifully landscaped and lined with copies of Michelangelo’s sculptures. Today, look past the street vendors » Read more

Posted in cheapo by the day, Florence, Free Stuff, Hikes, Italy

Wandering Cheapo: Debunking the Plitvice Rumors

Wandering Cheapo: Debunking the Plitvice Rumors

Apr 30 The rumors regarding Plitvice Lakes National Park match the velocity of its waterfalls. Guidebooks and even on-site hotel staff are full of misinformation. Even the park Web site is secretive, encouraging potential guests to refrain from contacting hotels directly. During a recent expedition within the park grounds, we were able to make some eye-opening discoveries. » Read more

Posted in Croatia, Hikes

Wandering Cheapo: Climbing to the Top of Kotor

Wandering Cheapo: Climbing to the Top of Kotor

Apr 12 Montenegrins are in love with their Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor). After a 1500-step climb to the old Kotor fortress for the most spectacular of views, we must admit to becoming a bit smitten as well. Start in Kotor’s old town and meander through the narrow streets, soaking up the Mediterranean ambiance. There’s a reasonably-priced » Read more

Posted in Hikes, Montenegro