When most people think of travelling through Europe, they often overlook the natural side of things. But we've spent a lot of time hiking through wilderness, camping beneath the stars and exploring the Europe that existed long before man divided it into countries. Here's what we learnt...
Are We There Yet Award for Best Hike
Bronze Medal: The High Tatras, Slovakia
There were many contenders for this award, with Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy getting close. However sneaking into third place is Slovakia. We didn't know much about the place before arrival, but it turned out to be an amazing place for the outdoors, and every path we took in the High Tatras had stunning views. A visit to Slovak Paradise National Park is also recommended.
There were many contenders for this award, with Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy getting close. However sneaking into third place is Slovakia. We didn't know much about the place before arrival, but it turned out to be an amazing place for the outdoors, and every path we took in the High Tatras had stunning views. A visit to Slovak Paradise National Park is also recommended.
Silver Medal: Øygardsstølen to Kjeragbolten, Norway
While this was the most physically challenging hike we did, climbing up and down for about six hours, it was worth it for the views of Lysefjord. Despite being the summer solstice, we occasionally dashed through snow on our way to the precariously placed Kjeragbolten.
While this was the most physically challenging hike we did, climbing up and down for about six hours, it was worth it for the views of Lysefjord. Despite being the summer solstice, we occasionally dashed through snow on our way to the precariously placed Kjeragbolten.
Gold Medal: Picos de Europa, Spain
Our first real venture into the "wild" was in the aptly named Peaks of Europe in Northern Spain. We walked through a chilly gorge along a man-made aqueduct to an isolated town, then went back again. The views of the snow-capped mountains towering above and the gushing river in the valley below were spectacular.
Our first real venture into the "wild" was in the aptly named Peaks of Europe in Northern Spain. We walked through a chilly gorge along a man-made aqueduct to an isolated town, then went back again. The views of the snow-capped mountains towering above and the gushing river in the valley below were spectacular.
Where I Lay My Head is Home Award for Best Campsite
Bronze Medal: Ireviken, Gotland, Sweden
Described to us before we went as "Just like a Greek island", this little known beach in Sweden did not disappoint. It was our first night camping, and while it was a little cold, it gave a great taste of what was to come. We spent most of the next three months in our little tent, living close to nature, closer to each other and saving plenty of Kroner along the way.
Described to us before we went as "Just like a Greek island", this little known beach in Sweden did not disappoint. It was our first night camping, and while it was a little cold, it gave a great taste of what was to come. We spent most of the next three months in our little tent, living close to nature, closer to each other and saving plenty of Kroner along the way.
Silver Medal: Somewhere in the Sahara, Morocco
In January we went on a four day tour of the desert, seeing some of Morocco's best sites and villages. On the first and third nights, we rode camels into the desert to reach our Berber style campsite. The memories of listening to traditional songs, sitting around the campfire and gazing at the stars will stay with us for 15-35 years.
In January we went on a four day tour of the desert, seeing some of Morocco's best sites and villages. On the first and third nights, we rode camels into the desert to reach our Berber style campsite. The memories of listening to traditional songs, sitting around the campfire and gazing at the stars will stay with us for 15-35 years.
Gold Medal: Lysefjord, Norway
Yes, Norway again. With a view like this (see picture), how can you complain about the campsite's price of $40 for a tent pitch? That's easy, you can complain about it while marveling at the indescribable beauty of the Lysefjord.
Yes, Norway again. With a view like this (see picture), how can you complain about the campsite's price of $40 for a tent pitch? That's easy, you can complain about it while marveling at the indescribable beauty of the Lysefjord.
River Phoenix Tributary Award for Best River
Bronze Medal: The Duoro, Portugal
This river seems to have sneakened into the natural Europe list, when in fact we love it for its history, port city and port wine. It flows from the vineyards in the East through the fun city of Porto, and on to the Atlantic Ocean. Everything we loved about Porto seemed to be integrally linked with this beautiful river.
This river seems to have sneakened into the natural Europe list, when in fact we love it for its history, port city and port wine. It flows from the vineyards in the East through the fun city of Porto, and on to the Atlantic Ocean. Everything we loved about Porto seemed to be integrally linked with this beautiful river.
Silver Medal: The Danube: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Romania
We saw Europe's most important river at its conception in Germany, then in four capital cities, and finally at its outflow into the Black Sea. Such a huge part of European trade, history and folklore, it very easily became a huge part of our journey.
We saw Europe's most important river at its conception in Germany, then in four capital cities, and finally at its outflow into the Black Sea. Such a huge part of European trade, history and folklore, it very easily became a huge part of our journey.
Gold Medal: Soča River, Slovenia
Perhaps not as well known or historically important as other rivers of the continent, the stunning turquoise of Slovenia's Soča river is unbeatable. We followed its flow from the Julian Alps and watched as it gathered limestone to become more and more vibrant.
Perhaps not as well known or historically important as other rivers of the continent, the stunning turquoise of Slovenia's Soča river is unbeatable. We followed its flow from the Julian Alps and watched as it gathered limestone to become more and more vibrant.
The Narcissism Award for Prettiest Lake
Bronze Medal: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
This is another award with several close runners-up, such as Lake Ohrid, Lake Zurich and Lake Garda. But by virtue of the fact that there are 16 of them, we've given the Bronze Medal to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are connected by several waterfalls and coloured green due to the limestone. We liked it a lot.
This is another award with several close runners-up, such as Lake Ohrid, Lake Zurich and Lake Garda. But by virtue of the fact that there are 16 of them, we've given the Bronze Medal to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The lakes are connected by several waterfalls and coloured green due to the limestone. We liked it a lot.
Silver Medal: Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia may be small but it has some amazing sites. The tranquil Lake Bled with its island church, hilltop castle and peaceful town make it one of our favourite places in former Yugoslavia.
Slovenia may be small but it has some amazing sites. The tranquil Lake Bled with its island church, hilltop castle and peaceful town make it one of our favourite places in former Yugoslavia.
Gold Medal: Anonymous Lake in Sweden
With over 96,000 lakes, Sweden was always in with a chance to win this award. Unfortunately, we have no idea which lake this photo is of. The weather on one particular day was especially calm, so each time we drove past the edge of a forest, we were greeted by a perfectly reflective lake.
With over 96,000 lakes, Sweden was always in with a chance to win this award. Unfortunately, we have no idea which lake this photo is of. The weather on one particular day was especially calm, so each time we drove past the edge of a forest, we were greeted by a perfectly reflective lake.
The Three Islands You Would Take With You to a Desert Island
Bronze Medal: Gotland, Sweden
We spent 3 days cycling around Sweden's largest island. We enjoyed the secluded beaches, cute little villages and its medieval capital, Visby.
We spent 3 days cycling around Sweden's largest island. We enjoyed the secluded beaches, cute little villages and its medieval capital, Visby.
Silver Medal: Santorini, Greece
The Greek Islands were all special, and we'll be back again and again to explore even more of them. Not just memorable because of our wedding, Zakynthos had the best food, Mykonos the beaches and bars, and Naxos the most history and friendly people. But the views around Santorini's caldera and its unique landscape give it the Silver Medal award.
The Greek Islands were all special, and we'll be back again and again to explore even more of them. Not just memorable because of our wedding, Zakynthos had the best food, Mykonos the beaches and bars, and Naxos the most history and friendly people. But the views around Santorini's caldera and its unique landscape give it the Silver Medal award.
Gold Medal: Sicily, Italy
Five days of great food, volcano views, friendly Sicilians, crazy traffic, ancient ruins, baroque towns, clifftop villages and above 30 degree weather at the end of September. The Mediterranean's biggest island was beautiful and fun and we can't wait to go back.
Five days of great food, volcano views, friendly Sicilians, crazy traffic, ancient ruins, baroque towns, clifftop villages and above 30 degree weather at the end of September. The Mediterranean's biggest island was beautiful and fun and we can't wait to go back.
The Fantastic Fauna Award for Our Favourite Animal
Bronze Medal: Red Slug, Luxembourg
These little guys kept popping up throughout the trip, but we first noticed them in tiny Luxembourg. According to wikipedia, the red slug "moves relatively slowly".
These little guys kept popping up throughout the trip, but we first noticed them in tiny Luxembourg. According to wikipedia, the red slug "moves relatively slowly".
Silver Medal: Sun Fish, Portugal
Early in the trip we visited two aquariums, Lisbon's Oceanário and Valencia's L'Oceanogràfic. On both occasions we came across the coolest fish in the sea, the sun fish. They're obviously awesome.
Early in the trip we visited two aquariums, Lisbon's Oceanário and Valencia's L'Oceanogràfic. On both occasions we came across the coolest fish in the sea, the sun fish. They're obviously awesome.
Gold Medal: Lady Foxy, Slovakia
Being Europe, we didn't have that many chance encounters with wild animals. A couple of elk ran away from us in Sweden, and we didn't come close to seeing any of Romania's brown bears, so we were quite excited just to meet this gorgeous fox in Slovakia.
Being Europe, we didn't have that many chance encounters with wild animals. A couple of elk ran away from us in Sweden, and we didn't come close to seeing any of Romania's brown bears, so we were quite excited just to meet this gorgeous fox in Slovakia.
Cat Most Likely to Make it Big on the Internet
Bronze Collar: Sleepy Cat, Romania
We stayed in a roadside motel in northern Romania and weren't allowed to go to sleep until we'd given the resident cat enough attention. It's entirely possible that the cat actually owned the motel.
We stayed in a roadside motel in northern Romania and weren't allowed to go to sleep until we'd given the resident cat enough attention. It's entirely possible that the cat actually owned the motel.
Silver Collar: Playful Cat, Switzerland
At a campsite in central Switzerland we spent two hours putting up our tent because Yaz got distracted by this happy little ginger cat.
At a campsite in central Switzerland we spent two hours putting up our tent because Yaz got distracted by this happy little ginger cat.
Gold Collar: Kicky Zante, Greece
We made a lot of friends in Zakynthos, but the cutest of them all was a kitten that followed us around for several days. She always kicked her legs up as she ran, and hence earned the nickname Kicky Zante.
We may never see her again, but if you're reading this Kicky Zante then please get in touch.
We made a lot of friends in Zakynthos, but the cutest of them all was a kitten that followed us around for several days. She always kicked her legs up as she ran, and hence earned the nickname Kicky Zante.
We may never see her again, but if you're reading this Kicky Zante then please get in touch.
Keepin' it Real Award for Best Natural Landscape
Bronze Medal: Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
With its stunning mountains and picturesque beaches, Montengro is surprisingly beautiful. So it seems unfair that this tiny country also has the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. The serene fishing villages surrounding the deep blue water make for a truly incredible landscape.
With its stunning mountains and picturesque beaches, Montengro is surprisingly beautiful. So it seems unfair that this tiny country also has the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. The serene fishing villages surrounding the deep blue water make for a truly incredible landscape.
Silver Medal: Cappadocia, Turkey
There is quite simply nowhere else like it. The strange and captivating landscape of Cappadocia was exactly as good as people had told us it would be. Oh, and if you ever become a 3rd century christian monk, this is the place we recommend that you live.
There is quite simply nowhere else like it. The strange and captivating landscape of Cappadocia was exactly as good as people had told us it would be. Oh, and if you ever become a 3rd century christian monk, this is the place we recommend that you live.
Gold Medal: The Norwegian Fjords
After just a couple of days in Norway we began to use the country's name as an adjective. Like, that waterfall is so norway, or how norway is that view? If it were anywhere else in Europe, we'd worry about talking it up too much, and giving you false expectations. But no matter how much we rave about the fjords, you will still be stunned when you see them.
After just a couple of days in Norway we began to use the country's name as an adjective. Like, that waterfall is so norway, or how norway is that view? If it were anywhere else in Europe, we'd worry about talking it up too much, and giving you false expectations. But no matter how much we rave about the fjords, you will still be stunned when you see them.
The Sun Fish Award for Best Sunset
Bronze Sunset: Corniglia, Italy
We arrived in the clifftop town of Corniglia just in time to see the sun set. The light on the houses and the glow of the clouds were just as a sunset should be.
We arrived in the clifftop town of Corniglia just in time to see the sun set. The light on the houses and the glow of the clouds were just as a sunset should be.
Silver Sunset: Summer in the Nordic Countries
Every night of camping in Sweden, Norway and Finland was another chance to see a beautiful sunset. Luckily we didn't need to time it very well because the sky was often pink for more than an hour, before the sun finally went down around midnight.
Every night of camping in Sweden, Norway and Finland was another chance to see a beautiful sunset. Luckily we didn't need to time it very well because the sky was often pink for more than an hour, before the sun finally went down around midnight.
Golden Sunset: Santorini, Greece
Practically every night in Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini we made an effort to see the sun set. The strong orange glow over the calm mediteranean was unlike anywhere else in Europe, and was best when viewed across Santorini's caldera.
Practically every night in Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini we made an effort to see the sun set. The strong orange glow over the calm mediteranean was unlike anywhere else in Europe, and was best when viewed across Santorini's caldera.
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