When people think of traveling to Europe they think of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Vienna and its beautiful architecture, Rome and……
The Alps cut across the continent, and we still have plenty of nature, even if it isn’t exactly wilderness.
The Austrians have a word for it Kulturlandschaft – the landscape but defined and altered by the cultures who have lived here for so long.
For those who enjoy hiking and biking, the mountains are a paradise. And for those less energetic there are plenty of other ways to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
3 Week Europe Nature Itinerary
This is an itinerary for nature lovers and hikers but with some culture thrown in. Take a rental car in Munich and head across the Alps and back.
Depart Munich for Home
Arrive in Munich (2 Nights) – Spend your first afternoon exploring the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks, and relax by the river with a local beer. Walking helps reduce jetlag.
- Explore the old town and Marienplatz. Take a quick trip to the Victualienmarkt to check out the local fresh produce. Take an afternoon trip to Dachau, one of the infamous Nazi Concentration camps.
- Drive through the Mountains to Lucerne (3N). The first part of the trip isn’t beautiful. Stop at Mainau Island for lunch, situated on Lake Constance. The island is full of flowers in the spring.
- Spend the morning in Lucerne and see the famous Kapellbruecke. After lunch, take the cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus for panoramic alpine views and some walking
- Head towards Interlaken and the nearby Grindelwald Valley. This is quintessential Switzerland. Skip the town of Interlaken itself and do some hiking in one of the two valleys. You can also take a trip to the Jungfrau Glacier. This makes it a long day, so go easy on the hiking.
- Drive southwards towards Italy. The scenery is amazing along the way to Cinque Terre (3N). Stop by Lake Como for lunch and explore one of the villages, such as Bellagio or Varenna
- Hike the Sentiero Azzurro trail through the national park, connecting the five villages of Cinque Terre. The path has stunning coastal views and cliffs. It is probably a bit much for one day, but choose a part depending on where you are staying.
- Explore the colorful villages of Vernazza and Manarola.
- Continue towards Tuscany (3N). Stay in one of the beautiful hilltop villages like San Gimignano or an Agriturismo B&B near Montepulciano, a wine area.
- Take a day trip to Florence to explore some of the World’s most famous artwork at the Ufizzi Gallery.
- Visit Florence’s rival in the morning, the once-great city of Siena and in the afternoon, back out in the countryside, explore a wine region. Stop for a wine tasting and truffles the region’s two best-known specialties.
- Head back north to Venice (1N). It is definitely worth seeing when you are near. Stroll the city and get lost among the canals. Take a quick look at the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Cathedral.
- Leave Italy for Slovenia at Goriza/Nova Gorica and head up the Soca Valley. This valley was one of the most contested parts of Europe during WW1. The beautiful river valley today doesn’t tell much about this, but there are memorials and museums along the way in Tolmin and Kobarid. Continue to Lake Bled (2N).
- Take a hike around Lake Bled, with its fairy-tale island and castle perched on the shores of crystal-clear waters, surrounded by mountains. The hiking can be steep. Head up to the quieter Lake Bohinj for a wilder experience.
- Take the long road to Salzburg (3N) –The main highway north takes about three hours, but drive a bit further west via the Grossglockner Alpine Road. This summer-only-road passes by Austria’s highest mountain and has amazing views. In early June, the alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers.
- In Salzburg, make sure you visit Mozart’s Birth House (Geburtshaus) rather than the one he lived briefly in. The old town is very pretty, and to top it off, head up the Funicular to the Fortress. There are often concerts up here as well as a great museum.
- East of Salzburg is the famous Salzkammergut Lake District. Crystal-clear lakes like Wolfgangsee and the alpine village of Hallstatt are beautiful. There is also plenty of hiking in the area to suit all levels.
- Finish the circuit heading back to Munich (2N). Munich is only two hours away, but you should visit Berchtesgaden along the way. This is a small enclave of Germany in the Alps. Take a trip up to the Eagle’s Nest (must be booked in advance). If you have had enough of the mountains, Herrenchiemsee and its palace are worth a stop.
- Around Munich, there is much to see. The Herrenchiemsee palace was built by King Ludwig II as a copy of Versaille, on a beautiful island in the middle of a lake 1 hour SE of Munich. His other castle is more famous, though. Neuschwanstein is 2 hours SW of Munich and was the inspiration for Disney’s ideal of a castle. The area is beautiful, but I find the castle overrated.
How to Adapt this Itinerary
If you want to adapt this itinerary, feel free to do so.
I have designed it for those who prefer a balance of nature and culture through their visit.
Maybe you want to hike more, stay a couple of extra days in Bled. If you aren’t as interested in artwork you can cut out Florence – though I do recommend seeing it at least once in your life.
Tuscany is also great for hiking. Though without the mountains, visiting hilltop villages and vineyards on foot is a great way to enjoy the countryside.
If you want to do some mountain biking, you can spend a day or two more in the Salzburg area and head up the mountains.
Most of this itinerary also works in winter, though the driving is more difficult. I would stick to the Tuscan Cities of Florence and Sienna at this time. The Soca Valley’s history will feel even more stark when you realize what they went through to fight here with the snow on the hills.
Best time to Visit Europe for Nature
The best time for visiting Europe is all year!!! But the Autumn is definitely a cut above the rest of the year. September across the regions from Munich south to Florence is generally the best for weather.
The weather isn’t as warm as in the summer, but the mountains will be snow-free, allowing for hiking at higher altitudes. Honestly, Italy can get too warm in July and August.
September in Austria is also the time for the Almabtrieb, the annual village festivals, returning the cattle back to the villages from their high alpine pastures.
Crowds diminish towards the end of September, but everywhere in the mountains is still open. Throughout this region, the autumnal colors tend to come out in October.
At this time, though, the weather in the mountains is starting to become unpredictable. Despite this, October is my favorite hiking month. On sunny days the skies are amazingly clear in the Alps.
I am Here to Help
As always, if you need help creating a personalized itinerary, I am available professionally. Click here to book.
