Do you want to mix culture and nature? Try these beautiful day trips from major European cities.
There is nothing better than a getaway to a European city, but sometimes you have to flee from the crowds.
Luckily, mountains, fjords and forests They are usually closer than you imagine. In Alpine cities, nature is just around the corner, while some of the continent’s most party capitals are gateways to nature.
If you search combine culture and naturethese day trips from main European cities They offer you the best of both worlds.
Immerse yourself in a sensory walk near Innsbruck, Austria
The Alpine Innsbruck It is a treasure for its mix of mountain and urban life, which makes it the perfect gateway to the impressive nature of Austria.
In the Tyrolean Alps, St Anton am Arlberg is just over an hour away by train. It has been recognized by ONU Turismo as one of the best towns to discover by tourists in 2024.
Known in winter for its ski slopes, the village is also home to the WunderWanderWeg (‘wonderful trail’), which promises to awaken all the senses.
On the “Alpenblumen and Kräuter” route, walk among alpine flowers and aromatic herbs spread across 14 gardens. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot along the path with grassy meadows under your feet.
The water path, which winds through streams of mountain crystal clear, will relax you even more, while the children can let off steam in a natural playground with a tree house.
With 300 km of marked trails, there is no shortage of adventures in St Anton am Arlberg. beginner and experienced hikers. Innsbruck is easily accessible by train from many major European cities with EurostarTGV Lyria, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF.
Tour glacial lakes near Bergen (Norway)
Climbing the imposing flat plateau of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of the most popular excursions and emblematic of Norway. But the country has no shortage of other natural wonders to explore.
Less than three hours by bus and boat from Bergen is the crystal-clear Lake Bondhusvatnet. It is part of the Folgefonna National Park and can be reached on a easy two hour excursion. Its backdrop is the Bondhusbreen glacier, which is reached by another 30 minutes walk.
Do you want to level up? Try the spectacular excursion to Trolltunga, three hours from Bergen and one from Bondhusvatnet. At 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, the rock formation what stands out is a round trip hike of seven to 12 hours from the parking lot.
If you plan to take the bus to Trolltunga, you will probably have to spend the night in the nearest town, Odda, which offers comfortable transportation services to the starting point.
Walking among limestone formations near Krakow, Poland
Poland’s second city is known for its cheap restaurants and nights out. But within walking distance of the historic center of Krakow Green forests spread out, dominated by Jurassic limestone karsts.
Accessible by bus or taxi in about 45 minutes, Ojcowski National Park offers a peaceful getaway with miles of walking and biking trails.
ADVERTISINGDiscover Neolithic castle and cave ruins along the well-signposted tourist route before stopping at one of the many cafes to recharge your batteries. Visit in autumn to see a spectacular display of golden and scarlet leaves.
Do you want to go deep into the Tatra Mountains? Krakow is also just two hours from Zakopane, a tourist city that serves as a gateway to its picturesque trails, pine forests and lakes.
Walk along mystical sandstone bridges near Dresden and Prague
Straddling Germany and Czechiathe national parks of Saxon Switzerland and Bohemian Switzerland cover 700 square kilometers of rugged nature in the sandstone mountains of Elba.
Walk among majestic rock formations across the Bastei Bridge, accessible from Dresden on the S-Bahn to Kurort Rathen in just 40 minutes. On the Czech side of the border, the impressive Pravcicka stone arch has a mystical charm that made him appear in the film ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.
ADVERTISINGSeveral tour operators offer day trips from Prague or, to travel on your own, you can take the hour and a half train to Děčín and then a bus.
Ride the world’s steepest cog railway in the Swiss Alps near Zurich
Although the national parks of Germany and Czechia were named for their resemblance to Swissnothing is comparable to reality. With international rail connections to Paris, Munich, Budapest, etc., Zurich is the gateway to the Swiss Alps.
To climb Mount Pilatus in the steepest cog railway in the worldtake a 40-minute train from Zurich to Lucerne and then to Alpnachstad. Once at the top, enjoy views across the Swiss Alps to France and the German Black Forest.
Escape the crowds on one of the many hiking trails, ranging from easy to alpine.
ADVERTISINGThe 40-minute Drachenweg (Dragon Trail) follows a circular route that, according to legend, was once home to the mythical creatures. For a change, go down cable car hasta Kriens.
Do you want a bigger challenge? Skip the cog railway to do the 4.5 hour excursion from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm via Ämsigen, enjoying flower-filled alpine meadows and streams along the way.
Admire the Dolomites from Bolzano (Italy)
The city of Bolzano, in northern Italy, is known for being the gateway to las beautiful Dolomites mountains. But if you are very short on time, you can admire them from afar.
Hop on the Renon cable car near the main train station and You will be transported to a mountain village in a matter of minutes. Surrounded by 300km of hiking trails and views across this section of the Alps ItaliansRenon or Ritten have routes for all types of walkers.
ADVERTISINGTake the medium difficulty trail to Soprabolzano to see the earthen pyramids, natural spiers of eroded rock that stand out from the wooded landscape. Another option is to walk along the well-marked San Oswald promenade, which will take you to Castel Roncolo – known for its medieval frescoes – and the vineyards of Santa Maddalena.
