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The Best Outdoor Pursuits
Hiking Rila's Seven Lakes (Rila, Bulgaria). The most rewarding hike in the country, this is a moderate 2-day (or more) hike from Rila Monastery into Bulgaria's Alps to view the eerily beautiful Seven Lakes. After the first day (a fairly strenuous 6-hr. hike) you reach the Ivan Vazov hut, which you can use as a base to visit the Seven Lakes; better still, push on to one of the Sedemte ezera huts, situated on the shores of the lowest lakes -- if you can, book the newest, which has the best facilities.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia). Plitvice is the country's best-known natural wonder. You can choose the difficulty of your exploration, from challenging 8-hour hikes to shorter treks eased by ferry and tram rides. Either way, you'll be rewarded with an infusion of unspoiled nature. The park's 16 crystal-clear turquoise lakes and their countless waterfalls are the marquee attraction and they put on a great show. You'll be fascinated by the lakes, which flow into one another and tumble over deposits of travertine, creating waterfalls that drop a few feet or plunge as much as 64m (210 ft.). All this beauty is set in a dense forest accessed via footpaths, ferries, and fuel-friendly people-movers.
Taking a Slow Boat Down the Vltava (Czech Republic). You can see many of the most striking architectural landmarks from the low-angle and low-stress vantage point of a rowboat you pilot yourself. At night, you can rent a dinghy with lanterns for a very romantic ride.
Riding a Faster Boat Down the Vltava (Czech Republic). For those not willing to test their navigational skills or rowing strength in their own boat, large tour boats offer similar floating views, many with meals. Be sure to check the direction of your voyage to be certain it travels past the castles and palaces.
Taking a Walk in the Buda Hills (Hungary). It's hard to believe that such a large expanse of hilly forest is right here within the capital city. There are hiking trails aplenty; every Budapest native has a favorite. Ask around.
Hiking in the Hills Outside Szigliget (Hungary). You can hike up to the fantastic ruins of a 13th-century castle above this scenic little village in the Lake Balaton region, or go a few miles farther north and hike up into hills covered with vineyards.
Swimming in the Thermal Lake at Hévíz (Hungary). Even in the bitterest spells of winter, the temperature in Europe's largest thermal lake seldom dips below 85°F to 90°F (30°C-32°C). Hungarians swim here year-round, and you can, too! If you're here in winter, it'll be a particularly memorable experience.
Climbing the Eger Minaret (Hungary). Eger, a beautiful, small city in northern Hungary, is home to one of the country's most impressive Turkish ruins: a 14-sided, 33m-tall (110-ft.) minaret. Those who succeed in climbing the steep, cramped, spiral staircase are justly rewarded with a spectacular view.
Hiking in the Tatras (Poland). Zakopane is the jumping-off point to hundreds of kilometers of gorgeous hiking trails. You can choose one of the 2,000m-plus (6,560-ft.) assaults on the peaks, or a more leisurely stroll along breathtaking valleys, carved out by tiny mountain streams.
Hiking the Apuseni Mountains (Romania). Accessible from Oradea in Romania's far west, the Apuseni Mountains are the lowest lying in the Carpathian range. With minimal planning, professional ecofriendly guides can take you caving (in several of over 7,000 caves), skiing, rock-climbing, and even wolf and bear tracking. You can stay in remote villages and discover a way of life long forgotten by the rest of Europe.
Idling Through the Backwaters of the Danube Delta (Romania). Considered by some to be Europe's most important wildlife sanctuary, the Danube Delta was once threatened by Communism's unchecked industrial program. Now it's once again a haven for bird life, including its famous pelican population, which you can observe while on a boat safari through this unique ecosystem of waterways, lakes, reed-beds, sand dunes, and subtropical forests.
Rafting the Dunajec (Slovakia). This is fun for the whole family. It's not intense white-water rafting, but a gentle group-float down a winding, twisting river that marks the boundary between Poland and Slovakia. The guides are good-natured and all bedecked in the traditional folk costumes of the region. The 13km (8-mile) ride lasts about 90 minutes, after which you can climb a hill to have lunch and ride a rental bike (or take a bus back) to the starting point.
Playing in the Great Outdoors of the Soca River Valley (Slovenia). Whether you're white-water rafting, caving, sky diving, or skiing in winter, the Soca offers great opportunities for inexperienced paddlers and professional adrenaline junkies. No matter where you are or what you're getting up to, the views will take your breath away, again and again.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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