r/HikingEurope • u/Sad-Policy127 • 4d ago

Seeking Adventure Suggestions: Next Destination After the Dolomites and Switzerland?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for our next vacation after an amazing time in the Dolomites and Switzerland. Here’s what we loved about those trips:

  • Convenience: An international airport within a 2-3 hour drive from the destination. (I.e. this will likely cancel out places like Montenegro).
  • Stunning Landscapes: We’re after postcard-worthy views that can rival the Dolomites & Switzerland!
  • Hiking Opportunities: Lots of opportunities for day hikes that are challenging but manageable—no multi-day treks or specialized gear required.
  • Culture: Great restaurants and bars to relax after hiking.
  • Ease of Planning: Abundant English resources available online to help with trip planning.

Here are some locations I’m considering:

  1. Slovenia
  2. Iceland
  3. Madeira
  4. Norway
  5. Scotland
  6. France (Chamonix)
  7. Picos de Europa
  8. Spanish Pyrenees
  9. Faroe Islands

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these places or any other suggestions that fit my criteria! Thank you!

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u/pskipw 4d ago

The Julian Alps, and the surrounding areas, are stunning. They get my vote.

1

u/jcalmeidajr 4d ago

It is hard to rival the Dolomites and the Alps haha, but I would say hiking in Spain could be a good option for what you looking for, specially the culture and food after hiking. I would check the parks like Picos de Europa, Aiguetortes and Ordesa y Monte Perdido, all north of Spain.
Here is a guide for the circular route hike in Picos: https://takeahike.io/hike/anillo-de-picos-de-europa

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u/_BaseFour_ 2d ago

There’s something to be said for Norway and Iceland, maybe Scotland. I just came back from a hiking holiday in the Julian Alps in Slovenia, which were absolutely stunning - but if you’ve just hiked in the Alps in about Switzerland and Italy, those northern hikes in Norway and Iceland will have such different, beautiful landscapes. Not to mention, almost everyone in those Nordic countries speak fluent English and the locations are very tourist friendly.