Adventures Unveiled

My First Backpacking Route through Europe

Embark on a journey through Europe as I share the route of my very first backpacking route. Get ready to immerse in diverse cultures and uncover invaluable travel tips for your own European adventure.

Six years ago, I took an eight-week adventure around Europe that would unknowingly change the course of the rest of my life. I finished university, got my degree, and planned to return to school in the fall to finish my second degree, become a mortician and buy a funeral home. Well, plans changed. Somehow, that eight-week adventure spiraled into a six-year journey, with no end in sight. 

I planned my entire backpacking trip through travel blogs. Hence, the inspiration to start my own. I had never traveled alone or out of the country, especially out of the country on my own. So, I had a lot to learn. 

I researched and learned everything there possibly was to know about backpacking, traveling solo, and how to do it successfully. During my entire senior year of college, my spare time was dedicated to this trip. By the time I was finished, I was able to answer any question someone threw at me and label an entire world map, all 195 countries. 

After 11 months of planning and researching, I was finally ready to take my first solo backpacking trip. While this wasn’t the original route I had planned, you’ll learn quickly the importance of freedom and how plans can change at any moment. So, starting back to the very beginning, here is the final route I took on my first solo trip that changed my perspective on life and encouraged me to ignore society and chase after my dreams.

Iceland

Iceland holds a special place in my heart, as it was the very first country I traveled to outside of my own. It was also the first stop on my adventure. My main goal was to see the Northern Lights, and luckily, I was able to see them every night I chased them. In fact, my first sighting was on the plane ride in, with green and purple lights dancing alongside the plane out the window. I rented a car during my time there and was able to drive almost the entire island. For reference, Iceland is roughly the same size as my home state of Ohio. Throughout the week, I soaked in countless thermal hot springs, made tons of new friends, and did a lot of hiking. My final day in Iceland consisted of the Hveragerdi Hot Springs River Trail, up a tall snowy mountain in hightop sperrys, to soak in a natural hot spring river flowing at the top of a mountain. 

Highlights: Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Vik, & Hveragerdi Hot Springs River Trail. 

Poland

Poland was the cheapest destination to fly into mainland Europe from Iceland, so it became my second destination on my trip. While I was only here for four days, I was really impressed with Krakow (minus waiting 3 hours at the airport for a bus that never came while still in a wet bathing suit from my hike earlier that day). I spent my first day on walking tours throughout the city and met some of the nicest people in the world, who later on saved my ass in Germany and gave me a place to crash for a few days. 

However, the main highlight of Poland was undoubtedly getting to visit the Auschwitz concentration camps. While this eerie adventure isn’t for everyone, it’s an experience I will never forget and something I highly recommend for anyone interested in history. Visits to the camps are free, as the country wants to preserve its history and educate as many people as possible, with hopes that a genocide like that never happens again.  

Highlights: Krakow Old Town, Auschwitz Concentration Camps, & delicious local Pierogis. 

Slovakia 

Slovakia was short and sweet, as it only served as a stop-over destination while in transit from Poland to Hungary. However, I count Slovakia in my country count, as I had an entire afternoon exploring the small city of Zvolen and witnessing the towering mountains in the north of Gerlachovsky while in transit to my next destination. I look forward to going back to Slovakia to visit the vibrant capital of Bratislava and getting more of a feel for the culture and atmosphere of this underrated European country. 

Highlights: Gerlachovsky & Zvolen. 

Hungary

My next destination was the vibrant and exciting city of Budapest, one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. From the Buda side, across the Danube River to the Pest side, Budapest is captivating and beautiful as I had imagined it. The locals are friendly, it’s incredibly affordable, and it was one of the easiest cities to navigate. I ended up a part of the St. Patricks Day Parade, hiked across the illuminated green bridge to witness an amazing view of the Parliament Building, and ate enough Goulash to feed a small family. 

Highlights: St. Patricks Day Parade, Gellert Thermal Baths, Gellert Hill Hike, Pub Ruins, & Goulash at Central Market Hall.

Scotland (UK) 

The United Kingdom was not on my original itinerary, but that’s what happens when you travel solo. Plans can change in the blink of an eye; that's what makes the journey more exciting, isn’t it? Remember those friends I made in Iceland? They were nice enough to invite me to visit them in Scotland during their study abroad program and even let me crash with them, saving me some extra cash on accommodation. They took me around all of their favorite spots in the city, we smoked loads of cigars, spent a day in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, and laughed so hard we cried. 

Highlights: Thrift shopping in Glasgow, Glasgow Necropolis, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, & hiking the Scottish Highlands. 

Germany 

As like the UK, Germany was not on my original itinerary either, but going there was one of the best decisions I made on this entire trip. Apparently, I had some family in Germany that I was unaware of and had an open invitation for a lifetime. After exploring Berlin and meeting up with a few helpful friends in Hamburg, they were able to help me get in touch with my Uncle Wolfgang (I needed a German speaker). I spent a week in the small village of Atzenhein and was treated like a local as soon as I arrived. It’s a bit strange coming to a place you’ve never been, yet, everyone already knows who you are. This was also when my first case of culture shock set in, and I had a full-blown breakdown. Traveling for a week with someone who doesn’t speak your language is hard, especially as a first-timer. However, body language went a long way, and we managed to have an incredible week together, even though it was a little quiet. 

As I look back on this time on my trip, I am very thankful I took this chance when I did. My Uncle Wolfgang passed away a few years later, shortly after my second visit to Atzenhein. I’d like to dedicate this article to him and the great people of Atzehien, who treated me like family and showed me a different side of Germany I will never forget. 

Highlights: Spending time with my Uncle Wolfgang in Atzenhain, Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale Road, spending time with friends in Hamburg, and eating the best schnitzel of my life in Berlin. 

Italy

Besides Iceland, I spent the most extended amount of time in Italy. After a 22-hour bus journey from Frankfurt, Germany, to Rome, it didn’t take long for me to see why Italy draws in visitors from all around the world. I walked 22 miles in 3 days in Rome, exploring every nook and cranny possible. This is also where I hit my goal of drinking 41 bottles of wine throughout my trip. Afterward, I ventured north to Florence, Bologna, Verona, Venice, and back down to Pisa to finish off. 

Highlights: Exploring the Colosseum, Pope sighting, Verona, and getting wine drunk in Tuscany. 

Vatican City 

Contrary to what you may think, Vatican City is its own country within the city of Rome, Italy. While it's small in size, its jam packed with art, history, and religion. If you plan on visiting this micronation, be sure to do research AHEAD OF TIME—a common mistake for first-time backpackers, but a mistake that cost me a day of sightseeing.

After getting up at the crack of dawn and walking miles across the city, my friend and I were greeted with a surprise upon our arrival at the Vatican. Instead of outrageous queue lines for Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, we became part of a large ocean of people patiently awaiting the arrival of Pope Francis. Due to his appearance, the entire nation was on holiday, which meant no tours for us. Sadly, this was my last day in Rome, but on the plus side, this just gives me an excuse to return to this amazing region. 

Highlights: While there are many things at Vatican City I did NOT get to see; however, I managed to time my visit the day the Pope was returning home. Looking forward to going back with a smaller crowd, but seeing the Pope makes up for the missed experiences. 

Netherlands 

While my time in The Netherlands was short and sweet, it was one of my favorite parts of my entire trip. After meeting up with one of my friends from California, who was visiting the city at the same time, I was able to spend my favorite holiday in one of the best cities in the world. We bounced from coffee shop to coffee shop, in and out of boutiques, roamed the streets, laughed for hours, and ate our weight in delicious treats and street food.

Bicycles here are no joke, by the way, and make sure you look both ways before crossing the street (this includes behind you and in front of you as well). I look forward to the day I can return to The Netherlands, as running through the Tulip fields is a big dream of mine. Which if all goes as planned, that return might be sooner than you think!

Highlights: 4/20 in Amsterdam & Van Gogh Museum, enough said.

As I reflect on my first backpacking trip, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder. It taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Each destination left an indelible mark on my soul, and I am forever grateful for the memories and lessons learned along the way. Backpacking through Europe ignited a passion for exploration within me. What was supposed to be an 8-week trip spiraled into a 6+ year adventure; and I have no plans of stopping until I’ve seen every country in the world.