Routes & Itineraries in Europe

Europe is ideal for flexible, multi-country travel, with well-connected routes that are easy to adapt to your time, budget and interests. Whether you’re travelling for a few weeks or several months, most backpackers follow variations of the routes below.

Scandinavia Route

Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Perfect time: 3 weeks

Overview

This route focuses on dramatic landscapes, clean modern cities, fjords, hiking and some of the most scenic train and ferry journeys in the world.

Route

Copenhagen → Oslo → Bergen → Flam → Stockholm

Highlights & Landmarks

  • Denmark: Nyhavn harbour, cycling culture, Tivoli Gardens

  • Norway: Fjords, Flam Railway, Bergen colourful harbour, hiking trails

  • Sweden: Stockholm old town, archipelago islands, museums

Best for: Nature lovers, hiking, scenery, slow travel, photography
Typical budget: £80–120 per day

Western Europe Route

France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands

Perfect time: 5–6 weeks

Overview

This is the classic first-time Europe backpacking route filled with iconic cities, famous landmarks, food capitals and effortless train connections.

Route (City by City)

Paris → Geneva → Interlaken → Milan → Florence → Rome → Venice → Munich → Berlin → Amsterdam

Highlights & Landmarks

  • Paris, France: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre cafés

  • Interlaken, Switzerland: Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen Valley, scenic trains

  • Florence & Rome, Italy: Duomo, Colosseum, Vatican City

  • Venice, Italy: Canals, St Mark’s Square

  • Munich & Berlin, Germany: Beer halls, history, nightlife

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals, cycling culture, museums

Best for: First-timers, famous sights, culture, food, social travel
Typical budget: £60–90 per day

Eastern Europe Route

Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Greece

Perfect time: 4–5 weeks

Overview

Eastern Europe combines stunning historic cities, lively nightlife, lower prices and beautiful coastline, all at a slower, more relaxed backpacking pace.

Route (City by City)

Prague → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest → Zagreb → Split → Dubrovnik → Athens → Santorini

Highlights & Landmarks

  • Prague, Czech Republic: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, castles

  • Vienna, Austria: Palaces, coffee houses, classical music history

  • Budapest, Hungary: Thermal baths, ruin bars, river views

  • Split & Dubrovnik, Croatia: Adriatic coast, island hopping, old cities

  • Athens & Santorini, Greece: Ancient ruins, beaches, nightlife

Best for: Budget backpackers, nightlife, culture, beaches, slow travel
Typical budget: £40–70 per day

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