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