As of: February 3, 2024, 5:25 a.m
By: Luis Teschner
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Press
Split
The Alps are Europe's most famous mountains and millions of hiking fans go there every year.
But there are alternatives that are worth a visit.
Hardly any mountain range is more influential for mountain sports than the Alps.
It is not for nothing that mountaineering is also called alpinism.
Of course, Europe is mountainous even beyond the Alps and hiking enthusiasts have plenty to choose from.
So: put on your hiking boots and come with us on a journey through seven European alternatives to the Alps.
And if you don't want to miss out on the Alps, you could try cycling instead of walking.
Hiking alternatives to the Alps: the Pyrenees on the French-Spanish border
If you don't want to go to the Alps but want to go to a similar region, you should look to the south of France.
There, the Pyrenees, the “little sister” of the Alps, await mountain lovers.
There is a French side of the mountains to the north and a Spanish part further south.
In between lies the small mountain state of Andorra.
If you want to spend weeks on the road, you can take one of the long-distance hiking trails from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean.
But various parts of the Pyrenees are also suitable for smaller holidays.
The Albanian Alps are wild and beautiful
Geographically, they are also part of the Alps.
But the Albanian Alps are still unknown territory compared to the better-known part of Western Europe.
But how long will this be the case?
Albania is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination and has been an insider tip for years.
The highlight hike from Theth to Valbona is already popular among backpackers.
The Albanian mountains are an alternative for anyone looking for an alternative to the Alps.
© Unai Huizi/Imago
Nevertheless, anyone who looks outside the box in Albania or the neighboring and mountainous countries of Montenegro and Kosovo will find breathtakingly wild, untouched nature.
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The High Tatras can compete with Europe's most beautiful mountains
Not too far from the Alps is the High Tatras.
It lies partly in Slovakia and partly in Poland and its highest mountain, at 2,655 meters, is significantly smaller than the Alps.
It is still worth it as a hiking area.
Mainly because it is significantly less developed than large parts of the Alps.
For hikers this means: pure nature and a real adventure in the middle of Europe.
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The Scottish Highlands – less high, but undoubtedly spectacular
Completely different from the Alps, but just as legendary: the Scottish Highlands.
Although they are several thousand meters smaller, the numbers give a wrong picture.
Breathtaking landscapes, steep cliffs and challenging tours await those who explore the north of Europe's largest island.
The Scottish Highlands are a real alternative to the Alps.
© Philippe Clément/imago
Are you a lucky person?
Then Scotland is the perfect destination for you, because all too often the chance of good weather feels like playing the lottery.
But the cloud-covered Highlands are also an impressive and mystical picture.
Corsica is an island made for hikers
In addition to the Pyrenees, there is a second French mountain region as an alternative to the Alps: the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
It has over 2,000 meters of mountains and offers hikers endless views over steep walls and the sea.
The GR 20 hiking trail is considered one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe.
Of course, there are also less demanding routes for less ambitious hikers.
Hike between fjords and glaciers in Norway
Many corners of the Alps are not exactly cheap.
The same applies to trips to Norway.
Those who can afford it will find world-class hiking trails in Norway's Scandinavian Mountains.
Magnificent fjord landscapes and huge glaciers impress hikers year after year.
You might even find a troll deep in the middle of nowhere in Norway.
They come from here.
At the other end of Europe: Georgia's mountains
Is Georgia actually in Europe or Asia?
That depends on who you ask.
In any case, Georgia is a comparatively unknown travel destination.
And this despite the fact that the Caucasus is higher than Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps.
Now is the perfect time to visit the “Balcony of Europe” before the big crowds of tourists discover it for themselves.
The country is also suitable as a cheap winter destination for skiing.