Hiking in Europe

So, I wanted a really warm jacket. Because sometimes layering isn’t enough. Or I'm sitting still, no fire nearby. Belaying a friend who is dogging their way up an ice climb while I stand in a sunless gully feeling my beard freeze. Sleeping in a snow cave. Chatting to friends until late. Walking around in the Arctic circle looking at the Aurora Borealis at minus 29 degrees Celsius. That sort of thing.

Congratulations to the winners of The Way, My Way - Ticket Giveaway! We received around 40x entries and everyone that entered sure made it hard for us to choose our top 10. Beautiful short stories of triumph, spirituality, humour, romance and family. Without further ado, here they are.

We couldn't help but share all the other gems that missed the cut by "that much" (Agent 86, Get Smart). Here are the honourable mentions!

I came to go hiking in the mountains of Norway almost by accident, little did I know the wonderful walking experiences that I was to find. Rugged mountains, beautiful lakes, long long days and a very big sky are my enduring memory of Norway. See descriptions of three mountain areas, the Rondane, Jotunheimen and Trollheimen. All have a different character and offer a uniquely Norwegian experience.

Hiking in the European Alps is a unique experience and the reason for this is directly due to the mountain hut system that straddles the alpine countries and is so much part of the European walking culture. What are these huts like? Find out here.

The Tour of Mont Blanc is a magnificent and extremely popular 11 day walking circuit of the Mont Blanc Massif. And that is just the problem - it is so popular that huts are crowded and the walking experience is diluted.

So if you have already done the Tour of Mont Blanc and are wondering where next, or are just looking for an alternative here are some suggestions..

What equipment do you need for hut to hut walking in the European Alps? Find out with a complete gear list in this blog..

Why you should go walking in Austria?

Find out about the wonders of hiking in Austria, where to go, what to take, where to get further info..

In mid 2006 Bogong owner Neil and his son Tim enjoyed an extraordinary journey across the spine of the European Alps. Starting on the sea in Trieste, Italy, their journey crossed five countries and many mountain passes to arrive back at the Mediterranean Sea in France at Menton 97 days later and both about 14 kilos lighter.