Europe

I first met the Grossglockner in 1993 on a six day hike through Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park. The thought of climbing it was immediately alluring. Not only because it is the highest mountain in Austria but also because of its beautiful shape.

Bogong staffer Anna Bolmat recently ventured to France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland on a mountaineering trip with her partner Philipp.They encountered unfavourable weather for large part of the trip which put the kibosh on their Mont Blanc attempts. Heavy snow fall and high winds turned them around at the Dome de Gouter. The consolation prize was a trip to Mt Blanc du Tacul, where European summer finally showed its face, resulting in some stunning views from the summit.

What is Via ferrata all about? Via Ferrata is an Italian term (translation is iron way). It is used where a route is fixed up a cliff or mountain using fixed steel cables for the climbers to clip into for protection. Access may be facilitated by ladders or metal rungs on particularly steep sections. In this way routes up peaks become accessible to persons who would not otherwise be in a position to attempt them.

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.