Guide to backpacking in Europe

When to go backpacking in Europe

While backpacking in Europe is never a bad idea, you might be tempted to go in summer when the weather is at its peak. July and August are the warmest months – but also, the busiest. There are, of course, other options:

• Shoulder season – avoid the sweltering weather and the crowds by backpacking in Europe during shoulder season. While this can vary by location (shoulder season in one location could be near peak in another), so you can plan your journey accordingly. Generally, it’s between late March to April and September to October in Europe. With better prices, comfortable weather, and less crowds, it can be an ideal time to make your adventure your own.
• Winter – ice skating in Paris, frozen lakes and forests in Austria or the night lights and short days of Madeira – they’re all magical destinations that come alive with another side in winter. 

You won’t get the same weather everywhere you go. But rest assured that whenever you set off on your Europe backpacking adventure, there’s something worth experiencing.

Where to go backpacking in Europe

With 44 countries and more than 800 cities – only counting those with more than 50,000 residents – Europe is vast. The question when backpacking around Europe, isn’t how you should get there, but where to go and what to see on the adventure. With so many incredible destinations, landscapes, histories and cultures to explore, your options are almost limitless.

Figure out what you want to see most and start to map your journey from there. Or, if you’re still not sure, why not do some research on some of the countries in Europe – see what gets you most excited. Consider whether you want to be zipping back and forth on the train or spending more time exploring specific locations at a slower pace. 

Here are some ideas on where to start your European backpacking adventure – and what to expect from each slice of Europe.

The Nordic Countries

Travel to misty Fjords and journey beyond rivers and mountains – or to sprawling, gothic cities like Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, rich with cultural wonder. With the right to roam, you can choose how to tackle your backpacking trip – in the untamed wilds on challenging hikes, among hotels city-to-city, or even aboard a luxury train or cruise.

Whether it’s a hike or the hygge lifestyle you’re after, backpacking through Denmark, Sweden and Norway offers a journey that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Western Europe

On the surface, Western Europe covers that quintessential “backpacking through Europe” adventure, with locations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain and more. Tour iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Roman Colosseum, La Rambla and Neuschwanstein castle to get a sense of Europe’s history.

Explore the major cities but make time for the smaller European gems along the way. 

Eastern Europe

Explore the untapped natural beauty of Eastern Europe, and discover a fairytale landscape crafted from rugged mountains, dense forests, ancient castles, serene lakes and idyllic seafronts. Bounce between cities like Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Minsk with a heart full of culture and enjoy smaller crowds than Western Europe at a fraction of the price.

With budget-friendly beauty (and great nightlife to boot), Eastern Europe is a surprise waiting to be unpacked.

Where to stay?

From hotels to hostels, campervans to camping or railway carts – there’s all sorts of locations to stay on your European backpacking trip.

Where you stay will depend on your budget and destination, so here are some ideas:

• Hotels – if you’ve got the means, hotels are a comfortable and easy way to maintain privacy and comfort as you travel from location to location.
• Hostels – if you’re backpacking in Europe, hostels offer budget accommodation and the opportunity to meet likeminded people. Adventures start in hostels – but don’t expect luxury.
• Campervans – Renting a campervan between cities or countries can be a cost-effective way to backpack across Europe. Depending on your adventure, it can be a hassle-free and cost-effective option.
• Camping – exploring the great outdoors on foot? Camping in the wilderness between city visits can be an intense but unforgettable experience. Be careful with laws around putting up camp, but some locations will allow you to freely roam. This can be great for areas in Norway, for example. 
• Railcarriage – if you’re interrailing or travelling on the Nordic rail, then you may find yourself staying the night in a carriage. Many train services offer overnight accommodation options for those on long journeys.

How to get around?

There’s a lot of ways to get around – taking a plane from location to location, renting a car or campervan, or even travelling by bus. But backpacking across Europe by train is one of the best ways to travel from city-to-city (and across countries). With Europe’s well-connected and reasonably priced rail networks, you can easily travel to different destinations, catch some vistas along the way – and a bit of shuteye too. Interrail passes are cost-effective too. 

Must-see cities and adventures

An abundance of adventures and sights await when you go backpacking in Europe. So many, in fact, it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you’re only just starting your itinerary or your bucket list is full, here are some ideas to add to your adventure:

Christmas Markets 

They’ve become a mainstay in the UK in recent years, but the quintessential Christmas market experience takes place in Europe. Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and Denmark are all renowned for their festive markets – and you might even get real snow too. Sample authentic glühwein and bratwursts and pick up some Christmas presents while you’re at it.

Cliff jumping in Dubrovnik

If you’re looking for high-octane adventure, cliff jumping in Croatia is heart-pounding and character-building. What this side of the Adriatic Sea lacks in powdery beaches it makes up for in a wealth of craggy cliffs.

Find a lovely spot to launch from with the locals and throw yourself into the sea. You’ve got options throughout Dubrovnik, including: Buža Beach Old Town, Danče Beach, Pigeon Cave and Betina Cave Beach – to name a few. You can find guides to assist you, and even mix in other activities like rafting at certain locations.

See the Northern Lights

Step beneath skies lit by swirling ribbons of cosmic colour streaking through the dark with the aurora borealis in Norway. This lightshow is a natural spectacle unlike any other – occurring only at certain times of the year. 

If you want to break up the long, dark of winter with a luminescent spectacle then the best time to visit Norway is between late November and January.

Sightseeing & monuments

From Pena Palace to the Eiffel Tower, the Fjords of Norway to Lake Geneva – there’s no shortage of historic sights and natural wonders to see in Europe. List those things you want to see – whether that’s a mountain or a monument, and you can build yourself the perfect itinerary and travel plan for your Europe backpacking trip.

Gondola ride

Take some time in Venice to sample the local hideaways and eateries, then meander down to the waterfront to experience the canals on a beautiful gondola ride. Live the culture, soak in the sights of the canal, and take a moment from the busy alleyways and crowds. 

There are both shared and private options for gondola rides, and it’s a great time to unwind (or take some snaps.) 

Travel Insurance for your trip

Before you go backpacking across Europe, it’s important to get your travel insurance in place – it’s a big adventure, so you’ll want to be covered against potential mishaps. 

With Sainsbury’s Bank, you can choose the policy to suit you – for single, multi and even extended trips. Perfect if you’re spending a long time away from home, and you can add a range of extras to suit your adventure. We offer a 24/7 helpline in the event of medical emergencies, so you’re never in the dark. With cover available for pre-existing conditions too, you’ve got everything you need to backpack in Europe with confidence.

Travel money for your adventure 

Before you begin your backpacking adventure across Europe, you’ll want to get your travel money prepared. You can easily convert your Great British pounds to euros – or any other local currencies you might want – with Sainsbury’s Bank, just check our exchange rate calculator.

With a Travel Money Card, you can manage your money on the move throughout Europe – without worrying about additional fees from your card provider. Pay contactless, chip and PIN, or withdraw cash at an ATM – just be aware that some ATMs will still charge for a withdrawal, so check before you use. Don’t forget to carry a bit of cash with you – especially if your adventure takes you off the beaten track.