From a member of Rick Steves group, experienced hiker Pat O'Connor. He has hiked all over Europe as guide, travel consultant and advisor for many of Rick Steves' guide books.
General tips:
- Note when using maps like Google maps that you can get a 3D view to provide a better view of the terrain.
- Look out for passes that will save you money.
- Have a paper map of the area in case the electronics fail.
Key Websites and Apps:
- wwww.rei.com
- www.climeradar.com & app
- www.alltrails.com & app - maps for trails. you can download apps to phone
- www.myfitnesspal.com
Recommended Hikes he did in 2023:
- Pulpit Rock, Norway - near Stavanger, a 50 minute flight from Oslo
- Grinda Island, Sweden - a ferry ride from Stockholm
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Gorge, Iceland - 3½ hour drive east of Reykjavik
- Grábrók, Iceland - 1½ hour drive north of Reykjavik
- Croagh Patrick, Ireland - closest town (11 min. drive) with accommodations is Westport
- Inis Mór Island, Ireland - take ferry or plane from Galway (20 min.)
- Hadrian's Wall, England - see Housesteads Roman Fort. Good accommodation in Haltwhistle
- Moselkern - Burg Eltz, Germany - accommodation in Trier, train to Moselkern
- Chamonix, France - alpine, cable left to L'Index & Lac Blanc. Accommodation in Chamonix
- Mannlichen - Kliene Scheidegg, Switzerland
- Gornergrat - Riffelsee, Switzerland - take railway from Zermatt
- Montserrat, Spain - accommodation in Barcelona
- Alpe di Siusi, Italy - cable car to monastery, hike to peak. Accommodation in Castelrotto
- La Rocca, Sicily, Italy - accommodation in Cefalu by rail from Palermo.
- Plitvice National Park, Croatia - accommodation in park, Zagreb is 2 hour drive away.
- Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece - 14km all-day, rugged hike. He did short back & forth hike from shore 5km in then back. Stayed in Palaiochora & took ferry to Agia Roumeli, the start of the trail.
