Iceland was only beginning to boom on the tourism map a decade ago. It was still pretty chill. Instagram was still new, and Iceland had yet to dominate it. I went with girlfriends, including a friend from Iceland, and we did a loop road trip. It was so much fun. It was also one of my first jobs as a full-time travel blogger, so it meant so much to me. 

This time around was completely different. Instead of flying in, we sailed over on their Scotland, The Faroe Islands, & Iceland: North Atlantic Saga trip, arriving by sea. All up, I spent about two weeks there with Adventure Canada on their Iceland Circumnavigation trip and then departing on their Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings trip. 

Iceland was a bit of a hub. And it was so exciting to explore it in a completely different way. 

There’s something special about visiting a place the old-fashioned way, the way it was originally settled. It’s thought that the Vikings settled in Iceland in the 9th century, but it might have been earlier.

Making their way across the North Atlantic, likely searching for arable land, the Norse came in their thousands, settling all over Iceland within a few decades. What’s interesting to learn that a lot of the genetic evidence includes Irish and Scottish ancestry in addition to Scandinavia, particularly, women. Most people believe they came as slaves. 

Following in the wake of the Vikings over a millennia later by ship is a spectacularly cool way to arrive in Iceland. 

Here’s a taste of what we go up to with 25 of my favorite photos from a couple of weeks exploring Iceland by sea – enjoy!

Curious about traveling to the Arctic?
Check out my trips and learn more here

Arnarstapi

One of our first stops in Iceland was to a place I had never been to before – the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Somewhat off the beaten path, it’s a stunning corner of Iceland worth exploring. Arnarstapi is a cute little fishing village that sits as the gateway to the Snæfellsjökull National Park. 

I recognized where we were almost as soon as we stepped off the zodiacs in the harbor. With a cute white house perched on lava sea cliffs above turquoise water with a perfect volcano and glacier behind it, this was a view I had definitely seen before. It was on the cover of the only book I bought in Iceland (expensive).

Arnarstapi felt otherworldly immediately. It didn’t help that we had some of the wildest lenticular clouds I’ve ever seen, creating a moody ambiance that made it feel all the more magical. I spent my time wandering the sea cliffs, watching the bird colonies before meandering out to the lava fields. It definitely felt like you were on another planet. 

Dynjandifoss

From there, we made our way up along the coast into the Westfjords, an often overlooked place. One of the perks of traveling by ship is that you can often rock up to places that are much harder to reach by car. 

Dynjandi is the largest waterfall in the Westfjords, clocking in at 100 meters tall, with five waterfalls below it dropping down into the sea. While it’s remote, it can still become really busy with tour buses trekking out to visit. We called in early in the morning and had the whole place to ourselves for hours.

My first Iceland waterfall since 2013, I was struck by how much work has gone into creating infrastructure. I don’t remember paths or signs or blockades anywhere when I was here last. If you were dumb enough to sit on the edge of a waterfall, it was on you. And I sat on a lot of waterfall edges. 

Grímsey

The only place you can actually be within the Arctic Circle in Iceland is on the tiny island of Grímsey, off the northern coast. Sitting pretty at 66° N, Grímsey is pretty much ruled by birds. 

If you want to get your (visual) fill of puffins, Grímsey is the place to go. Somewhat hard to get to independently; it was great to be able to arrive by boat instead. Just watch out for nesting Arctic terns – they’re my new bird enemy. 

Arctic Iceland – visiting the island of birds on Grímsey

Siglufjörður

The northernmost town in Iceland is called Siglufjörður, and I had never heard of it. It ended up being one of my favorite spots in Iceland.

Going in with zero expectations, it was the sunniest, most beautiful weather when we arrived. The colorful, charming fishing town surrounded by mountains couldn’t have been more picturesque. Combined with a fascinating story and super friendly locals, Siglufjörður blew me away!

In the 1940s and 1950s, Siglufjörður was the herring capital of the North Atlantic; it was like a gold rush with fish. It’s since declined, but now there is one of the best museums I’ve ever been to, the Herring Era Museum, that shares the whole history. I know, a museum about fishing? But trust me, it’s fucking awesome, and it’s totally worth coming just for that.   

Akureyri

To visit Iceland by sea means we can visit traditional port towns the old-fashioned way, like Akureyri.

A beautiful little city in northern Iceland, Akureyri is a great place to base yourself out of, even for a day. It’s close to so many of the great wonders of the north, and it’s super cute all on its own. A great place for whale watching; one of the perks of traveling around by ship with Adventure Canada is the opportunity to watch for whales while onboard. When we left Akureyri and sailed out of the fiord at sunset, we were accompanied by whales the whole time. 

During the day, we explored outside the city, checking out Goðafoss, a super popular waterfall. I didn’t realize until we returned to the ship that I had been there before. We also spent some time exploring Dimmuborgir, home to some very cool lava fields, caves, and arches.

Seyðisfjörður

As we continued our Iceland circumnavigation, heading east, we landed in Seyðisfjörður, another off-the-beaten-track town. I’m not sure I would ever thought of coming here on my own, but it was just amazing. One of the earliest settled areas in Iceland, Seyðisfjörður is home to the little rainbow road that leads up to the church. 

We had another day of perfect weather and spent the morning way out on the fiord in Skálanes. Skálanes is a nature and heritage reserve. Luckily, the Arctic terns were only nesting by the carpark, so you only had to avoid them for a little bit, haha!

The reserve at Skálanes is an area of great biodiversity and is a center for study and research worldwide. There are nearly 50 bird species here, including a ton of puffins. There are also tons of reindeer, arctic foxes, and more than 80 archaeological sites.

Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón

The most popular place we took in on our visit to Iceland by sea was out near the Vatnajökull National Park, home to the iconic Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoons. 

We spent the morning on a boat tour around the lesser-known Fjallsárlón, taking in the beautiful icebergs and glaciers in the distance. It was another perfect bluebird day, not a cloud in sight. 

We ended up having enough time that we also called in Jökulsárlón too. En route to the ship, we saw reindeer and arctic foxes, making it a perfect day. 

Heimaey

Wow, another top contender for a new favorite spot in Iceland had to be Heimaey. I had never heard of this little spot in the Westman Islands; I’m not sure I would have thought to come out here on a traditional Iceland road trip. But it was so great we called in by ship as a way to visit Iceland by sea.

The zodiac cruise into the harbor was amazing, and we happened to time it when the prime minister was in town for the 50-year memorial of the ending of the Eldfell volcano eruption here. In the middle of the night in the summer of 1973, the local volcano erupted without warning. Luckily, bad weather had kept the boats in the harbor overnight, so everyone could escape. Eventually, half the town was buried, and locals fought the spreading lava by spraying it with seawater, saving parts of it, including the harbor. 

Today, you can see parts of houses emerging in the lava field, and the views from the top of the volcano are amazing. Definitely worth the climb up. 

Reykjavík

I was so excited to return to Reykjavík. Wow, the city has changed a lot in the decade since my last visit. It was so modern, with so many new spots and a lot of development happening.

I spent a few hours while in port, wandering around and soaking it all in. I went back to my favorite cafe from the last time I was here, the Laundromat, as well as finally going to the infamous penis museum. As a long-time fan of the weird, gross, and morbid, even I was not into it. 

Everywhere else was amazing, especially the waterfront. I definitely need to spend more time here soon. To visit Iceland by sea is an unforgettable way to take in this popular country.

Have you been to Iceland? Would you consider visiting by ship? Spill!

Curious about traveling to the Arctic? Sailing from Iceland to Greenland? Check out my trips and learn more here

Many thanks to Adventure Canada for hosting me in Iceland – like always, I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post 25 photos to inspire you to visit Iceland by sea appeared first on Young Adventuress.

On the morning of May 13, 2018, I set off on a wild solo adventure: hiking Scotland solo, all on my own. Ambitious or what?

My choice of trail was the Scottish National Trail, an 864 kilometer long [536 miles] hike that zigzags from the Scottish/English border to Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of Scotland. 

Completing the Scottish National Trail in just under 7 weeks, I was also the first solo female hiker. The trail was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Not just for the dramatic scenery that the Scottish Highlands offers, but also because this trail taught me so many lessons. It helped me to reconnect with myself and rediscover who I am. It gave me confidence, the ability to trust my intuition, and a kick-ass mentality for coping with stress. 

In times of a global pandemic, I find myself reflecting inward to find the strength I discovered within myself on the trail. Here are 8 things traversing the length of Scotland taught me about life. Enjoy!

1. We have way too much stuff

I carried everything that I needed to survive my adventure in just a 65 liter North Face backpack: my tent, sleeping bag, food, bug spray, two clothing changes, one book, a journal, and my compass.

Packing the absolute essentials meant I carried less weight, which meant less stress on my body and walking faster. 

At the start of my hike, I packed way too much stuff. A common story, I imagine. Too much food, too many books, maps I didn’t need, shampoo and conditioner [spoiler: you’ll never have a good hair day on the trail], and 26 protein balls. To survive, I had to shrug off the excess weight and forget about materialism. It was a powerful lesson in letting go.

We live in a world that teaches us to buy, upgrade, and consume. Numerous studies have shown that having more stuff doesn’t make us happier – in fact, it hinders happiness.

When I returned to a bustling Edinburgh after weeks of living with less, carrying everything I needed on my back, I was overwhelmed by just how much stuff there is that humans have created. Now I live a minimalist lifestyle, and I’m happier for it.

2. We know our limits better than anyone else 

During the first week of hiking Scotland solo, I met an older man walking too. He was part-way through a four-day hike and asked me where I was walking to. When I told him I was hiking the country’s length, he proceeded to lecture me on how difficult it would be [duh] and asked if I had the right kit.

I started to panic. Was this hike going to be too much for me? What if I get lost? Do I even have the right equipment?

Then it occurred to me: this man had known me less than five minutes, I’d known myself 29 years. If anyone knew my capabilities and limits, it was ME. Not a stranger. 

This happens all the time. You tell someone about a goal you’re trying to achieve, and you’re met with fears, doubts, and objections from that other person. You end that conversation feeling deflated and unsure if you even want to attempt your goal anymore.

Don’t let anyone get in your head. Often they are projecting their fears and worries onto you. Just remember, you know your limits better than anyone else. 

3. You can always tell yourself a different story

I have to credit Cheryl Strayed’s Wild for this. When Cheryl hiked the Pacific Crest Trail solo, instead of succumbing to her fears on the trail, she chose to tell herself a different story instead: that she was brave.

I had many fears and doubts creep into my mind while hiking Scotland solo, and they would have crippled my mindset had I let them. Like Cheryl, I told myself that I was brave. That I was strong. That I was capable. I repeated this to myself over and over until the fear dissipated.

Fear was replaced with a confidence I’d never known before. I still apply this to everyday life. If I feel imposter syndrome set in, I choose to tell myself a different story: I’m fucking capable. 

4. It’s okay; in fact, it’s an excellent thing to make mistakes

One of the downsides of social media is that anyone can project their perfect life online by throwing on a filter or only posting images that convey success. I used to feel so much pressure to be perfect all the time [I still do sometimes], but the truth is, making mistakes and being imperfectly perfect should be celebrated.

So many things went wrong on my hike. I stupidly wild-camped next to a railway line, which taught me to always check my map before setting up camp. Speaking of maps, I also packed the WRONG map, quickly learning how to navigate myself out of a sticky situation. Before beginning, I didn’t break my hiking books properly, which taught me always to pack bandaids and walk 10 miles with blisters the size of golf balls.

But you know what? I learned so much from these mistakes. I’m glad I made so many errors because when I figured them out, my confidence blossomed. 

Embrace your mistakes. Making mistakes means you’re pushing yourself, you’re learning, and most importantly, you’re growing.

5. The body can achieve some crazy things- treat it with love and respect

I was seriously impressed by how well my body coped with a long-distance hike, especially since the Scottish National Trail was my first long-distance hike. It adapted to my new walking lifestyle in less than one week. By week three, my back was toned and muscular, and by the time I reached the coast, my legs had carried me over 800 kilometers up mountains and through boggy fields.

When I reached Sandwood Bay, I stripped down to my sports bra and underwear, and it was the first time I felt grateful and proud of my body. I also realized I had been mistreating it for most of my life.

I’d spent my twenties starving my body, binge-drinking, trying to squeeze it into tight jeans, and constantly complaining that it wasn’t thin/toned/tan enough. Instead of taking care of my body, I had been abusing it. Yet my body carried me over 800 kilometers with little complaint.

Our bodies are incredible- and we only get given one. Stop dieting and focus on putting healthy, medicinal foods into your body. Thank it for carrying you through every day.

6. It doesn’t take much to make someone happy

When I reached the halfway point of my journey hiking Scotland solo, I met a man in a bothy and excitedly told him of my accomplishment. I jokingly said I wished I had a glass of wine to celebrate.

The following morning as I was getting ready to leave, the man told me to wait by the window and look outside. He hurried around the back of the bothy, knelt, and then quickly jumped up. 

I watched in amazement as sparks flew into the air- the man had lit a firework! 

He came back inside and said with a wink, ”There’s your celebration.”

I was incredibly touched by the simple gesture and thanked him profusely. 

Then he said the words that will forever stick with me: ”It doesn’t take much to make someone happy. Sometimes it will cost a couple of quid, but most of the time, it costs nothing.”

His advice was so simple, yet it really struck a chord with me. 

I try to do nice, random things for people now- whether it’s a friend who has had a rough day or a stranger. Sometimes all it takes is a simple, genuine compliment to put a smile on someone’s face – and it’s free.

7. We need nature now more than ever

Being immersed in nature for several weeks forced me to have important conversations with myself. Nature doesn’t judge – it is the one place we can go where we can be completely ourselves.

I had some life-changing conversations with myself over those six and a half weeks- conversations I couldn’t have had anywhere else. I was able to heal from past trauma and think deeply about the direction I wanted to take my life.

Something magical happens when you’re alone in nature. Whenever I’m facing a problem I don’t know how to solve, I go for a walk, and I always emerge from the woods with a solution to that problem and a clear mind.

8. Nature needs us now more than ever too

Nature has given me so much- and I feel an overprotective urge to protect it. The earth was already in trouble pre-COVID-19, and now thanks to the economic fallout due to the pandemic, the environment needs us more than ever.

Some simple ways we can give nature a helping hand include donating to local conservation charities, getting involved in reforestation initiatives, and attending beach cleanups.

I’ve set for myself to fill up at least one bag of rubbish whenever I go out walking. If we all do a little bit, imagine how much of a difference we can make over a lifetime?

What’s an adventure you’ve had that taught you some incredible life lessons? Can you relate? Share!

The post 8 insights I learned while hiking Scotland solo appeared first on Young Adventuress.

As London and the rest of England slip into a second nation-wide lockdown, spirits will no doubt will be dampened. How are we back in this same place again?

Earlier on in the year, we endured nearly three and a half months of lockdown in London. So I know that having to go through it again will be really difficult and challenging for many people. Being stuck inside in a city not known for its space will be so hard in a city so full of life. But London and Londoners will survive.

As someone who left a piece of her heart in London, here’s a little love letter, in the hope that it will help people appreciate the amazing city that is London!

Dear London,

It’s been just over a month since I left your shores, but I miss you every single day. What a relationship we’ve had! The two years we had together just flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye. I wasn’t ready. For the first time in a long time, I felt physically emotional and sad about leaving.

How is it that you’ve made me feel like this in such a short time? It’s incredible the impact a place can have on the heart.

From second-guessing to creating memorable moments

When I decided to move to London, a lot of people in New Zealand questioned me. Why? My friends wondered why I was leaving a beautiful country and a well-paying job to go to London?

Everyone I spoke to mentioned the grey, rainy days, the crowds, and the traffic, none in a nice way. Most people didn’t get it.

But there was just something about you that lured me away halfway across the world despite all the negative things people said. Looking back now, I am so glad I pursued you and decided to leave Christchurch to be in London. Two years ago, a dream came true for me. I mean it in the most genuine, sincere way possible.

You’re big, overwhelming, and expensive. You’re heaving with crowds, but you can still make one feel lonely, even at the best of times. But you’re also very comforting and friendly and welcoming. It’s a familiarity I’ve grown to love.

You welcomed me with open arms, embraced me as an expat, and provided me with opportunities and experiences I never thought possible. Thank you.

In awe

People love to complain about the Tube, the pollution, the homelessness. I get it; I’ve done it too. Sometimes it does get a bit too much, and it genuinely sucks. But more often than not, I’ve found myself in awe of the amazing, crazy, beautiful city that you are. The grizzly side is part of the character; it’s what makes you, you.

You really do offer something to everyone, whether they’re with you for a brief visit or they’re around to make a living.

All things Underground

Speaking of the Tube, my goodness, where do I begin!?

Yes, it is stuffy. It is packed with people like sardines in a can, but no one can argue that it is one of the best things about living in London. Name a better public transport system; I dare you. There is so much to love about the iconic Tube.

From its heritage and evolution, the tube map, the roundel, the individuality of tube stations (from the Sherlock tiles in Baker Street to the artwork of Tottenham Court Road), the frequency of trains, the tube etiquette (I could write a whole article about this itself), there is so much! Then there’s that moment of joy when you no longer need to refer to the map to figure out which line to take. Success!

You already know how to get from Shoreditch to Hammersmith. I had that moment too. That’s when I knew I was a local, and I belonged here. I was home, and it felt great!

I love you for the incredible museums that have found a home in you. What other cities in the world offer the range of museums that you do? From the beautiful Natural History Museum, the serene Victoria & Albert Museum to quirky ones like the Sewing Museum and British Dental Association Museum – there’s something for everyone, and it costs us nothing!

Of pubs, food markets, cafes, and bookstores!

I love London for all of your pubs. 

I love that each pub has a story and history behind it and that they all thrive in one place together! And what about the tradition of Sunday roasts? When my sister asked me what I wanted my last meal to be before I left you, I knew it had to be a good old traditional Sunday roast at a local pub.

I have never seen a Yorkshire pudding this good, anywhere in the world! 

This brings me to food – a lot of people warned me that good food is hard to come by in London even though it’s a melting pot of cultures. In my humble opinion, they couldn’t be further from the truth.

You have allowed me to eat some of the nicest food I’ve ever eaten. Affordable Michelin star restaurants serving the best of the UK produce, the fresh, handmade pasta at Padella (if you guys haven’t been, go THE MINUTE it is safe to do so, again!), the hummus at your umpteen Middle-Eastern restaurants, and all the incredible street food at the numerous food markets; Borough, Brick Lane, Portobello, to name a few – there is so much good food here that I have come back to NZ a few kilos heavier!

And what about the myriad of cafes and bookshops that are buzzing with enthusiastic patrons.

Much like every pub has some history behind it, I found that every coffee that is poured in your quirky cafes has a story behind it: every bookshop, its own charm. I mean, just look at Word on the Water – a bookshop on a canal barge offering a beautiful assortment of classic and contemporary fiction and non-fiction books. 

I love you because of your love for sport, fashion, art, and architecture. You’re home to the home of cricket and the ultimate in tennis. Do I need to even mention football?

I’ve loved going to the pub and getting amongst it during a game of rugby or cricket; I’ve enjoyed screaming until I lost my voice watching the Champions League Final in 2019, just as much as I’ve enjoyed soaking in the history and chivalry that accompanies a game of test cricket at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

A world of contrasts

In you, I found all sorts of bewildering contrasts.

The streets around Westminster where Big Ben and Westminster Abbey proudly stand are full of history. But just across the Thames, there’s also modernity to be found in The Shard. Fitzrovia’s streets are quiet, with lots of quaint local bakeries and cafes contrasting with the hustle and bustle of Borough Market. I’ve walked past the nicest homes and flashiest cars in St John’s Wood just as I’ve seen signs of struggle and homelessness near King’s Cross.

This is just a small glimpse into why I love you. You allow contrasts to co-exist. In London, you let people, places, and things to be who they are without judgment. Here people write their own stories no matter where they’ve come from, how much they earn, what part of you they choose to live in. 

I have to admit our relationship did have a bit of a bumpy start even though I love London now.

Sometimes, finding a home in you is hard work – you don’t make it easy. Your overwhelming nature can be suffocating. Even with millions of people around you, you can make one feel lonely. I felt the same for a while until you allowed me to get into a routine, and that’s when I fell in love. That’s when I appreciated you for being the strong, staunch city that has stood the test of time across centuries.

True love

London, I fell in love with you for being unabashedly yourself. A place where one can find comfort in the promise of rain every other day, one can find the festive spirit under the dazzling Christmas angels on Regent Street, one can find certainty in your changing seasons, and sometimes one can find oneself…in awe, mesmerized in a crowd of people in the middle of Piccadilly Circus.

I love London.

Thank you for being you. 

What city have you visited/lived in that stole your heart? What are your favorite things about traveling, too, living in cities other than those you were brought up in? Spill!

The post A little love letter to London appeared first on Young Adventuress.

I’d really been enjoying traveling alone when it happened; you know, love. That thing that always happens when we least expect it, right? Yes, I fell in love with my tour guide on a solo trip.

While I think solo travel is something everyone should do at some point in their life, often life will surprise your plans. After all, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in foreign cultures, following your well-worn paper map, trusting your gut instinct, and doing whatever the hell you want exploring the world. You don’t need me to tell you that it’s absolutely liberating.

I’d been doing just this for six months in Europe. I’d looked at stunning views in Scotland, skied in the heart of the French Alps, sunned myself in the south of France, and eaten my fair share of Andalucia olives in southern Spain. Biking across English countryside with a good friend, breathing in the history in Berlin, and guzzling the original Czech Pilsner, I was in heaven. My eyes had feasted on golden Portuguese cliffs and my spirits had risen high.

Freedom!

I was a solo female traveler through and through, trekking my way across borders with no end date and no end destination. Living one day at a time. Taking each moment as it comes. Being present and being me. It was amazing.

But then it all changed from a miserable low to a huge high in the blink of an eye, just like that. Let me tell you.

Farewelling Prague on my solo travels, I arrived in Brno to explore the Czech Republic’s second-biggest city.

Tired, I dragged myself off the sweaty bus, hauled my bag on my back, and headed to the hostel I had booked just that morning. I was too early to check-in but thankfully the receptionist let me drop off my big pack.

That was all though; no welcoming map or the wifi password or any kind words (some other hostels are amazingly welcoming). A cursory glance around told me the hostel was very basic. And I was the only one there too.

I headed out to Brno with my small bag of valuables, eventually sitting down in a park called Kluziště (at the time, I thought this was the center of Brno; later I found out how wrong I had been). Plopping down underneath a tree, I ate some disappointing bread and hummus I’d had with me on the bus.

I had to move trees because some people next to me started furiously arguing, a bit too close to comfort. I feared for my bag. It also smelt like piss. What was I doing here? I wished I had gone straight to Poland. The loneliness pricked at me after seeing some Kiwi friends in Prague and having such a good time with them.

Leaking silent tears and feeling sad and sorry for myself, I waited until it was time to check-in to return to the hostel (and on wifi).

I made a plan to get out of my despair; I’d go to a big supermarket that looked nearby on the map, and choose things for a really tasty dinner. I’d have a bit of self-care time, make a decadent meal for one. Planning to have a movie night in, I chilled out. The next day I could work on my laptop in my private office (a.k.a. hostel dining room) since Brno seemingly didn’t have much to offer and I had no bunkmates – thankfully.

I did it all – and just as I was heading to bed, I saw on the edge of the reception desk a flyer for a free walking tour. Aha! I thought. There must be something in this town if there’s enough to make a walking tour out of it! Resolving to give it a go the next day, I felt better for having a plan that would involve other people and not just my currently miserable self.

Little did I know, I would meet Martin.

When I woke up in the morning, I’d slept off my bad mood, and realized it had been my first uninterrupted sleep in weeks. Clearly I was exhausted!

The sun shone brightly into the hostel, and I almost skipped to breakfast. I poured the oats I’d bought into a bowl – only to realize they weren’t oats. Did it look suspiciously like semolina? I looked at the packet again and Google Translate confirmed my suspicions. Sigh. Determined not to let it burst my new positivity bubble, I added yogurt and banana and chewed and swallowed the grit anyway.

I downloaded offline maps and walked a few streets over to Náměstí Svobody, the main square. Laughing guiltily, I realized I hadn’t even been to the center yesterday, but I had already judged the whole city.

The sky was bright blue. Today would be a good day.

I spotted the guide preparing his tour stick, and people started to gather around him. Soon we were in a group, signing a clipboard and chatting and I felt involved again. In a team. Not so alone. The guide’s name was Martin, and his enthusiasm was infectious. I could feel his passion when he spoke drawing me in.

He explained that it was a public holiday, and most locals had left the city for the countryside; that’s why it was quiet.

Halfway through the tour, I realized I was actually enjoying myself. I started to love this city!

How quirky is the crooked spire on the Town Hall because of the architect’s revenge of not being paid a fair amount! How captivating that once upon a time there was an escaped crocodile in the River Svratka and people thought it was a dragon! Who knew about Brno in the Thirty Years War and how they managed to hold off the Swedes in a giant siege? And what about the couple making love over the window of Jacob’s Church? Not to mention the well-endowed horse, the student population, vegan scene, indie coffee shops, and freelancer paradise…

Wow.

After the tour, I sat on a bench nearby, trying to recall every detail, every nugget of information. Brno truly was a beautiful, undiscovered place. Realizing my misjudment, I felt a mix of guilt and appreciation.

Martin came over to me, asked what I was writing, and then suggested we continue our conversation over coffee. Coffee turned into lunch, and we met again in the evening for beers.

Beers turned into wines. And as the view of the city lights stretched out before us in the dark, as our legs swung on the city defense walls, our fingers interlinked.

Sigh.

I returned a month later, and we spent the last of the summer exploring together; the regions, countryside, and each other. 

We crossed borders and traveled countries together, and then he took me home to his family in Germany. Back in Brno, it grew colder, and autumn turned into winter. We made plans to travel to Asia and then move into an apartment together, right in the heart of the city where we’d met. Falling in love with my tour guide was beautiful and unexpected.

I soon became an English teacher, and he still helps people who come to Brno experience the city in the best possible human way. We often joke together to his tour guests that I am his greatest success story. 

These days, I walk with purpose through that same park – Kluziště – to get to work, dressed in fresh blouses, smelling of shampoo, well-fed, safe, and inspired. I occasionally glance over to the tree under which I sat miserably, almost two years ago, and remind myself not to take anything for granted.

Life – just like traveling – is a network of paths, and every day we choose which ones to walk down. There are inevitable highs and lows on this journey of time, and it’s our job to navigate them – without a map or guide.

Well, I have my guide.

Would you believe I fell in love with my tour guide while on my solo trip of a lifetime? Can you relate? Have you ever misjudged a place before? Spill!

The post So, I fell in love with my tour guide. Cliché, I know. appeared first on Young Adventuress.

At the start of this year, I was the happiest I’d ever been.

I had just married my perfect person and had my dream wedding in Scotland. I left my desk job to work as a full-time travel blogger. As a kiwi expat in Scotland, I spent my days seeking adventures in my adopted land, then writing about them afterward. I had my wonderful friends and family around me. My husband and I were excitedly planning our honeymoon back to New Zealand.

I could never have predicted that in just a few months, a global pandemic would consume us all; even in my wildest dreams, I could have never imagined how much of an effect it would have on everything around me.

Being an expat during a global pandemic traps you in a flash flood of emotions. Not only is there the worry of someone you care about getting sick, but combine that with closed borders, canceled flights, income loss, isolation, and anxiety – it’s a lot to deal with.

I’m a kiwi expat living in Scotland for the past 2.5 years. While I was born and bred in the Manawatu, I have also spent some time living in Christchurch too. I now find myself living on the other side of the world from my family during a global pandemic. 

Then my worst nightmare happened: in the middle of the pandemic, my father was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

There is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the news that one of your parents is sick. From that moment, a dark cloud hangs over everything you do. My dad is the strongest man I know. Now I’m the one who needs to be strong for him, but how can I be there for him when I’m half a world away?

Experiencing grief and loss at literally the worst time ever

From being another kiwi nomad to a proper expat in the UK

New Zealand has my soul, but Scotland has my heart.

Like many Kiwis, the lure of the OE [overseas experience] proved too strong. I left my home in New Zealand four years ago; I traveled the world for 18 months before making my way to my ancestral home in Scotland.

Many Kiwis have UK ancestry, and so it makes sense that we are drawn to an unknown home. Some of us take advantage of the Youth Mobility visa, a two-year visa for anyone aged 18-30 to experience life in the UK. Then many of us head home equipped with more life experience, fun memories, and epic stories.

Being a Kiwi expat during COVID19 is hard. But if you’re like me and you’ve built a life overseas that you love, you make the tough and somewhat bittersweet decision to stay abroad. 

When I was traveling in my twenties, I felt like I didn’t have to worry about much. There was always the option of going home, and settling down seemed light-years away. Traveling was the ultimate source of freedom for me. 

It wasn’t until I was nearing 30 that I began to crave stability. I wanted to continue my adventures, but I wanted a base. After years of solo travel, I was ready to meet someone to share these adventures with.

I met Craig shortly after moving to Scotland. I knew early on that he was the one for me, and he felt the same way. We got married one year to the day after we met.

I now have the best of both worlds: a partner to travel and explore the country of my ancestors with and the stability I’ve always wanted.

However, as I began the process of settling down, doubts and fears bubbled to the surface. The hardest was the realization my parents aren’t getting any younger. I’m an only child, so who is going to look after them when I’m not there? What if they need me to take care of them, and I can’t? What if I have kids one day, I can’t just drag them out of school. Can I?

My husband and I both have careers we love in Scotland, and it would be financially crippling to relocate. There’s also my new family in Scotland- could I drag my husband away from them if my family needed me back in New Zealand? Would my marriage survive all of this?

There are a lot of ‘what ifs’, however, all expats know that eventually our parents grow older and the inevitable happens. I’m being torn in two directions. I want to be there for my family and friends in both New Zealand and Scotland. Being an expat sometimes feels like I’m building a castle on sand. 

It wasn’t until I spent some time away from New Zealand that I realized what a beautiful country it is and how much I miss my home. There are times I miss the simple things about my culture, like fish and chips on the beach or hearing Kiwi colloquialisms such as ‘no worries, mate’ or ‘sweet as, bro.’

At times I feel like the black sheep, especially when I don’t understand a joke or when people light-heartedly mock my accent.

It’s not easy being Kiwi expat during COVID19.

For any expat, one of the hardest things is not being able to be with your friends and family anytime you want. There have been many times when I’ve been traveling I’ve been gripped by anxiety, too afraid to reach out to new acquaintances around me. I’ve made many friends while going, but most of these friendships were fleeting as I was on the move so much. When my grandmother passed away in 2018, I’d only just moved to Scotland and didn’t know many people.

Not having my friends and family around me at that time was incredibly lonely.  

I am lucky that I have a home and family in both New Zealand and Scotland, but they couldn’t be further apart. If you drilled a hole through the center of the earth from Scotland, you’d end up in the South Pacific Ocean, just below New Zealand. 

The storm after the storm

I celebrated my birthday in April during lockdown with my husband; we drank wine and video called my parents. My dad stayed on for the entire video chat, something that never happens because he hates technology and is a man of few words. I should have known something was up.

After that call, I broke down. It had been four years since I had last seen my dad. All I wanted was to have a beer with him on my birthday and sit in comfortable silence.

A few days later, I was making dinner when my mum called and told me the words I wasn’t prepared to hear: your father has cancer.

No. Not right now. Not just yet. I’m not ready for this. This is happening right now? Seriously?

When the shock of my father’s diagnosis subsided, I cried in my husband’s arms for an hour. When it returned, I wandered around in a daze trying to come to terms with the fact I couldn’t be there to support my dad during chemo and serious operation.

Not being there as a Kiwi expat during COVID19 to physically to offer words of reassurance and a hug for my family when they need it the most is one of the worst feelings in the world. 

The journey back to New Zealand isn’t an easy one in the best of times. With many airlines canceling flights and having multiple stopovers in countries that have been severely affected by the virus, it’s even harder. What if I made it halfway home, only to get stuck in a random country due to a canceled flight? And would I be able to return to Scotland?

Visa and immigration offices in the United Kingdom closed the day I submitted my application to extend my visa, so technically, I don’t have a visa or proof I can reside in the UK. If I leave the country, they might not let me back in.

Plans on having our honeymoon in New Zealand at the end of the year are currently on hold. The thought that my husband might never get to meet my dad is a thought that is too painful to comprehend. It’s one of the hardest parts of being a Kiwi expat during COVID19.

The reality of COVID-19 for anyone with a sick family member is all too real. Possibly one of the worst side-effects of COVID-19 is the impact it has on those in hospital. Level 4 lockdown rules in New Zealand prohibited anyone visiting their loved ones in the hospital; these rules are still in place in the UK.

When lockdown eased to Level 3, another family member, who sadly passed away this month, was only allowed one visitor for 30 minutes per day. She had seven children, countless grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

Imagine trying to decide which one family member got to spend her final days with her? Horrible.

I understand why these rules were in place in New Zealand and still are in place in the UK. I get that we need to contain the outbreak, and these rules are in place to protect us. But that doesn’t make it any easier.

On top of that, my work is in limbo. Like Liz, I’m a full-time travel blogger. The tourism industry has taken one of the biggest hits due to Covid19, and I’ve lost over 80% of my income. My business won’t recover until tourism does, which sucks when you’ve spent years building a career you love.

Because I’m not a British citizen, I cannot apply for public funds. Being self-employed makes things even harder; I currently fail to qualify for any type of financial assistance. I’m one of the many self-employed workers that have fallen through the cracks of the UK system.

During these unprecedented times, we’ve all had to either pivot or adapt. The message to stay at home is so simple, yet in these times, we are filled with so much uncertainty.

It sucks, but it’s white noise compared to the dreaded C word.

Silver linings in dark times

The plus side of being a Kiwi expat during COVID19 is that it forces you to be grateful for what you do have. During these uncertain times, I am searching for the positives. 

Kiwis are brave. We apply our ‘number 8 wire’ mentality to everything. We find the positive, figure out a solution, and get on with things. ‘No worries’ may as well be the nation’s slogan, because amidst the worries we look for the silver lining.

I’ve seen disasters pull people together before when I lived in Christchurch during the earthquakes. It put things in perspective; life is precious and not to be taken for granted. 

My heart broke for my country after the Christchurch Mosque attacks, however, the unifying statement that ‘they are us’ and the kindness and humanity have shown by many Kiwis is the lesson to draw from disaster. Kia kaha (Māori phrase for “be strong”) is stitched into my heart.

The ability to video chat with my friends and family from across the globe is a gift. Just being alive and healthy is enough for me to be grateful for.

I am also so proud of how New Zealand has handled the pandemic. 

New Zealand is being hailed in the UK for its decisive action taken against the virus, and many strangers I’ve met on the street tell me what an excellent job New Zealand has done when they realize I’m a kiwi. 

New Zealand was quick to implement a lockdown compared to the UK, and when UK PM Boris Johnson first announced his ‘Stay at Home’ message, we were left scratching our heads and confused as to if the country was in lockdown or not.

While the UK government denies it initially had a herd immunity strategy in place, it’s one explanation as to why they were so slow to implementing lockdown. New Zealand rejected the herd immunity strategy immediately. The UK now has one of the highest death tolls in the world for COVID-19 and has sadly had over 35,000 deaths despite the 20,000 figure Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance once said the government hoped not to exceed.

New Zealand, on the other hand, took immediate action and has mostly eradicated Covid-19 in just a few months.

As I write this as a Kiwi expat during COVID19, Scotland is in its 13th week of lockdown.

Restrictions are beginning to ease, with a new four-phase ‘route map’ recently being announced (similar to New Zealand’s Alert Levels). The Scottish Government, despite having devolved powers, has taken a different strategy in recent weeks compared to the UK Government, who began easing restrictions in England earlier, despite having a far higher number of cases. Nine weeks into lockdown, and the UK still doesn’t have mandatory quarantine for anyone entering the UK. It’s a mess.

It is so amazing to see that the New Zealand government cares about its people (Jacinda, I’m looking at you girl). You have no idea how reassuring that is to a Kiwi living abroad, and how proud I am to see New Zealand being hailed in the media here.

New Zealand is a truly spectacular country to call home. If you’re a Kiwi reading this, please take a moment to be insanely grateful you live in a country that cares about its citizens.

Being an expat is in my blood. My ancestors risked their lives to jump on a boat to sail to New Zealand in search of a better life. Those who survived the journey found it; New Zealand really is paradise. Even though being an expat is hard, I love the life I’ve built for myself in Scotland. I know that despite the challenges of expat life, my home in Scotland is worth it. 

For now, my home is in Scotland. I’ll continue to admire New Zealand from afar until it is safe to travel again. I hope to see my dad soon and hug him, along with the rest of my family and friends, as soon as it’s possible. 

Thank you, New Zealand. Thank you for doing your part.

Are you a Kiwi expat during COVID19 too? Can you relate to this? Where are you hunkering down during lockdown? Share!

The post The gritty, hard reality of being a kiwi expat during COVID19 appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Hiking to El Cor the heart of the Dolomites is one of the best adventures I’ve been on in Italy.

El Cor (the heart, in Italian) was one of my first introductions to Italian hiking and one that has been forever cemented in my mind. Verdant alpine pastures, perfectly solitude, unbelievable views. And a perfect heart cut out of the rock, a window high in the mountains. Also, it’s a total secret! It’s so secret there isn’t even a trail there!

10 reasons why this unknown corner of the Dolomites is an adventure seeker’s paradise

If you’re going to the Dolomites in summer and looking for a fantastic hike, you’ll no doubt want to put El Cor on the list, but if you do a quick search, you’ll see it’s an elusive track, and it’s hard to get any info about it, let alone in English but have no fear friends! I’m here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to El Cor, the literal heart of the Dolomites.

Start:

The start of the El Cor track in a little village called Gares which is just west of Taibon Agordino.

You can reach the car park (Parcheggio Capanna Cima Comelle) in about 30 minutes if leaving from Taibon. There’s a great little cafe there for a quick espresso and a last-minute treat to get you up the mountain.

Time:

Hiking to El Cor the heart of the Dolomites takes a full day generally. Your time will vary greatly depending on your fitness and how often you stop, but at the very least, you should plan for 6 – 8 hours. This is a long trip and will take the majority of the day. A technical climb that’s unmarked and difficult, using an experienced guide is crucial.

I repeat you need a guide. You need ropes and rock climbing gear. You need experience.

The route:

Ok full disclosure, this is not the easiest route in Italy.

You won’t find full paths and hoards of crowds or clever via ferratas. The majority of this trip is off route and unmarked meaning that you either need to hire a guide (which is what I did) or be extremely familiar with the area and terrain (which is unlikely if you’re visiting as a traveler).

I got a personalized guide who made sure I was safe and happy the entire time. I used (Giovanni Orlando) as a guide. You can also stop into the Ufficio Turistico di Agordo or the Ufficio Turistico di Alleghe for more information on the route.

This obviously is a summer hike.

The track to El Cor starts on a generous, but steep, walking path that takes you up quickly for an hour. You’ll reach the end of the track and find a Malga (an Italian farmhouse) where you may or may not see a protective border collie patrolling the scene.

And that’s about as detailed as my description can get, which is why I recommend hiring a guide.

10 ways rifugios in the Dolomites are redefining hut life

From the malga, you’ll go off-trail and down a steep gully. If you’re afraid of rock climbing and heights, this may not be an adventure for you. My guide carefully placed climbing gear on the rocks and roped me up tight to make sure I was safe while navigating my way down the slippery and steep gully.

We then put on over the shoe crampons and made our way carefully across a snowfield.

From there, the route to El Cor was easier but steep and exposed. We zig-zagged up the face of the mountain, which finally plopped us on the ridge, which is where all the magic happened! Finally!

At first, you can’t see the heart of the Dolomites, but you do get a quick view of the surrounding peaks which are pretty damn impressive. Cima Pape, El Mul, and Monte Agner are the three mountains you’ll see towering above the valley below.

A little further on the ridge, you’ll be blessed with your first sighting of the El Cor. While it’s visible, it’s not blatantly obvious so make sure you’ve got your eyes peeled.

This is a great stop to stop for lunch when hiking to El Cor the heart of the Dolomites.

I’d highly recommend fresh bread rolls and the local deli meat, Speck. Honestly, it’s a simple sandwich but one of the best I’ve ever had on a hike; and when you’re in Italy, nothing tastes terrible.

Take in the view and take all of the photos because once you leave this spot, El Cor will disappear and you won’t see it again.

With a full belly, you’ll be ready to complete the circuit. You’ll walk along the narrow ridge towards Tromba del Miel where the terrain flattens out, and you’ll have more room to move around. You’ll follow the vague cairns down the mountain and loop back up with another generous walking trail. This trail will take you back to the malga, and you’ll return the same way you ascended.

Finish the trip with a well-deserved beer at the cafe and enjoy the warm sun before the afternoon rain!

It almost goes without saying (and if you’re on a guided hike, this will be no problem because you’ll likely be roped up to your guide) but please please please do not attempt to hike to El Cor on your own.

It’s incredibly exposed, and a fall here would be fatal.

Additionally, this is a precarious natural formation and exposure to human traffic will undoubtedly degrade the feature quickly, so keep your space and admire it from a distance. Resist all irresponsible urges to get a stupid shot for Instagram! If I see anyone standing in the middle of the heart with their Instagram husband, I’ll lose it.

Things to consider and remember:

It’s common to encounter intense afternoon storms in the Dolomites, so if you’re planning this trip, you’ll want to leave early in the morning to mitigate this.

We left Taibon at 6:45 am and started walking by 7:30. If you begin the trip and begin to feel uncomfortable with the terrain (it’s very steep and exposed!), don’t be afraid to turn around.

It’s so important to listen to your gut!

What to bring:

Layers: The mountains in the Dolomites are high. The temperatures at the top can feel very different than the temperatures down in the valley. Be prepared with prolonged pangs, warm insulating mid-layers, and rain protection. It’d also recommend throwing in a hat and gloves, even in summer, just in case.

Water: There is virtually no water on the trail either. Aside from at the Malga (which was being guarded by border collie who did not like intruders, so we stayed clear). You’ll need at least 1L or maybe more if it’s going to be a warm day.

Food: Bring lots of food, including lunch. You’ll need the energy to sustain you for you around 8 hours.

Gear: If you’re going with a guide, they will have all the equipment you need to get to the top safely. This includes ropes, harnesses, crampons, and climbing gear.

Camera: The views from the top will blow your mind, so don’t forget your camera with a spare battery!

Many thanks to the Heart of the Dolomites for hosting me in Italy – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own like you could expect less from me!

The post Hiking to El Cor, the heart of the Dolomites appeared first on Young Adventuress.

1. Eat as much pasta and drink as much wine as possible
2. Fill every spare moment with adventure
3. Experience an authentic Italian via ferrata in the Dolomites, the birthplace of via ferratas.

Via ferratas have gained a global reputation for being a fun and accessible activity for thrill-seekers who may not have the equipment and skills necessary for technical climbing but who want to experience hanging hundreds of meters in the air on the side of a cliff.

Via ferrata Dolomites is the best way to get a taste for adventure here.

If it sounds intimating, you’re not wrong.

While they are safe (especially with a guide!), via ferratas are not for the faint of heart.

Being comfortable with heights and exposure is a must for this adventure. But if you have some coordination and confidence, via ferratas are a great way to experience the mountains; in the heart of the Dolomites in the Agordino in Italy is the perfect place to try them out for the first time.

The perfect adventure tourist activity, if you’re looking for a bit of everything, be sure to check out via ferratas when you’re in the Dolomites.

Full of adventure but steeped in a bloody history

The term via ferrata means “iron way” in Italian, and it refers to a system of bolts, cables, platforms and ladders securely fastened to the mountain; they were built to help people scale sheer cliffs quickly.

Who in the world would come up with such a crazy idea?! I’m surprised it wasn’t a kiwi, to be honest.

Soldiers in the middle of mountain warfare, that’s who.

Via Ferratas were popularized during WWI when soldiers needed to move quickly and quietly through the mountains as they worked to fight to maintain control of the valleys below. As the Austrian-Hungarian Empire tried moving further south into Italy, the Italians worked tirelessly to protect their land and their people.

Trenches were built, high alpine roads were constructed, ladders were bolted on the side of sheer cliffs.

In Marmolada, the Queen and the tallest mountain of the Dolomites, the Austrian soldiers figured out it would be safer to go down the crevasses of the glacier where they could dig tunnels and effectively create a miniature village below the surface.

Their plan was a huge success, and the Italians didn’t know Ice City existed at all until years after the war had ended.

You know life must have been rough when willingly descending into and living in the crevasses of a glacier is better than being above ground.

WWI was the worst war for Italy, which had just become a unified nation in 1859.

By the time WWI came, Italy was not entirely an industrialized power and lacked the resources and military for large scale warfare. Worse yet, because the borderlines were still fresh, many Italians and Austrians felt they were fighting their cousins and friends. It was a bloody war that killed over 600,000 Italians and left millions more injured.

Fast forward one hundred years and via ferratas have graduated from impressive military tactics to fun recreational activities found all over the world. I’ve been on via ferratas in the USA and Wanaka, New Zealand but I was excited to experience the real deal in the heart of the Dolomites, where it was born.

Modern-day via ferratas in the Dolomites

My first via ferrata in Italy was Sottotenente Mario Fusetti Sass de Stria in Valparola Pass.

While certainly not the most difficult via ferrata in the area, this one is filled with history. The approach to the start of it takes you on an easy winding path through historical trenches and old structures from WWI. If you look carefully enough, you can even find shrapnel and other ancient artifacts from 100 years ago.

Using via ferratas requires some equipment, such as a harness, helmet and a series of slings and carabiners to make sure that if you take a fall, you won’t go very far. For our group, the guide also used a rope which he attached to us for extra safety.

We started to climb, moving in unison up the rock face, each meter giving us an even better view of the valley below than the last. During WWI, the only way to control the valleys below was to stake out on the peaks, taking turns bombing the enemies below.

It was so strange to be having fun and feeling a rush of adrenaline in a good way when only 100 years ago, these peaks were the home of horrific atrocities. Via ferrata Dolomites has a history that’s mind-boggling.

The climb itself was relatively easy and straightforward, and despite climbing over 200 meters, we reached the top in about 30 minutes.

The via ferrata is unique because you can complete it in a loop, quickly walking back down to the car park once you’ve topped out. We made the easy decision to take advantage of the pristine weather and continue going up, walking to the top of the peak.

The trail took us to through winding trenches, up ladders and into tight nooks and crannies, making us feel like little kids exploring an ancient fortress. We reached the peak of Sasso di Stria with ease and took a few moments to take in the view, rifugios in the distance.

During my three weeks in Italy, I had barely just scratched the surface of all the opportunities in the extensive network of available via ferrata Dolomites.

There are dozens of guide books to help you narrow down your choice, and there are climbs for every ability from the absolute beginner to the extreme rock climber. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the via ferratas on your own, you can always hire a guide. Just pop into the information center, and they’ll be able to recommend a local to take you up.

The Italian via ferrata is an absolute must-do for any adventure seekers traveling to the Dolomites. It’s more than an adrenaline rush. It’s a sneak peek into an unpleasant past, where the war was fought against the enemies. Soldiers were battling to stay alive in some of the most inhospitable terrain and conditions on the planet. 

Sure, you can do via ferratas all over the world, but Italy is one of the only places on earth where you can simultaneously get your thrills while moving through a living museum. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Have you ever done a via ferrata? Is this an adventure you’d try when traveling? Are you interested in visiting the Dolomites too?

Many thanks to the Heart of the Dolomites for hosting me in Italy – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own like you could expect less from me!

The post Via ferrata in the Dolomites: where history and adventure collide appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Your quirky charm, your quiet hills, your plethora of sheep. You are a magical country, but I have a confession to make. I’m having a love affair with the Dolomites. Sorry, I’m not sorry!

When I moved to New Zealand, I proudly stated that it was the most beautiful country on earth. I had never seen mountains so tall and cliffs so steep, and I was convinced it was a place that could never be replaced as #1 in my heart, and that remained true until recently when I visited the Heart of the Dolomites.

10 reasons why this unknown corner of the Dolomites is an adventure seeker’s paradise

Now, I’m not saying the Dolomites are my new favorite mountains, but I’m also not *not* saying it, ya know?

High alpine passes you can drive to in a car, cheap, delicious wine, creamy gelato, and vibrant Italian locals have been just a few of my favorite things but the thing that has blown me away the most?

The huts.

Errr, wait. Let me rephrase that. Hut is not really the right word to describe these places. Growing up on New Zealand hut life, this is next level.

Italian huts in the Dolomites are called Rifugios here, but a more appropriate word might be Mountain Mansion.

If you are planning on doing some multi-day hikes in the Dolomites, you’re really in for a treat, just you wait. These “huts” are more like hotels, and these rifugios in the Dolomites are like houses.

Here are ten reasons why the Italian rifugios in the Dolomites have forever altered my standards for alpine sleeping.

1. The trails to them are pretty easy

Sure, some paths are more challenging to complete than others, but for the most part, you can expect smooth, well-marked trails free of bush-bashing and off-trail navigation in the heart of the Dolomites around the Agordino.

Depending on which rifugio you choose, the trails will either be jam-packed with like-minded hikers or be mostly empty.

Either way, the trails are generally wide and generous allowing you to spend more time looking up at the beauty before you and less time looking down focusing on your footwork; and forget about using your hands.

2. OMG, there are showers!

My version of a hut shower is quickly washing my face in an icy mountain stream, but in Italy, you can minimize your stink by having an actual shower at the rifugio. That’s not something you can find at the backcountry New Zealand huts.

Some rifugios offer cold showers, and while some even provide warm showers (which are an extra charge for very little water, but still!) As we arrived at Rifugio Tissi near Alleghe, we saw dozens of people lined up waiting for their well-deserved hot shower. I stayed true to my dirtbag roots and opted out, but it was nice to know that was an option.

How flash is that? Read more about hiking to Rifugio Tissi here.

3. Beer, wine and grappa, all day every day

There’s nothing I crave more than an ice-cold beer waiting for me at the top of the mountain. Is there anything better than after a hot and sweaty hike?

I’ve trained myself to patiently wait until the entire trip is done when I can indulge in a feast and a beverage, but in Italy, you don’t have to wait.

Enjoy a well-deserved tipple while taking in the unparalleled views or have a civilized glass of wine with your dinner. Goodbye sack of goon wine, Italy knows how to do hut wine properly.

Rifugios in the Dolomites have treats on tap.

4. Espresso all the time too

Listen, I’ve had some desperate times in the mountains, but I rarely, ever, ever go without some form of coffee in the morning.

I’ve tried it all from coffee in tea bags, instant coffee, Aeropress, filter, cowboy coffee; you name it, I’ve tried it.

There is no coffee I’m too good for when it comes to caffeinating in the mountains.

Do I prefer an espresso drink in the mornings? Sure, but most of the time, that is not my reality. In Italy though, it certainly is. Fancy espresso machines at the top of the mountain so you can be adequately caffeinated. Going back to cowboy coffee is going to be hard.

5. You don’t need to bring much with you either

As I was preparing for my first rifugio experience, I called my guide in a panic. What exactly do I need to bring?! I don’t have a sleeping bag or a camp stove or cutlery. I didn’t even have food to bring for a snack!

He told me in the most Italian way ever to chill out. It was all taken care of. All I needed to do was to bring a change of clothes and sleeping sheet (which he loaned me), and the rest would be there.

He was right, of course. The food, the drinks, the bedding. It was all part of the rifugio experience.

Was it strange to not have to haul a 20kg pack up the mountain? Yes. Was it the best thing ever? Also yes.

6. Italian three-course meals 

My mountain meals usually consist of freeze-dried meals or a poorly executed concoction of couscous and whatever else I can find in my fridge.

Eating during hiking is simply a necessity for me. I never spend too much time or energy into planning tasty meals.

In Italy, though, you have the best of both worlds. Rifugios offer three-course meals complete with pasta, salad, polenta, dessert, and of course, wine. Going to bed with a stomach full of delicious food was a serious game-changer, especially since I didn’t even need to carry any of it with me.

7. And of course, there’s wifi available

Ok, I’ll be honest, one of my favorite parts of going to the mountains is getting away from normal life far from emails and social media and the demands of work. But rifugios in the Dolomites are fancy!

In New Zealand, there’s simply no way to stay connected in the backcountry which is a perk I’ve come to relish in the past few years. Not only is there no wifi, but there is also no power, electricity or phone reception either.

It’s awesome!

When we arrived at our first rifugio in the Dolomites, I was shocked to see the wifi name and password hanging on the wall. What the hell?!

But, as much as I love being in the mountains and taking time just to appreciate the view, I can see the perk of having wifi.

Need to let your loved ones know you’re alive and well? Easy. Need a distraction because everyone around you is involved in a heated conversation entirely in Italian, which you do not understand? Hello Instagram. Use the wifi when you need it but don’t forget to put the phone down for a bit and stare at the beauty in front of you too, ok?

8. With wifi, there must be electricity

The last time I went to a hut and didn’t take a head torch was never.

It’s never happened. I know that as soon as the sun is gone, I’m going to need a head torch to show me where the bathroom is. But in Italy? No problem.

The rifugios have electricity and keep it accessible until about 10 pm when everyone goes to bed. If you’ve spent all of your phone battery taking photos of the fantastic scenery, you can also recharge but be prepared: finding a free socket is a bit of a mission.

9. Flip flops for all

Do you know that feeling of wanting to kick off your shoes as soon as you arrive at your destination? It’s a fantastic feeling, but when I’m hiking to a hut, I usually ignore it.

I’m prepared to keep my shoes on in case I need to go outside to take photos or go to the bathroom. In Italian rifugios, they provide flip flops (which they adorably call “slippers”), so you can kick off your shoes immediately and walk around as needed. Bliss!

So refined!

10. Next-level views everywhere

Rifugios in the Dolomites are adorable and amazing and offer all of the amenities you could ask for in a mountain hut. But by far, the thing that makes them stand out is the fact that they are perched in the heart of some of the most stunning mountains on the planet.

Implausibly perched on top of cliffs or tucked away into quiet valleys, it’s hard to imagine the scale of the work that went into building them.

Basking in the glory of the famous Dolomites makes every other problem in your life seem small and insignificant, and for a moment, all that matters is the beauty in front of you. (And the wine waiting for you at the table).

Have you ever seen mountain huts like these? Have you been to a rifugio before in Italy? Spill!

Many thanks to the Heart of the Dolomites for hosting me in Italy – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own like you could expect less from me!

The post 10 ways rifugios in the Dolomites are redefining hut life appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Perched high above the two valleys Val Fiorentina and Val Cordevole below, and surrounded by the iconic mountains of the area, Civetta, Pelmo and Marmolada, Colle Santa Lucia is the perfect base for those who want to play in Italy.

It’s also the gateway to the Giau Pass, and if you’re lucky you might even hear the locals around here chatting in Ladin, their own dialect.

This is a seriously epic part of Italy, made even more so on a powder day in winter!

30 photos that prove the Agordino in the Dolomites is a winter wonderland

During my time in the Dolomites, I spent a fair amount of time having adventures around Colle Santa Lucia and the Passo Giau.

The top of the Passo Giau, which connects Cortina d’Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore, is stunning.

On my second day I woke up to a layer of fresh snow on the mountains, with moody clouds drifting back and forth across their peaks, creating an atmosphere of mystery and beauty. Call me an Instagrammer, but I do love moody weather, which the Dolomites has in spades.

Today we were going snowshoeing with locally based operator TravelSport who runs guided adventures around the Passo Giau.

As we wound our way up towards the mountains, the clouds began to lift a bit, revealing a monochrome world with a little fresh snowfall.

One of my favorite things about traveling in the Dolomites (and in the mountains of Europe in general) is how people have settled for centuries high up in the mountains, and you can drive in between them all.

The roads can be terrifying, and don’t be like me, make sure you get a car hire with winter snow tires on a trip to the Dolomites in winter. Otherwise you’ll be stuck putting on chains which is SERIOUSLY the worst!

Also, please note that at least in Venice, they are now requiring all foreigners to have an international drivers license to hire a car (I’ve never needed it before, what a pain in the ass!)

I was able to get one expedited over but it certainly made the beginning of the trip a pain. On top of being American, where I still don’t know how to drive manual (most hire cars are manual in Italy), it means hiring cars are quite limiting.

Anywho, where was I?

Here chocolate box towns dot the mountainsides, and on the way up to the Passo Giau you’ll pass through many a quaint and charming village.

And if you’re a passenger in the car of a local, you might be like me, and yell “stop the car” every few minutes to take a photo.

Shameless.

But seriously, the light after a snowfall ends in the mountains is usually magnificent. The world is quiet and still and peaceful and you often get crazy beams and rays of lights as the sun begins to peak through the snow clouds.

And if the snow sparkles on the ground? Well, I’ve just died and gone to Instagram heaven.

Eventually we made it to our destination in the Passo Giau to go snowshoeing, right as the clouds began to pack in again.

A completely silent world of white, still and cold, noiseless except for the crunching snow beneath our snowshoes, we made our way into the clouds.

Man, there is nothing I love more than fresh snow.

Except for maybe Jon Snow. BOOM.

Every so often the surrounding mountains would peak through the clouds, showing their faces for a few minutes before disappearing into whiteness again.

So tantalizing, it was killing me!

Of course once we made our way back down for lunch at one of the chalets (show me the polenta) the clouds began to lift again.

I’d be back!

Later on, all on my own at the end of the day, I made my way back up the Passo Giau for sunset. Cold from a day out in the snow, I was bundled up and yes, I was wearing my favorite onesie for warmth. No judgements please.

There are dozens of hairpin switchbacks on the way up the mountain towards the top, and normally I am ok oh crazy mountain roads – I live in New Zealand after all – and I was decidedly lazy and really want to get to the top without putting the chains on.

Seriously if someone can teach me how to put on tire chains without my fingers freezing off and getting covered in dirty snow, I’d love a lesson.

Sliding in almost sideways I made it to the top in 2WD with summer tires, wahoo! Champion!

And man was it beautiful.

The clouds moved back and forth over the peaks around the Giau Pass, and I popped on my snowboots and followed some of the trails through the snow til it started to get dark.

If I didn’t love the Dolomites before, I do now.

Have you been to the Dolomites before? Are you a fan of fresh snow as much as me? Spill!

Many thanks to the Heart of the Dolomites for hosting me in Italy – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post A picture perfect snow day in the Dolomites appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Perhaps there are few places on earth that have a mountain as iconic as the Matterhorn. Lording over the quaint and charming town of Zermatt, deep in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it’s just about as picturesque as you can imagine.

Topping out at an impressive 4,478 meters (14,692 ft), the Matterhorn is a magnet for alpinists and mountain-lovers alive, and definitely lives up to its name “the peak in the meadows” in German. This mountain IS STUNNING!

25 photos that will make you fall in love with Switzerland

Arriving on a fine early summer’s day by train from Täsch to Zermatt, the perfect snow-covered Matterhorn almost doesn’t seem real.

Hopping off the train, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised to find that this endearing Swiss village is car-free and full of charm.

Wandering amongst the narrow historic laneways and beneath the eaves of wooden chalets, you’d be hard-pressed not to be wooed by a part of Switzerland so quintessentially Swiss you almost have to laugh.

How is this place even real?

Zermatt is stunning any time of year, tucked away in the southwest of Switzerland, somewhat out of the way by Swiss standards.

Easily accessed from the main airport hubs of Geneva or Zurich via the incredible fast, efficient and reliable train network in Switzerland, I instead drove down, and was mildly surprised when Google Maps took me on a route that included an car train in the mountains on the way to Täsch, where you catch a short train up to car-free Zermatt.

After a bit of confusion, I realized you pay the toll and drive your car onto the open-air train carriage before heading off through the mountains.

Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn is the most distinctive of all the alpine peaks in Europe, jutting up alone about the skyline like a shark’s tooth.

Finally tackled by British climber Edward Whymper in 1865, many mountaineers make the trek to Zermatt to tackle the Matterhorn, best climbed from July to September. Though perhaps more impressive was that less than a decade later Lucy Walker become the first woman to climb the Matterhorn, and she did it in a long flannel skirt too!

Go girl!

Over 400 km of hiking trails in summer and 360 kilometers of pistes in winter are right on your doorstep in Zermatt, with plenty of cable cars and mountain railways shaving off time to access higher parts of the mountain for hikes and walks, and most have incredible views of the Matterhorn.

After the massive winter snowfalls in 2018, even by June some of the trails weren’t open and were still covered in snow.

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the largest and highest summer skiing region in Europe, topping out at 3,883 meters, with a cable car station, restaurant and even ice palace, the perfect day trip from town. And you can ski on the Theodul Glacier from there 365 days a year.  

Perhaps what makes the area around Zermatt so unique to us in New Zealand, is the vast incredible network of railways and gondolas that connect the terrain high above the town of Zermatt. We don’t have anything like that here. 

Open both in winter and summer, along with an endless amount of hiking trails of all levels, with little chalets, restaurants, hotels and well-appointed mountain huts at your disposal.

Journey up by cogwheel train to 3,089 to Gornergrat from Zermatt for the best views of the Matterhorn with plenty of trails at your disposal. Stay the night at the Kulmhotel Gornergrat, and have the mountain to yourself once the day trippers head back home.

Known for being one of Switzerland’s glitziest and glamorous resorts, Zermatt doesn’t disappoint and has something for all types of travelers on every budget.

The 5-star Mont Cervin Palace is an incredible splurge for those on holiday in Zermatt, and looks like it would fit right in in a Wes Anderson film.

No matter where you travel around Zermatt, you will find everyone spellbound and captivated by the sheer beauty and impressiveness of the Matterhorn, a mountain you just can’t seem to stop looking at.

Have you seen the iconic Matterhorn? Is Zermatt on your bucketlist? Share!

Many thanks to My Switzerland for hosting me on my adventures – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own – like you could expect less from me!

The post The Matterhorn: an adventure around Switzerland’s most perfect peak appeared first on Young Adventuress.

I know, controversial. But hear me out, ok?

Earlier this year I took a trip in the snowy season to the heart of the Dolomites, and I swear, it was the best. This part of Italy has charm in abundance, hidden away in the high mountains, it’s exactly the kind of place I love to visit and recharge. 

30 photos that prove the Agordino in the Dolomites is a winter wonderland

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites (a mountain range in north east of Italy) is the tiny gingerbread town of Alleghe.

We’re talking chocolate-box levels of cute. 

Think wooden houses framed by balconies overflowing with flowers (or holly branches and pine in the winter). Quaint churches and cobbled streets, endless forest, soaring peaks and the clearest turquoise lake you ever did see. Except in winter, when it’s frozen over. 

Alleghe is home to one of the largest and most exhilarating ski and winter areas in the Dolomites.

Alleghe is really a gem, and still very much a secret spot in Italy. But first let me teach you how to pronounce it? “Ahhhhl” “lay” “gay”. Just move your hands in the air when you say it and you’ll be mistaken for a local!

In winter in the Dolomites, it snows! Like, alot. My first day in Alleghe was freezing cold but with no fresh snow, and then it started dumping! Last year they were truly buried in snow while this January it didn’t start snowing in earnest until the end of my trip. Typical. 

Everything’s better when it snows. Until you’re sick of it. You’ve heard me say it before, I’m sure. The light is nicer, the air is fresher, the world is suddenly magical.

And Alleghe in winter is no exception.

You can even go ice-skating at their locally popular rink, home to an awesome hockey team and killer figure skaters! I even got to go skating with some of the local kids at the Alleghe ice-skating rink, though I was very ungainly and wobbly. 

Head here if the weather outside is too frightful for skiing, it’s really a popular local activity and a must-do when in Alleghe.

It’s a full-size ice hockey arena and caters for the beginner skater to the advanced. I’m not going to go into how many times I almost fell over to the amusement of all the kids, but everyone was SO nice and sweet, I couldn’t help feel inspired.

Seriously though, it’s like living in a christmas movie. With really good pizza and a fondness for grappa. 

But even better than the pizza, is the skiing.

As I said, Alleghe is surrounded by mountains on all sides. A UNESCO world heritage site, the main ski resort is called Civetta – the largest in the Veneto region and it’s lorded over by the stunning Monte Civetta (3,220 meters). It’s pronounced “chi-vay-tah.”

A paradise of endless runs, powder barrels, groomed slopes and park. There’s gondolas and T-bars, double and quadruple chairs, everything you could want in a field with the additional bonus of breathtaking views and THE BEST pine scent. 

Civetta is part of the Dolomiti SuperSki, the largest ski area in the world with more than 1250 km of always piste and 450 ski lifts accessible with a single ski pass. New Zealand, take notes.

There’s just something about being out on the snow, in the heart of the mountains that is so very calming. And with 80 kms of trails and 22 lifts at Civetta, you can literally ski (or in my case, snowboard) all day and only see a handful of people at time.

I spent four days boarding here, and I could have easily done more. My hamstrings on the other hand, definitely couldn’t. 

Damn, I’m unfit. Once day my legs were so tired I had to stop early because I could no longer bend my knees. Oh the shame!

Dotted all over the mountain on and off piste on the Civetta you’ll see many a cute and charming wooden cabins.

These are called “baita” in Italian and are very local, privately owned rustic chalets or huts. Originally they were very rustic, I imagine used by shepherds though nowadays they are turned into second homes and holiday homes. From what I understand you can’t even really just buy them.

In Italy, things stay in the family.

Once a winter season they all open their doors on the same day and people can visit inside them. As a professional house-snooper, I’m all over that.

Oh, but the best part of skiing the Civetta in winter is when you get to defrost by fire afterwards in one of the many charming log-cabin-slash-restaurants dotted around the mountains.  With a large mug of mulled wine, of course.

And being in Italy, this means you are in for a real treat when it comes to lunch on the mountains or aprés-ski.

First things first, it’s acceptable to drink grappa any time of day, and all of these chalets will have homemade grappa of varying levels of flavors and strength on tap.

The food in the Dolomites can only be described as “mountain hardy food” so like traditional Austrian meets Italian. Lots of meat, and game meat like venison, gnocchi, polenta of course, and pasta pasta pasta. My favorite dish on the menu was spinach spaetzle, a rustic handmade noodle from the area. So satisfying when you’re cold.

But if skiing isn’t your thing, no worries, there is so much else to do in Alleghe in winter.

You can hike and walk around and explore too. So you’re still getting all the snow and the mountain feels, just on foot. There a literally hundreds of trails to explore, ranging from easy to pack-an-ice-pick-and-crampons hard.

Be sure to check before you go, as not all are open at this time of year. It’s really well managed and labeled and organized.

Definitely go at least for a walk around the lake, it’s stunning! It’s something all the locals do to and where they go to walk their dogs.

Skiing and walking don’t do it for you? Why not climb a frozen waterfall! Another point for winter. I mean where else can you do that? I can’t tell you how awesome it was, because on this trip the fire-and-wine-and-book combo won the day, but it looked awesome. Really.

Another excellent way to get a shot of adrenaline is night snowmobiling.

I actually did this one, and it was amazing! Equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Also, it was freezing and I’m not sure my toes have recovered.

It was so cool zooming around the piste at night and how fast you get to go. Max who runs the snowmobile training school in Alleghe is the Italian champion so you’re in safe hands.

I also spent a bit of time wandering the main streets around Alleghe, especially first thing in the morning when the snow was fresh and no one had woken up yet.

There are quaint artisan shops galore and you can lose track of several hours easily. Local handmade products are abundant, and it’s been a long time since I’ve visited anywhere that felt so grassroots and real. Honestly, it felt like I stepped a bit back in time to the 70’s, or maybe a Wes Anderson film. Most of the tourists in Alleghe are Italians so it feels really real.

 If you’re after unique and authentic travel experience Alleghe in winter is for you.

Have you been to the Dolomites? In winter? Is Alleghe in winter a place you could see yourself hanging out in? Spill!

Many thanks to the Heart of the Dolomites for hosting me in Italy – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me!

The post The undeniable charm of Alleghe in wintertime appeared first on Young Adventuress.

Sorry not sorry, rest of Europe. We all know I’m right here.

Switzerland is next level beautiful. It’s a place I’m drawn back to again and again and again.

I backpacked through here around Interlaken when I was 19 and so broke I slept in airports and ate kebabs. I returned time over when my high school best friend moved here after college. I’ve come back in winter to snowboard and have returned as a blogger to skydive and of course, eat all the cheese. And then write about eating all the cheese. Then eating more cheese. Repeat.

Some of my earliest blog posts are about Switzerland, so it holds a place near and dear to my heart. And oh god, did I use to write like that? Shit.

Switzerland is tiny but packs a punch. My list of Swiss places calling my name only grows with every visit, not the other way around. Damn.

I think each of us is often touched by a place around the world, a spot that calls to us, beckons us back and crooks a finger in our direction and we coming running back each time. Switzerland is all that and more for me.

In June I spent just over a week jaunting around the land of cheese, fine chocolate and perfect efficiency, partaking of her delightful urban haunts and exploring nature as the final snows begin to melt. I have many stories to share from a jam-packed adventure, but I wanted to give one of my favorite countries a nice and proper introduction.

Henceforth (did I seriously just write that?), without further ado, here are 25 of my favorite photos (out of several thousand) of my recent trip that I’m hoping will inspire you to fall in love with Switzerland as much as me. Fingers crossed.

Basel

Ok seriously, how had I never been to Basel before this trip?

Well, I did fly once into the airport here in December 2007 to begin my very first solo backpacking trip EVER but immediately transferred to Germany in search of mulled wine and Christmas markets, so I reckon it doesn’t count.

Well, Basel, I’m back.

Thanks to my crazy jet-lag after transiting over from the opposite side of the world in New Zealand, I was up literally at the crack of down, usually around the 4:30am mark (shivers), and with the long summer days, I would wander the streets of Basel before the rest of the city woke up.

These early morning wanderings are what made me fall head over heels for this city. It is so cute and charming, colorful and full of life in the summer. The quaint old town straddles the mighty Rhine river, so clean and blue that locals flock to it in summer to float down from bar to cafe.

Imagine how happy you’d be if this was your “driveway”?

If you’re up for sunrise, you’ll likely have the Basel cathedral all to yourself

There are so many green spaces around the city

This summer only you can stay in a traditional fisherman’s hut on the Rhine in Basel, a creative pop up hotel

Officially obsessed with Basel’s colorful shutters and jauntily perched bikes everywhere

Lucerne

Lake Lucerne gives me such old-world Europe vibes. An old resort-style city, it feels like the kind of place where you’d rent a room in a belle époque style hotel for the summer and take the airs, whatever that means.

It definitely feels like a bit of a time warp, which I adored, and its stunning location beside the crystal clear waters of the lake with the Alps in the background couldn’t be more stunning.

Lucerne has a mystical, historical feel to it, and you can see why the great authors of the 19th century were drawn there. I didn’t want to leave.

The 14th-century Kapellbrücke is a must visit on any trip to Lucerne, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges left in Europe

All the sailboats out on Lake Lucerne on a sunny fine Saturday

What a perfect balcony!

Taking the steep cogwheel train up to Mt. Pilatus

The top of Pilatus is a stunning mountain full of walks and hikes

Engelberg

I don’t know how I had never heard of Engelberg before this trip, but let me tell you, it’s one of my new favorite places in the world.

Near Lucerne, Engelberg is the perfect mountain town, overshadowed by the incredible Mt. Titlis, a mecca for freeriders and powderhounds come winter. I’d say it’s a best-kept secret except Engelberg is ridiculously famous in India, a popular location for Bollywood films.

I’ll definitely be back here in winter.

Yes, give me all the Raclette. Now.

Hiking around Mt. Titlis on a moody day

Built in 1120, the Benedictine Monastery in Engelberg is a stunning place to visit

Marmots are all over the mountains in Switzerland – you’ll find them everywhere

Honestly how cute is my room at the classic Alpenclub? Adorable suitcase by Steamline Luggage

Jungfrau

The Jungfrau region was one of the very first places I ever visited in Switzerland a decade ago (and one of my very first blog posts), and I have been coming back and back again ever since.

It’s iconic.

One of the great bases for Swiss adventures, you have every kind of experience right at your doorstep. And while still wildly popular, it’s really easy to get off the beaten path in the Jungfrau region and explore all on your own too.

The moody weather made it all the more stunning and beautiful, especially when the clouds lifted on my last day.

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most stunning valleys in the world, covered in picturesque waterfalls with the occasional base jumper flying down from the vertical walls

Once you are in the mountains around the Jungfrau, it’s mostly car-free and you get around by cablecars, gondolas, skis, trains or your own two feet

The view from the train up to the Jungfraujoch is unbeatable

Rösti is a classic Swiss potato fritter dish that is satisfying and delicious, just want you want after a day in the mountains

Hiking near Kleine Scheidegg is out of this world

Zermatt

FINALLY! I got to visit Zermatt! About freaking time.

In all my travels to Switzerland, I never made it to Zermatt; while on the whole Switzerland is really fast and easy to get around in, Zermatt is still kinda out of the way, at least by Swiss standards, and it’s car-free.

I’d been dying to see the iconic Matterhorn my whole life and it was a dream come true to finally clap eyes on this perfect peak. With three days of impeccable summer weather, I spent my time hopping up and down the mountains and going for long walks.

It really is just as incredible as I imagined. Now just to process all the pretty things and perfect memories! And detox after all that cheese and chocolate.

Have you been to Switzerland? Been to any of these spots? Share!

The town of Zermatt is overlooked by the iconic Matterhorn

Spotting one of the locals, an ibex, up in the mountains

My last sunset in Switzerland was pretty outstanding

At 3883 meters, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest station in Europe and you can walk inside the glacier

Sleeping at the Kulmhotel Gornergrat hotel at 3100 meters was a highlight of my trip

Many thanks to My Switzerland for hosting me on my adventures – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own – like you could expect less from me!

The post 25 photos that will make you fall in love with Switzerland appeared first on Young Adventuress.