Backpacking Switzerland is all about one thing: jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Think glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and perfect mountain villages. The catch? It’s one of the most expensive countries in Europe—but with the right strategy, it’s still doable.
🇨🇭 Interlaken (Adventure Base)
7
Interlaken is the backpacker hub.
Between two lakes (Thun & Brienz)
Base for outdoor activities: hiking, paragliding, skydiving
Easy access to Jungfrau region
👉 Stay 2–4 days
🏔️ Lauterbrunnen Valley (Waterfall Paradise)
7
Lauterbrunnen looks unreal.
70+ waterfalls in one valley
Visit Staubbach Falls
Base for villages like Wengen & Mürren
👉 1–2 days (or more if hiking)
🚞 Scenic Trains (Bucket List)
8
Switzerland has some of the best train journeys in the world.
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
👉 Expensive, but unforgettable views
🏙️ Lucerne (Classic Swiss Beauty)
7
Lucerne is a postcard-perfect stop.
Chapel Bridge + lake views
Easy trips to Mount Pilatus or Rigi
More relaxed than big cities
👉 1–2 days
🏔️ Zermatt (Matterhorn Views)
6
Zermatt is famous for the Matterhorn.
Car-free alpine village
Incredible mountain views
Great for hiking or skiing
👉 1–2 days (pricey but iconic)
💸 Budget Reality (Important)
Switzerland is very expensive.
Hostel: €40–80/night
Food: €15–25 (cheap = supermarket)
Transport: expensive but excellent
Beer: €7–10 🍺
👉 Backpacker survival tips:
Cook your own meals (Coop/Migros supermarkets)
Camp or stay in hostels outside main hubs
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass (if moving a lot)
Drink tap water (free and excellent)
🗓️ Suggested 5–8 Day Route
Day 1–2: Lucerne
Day 3–5: Interlaken + Lauterbrunnen
Day 6–7: Zermatt
Optional: Scenic train route
🧭 When to Go
Best: June–September (hiking season)
Winter: skiing + snow landscapes
Shoulder seasons: cheaper, fewer crowds
⚠️ Things to Know
Everything runs perfectly on time
English widely spoken
Nature is the main attraction (cities are secondary)
Weather changes quickly in the mountains
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: arguably the most beautiful landscapes in Europe
Cons: expensive, not very “budget backpacker”
👉 Compared to Austria: more dramatic, but pricier 👉 Compared to Norway: similar cost, but easier transport
🧭 Smart Strategy
Switzerland works best as:
A short, high-impact trip (5–7 days)
Or part of a Central Europe route (Austria–Switzerland–Italy)
Backpacking the Netherlands is one of the easiest and most enjoyable trips in Europe—compact, well-connected, and full of character. Expect canals, bikes, historic towns, and a relaxed vibe (plus surprisingly good nature if you know where to go).
🇳🇱 Amsterdam (Start Here)
7
Most travelers begin in Amsterdam.
Iconic canals, bikes everywhere
Visit the Anne Frank House (book early!)
Museums like Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum
Lively nightlife + cafés
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🌷 Utrecht (Underrated Gem)
7
Utrecht feels like a calmer, more local Amsterdam.
Unique canals with lower-level cafés
Climb the Dom Tower
Student vibe, less touristy
👉 1–2 days
🌊 Rotterdam (Modern & Different)
6
Rotterdam is completely different from the rest.
Modern architecture (Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge)
Huge port city energy
Cool food scene
👉 1 day
🏛️ The Hague (Politics + Beach)
7
The Hague (Den Haag) mixes culture and coast.
Dutch government + royal sites
Scheveningen Beach nearby
Less chaotic than Amsterdam
👉 1 day
🌿 Dutch Countryside (Windmills & Villages)
6
Don’t skip the countryside—it’s what people imagine the Netherlands to be.
Kinderdijk (UNESCO windmills)
Zaanse Schans (easy from Amsterdam)
Giethoorn (no roads, only canals)
👉 Great day trips
🚲 Why Backpacking Here Is So Easy
Trains are fast and frequent (country is tiny)
Cycling infrastructure is world-class
English is spoken everywhere
Everything feels organized and safe
💸 Budget Snapshot
Not cheap, but manageable.
Hostel: €25–50/night
Food: €10–15 (cheap meals)
Beer: €5–7 🍺
Transport: €10–25 between cities
👉 Budget tips:
Stay outside Amsterdam (Utrecht is a great base)
Rent a bike instead of using transport
Supermarkets for meals
🗓️ Suggested 4–6 Day Route
Day 1–3: Amsterdam
Day 4: Utrecht
Day 5: Rotterdam + The Hague
Day 6: Countryside (Kinderdijk / Zaanse Schans)
🧭 When to Go
Best: April–June (tulips 🌷 + good weather)
Summer: lively but busy
Autumn/Winter: fewer crowds, more cozy
⚠️ Things to Know
Bikes rule—watch out or you’ll get run over 🚲
Weather can be rainy and windy
Book Amsterdam accommodation early
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: super easy travel, unique culture, compact
Cons: touristy in Amsterdam, not super cheap
👉 Compared to Belgium: more modern and organized 👉 Compared to Germany: smaller, more “polished” feel
Backpacking Monaco is… a bit of a paradox. It’s one of the richest places on Earth, but you can still visit it on a backpacker budget—if you treat it as a short stop, not a base.
🇲🇨 Monaco / Monte Carlo (The Whole Country)
5
The entire country is basically one compact city: Monaco.
Walk everywhere in a few hours
See insane yachts and luxury cars
Famous spots like the Monte Carlo Casino
Parts of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit are just normal streets
👉 You can see most of it in 1 day
🏰 Le Rocher (Old Town & Palace)
5
The historic core sits on a rock above the sea.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Monaco Cathedral
Oceanographic Museum (worth it if you like marine life)
👉 Best area for views and photos
🌊 Port Hercule & Luxury Vibes
7
Port Hercule is where you really feel the wealth.
Superyachts everywhere
Ferraris and Lamborghinis casually driving past
Great place to just walk around and people-watch
💸 Budget Reality (Be Honest Here)
Monaco is not budget-friendly at all.
Hostel: basically none
Hotels: €150+ per night (often way more)
Food: €15–30 minimum
Coffee: €4–6 ☕
👉 Backpacker strategy (important):
Stay in Nice or Menton
Take a train (20 min, cheap) into Monaco
Bring your own food or eat outside the center
🗓️ Suggested Plan
Half day–1 day: Monaco highlights
Base yourself in Nice and explore the Riviera
🧭 When to Go
Best: April–June, September (nice weather, fewer crowds)
May: during Monaco Grand Prix (amazing atmosphere, but VERY expensive)
Summer: crowded and hot
⚠️ Things to Know
It’s extremely safe and very clean
Dress slightly nicer than typical backpacker style if entering casinos
Everything is walkable but hilly (lots of elevators/escalators help)
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: unique, glamorous, surreal to see
Cons: expensive, small, not very “backpacker culture”
👉 Best as a day trip curiosity, not a main destination
Backpacking Luxembourg is a bit different from most countries—it’s tiny, wealthy, and often overlooked. But if you like fairytale scenery, castles, and easy logistics, it’s a great short stop (especially combined with Belgium, France, or Germany).
🇱🇺 Luxembourg City (Cliffside Capital)
6
Start in Luxembourg City.
Built dramatically on cliffs above river valleys
Walk through the Bock Casemates (underground tunnels)
Explore the Grund district (super scenic)
👉 1–2 days is enough
🏰 Vianden (Castle Town Highlight)
6
Vianden is the must-see outside the capital.
Visit Vianden Castle
Ride the chairlift for epic views
Quiet, postcard-perfect village
👉 Half-day to full day
🌲 Mullerthal (Little Switzerland)
6
Mullerthal Region is the country’s nature hotspot.
Known as “Little Switzerland”
Rock formations, forests, waterfalls
Famous Mullerthal Trail (great hiking)
👉 1–2 days
🌄 Echternach (Relaxed Nature Base)
7
Echternach is a good base for exploring nature.
Old abbey town vibe
Access to lakes and hiking trails
Quiet and less touristy
👉 1 day or overnight
🚆 Free Public Transport (Huge Bonus)
Luxembourg is the only country in the world with free public transport nationwide.
Trains, buses, trams = €0
Makes backpacking super easy and flexible
💸 Budget Reality
Accommodation is the main challenge.
Hostel: €30–50/night (limited options)
Food: €10–20
Transport: free
👉 Budget tip: stay in nearby countries (e.g. Germany or Belgium) and day-trip in
🗓️ Suggested 2–4 Day Route
Day 1–2: Luxembourg City
Day 3: Vianden
Day 4: Mullerthal / Echternach
🧭 When to Go
Best: May–September (green landscapes, hiking)
Autumn: especially beautiful with fall colors
⚠️ Things to Know
Very small → you’ll move fast
Quiet nightlife (this is not a party destination)
Extremely safe and clean
Multilingual (French, German, Luxembourgish)
⚖️ Honest Take
Luxembourg is not a full backpacking destination on its own for most people.
👉 Best used as:
A 2–3 day scenic stop
Part of a Western Europe route (France–Belgium–Germany)
But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in unique landscapes and fairytale vibes.
Backpacking the United Kingdom is a totally different vibe from Scandinavia or the Baltics—less about wilderness extremes, more about history, culture, cities, and varied landscapes. It’s easy to travel, but costs can add up if you don’t plan smart.
🇬🇧 London (Start Here)
5
Most backpackers begin in London.
Iconic sights: Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace
World-class museums (many free!)
Markets like Camden & Borough for cheap eats
Great nightlife and diversity
👉 Stay 3–4 days (there’s a lot to see)
🏰 Edinburgh (Historic & Atmospheric)
6
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Walk the Royal Mile
Hike up Arthur’s Seat for views
Explore castles and medieval streets
👉 2–3 days
🌄 Scottish Highlands (Wild Nature)
6
For raw landscapes, head to the Scottish Highlands.
Visit Isle of Skye
Explore Glencoe and Loch Ness
Incredible hiking and scenery
👉 Best with a tour or rental car
🎓 Oxford & Cambridge (Classic England)
7
Oxford and Cambridge are perfect day trips.
Historic universities
Beautiful architecture and river scenes
Relaxed, intellectual vibe
👉 Day trips from London
🌊 Cornwall (Coastal Escape)
5
Cornwall feels almost Mediterranean in summer.
Beaches, cliffs, coastal hikes
Surfing and small seaside towns
Warmer weather than the rest of the UK
👉 2–3 days (but travel time is long)
💸 Budget Snapshot
The UK is mid-to-expensive (especially London).
Hostel: €25–50/night (London higher)
Food: €8–15 (cheap meals)
Transport: trains can be expensive → book early
Beer: €5–8 🍺
👉 Backpacker tips:
Use buses (like National Express) for cheap travel
Book trains early for lower fares
Take advantage of free museums
🗓️ Suggested 7–10 Day Route
Day 1–4: London
Day 5–6: Edinburgh
Day 7–8: Scottish Highlands / Isle of Skye
Optional: Oxford/Cambridge or Cornwall
🧭 When to Go
Best: May–September (milder weather)
Spring/Autumn: fewer crowds
Winter: cozy cities, but wet and dark
⚠️ Things to Know
Weather is unpredictable (always carry a rain jacket)
Very easy transport system
English everywhere (obviously)
Plug type: UK (different from EU)
⚖️ Honest Take
Pros: huge variety, culture, history, easy travel
Cons: not cheap, weather can be hit-or-miss
👉 Compared to Scandinavia: less dramatic nature, more culture/history 👉 Compared to Baltics: more expensive but more iconic landmarks
Backpacking Sweden hits a sweet spot: stunning nature like Norway, but generally cheaper, easier, and more relaxed. It’s perfect if you want forests, lakes, cool cities, and a very smooth travel experience.
🇸🇪 Stockholm (Start Here)
5
Most trips begin in Stockholm.
Gamla Stan (old town) is postcard-perfect
Island city → bridges, ferries, water everywhere
Visit the Vasa Museum (insanely well-preserved ship)
Easy access to the archipelago
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🌊 Stockholm Archipelago (Island Life)
9
Just outside Stockholm, the Stockholm Archipelago has 30,000+ islands.
Take ferries to islands like Grinda or Vaxholm
Swim, hike, kayak
Super peaceful and very “Nordic summer”
👉 Day trip or 1–2 nights
🌲 Swedish Lapland (Wild North)
6
For raw wilderness, head north to Swedish Lapland.
Abisko National Park → best place for northern lights
Midnight sun in summer
Hiking, skiing, reindeer culture
👉 3–5 days (travel time is long but worth it)
🏙️ Gothenburg (Chill Coastal City)
6
Gothenburg is more relaxed than Stockholm.
Café culture + laid-back vibe
Explore nearby Bohuslän coast (rocky islands)
Great seafood (if you’re into that)
👉 1–2 days
🌲 National Parks & Lakes (Underrated Highlight)
6
Sweden’s nature is quieter than Norway—but still amazing.
Kungsleden (multi-day trek)
Sarek National Park (very remote)
Canoeing + wild camping in forests and lakes
👉 Perfect if you want solitude
💸 Budget Snapshot
Sweden isn’t cheap, but more manageable than Norway.
Hostel: €20–40/night
Food: €10–15 (cheap meals/supermarket)
Beer: €6–9 🍺
Transport: efficient but not cheap
👉 Backpacker hacks:
Wild camping is legal (allemansrätten)
Cook your own food
Use night trains to save on accommodation
🗓️ Suggested 7–10 Day Route
Day 1–3: Stockholm
Day 4–5: Archipelago
Day 6–7: Gothenburg
Optional: Fly/train to Lapland (extra 3–5 days)
🧭 When to Go
Best overall: June–August (warm, long days)
Winter: Northern lights + snow
Shoulder seasons: fewer crowds, cooler weather
⚠️ Things to Know
Cashless society—card everywhere
Very safe and easy for solo travel
Nature is accessible and well-marked
Alcohol is expensive and controlled (Systembolaget stores)
⚖️ Sweden vs Norway (Quick Reality Check)
Sweden: cheaper, calmer, forest + lakes
Norway: more dramatic landscapes, more expensive
👉 If Norway feels too pricey, Sweden is a great alternative without sacrificing the Nordic experience.
Backpacking Norway is incredible—but it’s a very different beast from the Baltics. Think jaw-dropping nature, pristine wilderness, and high prices. If you plan smart, though, it’s one of the most rewarding trips in Europe.
🇳🇴 Oslo (Gateway to Norway)
7
Start in Oslo.
Walk the harbor + Opera House roof
Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park
Chill, clean, modern city vibe
👉 1–2 days is enough (save money for nature)
🚞 Norway in a Nutshell (Epic Route)
9
The classic route linking Oslo → Bergen.
Includes the famous Flåm Railway
Fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord
One of the most scenic journeys in Europe
👉 Expensive but unforgettable
🌧️ Bergen (Fjord City)
7
Bergen is the gateway to the fjords.
Iconic Bryggen colorful houses
Cable car up Mount Fløyen
Rainy but cozy atmosphere
👉 2–3 days
🏔️ Fjords & Hiking (The Real Highlight)
6
This is why you come to Norway.
Trolltunga (epic but long hike)
Preikestolen (shorter, iconic)
Geirangerfjord (classic fjord views)
👉 Plan based on fitness + weather
❄️ Lofoten Islands (Next-Level Scenery)
7
If you have time, go north to Lofoten Islands.
Sharp mountains rising from the sea
Red fishing cabins (rorbu)
Northern lights in winter / midnight sun in summer
👉 3–5 days minimum
💸 Budget Reality (Important)
Norway is expensive—no way around it.
Hostel: €30–60/night
Food: €15–25 per meal (cheap = supermarket)
Beer: €8–12 🍺
Transport: pricey but high quality
👉 Backpacker hack:
Camp (legal almost everywhere = allemannsretten)
Cook your own food
Use buses instead of trains when possible
🗓️ Suggested 7–10 Day Route
Day 1–2: Oslo
Day 3–4: Norway in a Nutshell → Bergen
Day 5–7: Fjords + hiking (Preikestolen or Trolltunga)
Optional: Fly to Lofoten (extra 3–5 days)
🧭 When to Go
Best overall: June–September (hiking + long days)
Winter (Nov–Mar): Northern lights, but cold + dark
Shoulder seasons: cheaper, fewer crowds
⚠️ Things to Know
Wild camping is legal (huge advantage)
Weather changes fast—pack layers
Nature is the main attraction, not cities
Book transport early for lower prices
⚖️ Honest Take
If you’re on a tight budget, Norway is challenging compared to Lithuania/Latvia. But if you prioritize nature over nightlife and can manage costs, it’s easily one of the most spectacular places in Europe.
Lithuania is one of the easiest and most rewarding Baltic countries to backpack—compact, affordable, and full of history, lakes, and quirky spots you won’t find elsewhere. It pairs really well with Latvia, but it’s absolutely worth its own trip too.
🏙️ Vilnius (Start Here)
6
Most trips begin in Vilnius—a laid-back capital with a big Old Town.
One of Europe’s largest Baroque old towns
Climb Gediminas Tower for views
Explore Užupis (a quirky “independent” artist district)
Cheap food + great café culture
👉 Stay 2–3 days
🏰 Trakai (Castle on a Lake)
6
Just 30 minutes from Vilnius, Trakai is a must-see.
Visit Trakai Island Castle
Try traditional Karaim food (kibinai)
Rent a kayak or just chill by the lakes
👉 Easy half-day or full-day trip
🌊 Klaipėda & Curonian Spit (Unique Nature)
6
Head west to Klaipėda, then cross to the Curonian Spit.
Massive shifting sand dunes (almost desert-like)
Stay in Nida for a peaceful vibe
Cycling paths through forests and coast
👉 2–3 days total (including travel)
🌲 Aukštaitija National Park (Lakes & Forests)
7
Aukštaitija National Park is perfect if you want quiet nature.
Canoeing between lakes
Traditional wooden villages
Great for camping and hiking
👉 1–2 days
🏛️ Kaunas (Underrated Stop)
7
Kaunas is smaller than Vilnius but has a cool vibe.
Latvia is a fantastic (and often underrated) backpacking destination—compact, affordable, and full of forests, beaches, and historic towns. You can see a lot in a short time, and it’s especially great if you like a mix of nature and culture.
🇱🇻 Riga (Start Here)
6
The capital, Riga, is where most backpackers begin.
Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vecrīga)
Check out the Art Nouveau district (some of the best in Europe)
Eat cheaply at the Central Market (huge former Zeppelin hangars)
Nightlife is lively but still budget-friendly
👉 2–3 days is usually enough
🌲 Gauja National Park (Nature Escape)
6
Just 1–2 hours from Riga, Gauja National Park is perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Base yourself in Sigulda
Visit Turaida Castle
Try hiking, biking, or even bobsledding
👉 Ideal for 1–2 days
🌊 Jurmala (Beach Time)
8
A short train ride from Riga, Jūrmala offers long sandy beaches.
Relax on quiet Baltic beaches
Walk through pine forests
Check out old wooden villas
👉 Easy day trip or overnight
🏰 Kuldīga (Charming Small Town)
7
Kuldīga feels like stepping back in time.
See Venta Rapid
Explore quaint streets and slow-paced life
Very few tourists compared to Riga
👉 1 day is enough
🌲 Cape Kolka (Off-the-Beaten-Path)
9
At Cape Kolka, the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga.
Wild, empty beaches
Great for camping
Super peaceful and remote
👉 Best if you have a car or extra time
💸 Budget Tips
Hostels: €10–20/night
Food: €5–10 (local spots, bakeries, supermarkets)
Transport: Cheap buses and trains; everything is close
Cashless is widely accepted
🗓️ Suggested 5–7 Day Route
Day 1–3: Riga
Day 4: Sigulda / Gauja National Park
Day 5: Jūrmala
Day 6–7: Kuldīga or Cape Kolka
🧭 When to Go
Best: May–September (warm, long daylight hours)
Winter: Beautiful but cold; fewer backpackers
⚠️ Things to Know
English is widely spoken, especially in Riga
It’s very safe—even solo travel is common
Public transport is reliable but rural areas are slower
