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Easy Mountain Climbs in Europe

Even if you’ve never climbed a mountain in your life, there are peaks all over Europe that are quite accessible to avid climbers and flat-landers alike. Simply pack your love of the outdoors, a sense of adventure and your hiking boots, and you’ll be ready to make your way to the top of the continent.

Here, the Ben Nevis is starting to see its first snow of the year
Here, the Ben Nevis is starting to see its first snow of the year

For a mountain experience that doesn’t require experience or gear, trek up Monte Titano, the highest peak in San Marino. Typically, visitors ride up the mountain in a car to get to the primary destination—three breath-taking mountain-side fortresses. The drive may be as scary as mountain climbing itself, with high cliffs, tight turns and incredible views of San Marino.

Eastern Europe offers many accessible peaks for beginner and intermediate climbers. In a matter of hours you could be on the summit of Rysy Mountain, the tallest peak in the Tatra Mountains and Poland’s highest point. Part of the Carpathian mountain range, the northwestern peak of Rysy is reached via Poland or Slovakia without the use of technical climbing, making it an attractive climb for hikers of all ages.

A climb to the top of Rysy Mountain will put you at an altitude of over 8,000 feet.
A climb to the top of Rysy Mountain will put you at an altitude of over 8,000 feet.

A popular Bulgarian climb takes place in Pirin National Park. Climbers are encouraged to trek up the highest peak of the Pirin; the 2900 m mountain known as Vihren. The trek up Vihren includes unforgettable views of the sparkling Vlahinski Ezera lakes, valleys that sit 1000 m deep, and breathtaking high walls of the massif’s North Face. The climb to the top of Vihren is well worth it; here, feast your eyes on all of the highest peaks of the Pirin as well as the Rila massif.

Fontainebleau in France is full of lush vegetation and vibrant flowers.
Fontainebleau in France is full of lush vegetation and vibrant flowers.

If you’re really ambitious, hire a professional guide or join one of many accredited climbing groups that offer training and acclimatization exercises that will prepare you for an exhilarating climb in the Alps, Europe’s highest mountain range. However, the easiest way to enjoy an alpine climb is to use lifts (cable cars) and cog railways to give you a kick-start, making summits like the Petite Aiguille Verte in the French Alps far more accessible to less experienced climbers.

Things to consider before traveling

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Some tips to consider while traveling

Touring Europe as a Senior Traveler

Post-retirement is an excellent time to go see the world, as you’re less likely to have pressing engagements and can spend more time at your destination. Europe is a great option for seniors as many of the top destinations are not too far from each other cutting down on travel time, while still providing an exciting and enriching travel experience. It’s also relatively easy to find a tour group that goes to the specific destinations you want to see in Europe, and travel in comfort at the same time.

Catch Some Waves, Sun and Sand

Searching for the perfect beach can be a difficult task, especially in an area you are not familiar with. However, in Europe, you’ll know you’ve found the ideal surf and sand thanks to an iconic marker – a blue flag. Europe’s Blue Flag Beaches meet strict standards for water quality, safety and eco-friendliness, making them the ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing. Luckily for travelers, there are over 4,000 beaches that have achieved Blue Flag status in the world – and Europe has a large majority of them.

View from the Top

Get your camera ready. Once you’ve laid eyes on Europe’s most charming mountain villages, you may not want to put it down. You also may not ever want to leave. These are the places that fairy tales are made of, only they happen to be real. From medieval villages in Spain to traditional timber chalets in Switzerland, to the towering mountain-side fortresses of San Marino, these small but fully functioning towns are waiting to warmly welcome visitors who appreciate their quaint style of living.

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