New Zealand may be waving goodbye to the summer sun, but in Europe, spring is in the air. Forests are coming to life and there’s no better time to get outside and explore these incredible and historic natural wonders than right now! Pack your hiking boots and get back to nature by exploring one of these five mysterious European forests.
1) Hallerbos, Belgium
Conveniently located about 30 minutes south of Brussels, this 552-hectare forest can be reached by car or bus (with free shuttle buses available during blooming season). Be amazed by the wild bluebell hyacinths that carpet the forest floor in a vivid blue–purple between April and June. Grab a free walking map at the Halle tourist office and explore the forest via the three marked walking trails. The seven-kilometre roebuck walk will take you along three of the four valleys in the Hallerbos. Up for a challenge? Opt for the Bluebell unmarked walk through the woods.
Where to stay: Stay at the Stanhope Hotel, starting from $137*
How to get there: Return flights to Brussels from $1595**
2) The Schwarzwald (Black Forest), Germany
The Black Forest is a mountainous region in southwest Germany, bordering France. Known for its dense and evergreen forests, you may recall it as the place where Hansel and Gretel encountered the wicked witch in the old fairy tales. Explore the forest by foot via the extensive network of hiking trails or by bike through the mountain cycling routes. Popular destinations include the Titisee and Schluchsee lakes, which offer water sports like diving and windsurfing. The region is also known for its cuckoo clocks, found in Triberg, and Gothic buildings surrounded by vineyards located in the larger town of Freiburg. Treat yourself after a long active day with a thermal spa in the Swiss town of Baden-Baden.
Where to stay: Stay at the Parkhotel Adler, starting from $376*
How to get there: Return flights to Munich from $1277**
3) Oulanka National Park, Finland
Hidden in the Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland, hiking trails take you through the pine forests of the Oulanka National Park. In the north part of the park, the Kanjonin Kurkkaus trail and Pieni Karhunkierros trail provide stunning views through fast-flowing streams, steep rocks and hanging bridges. If you’re an experienced hiker, embark on the 80-kilometre Karhunkierros trail, a trek that can take up to seven days to complete. Spring is the best birdwatching time where you can spot numerous species such as the white-tailed eagle, the black kite and the grey wagtail.
Where to stay: Stay at the Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki starting from $99*
How to get there: Return flights to Helsinki from $1703**
4) Kalkalpen, Austria
Eighty per cent of the Kalkalpen National Park is filled with forest, making it the largest forested region in central Europe. Amongst the dense trees also lie rivers, canyons and gorges. This makes for a fantastic place to embark on hiking and cycling tours, or even test your limit with rock climbing. Head to the 21-metre high Wurbauerkogel viewing tower near the town of Windischgarsten, where you can absorb the panoramic view of the mountainous region. The park offers guided tours from rangers who can take you into the heart of the forest and help you spot some of its wildlife, such as pygmy owls and black grouse.
Where to stay: Stay at the Eckhard Landhotel ,starting from $191*
How to get there: Return flights to Vienna from $1557**
5) Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Located near the city of Dresden in eastern Germany, this unique forest landscape can be explored via kilometres of marked hiking trails. Head to the prime attraction called the Bastei, a rock formation towering 194 metres above the river Elbe, linked by a sandstone bridge that cuts through it. Explore the area from up above by choosing from more than 700 summits available to rock climbers. The mountain and gorge forests that make up the area are a rare sight in Europe, making this place even more special.
Where to stay: Stay at the Hotel Elbresidenz an Der Therme, starting from $275*
How to get there: Return flights to Berlin from $1546**
*The hotel prices (including taxes and fees) are per night per room for double occupancy for the above and were found on nz.KAYAK.com on 25 April 2017 for travel in June 2017, for the respective hotels mentioned in the release with a minimum 3 star rating. Prices are in NZD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) for one return-trip economy seat given above were collated on 25 April 2017 for travel in June 2017 from Sydney to the destination listed, unless specified otherwise. Prices are in NZD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
