What do you find in the article?
Look forward to tips for adventurous holidays in Europe that will delight both adrenaline lovers and those who enjoy a quiet holiday. We'll introduce you to the best places for canyoning in Slovenia, via ferratas in the Austrian Alps and combined weekends of rafting, mountains and wild water. There's also inspiration for holidays in Slovakia - from climbing Gerlachovský štít to staying in a log cabin. Finally, there are universal gift vouchers for stays across Europe.
This summer's favourite experience - canyoning in clear Alpine rivers
Want to experience Slovenia in a different way than from the tourist trail? Head into the canyons. Canyoning in Slovenia is an adventure for those who aren't afraid to get wet and get their bodies moving. You can jump into the water, rappel down waterfalls, swim in pools and ride natural water slides.
And you have no experience with canyoning? No problem. For example, the natural water park Susec is ideal for families with children from 8 years old. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a proper challenge, try Fratarica with its 50-metre waterfall, or a three-day course that takes you right up to the edge of your comfort zone - in the best sense of the word. And if you want to experience all that the Soča River has to offer, add rafting to your itinerary, which the clear river invites you to do.
Why go canyoning in Slovenia?
Slovenia has earned a reputation among canyoning enthusiasts as Europe's top destination - and no wonder. The combination of alpine nature, clear water and varied terrain creates ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced adrenaline enthusiasts.
There is a Czech guide and the possibility of renting all equipment. You will be able to enjoy the water adrenaline with an experienced guide who will make sure that you take away from your holiday only great experiences and no aches and pains.
Czechs are also attracted here by the relatively easy accessibility by car, photogenic nature and more affordable prices than in Austria.
Canyoning in Europe: A comparison
Check out the table below to see which country is more suitable for you.
| Destinations | Difficulty | Benefits | For whom |
| Slovenia | Lower to medium | Beautiful scenery, lower prices, Czech guides | families, beginners |
| Austria | medium to high | technical routes, precise organization | athletes, advanced |
The best via ferrata in Austria.
One of the best-rated via ferratas in Austria is without a doubt the Donnerkogel, also known as the Stairway to Heaven. The extremely exposed route with the steel ladder hanging over the abyss in the photos probably didn't miss any of us. But before embarking on such an adventurous expedition, you need to gain experience first - and that's what the via ferrata climbing course in Austria for beginners and advanced climbers is for. You'll head to the Kitzlochklamm ferrata near Zell am See, where you'll find a rope bridge, aerial sections on pitons and a good dose of adrenaline in the rock wall.
Although ferrata is considered a safer sport than traditional climbing because you're climbing on a protected route all the time, you need to learn how to move safely on the rock and it's also good to be able to gauge your strength so you don't have to be taken off the rock by the mountain service when you realise you've trusted yourself a hair more than you should have.
Take the whole family on the via ferrata - head to Kali, Kala and Kalo
In the vicinity of Ramsau am Dachstein, where Olympic athletes also train, you'll find a trio of relatively easy via ferrata called Kali, Kala and Kalo. They are designed as Jugendklettersteige - i.e. secured routes for children and beginners. They are ideal for a first introduction to the ferrata world. With difficulty levels A/B to B/C, even the little ones can enjoy climbing here safely, and you can make your trip more interesting with the children's nature trail, which also serves as a comfortable descent.
An adrenaline weekend in Austria: ferrata, canyoning and rafting
Looking for an adrenaline holiday in Austria? Head to the Austrian Alps and enjoy a combination of three unforgettable adventures.
- 1) You'll start with a float down the legendary Salza River, where rapids of WW I-III difficulty await you, ideal even for paddling novices.
- 2) Followed by a hike up the alpine wall ferrata (difficulty B/C), where you'll test your climbing skills and enjoy breathtaking views.
- 3) And just when you think nothing will surprise you anymore, it's time for canyoning - cold pools, natural slides, water jumps and wading through alpine streams. In short, a weekend that will keep you charged up and in your head long after you return.
TIP: Once you've climbed the easier routes, there are plenty more to climb. Like the Drachenwand, with panoramic views of the Irrsee, Mondsee and Attersee all the way, or the Mahdlgupf, where you'll climb 1,200 rope lengths and need a damn good physique to do it.
Don't forget to check out our blog post for a list of the best and most extreme Austrian ferratas.
Why and where to go on holiday in Slovakia?
Slovenia and Austria offer plenty of places to spend an active holiday. Slovakia is no different. What's more, you can speak the language like nobody's business. What experiences to go there for?
- Climbing Gerlachovský štít: Forget about trips where you can get away with wearing slippers and carrying a plastic bag - the Gerlachovský štít climb is an honest hike that will test your physique while enjoying the best of the High Tatras. You can expect 1000 metres of altitude, exposed terrain and the unforgettable feeling of standing on the highest point in Slovakia.
- A visit to the Slovak Sahara: the Šranecké sands in the protected area of Záhorie will surprise you with sand dunes, lakes and desert-like vegetation. Just be sure to check the calendar on the Ministry of Defence website - it is a military facility and closed during the exercise.
- Looking for an escape from the city with a dose of comfort, privacy and adventure? The Sonka log cabin in the Kysuce Mountains offers you everything - cosy facilities for up to 10 people, a hot tub, sauna and electric bike rental. Whether you come with your family, a group or just the two of you, relaxation and adventure await you.
- The Turkish baths in Trenčianske Teplice offer a fairytale-like spa - marble, mosaics, the smell of steam and the peaceful atmosphere of Turkish hammams. Let yourself be enchanted by the architecture and the relaxation that delights all the senses.
- Discover the charm of the Slovak side of the Beskydy Mountains from horseback- an adventurous journey from the family farm Gazdovstvo Škradné with views you won't experience on foot. Both beginners and experienced horse riders will enjoy the experience.
Tips for a relaxing holiday in Europe
Holidays don't have to mean long planning or compromise. With a universal gift voucher for a stay across Europe, you simply choose what suits you best - whether it's a spa in a Hungarian spa, a romantic stay in a French town or an active break in the Austrian mountains. Just choose the hotel, the destination and the style of holiday you fancy.
So where will you go first?
