Girls’ Getaway in the Mountains

When my childhood friend Tina and I finally get together after a long time, there’s always so much to catch up on. And what better way to do that than a shared hiking adventure? We chose a tour in our home region: Salzkammergut Lakes & Dachstein Glacier. Where do I even begin with so many highlights? The lakes we passed along the way were absolutely dreamy. We couldn’t resist jumping into the cool waters to refresh ourselves before continuing, energized and motivated. One of the most unforgettable experiences was our overnight stay in a cozy hut on the Postalm. Watching an almost fairy-tale sunrise from a mountain bench, feeling the warm hospitality, and soaking up the wonderfully down-to-earth mountain life made us forget all about daily routines. Another highlight was the final day, when we finally enjoyed the breathtaking view of the Dachstein Glacier and realized everything we had accomplished over the past few days.

Spending this time with my childhood friend is incredibly precious, especially now that we no longer live close to each other. A week of quality time is a true balm for the soul, giving us the chance not just to share the latest news, but to really understand what’s on each other’s minds. I’m always deeply grateful for these moments together!

A hiking getaway with your best friend is always a great idea. Hiking from Garmisch to Merano sounded like the perfect plan for our shared adventure, so we set off on foot for six unforgettable days – from Bavaria across Tyrol to South Tyrol.

We were especially impressed by the first stages through the Partnach Gorge and the Geister Gorge – short, yet incredibly spectacular sections. Later, the climb over the Mutzkopf from Nauders to Resia was another highlight, and the Vinschgau High Trail amazed us with its stunning views and beautiful paths. For me, there’s nothing better than discovering new places together – side by side with someone close to your heart, creating memories that last a lifetime. Hiking together finally gives you time for real conversations while soaking up pure nature – those are my true moments of happiness.

And what’s absolutely essential for us? A summit as a goal – that feeling of standing on top, proud of having mastered the ascent together. And of course, good food! We love hiking, but we love enjoying just as much. The tips in the Eurohike on Tour app were pure gold – our favorite stops were the cozy mountain huts, where you can order a cool regional beer and a hearty Brettljause. Simply perfect!

For me, Italy is more than just a travel destination—it’s a place where I feel completely at home. I share this passion with my closest friends, and for the past nine years, our annual getaway has repeatedly taken us to the mountains and to Italy’s largest lake.

We’ve already experienced four Eurohike tours together: from Lake Reschen to Lake Caldaro, from Lake Garda to Venice, from Verona to Lake Garda, and around Lake Garda. One tour that holds a special place in my heart is the journey from Verona to Lake Garda. Countless highlights made this vacation unforgettable for my friends and me: charming cafés, family-run agriturismi, and the stunning landscape of cypress trees and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. And of course, where there’s wine, there must be a tasting—on this tour, we enjoyed Amarone and Ripasso wines, included as part of the experience. Another favorite route is from Riva del Garda to Venice. Starting from the beautiful lakeside town of Riva, we cycled through rocky landscapes, past small villages like Pietramurata, and along the scenic Via del Tabacco to Bassano del Grappa. The journey culminated in the lagoon city of Venice, with its canals, narrow streets, bridges, and the iconic Piazza San Marco—a perfect cultural finale.

I document all our adventures in a travel journal, capturing photos, names, and encounters along the way. Each journey creates unique and lasting memories for the five of us friends.

Perfect weather, mild temperatures, and endless sunshine – just what I needed after a long Austrian winter. The Algarve is one of Europe’s sunniest regions, and that alone was enough to convince a good friend and me to set off on a hiking adventure there.

Our route took us from the westernmost to the easternmost point of the Algarve – first along the dramatic rocky coast with its striking limestone and sandstone cliffs, then through the softer side of the region, the sandy Algarve, with its endless golden beaches. The deep-blue Atlantic always shimmered in the background – one Insta-worthy view after another. In our charming, partly historic overnight stops in Lagos, Albufeira, Faro, and Tavira, we had plenty of time to stroll, explore, and simply enjoy. The icing on the cake? The region’s rich cuisine and the warm-hearted hospitality of the locals.

For me, hiking with friends is a truly precious kind of getaway. Family, children, and daily life often keep you busy, and moments to connect with friends can easily slip away. That’s why it feels so special to consciously take time off together and spend it actively in nature. While hiking, there’s finally space again – for good conversations, laughter, unwinding, recharging, and simply feeling carefree. You’re outdoors, moving, breathing in the fresh air, and for a while, the rush of everyday life fades away. There’s no better way to truly recharge than hiking with friends.

Sometimes you just need a break – a chance to escape into nature, ideally with a good friend by your side. That’s exactly what we did, hiking together from Merano all the way to Italy’s largest lake.

I especially loved the first stage from Merano to Nals: stunning valley views and trails lined with vineyards and apple orchards, dotted with colorful roses. Along the way, we stopped at small juice stands to sample freshly pressed apple juice – the perfect pick-me-up during a break. Another highlight was a loop hike in the Brenta Dolomites and the village of Molveno, tucked between dramatic peaks and the turquoise waters of its namesake lake.

Hiking with friends is so wonderfully relaxed and simply fun. You can chat and share experiences or walk side by side in companionable silence – both are equally enjoyable. And for us, one thing is always essential at the end of a hike: plenty of time to unwind with a glass of wine and a delicious meal – ideally while watching a breathtaking sunset!