Getting Away From it All – Remote Hostelling in Europe

Have you ever looked around at the continuous traffic, noise and hustle and bustle of our large cities and thought there must be something different? Somewhere you can get away from the madness of urban life and find peace and tranquillity - to just pause for a moment and recharge that spent battery? The image of trekking around unspoilt landscapes, with only the sound of birds to break the silence can be a wonderful experience, and that's what you can experience hostelling in Europe to some more remote destinations. Below are some of the more outstanding areas you can rediscover the quieter side of life.

Rugged Wales

Wales is rightly famous for its beautiful rugged landscapes and wonderful wild beaches. As soon as you enter this country, the breath taking views of mountains and endless greenery causes the whole pace of life to shift. The pure, clear mountain air fills your lungs and a stillness enters your spirit - your holiday has begun! Snowdonia in North Wales is an enchanted place, with a landscape punctuated by rivers, mountains, forests and lakes. You can unwind and explore by taking a picnic and trekking off into the peaceful scenery around the many marked and unmarked trails. Why not be really adventurous and try some wild swimming in some of the spectacular lakes and rivers? Getting to know the wild side of Wales is one of the best experiences you can have while hostelling in Europe.

Alpine Finland

If you're yearning to get away from the busy tourist spots and explore an undiscovered world very different to the usual holiday of crowded beaches and cosmopolitan cities, Finland is a true Scandinavian gem. And, if you're craving absolute peace, stillness and serenity, Lemmenjoki, in northern Finland, should be high on the agenda. This stunning area is home to many endangered plants, such as the delightful Alpine arnica. The tiny yellow flowers are a delight to behold and add a shocking splash of colour in the high rocky areas. One of the pleasures of hostelling in Europe is that it allows you to stay in such ideal surroundings, and affords the time to discover the small but perfect elements of Nature – so often overlooked. In Lemmenjoki you can also find out more about the indigenous Samí people, who still live a semi-nomadic way of life, herding reindeer in this harsh but beautiful landscape.

Spanish Pyrenees

Travelling to the south of Europe reveals a very different climate but there are still many places where you can find that sense of absolute stillness and peace. The stunning Pyrenees in Catalonia, Spain, is a wonderful place to experience the tranquillity that can only be truly captured in the mountains. The air seems purer and sounds carry gently on the breeze, and this lovely place is renowned as one of the most peaceful sites in Europe. One of the unmissable features of this part of the Pyrenees is the Núria rack railway. You can navigate the 1000 metres climb at an incredible incline and experience views that will take your breath away.

Hostelling in Europe is a great way to a unique, once-in-a-lifetime, getaway where you can discover your own personal sense of absolute peace and tranquillity. These are just a few examples – the world is a very big place…

Looking for a dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best hostels in France or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.