Europe Up Close

An Adventure on the Dutch Wadden Sea

Published/Revised March 9, 2017 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

An adventure on the Dutch Wadden Sea How to win a skirmish with gooey, slippery sludge When you think about visiting countries to participate in adventurous outdoor pursuits, the Netherlands is probably not the first European country to spring to mind. But think again! The Netherlands is ideal for cycling, canoeing, and hiking. And for the truly adventurous, ‘wadlopen’ offers a unique walking ... Read Full Article

Summer Hikes in Chamonix, France

Published/Revised June 12, 2014 By This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Chamonix Valley, in the French Alps near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, is world-famed for its year-round sports. In winter there are ski runs for all levels of experience, from  beginners’ slopes to 20-kilometer-long Vallée Blanche, which is unmarked, unpatrolled, and not to be taken by any but experts. Visitors can snowboard, paraglide, snowshoe, ice skate, ice climb, sled and heli-ski. ... Read Full Article