Highlights of the trip - 12 amazing nature experiences

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After two months on the road in Europe by motorhome, we have to summarise some of the highlights of the trip. We'll start with 12 amazing nature experiences. Later on, we'll come back to the very best cities, and maybe something else. Let us know if you have any requests!

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Fantastic nature experiences

We had many fantastic nature experiences during our two-month campervan trip through seven European countries. Here are our 12 top tips for nature lovers!

1. Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland

Czech RepublicBohemian Switzerland in the north-west of the Czech Republic is a magical area of intense green nature, dramatic mountains and great hiking trails. Here, picturesque restaurants and beautiful hotels abound, making you wonder why you didn't always think you should holiday in the mountains.

2. Visit the world's largest ice cave

Austria: In Werfen, approximately 40 minutes south of Salzburg, is the largest ice cave in the world. To get to the cave, you must first take a shuttle bus along winding roads, then hike uphill, then take a high cable car, then hike again, to reach a cave where you continue up 134 metres of stairs. Whether it's worth it? Easy!

3. To the top of the Kitzsteinhorn

AustriaIf you're in Zell am See, don't miss the Kitzsteinhorn! To get to the 3029 metre peak, you have to take no less than three cable cars and a funicular. Up here the air is clear and fresh and the view is breathtaking.

4. Fog on the alpine lake Lago di Braies

ItalyLago di Braies, or Pragser Wildsee as the lake is called in German, is located in northern Italy relatively close to Austria. We have seen magical pictures of the lake in the sun, but it was also stunningly beautiful in the evening mist. The veils dropped over the mountains as we looked out over wooden boats and a lone swimming dog.

5. Sunflowers in Umbria

ItalyFrom now on, Umbria is one of our favourite places in Italy. There's no coastline, which may seem boring, but it means you don't have to deal with the crowds of tourists. Instead, you can be surrounded by sunflowers and olive groves, or perhaps take a boat trip on Lake Trasimeno.

6. Nude bathing on Île du Levant

France: Some things only exist in France! An entire island where people live and bathe naked - yes, it's true! Welcome to the Île du Levant, off the French Riviera. Here everything is free and natural, and it's not just about the clothes. Buildings are left to be taken over by nature and wild creepers are everywhere.

7. Beach life on exotic Port-Cros

FranceJust off the Île du Levant is the national park and the island of Port-Cros. You are still in France, but it is very hard to believe! Here the green vegetation is lush, the water on the beaches is crystal clear and the charming bars with painted wooden signs serve Mojitos.

8. Canoeing in Ardeche

FranceIn the Ardèche, north of Nîmes in France, you'll find a stunningly beautiful natural area with a large canyon, a long river and lots of caves. As well as being great for kayaking, there are cave paintings that are over 36,000 years old. Pretty cool, right?

9. Hang gliding in Interlaken

SwitzerlandOne of the most crazy nature experiences we had during the trip was when we tried hang gliding in Interlaken. Besides the adrenaline rush of hang gliding itself, we have to say that this area is fabulous with its beautiful lakes, dramatic mountains, high waterfalls and great hiking trails.

10. Swimming in Bern

SwitzerlandBern is the capital of Switzerland, which is perhaps why jumping into the river and swimming through the city feels so dramatic. There's a current in the river so you glide forward without taking any steps, but instead you have to know where to get out!

11. Train to Mount Pilatus

SwitzerlandJust outside Lucerne, Switzerland, lies the dramatic Mount Pilatus. For a real nature experience, you can take 'The Golden Tour', which involves travelling by boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, taking the world's steepest rack-and-pinion railway to the top and then descending by cable car.

12. camping in the Moselle Valley

Germany: Last but not least, we have to mention the Moselle Valley in Germany! The river Moselle winds for 544 kilometres, and along this river the green vineyards are densely packed. Here you can enjoy hiking, cycling, boat trips and, of course, white Moselle wine.

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