DK - Outdoor Europe: Epic adventures, incredible experiences, and mindful escapes

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Introduction

Europe. Home of the soaring peaks of the Alps, the blooming lavender fields of Provence and the glittering lakes of northern Italy world-famous landscapes that are as iconic as the continents cultural sights. But theres more to Europe than the usual postcard favourites. Here youll find iceberg-filled lagoons and volcanic islands, subterranean caves and frozen seas, sheer-sided gorges and sprawling archipelagos. And thats not to mention over 450 national parks, more than 185,000 km (114,900 miles) of coastline, one of the planets oldest forests and a staggering 13 of the worlds total 18 Dark Sky Reserves.

In short, theres lots to explore but how? Happily, the possibilities for venturing into Europes wilder reaches are almost endless. Across the continent, countless outdoor activities take you right into the thick of things. Instead of the restrictive confines of a bus or boat tour where the closest you get to the great outdoors is watching landscapes flicker quickly past the window theres the chance to actually step into the scenery, whether thats a sweet-smelling flower meadow, lofty mountain or crystal-clear ocean. There are many much-loved pursuits, of course; Europe is deservedly well-known for its numerous hiking trails and snow-covered ski slopes. But the continent also serves up some more unusual options, including canyoning, coasteering and caving and those are just the ones beginning with C.

Diving between continents in Icelands Thingvellir National Park

Even better, no activity is off limits, whatever your abilities or experience level this is a place where kayaking could involve paddling languidly along a slow-moving river or skimming over powerful ocean waves, and trail running could be an easy jog through a bird-filled pine forest or an epic, multi-day trip across craggy mountains.

Paragliding high over placid Lake Annecy in France

After all, outdoor adventure means something different to everyone. For some of us, it offers an opportunity to slow down, step away from our hectic modern lives and reconnect with nature. For others its all about chasing that addictive adrenaline rush, or relishing the satisfaction of a physical challenge. Whatever the motivation, the benefits are the same: being outdoors is scientifically proven to improve health and wellbeing, with even a short time in green or blue space providing a noticeable boost. Its no wonder, then, that more and more of us are hankering after nature-based adventures both big and small.

And thats where Outdoor Europe comes in. Its packed with ideas for getting a fresh perspective on the continents wild places from glimpsing the northern lights in Arctic Norway to kiteboarding off Cypruss southern coast, scuba diving between continents in Iceland to climbing Europes highest peak in Russia. So, if youre looking for a new take on the usual European getaway, go on delve into its pages for inspiration and head off on your own adventure into Europes great outdoors.

Mountain biking through emerald forest in Northern Ireland

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Walking

Putting one foot in front of the other most of us do it without even thinking. But going