Hiking Guides
Welcome to my Hiking Guides
Whether you’re dreaming of alpine ridgelines, historical trails, or peaceful forest walks, this page is your gateway to thoughtful, soul-stirring hikes across Europe and beyond. Discover the best hiking guides that I have to offer to enhance your adventures.
As a solo traveler, military spouse, and expat who’s lived in Italy, Poland, and Korea, I’ve walked trails that have left an imprint on my heart—and I want to help you do the same. These aren’t just hikes. They’re reflections, moments of healing, and deep connections to place and past.
Here, you’ll find trail guides designed for beginner to intermediate hikers who want more than just distance covered. These hikes offer cultural context, natural beauty, and just enough challenge to make you feel proud of what your legs (and your heart) can carry you through.
Hiking Guides
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Best Hiking Guides
Tips for Hiking Solo:
My Favorite Hiking Destinations:
Easy Day Hikes in the Dolomites: Val Venegia & Sentiero Marcio
My mother-in-law sent me an article about a forest in the Dolomites where Stradivari sourced wood for his violins. I then found out that there were two iconic trails that were easy day hikes in the Dolomites, and that was all I needed to know! One of which I had already been to! Located in…
How to Make a Reservation at a Rifugio (2025 Guide)
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a mountain hut in the Dolomites—fog curling around the peaks, warm coffee in hand, and a hearty breakfast waiting after a night of deep sleep from a rewarding day’s hike. Learning how to make a reservation at a rifugio ensures you can experience this magical moment seamlessly. But…
How to Get to Aquila Vaia: Guide to Marco Martalar’s Eagle
Perched above the tranquil Marcesina Plateau in Northern Italy, Aquila Vaia is far more than a sculpture—it’s a profound symbol of rebirth and resilience. Created by renowned artist Marco Martalar, this awe-inspiring wooden eagle was built entirely from storm-felled trees after the devastating 2018 Storm Vaia. At 6 meters tall and 7 meters wide, this…
The Ultimate Alta Via 1 & 2 Packing List for Solo Female Hikers
Hiking the Alta Via 1 & 2 in the Dolomites was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. That said, hiking solo brought up a lot of questions before I hit the trail. So before setting off, I carefully prepared my Alta Via 1 and 2 packing list, which was crucial for ensuring…
Is Cadini di Misurina Worth the Hike? An Honest Review
You’ve seen the dramatic photos of hikers standing on a razor-thin ledge high in the Dolomites, framed by jagged peaks — a scene straight out of a fantasy film. That viewpoint? Cadini di Misurina. Once a peaceful lookout, it’s now one of the most viral and over-visited photo spots in Italy. I hiked it in…
Songnisan National Park (속리산): Hiking to Munjangdae Peak
Nestled in the heart of South Korea, Songnisan National Park 속리산 is a breathtaking natural haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, spiritual landmarks, and a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, the park offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Korean National…
Solo Hiking the Stunning Alta Via 1 & 2 with Bookatrekking
If you’re dreaming of hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2 in the Dolomites but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, you’re not alone. These epic Italian hiking trails are on many adventurers’ bucket lists, offering breathtaking alpine views and an unforgettable experience. However, organizing the details—especially booking stays at the rifugios (mountain huts)—can be a…
Lago Di Sorapis Hiking Guide: Passo Tre Croci to Sorapis
After seeing photo after photo of the lake’s otherworldly turquoise water framed by jagged Dolomite peaks, I finally set out to find out if Lago Di Sorapis was that blue. What I discovered was a trail that was breathtaking and a little nerve-wracking—one that pushed and rewarded me in equal measure. In this post, I’m…
Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Hotels I Loved as a Solo Traveler
Planning a trip to the Dolomites and overwhelmed by where to stay? I’ve been there—scrolling through endless listings and asking myself, Should I book a fancy spa hotel? Go rustic in a rifugio? Or just Airbnb it and hope for the best? In this guide, I’ve handpicked and reviewed the best hotels in the Dolomites…
Sentiero Dei Grandi Alberi:”Trail of big trees” Hike Near Vicenza, Italy
If you are looking for a hike near Vicenza that offers stunning views, look no further than Sentiero Grandi Alberi! This hike will leave you in awe in any season and it’s a bit milder than the Strada Delle 52 Galleries. I first discovered this hike after scouring Google Maps for nearby hikes that offered…
Hiking the Dolomites
The Dolomites are where my soul feels most alive. From multi-day treks like Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 to beginner-friendly day hikes with rifugio stops and panoramic views, this region is pure hiking magic.
Popular Guides:
- Alta Via 1 Packing Guide (with my real gear list!)
- What to Expect in a Dolomites Rifugio
- AV1 vs. AV2: Which Should You Choose? (Coming Soon)
- Monte Cengio: WWI History Meets Alpine Views (Coming Soon)
- Hikes Near Cortina D’Ampezzo: 5 of the BEST Scenic Hikes
Northern Italy Day Hikes
Based near Vicenza? You’re in luck. Northern Italy is full of stunning yet underrated trails.
Favorites Include:
- Strada delle 52 Gallerie (52 Tunnel Road)
- Monte Pasubio & WWI Routes (Coming Soon)
- Madonna della Corona Trail (Coming Soon)
- How to get to Aquila Vaia Hike: Marco Matalar’s Wooden Eagle
These trails are perfect for day trips, solo adventurers, and anyone looking to combine natural beauty with deep history.
Hikes Beyond Italy
I’ve been lucky enough to walk trails outside of Italy, too—from peaceful pine forests in Poland to desert canyons in Jordan. These guides are growing as I go.
- Songnisan National Park (속리산): Hiking to Munjangdae Peak
- Mt. Inwangsan & HoneyTrail: An Epic Experience in Seoul
- Your Guide to Exploring Bukhansan National Park in Seoul
- Hiking Gwanaksan: A Complete Guide to One of Seoul’s Best Mountain Trails
Coming Soon
- Hiking the Dana Biosphere, Jordan
- Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
Hiking Resources
Everything you need to prepare for your next hike, including:
- Solo hiking safety tips for Solo Female Travelers
- Best apps for offline maps (and why I love Komoot)
- Travel insurance for hikers
- Is it Safe to Hike the Dolomites Solo?
These are all Coming Soon!
Where to Next?
If you’re here, you’re probably like me: not just looking for a hike, but looking for clarity, meaning, and maybe even a little bit of peace. I hope these guides help you find it, wherever the trail takes you.
Let’s lace up and go.