Travel: An ode to Eastern Europe

From snow capped mountains, idyllic islands, culture capitals and countryside retreats. Traveling to Eastern Europe is a dream.

Watching the sunset from Sarajevo's "Yellow Fortress" is a sight to behold. Image: Max Story

First of all, lets define what Eastern Europe (geographically) even is. If you told a Czech that you "loved the Eastern European vibe" of his city, he would be outright offended, as the Czechs (and others) love to distance themselves from their previous Soviet overlords. While calling Czechia a Central European nation does seem to make sense, at least geographically speaking, others claim to this title (Like Romania) is laughable. So for simplicity's sake, I will draw the East/West line at the old Iron curtain of Europe, but also include the former Yugoslavian states as well as Albania, but excluding Greece.

A map of where I personally consider Easter Europe. Image: Samotyn Wedroiec

Cast aside your dreary visions of bleak and grey Soviet style concrete jungles. Eastern Europe is the place to be! If you want to travel around Europe and feel like a tourist, and pay through the nose for it, stick to the west, but if you want to feel alive, immerse yourself in wholly different cultures, and have an adventure, not a holiday, then my only advice is this, head east. The further east the better. To preface this I do not by any means hate Western Europe, I have lived across it all my life and have called many places within it home. I have had some amazing trips and experiences in the West of the continent. However when people ask me about my favourite travel experiences in Europe or for recommendations, I always find myself telling people to venture beyond France, Germany and Spain.

You can still find Soviet style apartment blocks in much of the region, like here in Kiev Ukraine. Image: Max Story

The chances are that whatever it is you are looking for in a trip can be found in the marvellously varied region; and often at much lower prices than their western counterparts. So here is a quick rundown of what you should go and do there, and why

Winter escape? Snow problem!

Snow can still be found in much of the northern and mountainous parts of Eastern Europe. Image: Max Story

For the travelers that can brave the cold, Eastern Europe can be a remarkably rewarding place to visit. If you are after a ski escape, a weekend in the French or German alps can set you back thousands. A similar level of service however, in Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains or Slovakia/Poland's Tatra range will cost just a fraction of the price. If you are dreaming of a snowy city break you will be sorely disappointed with London, Paris, or Berlin, which only have a few days of possible snow per year. But turn to any of the Baltic Capitals or Krakow and you will be much more likely (but not guaranteed) to get at least a dusting.

Summer Break? When and where?

The Adriatic coastline, like here in Kotor, Montenegro, makes for a perfect summer escape. Image: Max Story

If the coffers are a bit tighter this year, but still want your yearly dose of vitamin D, there is no need to splash out on Italy, Spain, or Greece. Why not give somewhere a little further off the beaten track a go? The southern coast of Albania is directly across the water from the Greek island of Corfu, and you can tell. The climate, the scenery, and the atmosphere are nearly indistinguishable. Further up the coast you have the charming delights of Montenegro and Croatia, both equally great for their summer climates. However due to the increasing accessibility of these areas to international tourists have driven up prices incredibly. What were once considered budget hidden gems are now fully in the mainstream. Any major tourist spots by the coast are now bordering outright rip off prices, you have to go further inland to get good value. But mark my words, Albania will be next to follow this trend, so visit while it is still cheap!

Paradise for an active adventure

Many rivers in the Balkans make for perfect rafting. Image: Max Story

Wether its rafting, hiking, climbing, or sailing, you will no doubt be spoiled for choice. The Dinaric alps and Carpathian mountains snake their way eastwards throughout the Balkan Peninsula, and offer fantastic trails for hikers. The Via Dinarica is a long distance trail that works its way south from Slovenia to Kosovo if you dare take it on. But dont forget that the smaller ranges can be equally rewarding. Bulgaria's Pirin range keep their ski lifts open year round to help hikers and climbers reach the peaks, and the Tatra mountains that straddle the Slovak-Polish border are the highest peaks in the greater Carpathian range. For those looking for a water based adventure, Bosnia and Montenegro's rugged terrain is littered with narrow canon's and white water to raft on, while Croatia's islands are parallel with Greece's for sailing.

Castles and small cities aplenty

Karlstein Castle is one of many Czech fortresses, and only a day trip from Prague! Image: Max Story

I have always found some of the best breaks you can have are in the smaller, quieter places. For idyllic and remote castle towns, Romania has plenty, Sighișoara, Sibiu, and Bran just to name three. Czechia is probably the only place that can rival it, with over 2,000 dotted throughout the country. Other smaller escapes you can consider are Bled in Slovenia, a picturesque town nestled in the Julian alps on a teal lake with a baroque church at its centre. Bosnia's varied cities are a treat. Wether its the Herzegovinian town of Mostar with its UNECSO bridge, or Republika Srpska's northern capital Banja Luka. Further south you will find Prizren and Peja in Kosovo, each acting as a gateway to the untouched (and only slightly landmined) mountains. As well as Berat and Gjirokaster in Albania, whose city centres are a duel UNSECO world heritage sight.

Culture cities

Gdansk is a charming port city on Polands Northern coast. Image: Max Story

If you prefer a big city getaway then almost every country in the region will have something for you. Wether it is partying in Belgrade or taking it easy in Sarajevo, there will be something for you. Some personal recommendations would be Sofia, Bulgaria's capital is drenched in ancient history just below the surface, While Gdansk on Poland's Baltic coast is quiet and quaint, but has some fabulous museums. Prague is a beer drinkers paradise, while Budapest has something for everyone, you can dance all night at the ruin bars and then sweat out the hangover in one of its many bathhouses. No matter which country you choose, there will be an amazing city full of surprises for you there.

Closing thoughts

Eastern Europe is a fantastic place to visit, year round and for whatever reason. It's varied and dynamic landscapes are perfect for a trip, no matter the season. Wether you are going for a short break, an in-depth trip, or using its many non-EU states to use up the 90 days you have to spend outside the EU for a tourist visa. Although many of the places are still cheap, it is worth considering that for many locals in tourist areas, these prices are astronomical, and by visiting alone you are helping to contribute to touristic gentrification, so make sure to spend your money and your time at places that legitimately help the local communities you visit. Whatever you do and when, good luck to you, and have an amazing adventure around Eastern Europe!

Sunset from Prizren's fortress in Kosovo is a sight to behold. Image: Max Story

This post was made without any input form any generative AI

Check out my Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/world_on.film/