In the summer of 2016, myself and 7 friends packed up our things and set out interrailing around various parts of Europe. 16 days, 6 Countries and over 4,000 kilometres to travel. A great change of pace from exams! Who would have thought that travelling by train could be so much fun. Sitting in a train corridor with no room to stretch your legs while sitting what could have been more fun.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
After a three hour flight we found ourselves in our first destination Amsterdam, Netherlands. My time here in Amsterdam was spent doing a walking tour across the city to really understand what the area is like. After getting our base perception of the area we visited many places recommended by our tour guide. We visited Anne Frank’s House, The Red Light District and the I Am Amsterdam Sign just to name a few.
Berlin, Germany
After our first enjoyable train journey on a train with air conditioning that didn’t work we quickly realised the environment we were going to be experiencing for the next few weeks. Having enjoyed our first city we decided to go and visit Tropical Islands, a massive indoor water park just outside the city of Berlin. This would be definitely a highlight of the trip. Over the next few days we set out from our hostel to visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. With many places to visit we averaged 20 kilometres each day along with still having a travel pass.
Prague, Czech Republic
As we approach half way through out trip we find ourselves in Prague, this time not having a seat and finding myself squished in a train hall way with not enough room to spread my legs not the most enjoyable way to spend 4 hours. A very warming welcome as we walk to our hostel in the rain, not something I would have expected as we arrive in Prague. With many places to see we didn’t waste time checking out the sites. After enjoying our first walking tour in Amsterdam we decided to do another one do get a real grip for our surroundings. During our short period of time here we got to see the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague’s astronomical clock, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Lennon Wall, Žižkov Television Tower. To make most of our time out we decided to get up at 5am to see Charles Bridge. Without it being packed with people however still a fair few people up at this hour we were actually able see that bridge in the early morning fog. Walking past the Apple museum was as sad moment when we didn’t get to go in. Sadly we lost a member of our group as she flies home to go on another holiday to Greece.
Budapest, Hungary
After our longest train journey of 8 hours this time with our seats reserved we find ourselves in Budapest. However after booking seats we ended up spending a lot of time standing in an open carriage with the windows wide open looking out. Easily the most enjoyable train journey by far that would have been happy to stay longer on. Arriving in Budapest we had to visit the baths, we chose the Széchenyi Baths and was easily one of the most enjoyable things we had done on the trip. With nothing like it anywhere I had been before this was definitely a great experience.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
After all these large cities we needed a change of pace to something a little more relaxing and chilled. This is where we found ourselves in Lake Bled with some of the most amazing views that I have ever seen. With our more relaxed mood we swam in the lake although personally not for long as apart from not being able to deal with the cold water but mixed with a cold things didn’t end well. After renting paddle boats on the lake it was a nice way to chill on the water and enjoy the sun. With a nearby gorge we rented e-bikes and cycled off to visit Vintgar Gorge as well as doing a few laps around the lake.
Pula, Croatia
On our last day we travelled by bus to Pula to catch out flight home. After waking up at 6am to catch our bus everyone was very tired although plenty of time to relax on our two bus journeys to get there. We arrived in Pula to find we needed another currency in order to do anything. Only having a day there we didn’t have much time to go visit many place. With the little time we had we visited a Roman Amphitheatre which was very cool experience.
This trip wouldn’t have have been as good without mentioning the other 7 that I travelled with. Each one played there own role in the success of the trip, after spending all day with them our friendships have gotten closer and stronger than ever before. Definitely a memory that I will remember for the rest of my life as one of the best moments. This is a little selection of photos and videos from the trip.
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