Best Adrenaline-Pumping Activities in Europe
European countries are full of fun and exciting things to do, but where should you go if all you want is an adrenaline rush? Sure, you’ll find something thrilling to do in any country on the continent, but what are truly the best destinations for adrenaline seekers?
That’s exactly what you’ll find out in this detailed guide. From paragliding in Interlaken to some intense base jumping in Norway – here are the top ten adrenaline-pumping activities in Europe!
Walk The Caminito Del Rey
Caminito Del Rey is the most dangerous hike in Europe. It features a 3-kilometer long trek on the side of a steep cliff, and it’s perfect for fearless adrenaline seekers. The walkway is 100 meters above a ravine and one look down is enough to get your heart rate up and adrenaline coursing through your veins.
The view is stunning, but you mustn’t be distracted by the azure water. One wrong step and you could fall to your death – there’s no railing to keep you from falling, and the Via Ferrata cable is not actually maintained by local authorities.
Paragliding In Interlaken
Switzerland is full of adrenaline-pumping activities and paragliding is generally the most popular one. The best paragliding opportunities are in Interlaken, a charming little town nestled between the lakes of Thun and Brienz. Don’t let the idyllic scenery fool you – this beautiful town is the Mecca for adrenaline junkies.
There are several different companies in Interlaken that will take you paragliding, skydiving, rafting, and even hang gliding. Honestly, Interlaken is probably the best place in Europe for your summer vacation, if you want to experience an adrenaline rush every single day of your trip.
Ride Europe’s Longest Zipline In Wales
Wales is home to Zip World Velocity 2, which is officially the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest one in the world. The zipline runs for 1.55 kilometers and you can reach speeds of more than 160 km/h – that’s faster than you’re allowed to go on a highway in a car!
Adrenaline will be coursing through your veins as you soar over the Penrhyn Quarry and catch glimpses of the stunning scenery below.
Jump Off A Bridge In Mostar
Jumping from a 24-meter tall bridge into cold river water will certainly give you the adrenaline rush you are seeking. The Red Bull Cliff diving series heads to Mostar every year with their best and bravest cliff divers who compete in performing the perfect jump. The thing is anyone can jump off this bridge – locals have been doing it for decades.
Attempt this only if you have experience in cliff diving. Landing stomach first in the water is equivalent to landing on concrete after jumping from a 13-meter building, so having perfect form is essential.
Run With The Bulls In Pamplona
Spanish fiestas are iconic, but few are as popular as the festival of San Fermin. The Bull Run happens at 8 AM each morning from 7th to 14th of July, and anyone can register to be a runner. You just need to show up before 7 AM at Plaza Consistorial and register.
Running for your life along the streets of Pamplona with a bull chasing you is bound to give you an adrenaline rush. Accidents and injuries are very common in the event, so don’t sign up if you’re not willing to take the risk.
Bungee Jump Like Bond
Do you want to feel like James Bond for a couple of minutes? Then head to the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland. The 1995 movie features the iconic spy bungee jumping off the dam, which made this spot extremely popular for bungee jumping.
It’s even named the 007 Jump, and there are four different versions of it. There’s the classic jump for beginners, a back jump that’s slightly more exhilarating, a night jump, and an ultimate feet-first adrenaline kick.
Whitewater Rafting In Italy
Head to northeastern Italy for some of the best whitewater rafting in Europe. The region is home to the Noce River in the Valley of the Sun, which has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the best rivers for rafting in the world.
It’s 10 kilometers of pure adrenaline as you rush down the river. Bring some friends and family along for the most fun experience – rafting is always done in groups and it’s much better with friends!
Drive Around The Nürburgring
Are you a fan of motorsport by any chance? Head to Nürburgring for the ultimate adrenaline rush for petrol heads. You can drive your own car, go on a co-pilot ride with a professional driver in a Mercedes AMG GTR, or you can get in the cockpit of a formula car and drive it around the track.
Nürburgring is one of the most exciting circuits in Europe and just being at the track is enough to get your heart racing. Add outrageous speed to that equation and you get an adrenaline rush you’ll be talking about for weeks.
Rappel Down A Tower In Rotterdam
The Euromast tower in Rotterdam is popular for beautiful city views, great food, and rappelling down the tower. You’ll step over the railing of a 100-meter tall tower, and slowly descend to safety. It might seem like one of the tamer activities on the list because you’re not reaching enormous speeds, but one look down is enough to get your heart rate up.
It takes about 15 minutes to zoom down the tower, so you can easily fit this adrenaline-pumping activity in an afternoon.
Go Base Jumping In Norway
Out of all the adrenaline-pumping activities in Europe, this one is without a doubt the best for thrill-seekers. It is dangerous, exciting, and unlike anything you’ve experienced in your life. It’s also only for experienced jumpers who have completed 250 skydives and at least 15 base jumps.
Base jumping is a dangerous activity that only true adrenaline junkies enjoy. Combine that with a 1,110-meter tall mountain, fjords, and a 15-second freefall, and you get the best adrenaline-pumping thing to do in all of Europe.
Those 15 seconds will be the highlight of your year, if not the decade. You can do leaps, somersaults, or just dive down towards the valley. Then you get to enjoy stunning mountainous scenery as you navigate above the fjords to safety.
Anna was born to travel the world having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on Expert World Travel. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest