Backpacking in Central Europe is one of the most sought after adventures for many travellers. It is the ideal setting for a great backpacking experience because all Central European countries can be easily accessed by the Euro Rail. If traveling by train takes up too much time, there are several budget airlines that offer competitive fares that speed up travel time. To top it off, most of the Central European countries belong to the Schengen area, which means that it acknowledges the same visa for all visiting tourists.
Backpackers who wish to traverse Central Europe can easily acquire a Schengen Visa. The application process for a Schengen Visa is simple and trouble-free. All you need to do is to get all the following documents and requirements:
- Valid passport and copies of the front and back pages
- Current passport-sized photos with white background
- Completed Schengen Visa application form
- Proof of travel such as flight booking, travel itinerary, and hotel booking – You may get a Flight Booking for Visa and Hotel Reservation for Visa just for your visa application without having to pay for the airfare or hotel booking.
- Travel Insurance – It is better to acquire this from Schengen Travel Insurance, an affordable and reliable insurance company.
- Personal Coverage Letter
- Bank Documents
- For employed travellers, a No Objection Letter is highly recommended
Backpacking in Central Europe:
This 1-week itinerary around Central Europe will take travellers to 6 different countries with just one train ticket. Euro Rail offers different single InterRail ticket for frequent train users; for example there is an InterRail ticket that allows travellers a 7-day travel within a 1-month period. This allows travellers a little flexibility in terms of traveling between countries at the same time gives travellers enough time to explore each destination.
Days 1 to 3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands:
Start your 7-day backpacking in Central Europe adventure in Amsterdam City. Not only is Amsterdam City a hub for international flights, it also has an excellent Euro Rail train station that has a lot of English-speaking attendants who can help you purchase your InterRail ticket. After purchasing your InterRail ticket, head out to the heart of the city. Amsterdam is known worldwide for its lively clubs, pedestrian and bike-friendly roads, and of course its tolerance for marijuana. It is only in this city where you can sit in a café and order a stick of weed. If that is your kind of thrill, go and try it but if it is not do take a pass on it. There are far many places to see in Amsterdam anyway.
Spend your first day visiting the Anne Frank Museum. This historic museum tells a story of a young teenage girl who spent months hidden in a room with her family during the Second World War. After a little bit of history, go straight to the more lively bars of Amsterdam and party with the locals.
Spend your second day riding a boat along the romantic canals of Amsterdam. On your boat ride, you will see the unique structures along the banks as well as unique footbridges that go over the canal. Spend a leisure time afterward by renting a bike and just pedal your way around the city.
Get up early the third day and head straight to the train station. Your next destination is the city of Berlin. It takes about 6 hours from Amsterdam to Berlin so you can rest in the train while enjoying the wonderful view.
Days 3 to 5 – Berlin, Germany:
Ready your passports as you enter your second country in Central Europe. Germany is a member of the Schengen group so you need not worry about getting a separate visa. As soon as you arrive at the Berlin Central Station, walk your way to the Brandenburg Gate.
This 18th century monument was built to literally be the entrance from Berlin to Brandenburg. Snap a few shots of this huge structure and move on to your next stop, the Holocaust Memorial. This site is built to commemorate the lives lost during the Second World War. It is not only a good place to learn a little bit of history but also a good place to pay respects for the many lives lost during this dark time. Finally, walk your way towards the Gendarmenmrkt. This market is filled with local products like wine, cheese, beer, Christmas ornaments, clothes, and many more. End your first day in Berlin shopping for German finds.
Spend your second day at the Berlin Wall Memorial. This place holds what is left of the old Berlin Wall which used to separate Germany into the East Communist and the West Democrats. Now the Germany is united, the Berlin Wall Memorial is preserved to remember the past and to educate the youth of the importance of unity.
On your third day, head back to Berlin Central Station and proceed to your next destination, Warsaw in Poland. It takes about 6 hours to get to Warsaw from Berlin so make sure to ride the 6am train to make in Poland by noon.
Days 5 to 7 – Warsaw, Poland:
Again, prepare your passports as you enter your third country in your backpacking in Central Europe adventure. Warsaw is an up and coming city that was badly beaten during the war but is now rising to become a must-see city in Europe.
If you left Berlin before 6 in the morning, you will arrive in Warsaw around noon. Get a quick bite at a local restaurant and head on out to your first destination, the Palace of Culture and Science. You will not miss this structure from the station because of its commanding height. Check out the interiors of this unique structures that houses many libraries, universities, and even cinemas. From there, walk towards the Warsaw Uprising Museum. A museum dedicated to the war that transpired in 1944, this museum can tell visitors a glimpse of Polish history. Visitors can also take a quick rest at the park nearby the museum. Finally, end your first day in Poland at a local restaurant called Restauracja Hoza. This restaurant is known for its romantic evening ambience and great Polish dishes. Make sure to make reservations as this place can get packed.
Spend you second day either by taking a 3-hour bike tour of the city or a 2-hour Segway tour of Warsaw. Spending a few bucks with experienced tour guides are always the best choice to see even the narrowest alleys of Warsaw. Get ready to see more historical sites with a bit of inside information from a local’s point of view.
On your last day, head to the Warsaw Chopin Airport to take your flight back home. This concludes your weeklong backpacking in Central Europe adventure.
Backpacking in Central Europe – Are you Ready?
Before you pack your bags to go to Central Europe, make sure you have secured a Schengen Visa to be permitted to set foot in these countries. Should you have more queries about the visa application process, you may contact us through our website or Facebook page.
Get ready for the adventure of your life while backpacking in Central Europe!
