Famous Hostels Ambassador’s European Adventure

16 Jul 2015

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Stephen ‘Beaver’ Harris was the lucky winner of the competition to become the Ambassador for Europe’s Famous Hostels, which meant he had the challenge of visiting all 51 of the hostels across Europe on an amazing 3 month adventure. After beginning in Italy he travelled from coast to coast from Naples to Rimini and up through the Alps to Switzerland to the awesome Balmer’s Herberge in Interlaken. Let’s find out what he’s been up to since.

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Canyoning in Interlaken, Switzerland

Sky Diving in Switzerland at Balmer’s Herberge

"I freaking felt like screaming something….!  I had just jumped out of a freaking airplane!"

After canyoning through the beautiful Swiss Alps at Balmer’s, it was time for Beaver to try his hand at parachute jumping. After a frightening drive and some hairy scares, he prepared to jump out of a plane, at 37,000 meters. After flipping off the ledge, he endured a 45 second free fall over the scenic valleys of Interlaken - luckily his chute opened! We’re jealous of his amazing experience at Balmer’s!  

“Don’t worry mate.  We’ve all gotta go sometime.” 


skydiving

Skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland


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Euro Youth Hostel in Munich

Next up was the awesome Bavarian beer heaven of Euro Youth Hostel in Munich...

"It was a nice night, and somehow I ended up with a flower in my shirt."

Beaver headed to Munich where he found out that firstly it rains a lot, secondly that the Germans are lovely, thirdly that Bavarians think ‘only pussies cheers from the top of the glass’ and that hostel staff make the hostel. Check out his shots of Beaver and the team around Munich enjoying the sites and of course... the beers. 

"A special thanks goes out to Nuria, Bastian, Anthony, Timmy and Chris who did their best to make me feel like I was a part of their team!"

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Cheers with a proper beer, at Euro Youth Hostel Munich

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Then it was time to visit Czech Inn Prague

Luckily Beaver hit Prague at the same time as the Islands of Prague music festival and enjoyed it there with some beer and goulash! Heading for Prague Castle and taking in the local vibe, Beaver checks out Prague with some ladies in tow..

"I bought a banana and pointed it at the middle-aged Czech woman behind the counter when I went to pay.  She threw both of her arms in the air for me and acted scared.  It was ridiculous!  I love it when people surprise you with humour."

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Vienna’s Hostel Ruthensteiner 

Home of the beautiful Hofburg palace, the famous Waltz and some great schnitzel, Beaver headed to Vienna to visit this beautiful and grandiose city. Staying at the super friendly Hostel Ruthensteiner, Beaver enjoyed a relaxing time making friends at the bar and exploring the city on foot. 

Find out what he got up to on his blog here 

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The Train from Vienna

Moving on to Salzburg and YoHo Hostel  

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music! Salzburg is famous for being home to the Von Trapps, and more importantly, Mozart. Find out what Beaver got up to in this scenic small city in the heart of the mountains, enjoying a beer from the Augustiner beer hall and Austrian snacks before headed to the Red Bull head quarters and of course, the town of Fucking.  

 "I needed pictures in front of the sign to show where I had been: ‘Fucking.’"

After heading out of town and up the mountains, Beaver then headed to the famous Ice Caves discovered in 1879 - Eis Riesen Welt. Taking the cable car up the steep mountainside he hiked 20 minutes up to the mouth of the caves. where he discovered it can reach 38 degrees inside, or -20 in winter. He explored with his lantern deep down the 700 steps and saw the amazing ice formations. 

Find out more here


"He is a great guy, and he wears lederhosen every day."

Next up was was Euro Youth Hostel which is nestled in the spa town of Bad Gastein. It’s a ski and snow sports paradise in winter and a summer hiking and biking place, but most famous for it’s thermal spas - promoting a longer, healthier life! After trying a Devil Schnitzel, Beaver makes his way around this cool town..

Find out about his thermal pool adventures here.. 

Follow Beaver on his adventures throughout the Famous Hostel network and see what it's like to visit them all!

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