The comeback

Hikers head for the high trails of this Alpine adventure playground, but keep your eyes peeled for Austria’s diverse birds, mammals and other creatures in its meadows, woods and rivers, advises Rudolf Abraham

From the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland to Italy’s white-capped mountains – if you love the cold, in these destinations winter is always coming...

What the scientists are saying… Falling puffin numbers ...

Nadia Shaikh seeks good company for a search-and-gorge to get her through the ruthless darkness of the winter months

The parks and wilderness areas of Italy are some of the most dramatic on the continent, ranging from Europe’s highest active volcano to the last refuge of the Marsican bear. We pick 21 of the wildest to explore…

NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? OUR EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS…