Traveling solo: What a solo hike gives you that a group never can

...and why sometimes you need to go alone to hear yourself

A solo hike is not about being alone. It's about being present . It's about not having to explain anything to anyone. You go at your own pace , you breathe at your own pace, and the world around you doesn't disturb you - but invites you. Every step is yours alone.

Alone. And yet completely fulfilled.

And while it may sound like a fad or a dare, more and more people are discovering the magic of solo expeditions – from day hikes to long-distance treks. Let’s take a look at what these journeys can give you , what you’ll learn from them, and how to set out on them with peace of mind, confidence, and a light backpack.

You go your own way – and only your own way

It all starts at home. You plan when you'll set off, what route you'll take, where you'll sleep, when you'll stop. You don't have to adjust to the pace of the group.

When you go solo, you can:

• wake up in the morning whenever you want,
• turn onto a new trail in the middle of the route,
• stop by the stream and stare into the water for twenty minutes.

Your journey is not guided by the expectations of others , but by what you want. And that is incredibly liberating.

Just by yourself – you will know your own thoughts

When you are alone, after a while you start to hear... yourself . Without external noise, without sharing every moment, without filtering experiences for others. It's a bit like silent meditation in motion.

A solo expedition can help you:

• to process things that you otherwise don't have time for,
• perceive body and mind signals without distractions,
• gain perspective – on work, relationships, life.
  

"While in ordinary life you often get lost in others, on a solo journey you can find yourself."

You will gain self-confidence and the ability to rely on yourself.

All the decisions are yours. And that's scary and empowering at the same time. You have to handle it yourself:

• to find a way,
• decide when to turn,
• cope with weather changes,
• to cope with the fear of the unknown.

And it is in these moments that inner confidence and trust in your own abilities grow. You will discover that you can do more than you thought. And that even if something doesn't work out, you can still act.

You perceive nature completely differently.

Without conversations, without music, without “dude, wait for me,” you will begin to perceive the world much more subtly. You will hear a branch snap, smell moss, see a fox that you would otherwise have missed.

A solo hike is like tuning out of a noisy station to a gentle orchestral wave.

You notice the details. The colors of the leaves. The patterns of the clouds. The rhythm of your own steps. And suddenly nature is not a backdrop – it is a full-fledged partner on the journey.

Gratitude and slowing down

It's not just about slowing down physically. It's a mental slowdown, where you start to appreciate the ordinary things more:

• hot food,
• dry socks,
• people waiting for you at home.

And somewhere along the way, you realize that alone doesn't mean abandoned . But that you're in touch with yourself - and that's something that often fades away in a group.

But isn't it dangerous?

A question that almost everyone asks you. And it's fair to answer: Solo expeditions have their risks - but they can be managed well.

What needs to be mastered:

• Planning – route, weather, alternatives.
• Navigation – map, application, backup plan.
• Security measures – let people know where you are going, when you are returning, what you have with you.
• Responsibility – for yourself, equipment, decisions.

If you know what you're doing, have the right equipment, and understand the risks, a solo trek is no more dangerous than a regular hike.

Practical tips for your first solo trip

1. Start with a shorter route
   → A day or weekend trip to a familiar area.
2. Take reliable equipment
   → First aid kit, emergency kit, phone with the Adventurer app, where you can download offline maps of the area.
3. Let someone know where you're going.
   → Ideally with a return time and an alternative route.
4. Don't underestimate the weather.
   → Better a shorter route in good weather than excessive ambitions in a storm.
5. Take a book or a journal.
   → You will have time to think, write or read in nature.
6. Don't be discouraged by fear.
   → It's normal to feel a little insecure. But you'll handle most things much better than you expect.

When is it better not to go solo?

• In the winter mountains without experience
• To unknown and uninhabited areas
• If you are not feeling well physically
• On higher-risk expeditions (via ferratas, high exposure)
  
  

And what solo-friendly routes can you go on?

Full-day hike in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic

If you are looking for peaceful nature and picturesque views within a short driving distance, the Jizera Mountains crossing is what will definitely make you happy! This trek offers beautiful scenery and ideal conditions for a solo hike, where you can experience absolute freedom. Step by step you will be able to immerse yourself in nature, fully concentrate on your thoughts and connection with your surroundings. You can decide for yourself when to take a break or when to let yourself be absorbed by the beauty that will surround you at every step.

The trek starts in the picturesque town of Hejnice and leads to 4,000-meter peaks. During the journey, you will experience not only a challenge, but also complete solitude and peace, which is ideal for those looking for time for themselves and their thoughts. Along the way, you will encounter impressive rock formations, thundering waterfalls and the Stone Circle in Smědava, where the whole adventure ends.

A solo hike in the Jizera Mountains will offer you space for self-reflection and inner peace that is difficult to experience in a group. You will set out on this trek on your own, and that is what gives solo hiking its true meaning – your path, your pace.

Two-day hike through Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a place that will captivate you with its beauty, tranquility and history. This trek is ideal for a solo hike, as it will give you the opportunity to discover the magic of the Ligurian coast at your own pace, in peace and without rush. With every step, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in a deep connection with nature and discover quiet corners where you can be alone, while enjoying every view of the sea and the villages that wind their way between vineyards and olive groves.

The trek begins in the seaside village of Portovenere and continues along the “Sentiero Liguria” hiking trail, where views of La Spezia and the Tyrrhenian Sea await you on the first day. On the second day, you continue along the coast and pass through three villages – Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare – before arriving in Levanto, where you end your adventure full of beautiful views, local culture and gastronomy.

Cinque Terre offers not only unforgettable views and cultural experiences, but also a deep inner peace. This trek will allow you to be fully present in every moment, connect with nature and enjoy every step of the way. Whether you are looking for adventure, beauty or personal experiences, Cinque Terre is a place where every solo traveler will find their own space to explore and relax.

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Royal peaks of the Low Tatras, Slovakia

As for our eastern neighbors, the Low Tatras offer great conditions for a solo hike, where you can fully enjoy the peace and beauty of the Slovak mountains. This trek will give you a chance to get away from the daily hustle and bustle for a while, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the views that will accompany you with every step. You will set off to the two highest peaks of the Low Tatras – Ďumbier and Chopok, where the views and atmosphere of the mountains will offer you an unforgettable experience.

The path begins at the Trangoška signpost, from where you will set off along the green marked tourist route through the Bystrá dolina nature reserve. After climbing more than 600 meters, you will reach the General MR Štefánik chalet, from where you will enjoy wonderful panoramic views. Then you continue to the top of Ďumbier and then head towards Chopok. The return journey takes you along the yellow marked route, which will take you safely and comfortably back to the parking lot.

The Low Tatras are a great choice for those looking for a combination of challenges and peace in nature. The trek will take you through a beautiful landscape where mountain peaks, forests and panoramic views combine.

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Rainbow Mountains Circuit, Iceland

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is full of natural wonders, and the Rainbow Mountains are among its true gems. This trek offers the opportunity to explore one of Iceland’s largest geothermal areas and enjoy a unique landscape full of colorful mountains, springs, and volcanoes. With its beauty and remoteness, the Rainbow Mountains are the perfect place for an adventure where you can be in tune with nature and enjoy the silence of the Icelandic landscape.

The journey starts at the Landmannalaugar campsite, from where you head towards the peak of Suðurnámur (920 m above sea level). During the ascent, you will pass the Brennisteinsalda hot spring and after reaching the summit, you will have amazing views of the Rainbow Mountains. After descending, you continue to the Brennisteinsalda volcano, from where you will have the entire area within reach.

The Rainbow Mountains are great for solo hiking, but keep in mind that the access road is only accessible to off-road vehicles and buses from June to September. The weather in Iceland can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions and stick to the marked trails. However, with good preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience in this unique landscape.

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Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela - Porto Way, Portugal/Spain

If you are up for a bigger challenge and have done a few shorter solo hikes, we definitely recommend going on the Camino Portugés de la Costa – the pilgrimage route to Santiago. This route will offer you not only a physical challenge, but also a deep personal experience, where every step brings new views and the opportunity to discover yourself. Pilgrims set off on this journey from Porto, which is an ideal starting point for those who want to explore the Portuguese Way and at the same time experience the atmosphere of two different cultures – Portuguese and Spanish.

The path is well marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells, the symbol of all pilgrimages to Santiago. But be prepared that your route will not be just about following the path – it is a journey that deserves to be experienced to the fullest, and that includes occasionally veering off the path and exploring the surroundings. Don’t forget to get a “credential”, a pilgrim’s passport before the trip, which will allow you to stay in albergues and obtain a Compostela – a certificate of completion of the pilgrimage.

You will only need the bare essentials during your journey, as most of the necessary things are available along the way – shops, pharmacies and laundries. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will enrich you not only physically but also spiritually. Buen Camino!

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Sometimes you need to go alone to find out who you are.

A solo expedition is like a conversation with yourself. It's not always easy. But it's profound. And even if you go alone, you'll carry a backpack full of courage, peace, and a new perspective on the world.