Europe’s diverse terrain and breathtaking landscapes make for some pretty epic hikes. I’ve picked the best hikes in Europe to fuel your next outdoor adventure.

There’s nothing that I love more than strapping on my hiking boots and setting off on a trail.

Europe has a huge number of trails with a diversity of lengths and difficulty: there’s something for you, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer.

Looking for the best hikes in Europe? I’ve got you covered from long hikes to a day hike.

Best Hikes in Europe: Long Distance Hikes

It won’t surprise you that there are a lot of long distance walks in Europe. These are the ones you need to add to your bucket list. Before you set off though, make sure you have packed for your hike with everything you may need for the weather conditions.

Slovenian Mountain Trail, Slovenia

Distance: 599km

Average hiking time: 28 days

A Guide to Hiking in the Slovenian Alps. The top hiking destination for the summer.
Triglav National Park (c) Adobe

Slovenia might not be the country that immediately springs to mind when you think of hiking in Europe, but it should be.

The Slovenian Mountain Trail links the country’s highest peak: Mount Triglav, with a number of other Slovenian peaks in the Julian Alps for a dizzying 500km route through the best of Slovenia’s alpine views.

What’s more? It’s the oldest hiking trail in Europe.

More and more people are waking up to the fact that Slovenia is one of the best hiking destination in Europe – but it still offers the chance to hike in complete solitude, something that can be lacking on some of the more popular trails.

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Read more: Hiking in Slovenia

South West Coast Path, England, United Kingdom

Distance: 1013km/ 630 miles

Average hiking time: 52 days

Adventures for the Bank Holiday Weekend - Hiking the South West Coast Path - 1

The South West Coast Path is a 630 mile (1,000km) path around the south western coast of England. The path was originally used by coastguards on the lookout for smugglers but is now one of the best hikes in the UK.

The path isn’t very difficult – it’s well marked and along unchallenging terrain but what really makes it stand out are the beautiful shoreline views of the changing south-west coast.

It starts at Minehead in Somerset and ends in Poole in Dorset, taking in the whole of the Cornish coast, including Newquay along the way. It can be walked in either direction and is easily split into smaller stages.

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Read More: The Perfect Cornwall Itinerary

Rota Vicentina, Portugal

Distance: 450km/  280 miles

Average hiking time: 16-20 days

Rota Vincentina is an awesome hiking trail in Europe. Here's why you should try it.
(c) Tiago Almeida on Unsplash

The relatively new Rota Vicentina showcases the south-west of Portugal in its full glory.

450m in total, the route is made up of two large trails: the Fisherman’s Trail and the Historical Way, plus a number of short circular routes.

The Fisherman’s Trail follows the wild Atlantic coastline, while the Historic Way traverses small rural village and the little-known landscapes of the south-west.

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Read More: Hiking The Rota Vicentina in Portugal’s Alentejo

Kungsleden, Sweden

Distance: 440km/ 273 miles

Average hiking time: 30 days for the full trail

Hiking on the Kungsleden in Sweden
(c) Adobe

The Kungsleden is one of Sweden’s best-known hiking trails but few people hike the full 440km-long trail in one go.

Though it’s a popular option to hike it in the summer, you can also ski the trail during the winter months.

The northern section of the trail in Swedish Lapland offers some of the most spectacular hiking in Europe: through a natural valley, surrounded by mountains and wildlife including bears, golden eagles and lynxes.

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Tour du Mont Blanc

Distance: 170km/ 110 miles.

Average hiking time: 11 days

Hiking the Tour de Mont Blanc, Europe
(c) Alexandre Chambon on Unsplash

The Tour du Mont Blanc is often named as the best hike in Europe.

Taking in three countries, France, Switzerland and Italy, the 170km route starts and finishes in Les Houches, Chamonix, encircling the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Alpine scenery is very much the main attraction here, not to mention dramatic views of the trail’s namesake itself.

The path climbs a total of 10,000m throughout its course, so it’s pretty tough going but doesn’t require any technical hiking – just a good level of fitness.

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Alta Via 1, Italy 

Distance: 120km/ 75 miles

Average Hiking Time: 10 days 

Alta Via, Lake Braies - Best Hikes in Europe

The Alta Via 1 is a thrilling hike through the Dolomites in Italy, starting in Dobbiaco and cutting its way through to Bellumo further south.

This relatively high altitude hike takes in so many stunning vistas it’s hard to take them all in – it also passes through a number of World War One sites. The views alone guarantee it a spot on any list of the best hiking routes in Europe.

The more adventurous of you can try your hand at the (optional) cable routes, which allow you to explore the steep hillsides and tunnels.

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Camino de Santiago, France and Spain

Distance: 790 km/ 500 miles

Average hiking time: 32-35 days

Camino de Santiago, one of the best hikes in Europe. Read why.
(c) Jorge Luis Ojeda Flota on Unsplash

A famous pilgrims’ route, the Camino de Santiago is otherwise known as The Way of St James. The route goes to Santiago de Compostela, the burial place of St James.

The Camino covers a number of routes, the most famous of which is the Camino Frances from St, Jean Pied de Port in France.

The path crosses the Pyrenees and then wends its way into Spain through cities such as Pamplona and Leon before arriving in Santiago.

It’s not a difficult hike – the path is well marked and well looked-after – the real difficulty is the length. The full Camino Frances is around 500 miles and takes

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Alsace Wine Route

Distance: 162km/ 100 miles.

Average hiking time: 8 days

Hiking the Alsace Wine Route
(c) Adobe

Hiking and great wine? What more can you ask for? The 8 day GR5 and Red Rectangle is the best introduction to walking in the Alsace region.

The route forms part of the much longer GR (Grande Radonee) 5 walk. The Alsace section takes you through innumerable vineyards, chateaus and quaint Alsace towns.

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Multi-Day Hiking Trails in Europe That Take Less Than a Week

West Highland Way, Scotland, United Kingdom

Distance: 154km/ 96 miles

Average hiking time: 6 days

The West Highland Way is one of the best hikes in Europe. Read the full list.
(c) Asa Rodger on Unsplash

The West Highland Way traverses some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK and is well-known as one of the best walking trails in Europe.

This 96-mile route starts in Milngavie, near Glasgow and climbs upwards to the remote town of Fort William, near to Ben Nevis. The trail is big on views –  you can even do a slight detour and climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK.

While there are some steep climbs, the West Highland Way is a relatively easy hike and can be completed by anyone with moderate fitness levels.

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Laugavegurinn, Iceland

Distance: 55km / 34 miles

Average hiking time: 5 days

Laugavegur trek, Iceland - One of Europe's best hikes. Read more.
(c) Adobe

The Laugavegurinn is one of the best treks in Europe thanks to its colourful landscapes and jaw-dropping views.

It’s a relatively short trail (55km) but manages to cover hot sprigs, mountains, canyons, volcanic deserts and ice caves throughout its course. It’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland, thanks to its relatively easy terrain and accessibility.

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Read More: Iceland’s Hidden Gems

The Blue Trail, Cinque Terre, Italy

Distance: 11km/ 7 miles

Average hiking time: 2 days

Hiking the blue trail along the Cinque Terre in Italy. One of Europe's best hikes.

(c) Marc Zimmer on Unsplash

The Cinque Terre’s Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Trail) might be one of the shortest paths on our list of the top hikes in Europe but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular.

Actually four separate paths along the Cinque Terre coast, you could hike the entire thing in six hours without stopping. Where’s the fun in that though?

The Cinque Terre is home to some of Italy’s prettiest towns and best food, so take a few days and enjoy them, and the route, at leisure. Unfortunately, some parts of the path are closed, thanks to flash flooding a few years ago.

It’s best to check the status of each section before you start. If a section of the coastal path is closed, you can take the alternate inland Red Trail path instead.

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Read More: The Best Places to Visit in Italy

Best Day Hikes in Europe

Pigeon Loft Loop in the Ecrins National Park, France

Distance: 9.3km / 5.5 miles

Average hiking time: 5 hours

Ecrins National Park - Hiking in the French Alps
High Up on the Pigeon Loft Loop

This is one of my personal favourite day hikes in Europe and a recent addition to this article.

Hiking in the French Alps is always an adventure – there’s a reason that it’s always named one of the best hiking destinations in Europe. However, sometimes you don’t have the time to do a big multi-day hike. That’s when the Ecrins National Park really shines.

The park is a couple of hours’ drive from Grenoble – and there are plenty of parking spots for you to park up and set off on the hike of your choice.

I’d recommend the Pigeon Loft Loop – a six-hour hike that gains altitude quickly to give you absolutely stunning views out over glaciers and peaks and down to the valley below.

It’s a medium-difficulty hike – the first part of the hike is a neverending and quite steep trudge upwards – but the views more than make up for it.

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Read More: Hiking in the Ecrins National Park

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles

Average hiking time: 4 hours

Preikestolen, Norway
(c) Pierre Bouillot on Unsplash

It seems like these days everyone’s climbing Pulpit Rock in Norway. You can’t open Instagram without seeing a shot of some nomadic type staring out into the distance from the high precipice.

That said, the hike and the view from the Preikestolen are pretty majestic and very much worth the effort (and the crowds).

If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded experience, you can do the hike before watching the sun rise at the rock – we’d recommend a guide for this though.

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Il Sentiero Degli Dei, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Distance: 8km/5 miles

Average hiking time: 3 hours

Amalfi Coast, a short but awesome hike in Europe
(c) Jan Tielens on Unsplash

Another short but sweet path, the Sentiero degli Dei winds its way from Praiano to Nocelle in Positano.

The name of the path translates as “The Path of the Gods” thanks to the combination of spectacular views and the height of the route.

Walk the path from Praiano to Nocelle – the path mostly slopes downwards in this direction and boasts stunning vistas over the Amalfi Coast and out to Capri. It’s a steep uphill climb from Praiano but very much worth it.

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Mount Snowdon, Wales

Distance: Varies – 6 routes to choose from

Average hiking time: Varies

Snowdonia, Wales

Fancy a moderately challenging climb? Located in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, Mount Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and the second-highest peak in the UK. 

You’ve got a few path options to choose from when climbing Mount Snowdon, ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular is the Llanberis Path, which is the longest but also the easiest. 

Though you can always opt for the likes of the Pyg Track, Miners Track or the Snowdon Ranger Path if you fancy a little more of a challenge. 

Take my advice and climb Mount Snowdon during the summer – the routes will be busier but it’s also a far more pleasant climb.

Overall Best Places to Hike in Europe

Jungfrau, Switzerland

Distance: Varies

Average hiking time: Varies

Jungfrau, Switzerland
(c) Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

Hikers love Jungfrau thanks to the seemingly endless number of day hikes you can take in the region.

Hiking in Europe, particularly in the mountains can be quite difficult to plan, thanks to the ever-changing conditions – but if you hike in the Jungfrau region, there are hikes suitable for every weather condition possible.

Base yourself in Wilderswil, Grindelwald, Wengen or Mürren and take your pick from hikes through verdant meadows and valleys.

Looking for a real challenge? There are many hikes to take on high alpine passes and cling to the steep mountain slopes.

GR20, Corsica – Europe’s Toughest Hiking Trail

Distance: 180km/ 111 miles

Average hiking time: 12-15 days

The GR20 is the toughest hike in Europe but also one of the best. Here's why.
(c) Adobe

Not one for the faint-hearted, the GR20 is constantly cited as the toughest hiking trail in Europe and one to consider if you’re looking for a Europe backpacking trip. This is in no small part thanks to the numerous ascents and descents, steep inclines and rocky paths.

Cutting across the heart of Corsica, the path is very demanding and should only be attempted if you’re sure you’re fit enough.

Those that undertake it are rewarded with the thrill of conquering one of the toughest and best hikes in Europe.

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Read More: The Ultimate Europe Bucket List

Meteora, Greece

Distance: Varies

Average hiking time: Varies

Hiking in Meteora, Greece for some of the best hiking in Europe
(c) Vangelis Basikotsas on Unsplash

Hiking in Meteora isn’t the easiest task, thanks to a lack of well-marked trails and few clear maps.

Why is Meteora one of the best places to hike in Europe? It’s hands down the best way to see the strange sandstone spires for which the area is famed.

The spires are also known as the unlikely location of several monasteries: during its prime, the area housed 24 monasteries and convent, each of which could only be accessed by ladders or pulleys.

The best day-long hike starts at the foothills of Doupiani Rock before making its way to Ypapanti, St Dimitrius and Great Meteoron. It uses some of the old footpaths used by the monks, but can be pretty rough going so make sure you’re properly prepared.

Unusual Places to Hike in Europe

Fagaras Mountains Ridge Route, Romania

Distance: 70 miles

Average hiking time: 7 days

Fagaras Mountains, Romainia - Europes Best Hikes
(c) Cristian Grecu on Unsplash

Romania is one of Europe’s lesser-known hiking destinations. The hike along the ridge of the Fagaras Mountains in the Carpathian Mountain range is a spectacular one and one of the best European hikes that barely anyone knows about.

The Fagaras Ridge route takes in the highest peak in the country, Mount Mondoveanu and boats impressive vistas out over Transylvania.

This hike is very much off the beaten track, with very few facilities and accommodation, so bring a tent and a hiking companion. The best route is from Plaiu Foii and to Sebesul de Sus.

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Pessons Lake Trail, Andorra

Distance: 12km/ 7 miles

Average hiking time: 1 day

Hiking the Pessons Lake Trail in Andorra
(c) Beatriz Álvarez on Unsplash

Andorra might be tiny but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in views. Located wholly within the Pyrenees, it should come as no surprise that Andorra has a number of spectacular hikes for you to chose from.

My pick of the bunch is the day hike around the Pessons Lakes. The trail starts in the Encamp valley with a steep climb up to the first lake before a much gentler route to the lakes of Estany Forcat, Estany Rodo and Estany del Meligar and the Pessons Pass.

Go for the solitude and the dramatic views. 

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Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Distance: Varies

Average hiking time: Varies

Durmitor, Montenegro
(c) Adobe

Durmitor is a little off-the-beaten path – and those who do go mainly make a day trip from Kotor, but go for a few days to experience some of the best hiking and views Montenegro has to offer. 

While there are a lot of hikes in and around the park, you shouldn’t miss the ascent to the top of Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro’s highest peak.

It’s a tough one-day ascent that takes 7-9 hours round trip across a lot of rocky terrain but is well worth it.

Tatra Mountains, Poland and Slovakia

Distance: Varies

Average hiking time: Varies

Tatra Mountains, Poland - Best Hikes in Europe
(c) Janusz Maniak on Unsplash

The Tatra Mountains, in the south of Poland and the north of Slovakia are relatively unknown outside of the two countries but offer magnificent hiking trails and some of the best hikes in Europe for those intrepid enough to get there.

The Tatra Mountains stand at the north of the Carpathian mountains, and cover a relatively compact area that’s only 80km long. There’s plenty packed into that 80km though – including almost 100 summits over 2,000 metres.

Hikers tend to base themselves in Zakopane and take a number of day hikes from there. Otherwise, get a map and bring a tent to get completely off-grid.

Are you ready to take on the best hikes in Europe?

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4 Comments

  1. Awesome list! I’ve done the Iceland’s and Scotland’s trails, plus some bits in Tatras… I dream of doing the Swedish King’s trail and Corsica’s GR20… So many beautiful trails in Europe!

    1. Thank you – glad that you like it. There’s so many beautiful hikes around, it’s just finding the time to do them all 🙂

  2. I did the Way of St. James 2 years ago, breath taking AND fun! took me around 32 days more/less. I NEED to go back but now I have an 9 month old who needs my full attention… So I am looking for something less than a week and easy like El camino.

    1. What an adventure! I don’t know where you’re based but the South Downs Way in the UK is beautiful and relatively easy. It’s hilly, but not ridiculously so. The Rota Vicentina in Portugal is incredible too – you have two choices of main routes: the Fisherman’s coastal trail and the Historical Way (which is actually part of the Portuguese Camino), plus a number of add-on circular trails along the way. I’d really recommend it as the walks are stunning, not too taxing and as long as you avoid the summer months, the weather’s good too. Hope that helps and that the article has provided you with some inspiration!

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