long distance treks in europe

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Destinations » Europe

Ze Wandering Frogs

Hike, kite, dive – adventure travel with a french twist, 36 best hikes in europe for long distance hiking trails.

The Alps are, of course, the first mountain range one can think about when looking for the best hikes in Europe, but fantastic long-distance hiking trails are available throughout the continent as well. Hiking in Europe takes you from coastal lines and small villages and remote wilderness to historical sites and old castles. And of course, some of the most stunning landscapes are the mountains in Europe!

We asked fellow travel bloggers to share their favorite European long-distance paths and included several other top treks that will give you itchy feet! So if you want to know which best hiking trails Europe has to offer, check our compilation below and start preparing for your next trekking adventure.

If you feel we are missing any major long distance hiking trails Europe is famous for, definitely leave us a comment!

Best Hikes in Europe

Here are some of the best long distance trails Europe has to offer:

Austrian Alps

• England Hiking
• France Trekking
• Germany Hiking
• Greece Hiking
• Iceland Trekking
• Ireland Walks
• Italy Hiking

Norway Trekking

• Portugal Trails

Romania Mountains

• Scotland Walks

Slovakia Mountains

• Slovenia Trekking

Spain Hiking

• Sweden Reserve
• Switzerland Trekking

Hiking in Austria is a trekker’s paradise, with some of the best long distance hiking trails in Europe. Listing the best hikes in Austria would deserve its own full blog post! For now, we are listing the top Austria hiking trails as a shortlist as some of the best trails in Europe.

Stubai High Trail

The Stubai High Trail in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria covers 62 miles (100 kilometers) of breathtaking high-altitude scenery. With eight mountain huts providing food and accommodation along the way, you can hike the entire trail locally called the Stubai   Höhenweg   Trail in 8 days or cover only the section that appeals to you. Our initiation into the Stubai High Trail took us along the Wild Water Trail (Wildewasserweg) to the Sulzenau Hut near the Stubai Glacier. With two impressive waterfalls along the way, this is easily the most beautiful ascend to the Stubai High Trail.

The Grawa Waterfall, which is the widest in the Eastern Alps, marks the start of this part of the trail. Three hours later, the views from the top of the Sulzenau Waterfall make the effort to get there more than worthwhile.

Austria – Stubai High Trail / Photo Credit: Travel Tyrol

Each hut along the Stubai High Trail is the start or end of one stage of the trail. From the Sulzenau Hut, you can either walk to the Dresdner Hut or the Nürnberger Hut. A limited number of private rooms are available, with most beds in dormitories or hay barns. Good, hearty Austrian food is available at all the huts. The Stubai High Trail with accompanying huts is generally open from June to October. While reservations aren’t compulsory, it’s advisable. The last thing you want is to hike for 3 to 7 hours to find out there’s no room for you.

The Austrian and German Alpine Clubs try their best to make the hut accommodation affordable. You can generally find somewhere to lay your head down for less than 35US$ (€30). Some huts even offer a service to transport your backpack from the valley. The difference in altitude covered on the Stubai High Trail is around 26,300 feet (8,000 meters). Some parts are rated as difficult terrain, while others, like the hike to the Sulzenau Hut via the Grawa Waterfall, have an intermediate difficulty level.

By Linda from Travel Tyrol | Facebook | Instagram

Eagles Trail

The 256 miles (413 km) trail takes through Tirol and can be broken in short treks if you so choose.

Austrian Alps Hiking Resources

Click on each link to access more detailed hiking resources:

• Walking Austria’s Alps: Hut to Hut
• Trekking in the Zillertal Alps: Trekking and peaks in the Austrian Tyrol
• Austrian Alps Hiking Map
• Trip Planning: Travel Guide Austria co
• Pack an English-German Phrasebook

Hiking in England

The mountains in England might not be the first to come to mind when you think of trekking. Indeed, the highest peak in England stands at 3,208 feet (978 meters), a far cry from Mont Blanc. But what England’s tallest mountains lack in height, they make up for beautiful landscape! Indeed, the country offers plenty of awesome treks from the Lake District’s mountainous range to the coast-to-coast walks that will take you through the neat scenery of the English coast. And hiking in England always comes with an interesting history!

Hadrian’s Wall Path 

Hadrian’s Wall Path is a coast-to-coast footpath and national trail that slices across northern England. It follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall, which once formed the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. The ancient monument is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its remnants snake through the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland for 84 miles (135 kilometers).

For keen trekkers, it’s possible to complete Hadrian’s Path  in three days  of intense walking. The undulating terrain and scenic countryside mean that most people take longer. This trail is of moderate difficulty that never rises above an altitude of 1,130 feet (345 meters). Allow five to seven days if you want to pause at the numerous Roman forts, mile castles, and museums along the signposted route.

England – Hadrian’s Path / Photo Credit: Go Eat Do

It’s possible to overnight in guesthouses, hostels, and on campsites. Budget at least 65US$ (£50) a day for basic food and accommodation.

The unpredictable British weather means this is a trail that can be followed at any time of year. From November into March the landscape looks bleak. In the peak holiday season, during July and August, the footpath tends to be busy.

By Stuart of Go Eat Do  | Facebook | Instagram  

Coast to Coast Trail 

The Coast to Coast trail is by far one of my favorite UK challenges, 198 miles (318 km) from the west to the east coast of the UK, hence the name! The trail crosses through three gorgeous National Parks, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and finally North York Moors.  

I completed the full trail in 13 days; you can do it faster or slower depending on how many miles you walk each day (or split into sections).

England – Coast to Coast Trek / Photo Credit: Becky The Traveller

Because this is such a long trek it does take some careful planning. Hotels and B&Bs on the route can fill up during peak times and weekends but July-August is busy in the UK. Camping is an option, but you need to factor in whether you want to carry all your gear for the full distance. Sherpa services are available that move your bags to the next location.

I trekked the Coast to Coast trail in September, which was quieter than July and August but still busy at weekends. Plus not too hot for hiking! There is no permit required to do the hike; it’s well signposted with many different ‘C2C’ signs. As regards to costs, it depends on what luxury you want, campsites start from 9US$ (£7/8), hostels around 26US$ (£20) and B&B/hotels are closer to 65US$ (£50), times that by the number of nights to give a rough estimate for your trip.

The hardest part of the Coast to Coast trail for me was at the beginning through the Lake District National Park. The toughest section was navigating Helvellyn mountain and Striding Edge (literally a jagged knife-edge walk with scary drops on each side). But equally beautiful and satisfying to complete!

The Coast to Coast trail is challenging, but it gives you a fantastic view of the UK’s best hiking paths. Plus you can say you’ve walked across the UK, which is pretty cool!

By Becky from Becky The Traveller | Facebook | Instagram

England Hiking Resources

Click on the links for more detailed information.

• Coast to Coast Hiking Map and Guide
• Hadrian’s Wall Hiking Path and Guide
• The Marches: A Borderland Journey Between England and Scotland
• Trip Planning: UK Travel Guide

Trekking France

Given the access to the Alps mountains, including the Mont Blanc mountain, France is home to some of the best places to hike in Europe (and it’s not us being biased about our native country!). The French mountain ranges are rather stunning. In addition to a Mont Blank hike in the Alps, the most famous mountains in Europe after all, Corsica and the Pyrenees hiking should be high on any trekker’s list. Find out below why we think France has some of the best long distance hiking trails Europe is home to.

Haute Route

The 12-day Haute Route is one of the most challenging long-distance hiking trails in France. The 116 miles (187 km) start from Chamonix in France and end in Zermatt, Switzerland. Probably one of the best treks in Europe.

Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) – France, Italy, Switzerland

The most famous of the long distance hiking trails in Europe! This stunning trek in the Alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland takes around 10-12 days to cover a circuit of 106 miles (170 km), with a height gain and loss of approximately 32,808 feet (10,000 m). The trail itself is well-marked and well-traveled. You will loop around the highest peak in Europe, the Mont Blanc (elev. 15,771 feet / 4,807 m), covering rocky peaks and flower-hewn valleys along the way.

The trek can be completed clockwise or counter-clockwise, with the latter starting from Les Houches being the most popular due to the perspective from the mountain passes. The best time to tackle the TMB is from the end of June to the end of October; the exact dates will vary depending on the snowfall from the previous season and in the current season. Summertime yields the highest traffic, especially around late August during The Ultra Trail Marathon, so be prepared to book your accommodation well in advance or travel outside of the Marathon timeframe.

France – Tour du Mont Blanc / Photo Credit: Expedition Wildlife

There are huts and B&Bs along the TMB; camping is technically forbidden. Be sure to make reservations and plan out your trip ahead of time. Accommodations along the route will offer half-board, include a bed, dinner, and breakfast, and some will pack a lunch for you at an extra cost. Most accommodations close down outside of the main hiking season.

You are not required to have a guide for the trail. However, having Cicerone’s “Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc” or another detailed guide or map will be very helpful in your planning and on the trail. Plan for around 1,200US$ (1,000€) for the trek, including half-board accommodation and lunches. For 580US$ (500€) more, you can stay at more upscale accommodations and acquire luggage transfers between towns.

By Christa from  Expedition Wildlife

Corsica GR20

The 112 miles (180 km) trek is considered by many to be the most beautiful as well as one of the most difficult Europe long distance trails. The trail takes you from the north to the south of the Mediterranean island through rugged mountains. Most trekkers take 15 days and while it’s possible to stay in mountain huts – refuges , bringing your tent in summer is recommended given the trail’s popularity which makes it one of the most famous hiking trails in France .

Pyr én ées GR10

The 538 miles (865 km) trek is broken into smaller sections that each take about 12 days on average. The difficult trek passes through stunning scenery, and you can rest in mountain huts or camp along the trail. Probably one of the top European long distance trails as the route will take you from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Sea.

Trekking Resources for France

• Trekking Chamonix to Zermatt: The Classic Walker’s Haute Route
• Trekking The GR5 Trail: Through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice 
• The Tour of Mont Blanc: Complete two-way trekking guide
• The GR20 Corsica: Complete Guide to the High-Level Route
• The GR11 Trail: Through the Spanish Pyrenees
• Trip Planning: France Travel Guide
• English-French Phrasebook

Hiking in Germany

When thinking about long trails in Europe, Germany might not come first to mind. But hiking in Germany will take you for awesome strolls through villages, rolling hills, and forests, sometimes along rivers, others to high castles. In any case, these are enjoyable, and you can always find a place to rest and treat yourselves to good food and a cold drink.

Black Forest Westweg 

The 177 miles (285 km) route goes through villages, meadows, and of course a walk in the Black Forest. Stay in campsites or guesthouses.

Bavarian Alps

The area includes some of the best hikes in Germany. From the 2-day climb to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak at 9,718 feet (2,962 m), to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s infamous retreat in the mountain, the Alpine landscape offers plenty of long-distance paths and opportunities for great trekking in Germany.

Germany Hiking Resources

• Walking in the Bavarian Alps: 70 Mountain Walks and Treks in Southern Germany
• Hiking in the Black Forest
• Trip Planning: Germany Travel Guide
• Carry an English-German Phrasebook

Hiking in Greece

Trips to Greece usually include cruising the Cyclades, relaxing in Santorini, and enjoying tasty Greek food. However, Greece is also a good place for one of these long-distance hiking trails Europe has.

Vikos Gorge

Some of the best trekking I’ve ever done in Europe was in the Vikos Gorge in Northern Greece.

Situated in the North Pindus Mountains, the Vikos Gorge is one of the biggest in the world and a stunning landscape to explore by foot. There are long hiking trails  everywhere, so you aren’t short of potential walks to do. It’s a great place to hike alone or with a travel buddy.

The area is called the Zagori and encompasses 44 villages- together known as the Zagorohoria. The gorge itself is only 8 miles (12 km) long, but hiking overnight here allows you to explore the villages and surrounding area along the way.

Greece – Vikos Gorge / Photo Credit: Coddiwomp

The main gorge stretch is from the village of Vikos to that of Monodendri, or vice versa. Beginning from Vikos, descend into the gorge. From here it’s a straightforward hike through the canyon suitable for most levels. The only exertion is the ascent to Monodendri, which is a lung-busting climb. The beautiful village at the top makes it worth the effort though!

In general, this is a straightforward hike, and you can easily do it in one day- taking roughly 4.5hours walking non-stop. But don’t rush it! Staying overnight in Monodendri allows you to experience more of the hiking in the area in the ensuing days. In such a beautiful place, this is highly recommended!

For broader exploration, it can be handy to have a map. The main routes are all well signposted though. Head to Vikos in Spring or Summer for the best walking weather.

By Danny from Coddiwomp  

Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Explore during a 3-day trek and see why the mountain was so important in Ancient Greek Mythology. The perfect way to mix history with one of the most iconic long hiking trails Europe has.

Crete White Mountains

Hiking in Crete takes you on a trek in the White Mountains, passing by the coastline and fishing villages.

Hiking Resources for Greece

• Trekking in the Peloponnese and Pindos Way
• Corfu Trekking Trails and Guide
• Waterproof hiking map of Mt. Olympus
• Hiking in Crete Map and Trails
• Trip Planning: Greece Travel Guide
• Bring a Greek-English Phrasebook

Hiking in Iceland

Laugavegur trail.

The 34 miles (54 km) trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmorkvariety is another epic trek,  passing by hot springs and glaciers. Laugavegur takes about four days, but you can also add two days if you combine the Fimmvörðuháls trail. The season runs from mid-June until mid-September, and several huts are available along the trail.

Iceland Hiking Resources

• Trekking the Arctic Circle Trail
• The best hiking trails between Landmannalaugar and Skógar
• Iceland Hiking Map: Landmannalaugar, Laugavegur, Þórsmörk & Fimmvörðuháls
• Trip Planning: Iceland Travel Guide
• Take an Iceland Phrasebook

Hiking in Ireland

The 100 miles (162 km) trek goes through the stunning landscape of the County Kerry, including coastal plains, lakes, and mountains. One of the most famous walks in Ireland for sure.

Ireland Hiking Resources

• Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
• Walking Guide to Dingle Way
• Trip Planning: Ireland Travel Guide 

Hiking in Italy

Via degli abati.

I’ve just returned from hiking the  Via degli Abati , a long-distance trek in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, in the north of Italy. The Via degli Abati is 74 miles (120 km) long and can be hiked in about five days – however, please be aware that it’s gorgeous but very tough, with 18,000 feet (5,500) meters positive altitude difference over the course of the five days.

Via degli Abati means Abbots Way, as the trail follows the footsteps of medieval monks who walked to Rome to visit the Pope, from their monasteries in the mountains. The trail starts in Bobbio, once home to a large monastery, and ends in Pontremoli, where it connects with the famous Via Francigena that can be followed all the way to Rome. For this reason, the Via degli Abati is often known as the Francigena’s ‘mountain variant’ – the terrain it crosses is mainly mountainous, but since these are the Apennines and not the Italian Alps, it only reaches a maximum altitude of about 4,300 feet (1,300 meters).

Italy – Via degli Abati / Photo Credit: The Crowded Planet

The trail is well signposted and can easily be hiked without a guide, but we don’t recommend it to solo hikers as it’s offbeat and there is no phone signal most of the way. If you fall and get hurt, it may be days before somebody finds you.

You don’t need to carry camping equipment as each stage ends in a village, with available accommodation in hotels and B&B, also offering meals. We spent about 35-60US$ (30-50€) per person per day, depending on hotels – however, this figure can be lower if you opt to camp and pitch your tent in secluded locations along the trail. We loved the Via degli Abati and can’t recommend it highly enough – we were truly alone with nature, from the beginning to the end.

Margherita from The Crowded Planet | Facebook | Instagram  

Alta Via Uno

Also known as the Dolomite High Route 1 or Alta Via 1, the 10-day 93 miles (150 km) trek takes you through the Eastern Dolomites. Dolomites hiking should be a highlight of any walks in Italy.

Norway hiking trails extend far and through incredible scenery. Coastal hikes, Arctic wilderness, remote places – take your pick!

Hardangervidda Trek

A tough 12-day trek taking you on a traverse, you can stay in huts or camp in remote areas.

Trolltunga Hike

One of the best hikes in Norway, the challenging trail covers 16 miles (27 km) long and about 3,000 feet (900 meters) ascent. Most trekkers take 10 hours to reach the top, and many people camp around, which makes a good overnight trek to one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway.

Arctic Knivskjellodden 

The 11 miles (18 km) trail ends in North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. While the distance is relatively short, the Arctic scenery is what makes this trail special. Camp in Knivskjellodden to enjoy a night in the Arctic!

Hiking in Portugal

Portuguese camino.

The Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage route in Spain, but not many know that there are several Camino routes that start in different parts of Spain, France, and Portugal. One of the ways that is becoming more and more popular is the Portuguese Camino . You can start it in Lisbon to walk the full Portuguese  Camino, a distance of 398 miles (640 km). The majority of pilgrims, however, start in Porto, walking 150 miles (240 km) to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. The trail is marked with yellow arrows and shells – the traditional marking that is used for the Caminos de Santiago. The route goes through major cities, past rural areas of Portugal and Spain, sometimes along the coast, and through a beautiful Galician forest.

Portugal – Camino Portuguese / Photo Credit: Stingy Nomads

The Caminos have proper infrastructure for pilgrims, unique hostels – called albergues , and many restaurants and cafes on the way. There is no need to carry a tent or camping mattress, only a sleeping bag – every night your sleep in an albergue where you get a bed. The best seasons to walk this Camino is May – June or September – October when it’s warm but not too hot, with not much rain, and fewer people. July and August are the peak season for Camino Portugues – it gets very hot and dry, plus there are many pilgrims on the route.

The Camino is an excellent way to budget travel through Portugal and Spain; accommodation for pilgrims costs between 7-11US$ (6-10€) per person, most albergues have a kitchen, pilgrims can make their food, and transportation costs nothing (you walk every day). It is quite tough to walk one of these long-distance trails Europe offers in one go, but the Camino is a fantastic experience; you meet people of different ages from all over the world, make new friends and learn new things.

By Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Rota Vicentina

Rota Vicentina is a not-so-mainstream hiking trail that stretches along Portugal’s South West coast, next to the Atlantic Ocean, between beautiful cliffs, stunning beaches, and wildflower fields.

It is almost 250 miles (400 km) long, and there are two main routes and 8 round trails showcasing diverse scenery. At 143 miles (230 km) and 12 stages through historical towns and forests, it can be done by bike or, slower and better, on foot.

Portugal – Fisherman in Rota Vicentina / Photo Credit: A World to Travel

On the other hand, the ‘Fishermen’s Trail’ goes along the coast for 74 miles (120 km) between Porto Covo, a tiny settlement in the  stunning Alentejo region  worth visiting on its own, and Odeceixe, and it uses paths that give access to fishing spots and sandy beaches. This second one is more demanding than the other, having four stages and five different itineraries. The best season to walk both is Spring or Autumn, with milder temperatures than those of Summer, when it is usually way too hot to walk.

It is possible to do this trail on a budget, staying in campings and guest houses or spending as much as you want as the area has some mind-blowing properties for rent, hotels, and villas. No guide or special permit is needed to complete it although having one helps to get the most out of it. Last but not least, a word of caution: it is forbidden to camp freely – or park an RV – outside the designated spaces and official campings. Especially in the coastal path, a protected area, fines can be high and happen overnight.

By Inma from  A World to Travel  |  Instagram  |  Facebook

Mălăiești Hut Trek

Perhaps unknown to a lot of travelers, Romania is filled with some fantastic mountain ranges that cover impressive views and also treks. From short one-day hikes to multiple days treks, they are suitable for everybody and all seasons. However, one of the most famous ones is the trek leading to the Mălăiești Hut.

Nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, in perhaps one of the most picturesque locations, the hut is a fabulous two-day trek starting from the Gura Diham Hut in Bușteni, the famous mountain resort. However, there are multiple possible routes for reaching the hut; it depends on how much time you have. The one presented here is the most common one, and it will take you around 5 hours to reach the hut from the starting point.

Romania – Malaiesti Hut Trek / Photo Credit: Our World to Wander

Starting from Gura Diham Hut, at an altitude of 3,240 feet (987 m), you have to follow the red stripe sign which, after Poiana Izvoarelor and Șaua Pichetu Roșu, transforms into a red triangle. You thus follow the red triangle all the way to Mălăiești Hut at an altitude of approximately 5,640 feet (1,720 m). To spend the night there, be careful to book in advance as the beds are almost sold out every weekend. And it is pretty challenging and not recommended to return the same day

For the next day, after a pleasant and well-deserved sleep, you can follow the route called Brâna Caprelor where you have high chances of meeting some mountain goats, and head to Omu Peak, following the blue stripe sign (around 2 hours). From there, you can start your descent on the beautiful Valea Cerbului trail all the way to Gura Diham (4-5 hours).

This trek is a moderate to difficult one and should be avoided during winter. The best season for hiking in Romania is in summer. Regarding prices, expect to pay around 10US$ for your night in the hut. But this is a truly rewarding trek with fantastic views.

By Andra from Our World to Wander | Facebook | Pinterest

Transylvanian Alps Trail

Another fine example of the Carpathians, as you explore the Făgăraş Mountains, Romania’s highest range . 

Retezat Mountains

Explore the Carpathian mountains from caves to high peaks and glaciers.

Scotland Trekking

West highland way.

The West Highland Way is a 96-mile (155-km) multiday trek that starts in Milngavie near Glasgow and finishes in Fort William. The terrain is varied, and although it does include climbs like Conic Hill and the Devil’s Staircase as well as periods of scrambling, it is mainly flat overall.

Most people complete the West Highland Way in 6-7 days. It’s possible to do it in less, and there’s even a long-distance marathon where people complete it in around 16 hours, but 6-7 days is the most common and most comfortable amount of time to give yourself.

Scotland – West Highland Way / Photo Credit: This Travel Guide

Along the way you can either camp or stay in guesthouses and hostels, depending on how comfortable you want to take it. Several companies will transfer your luggage from guesthouses to guesthouses and, coincidentally (or not), there’s usually a pub around the halfway mark each day. You can make this a very easy-going and comfortable trek if you want to.

The best time to walk the West Highland Way is probably April or May, but you can walk it any time of the year mostly. Spring and autumn are generally the nicest times to do it, though.

Costs vary from person to person: some like to keep it cheap while others want their modern comforts. There is no permit, and the primary budget items are transportation, accommodation, food and drink, and luggage transfer, if you opt for that.

Expect to pay around 90US$ (£70) per night for accommodation, around 20-40US$ (£15-30) per day per person for food and drink, and 40-50US$ (£30-40) per person for luggage transfer. Excluding the transportation costs at the beginning and end of the trip, this works out at around 900US$ (£690) per couple. This is probably the more luxurious end of the scale, and you can cut costs by camping, staying in bothies, or finding cheaper accommodation, not eating out twice a day, and not getting luggage transfers.

Whatever way you decide to do it, this trek will go down as one of your most memorable trips ever.

Transverzala Kamnik-Savinja Trail

Part of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, the Kamnik-Savinja Trail lets you explore the Slovenian Alps, taking you to high passes, glaciers, and thick forests. Allow 3-4 days to complete, staying in huts and guesthouses.

El Camino de Santiago de Compostela

No presentation is needed on one of the world’s most famous long-distance walks Europe has. Whether you are on a spiritual quest or hitching to hit the trail, Santiago de Compostela is one of the most famous Spain hiking trails, taking you from Roncesvalles in Spain to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. The reverse route is of course possible. The entire route is 500 miles (800 km) long and is divided into about 8 sections, each taking about 10 days.

Carros de Foc

The Pyrenees Mountain chain, the natural border between Spain and France has some of the most fascinating mountain landscapes on the European continent. The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is possibly the most beautiful part of the Pyrenees, and this is where you can do one of the best multiday hikes in Europe, the Carros de Foc.

Spain – Carros de Foc / Photo Credit: Surfing the Planet

Carros de Foc means Chariots of Fire, and not much is known about the origin of the name of this route created by hikers in 1987. What it’s sure that this circular hike that takes 5 to 7 days to complete goes through the most beautiful parts of the Aigüestortes National Park. There are ten refuge houses in the circuit that provide accommodation for hikers during the 35 miles (56 km), which might not seem a lot at first, but you will have to climb more than 29,600 feet (9,000 meters) in total and will need to overcome some of the key mountain passes in the region. The main feature of this part of the Pyrenees is a large number of alpine lakes of all kinds of colors and the views from the mountain passes are utterly unforgettable.

No guide or permit is required to hike this trail, and neither any entrance fee has to be paid in the national park. The average price of staying in the mountain refuges is about 35US$ (30€) per night. Accommodation with breakfast is provided in large dorm rooms, whereas dinner costs around 25US$ (20€) per person.

By Gábor from  Surfing the Planet | Facebook | Twitter

Sweden Hiking

Kungsleden trail.

The famous The Kings Trail, or Kungsleden as it is locally known, is one of the long-distance hikes Europe offers, at about 270 miles (440 km) long and traversing the  Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve.  Several entry points allow trekkers to either hike a short part if they don’t want to trek the whole distance. Mountain huts are available along the way, but bring your tent if you feel you need shorter breaks. In winter, the trail becomes a popular ski destination as well.

By James from This Travel Guide

High Tatra Mountains

The High Tatra Mountains, which are part of the Carpathian mountains, separate Slovakia and Poland. You can trek five days from hut to hut, the perfect option for a great Slovakia hiking adventure.

Switzerland Hiking

The Alps in Switzerland are another trekking paradise and home to some of the best long distance trails in Europe. Right there, you can find hiking trips for a lifetime and some of the finest hut-to-hut hiking Europe can provide.

Tectonic Arena Sardona

The Sardona UNESCO world heritage path starts in Flims, Switzerland. It is a great hike to do in the spring and summertime. The hike is two days long, and you can go without a guide. You can go all the way from Flims walking it will take you a bit longer, or you can take two chairlifts bringing you to Naraus from where you want to start your trek .

Switzerland – Sardona Path / Photo Credit: Les Berlinettes

On the first day, you walk a good 6 hours through the beautiful landscape of Switzerland before arriving at Pass dil Segnas at 8,620 feet (2,627 meters). The hike is not too strenuous. Only the last part is a bit more tricky as there is still snow and ice in summer so better have good hiking shoes.

From there you can see clearly in the mountains in front of you where the continents of Africa and Europe collided millions of years ago: the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO heritage site. There you can spend the night at the Segnespass, the only mountain Lodge in the area that is open from 30th of June until 30th of July. One night with breakfast will cost you around 60US$ (50€). If you wish to camp, it is possible also. You can bring your gear and pitch your tent on the way. Not directly on the summit but a little bit before.

On the second day, you will go back down for around 6 hours again, taking another path called „Trutg di Flem“ with waterfalls, gorges, and bridges along the way.

By Amandine from Les Berlinettes  

Dents-du-Midi 

This difficult 3-day trek leads you to the western side of Switzerland, with cabin huts along the route.

Tour des Combins 

Among the long-distance trails Europe provides, the 6-day takes you to the Combin massif, one of the highest of the Alps. Start from the Great St Bernard Pass, and trek along high peaks and valleys at the Italian-Swiss border.

Bernina-Trek

A long-distance trek through the Bernina area and recommended for experienced trekkers only.

Jura Crest Trail (Route 5)

A moderately difficult long-distance hike, this one of 190 miles (310 km) over 15 days, the Jura Crest Trail will make you discover Swiss Jura heights and enjoy sweeping views of the Alps, the Black Forest, and the Vosges.

This list of destinations for trekking in Europe is by far complete, and we will be adding more trekking and trail options. So if we missed your preferred European hiking trails, or if you know another top trail in Europe, please let us know!

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Patricia - Ze Wandering Frogs

Bonjour! I am Patricia Pagenel, the founder with Bruno Chartier of this adventure travel blog - Ze Wandering Frogs, where we share our travel tips and personal experiences from traveling in 50+ countries. We have been on a world trip since 2016, looking for exciting new adventures. Our work has been featured on Viator, National Geographic, Huffington Post, and ASEAN Tourism. Find out more about Ze Wandering Frogs in our About Us, our Portfolio, and Partners that worked with us. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to explore the world with us and start planning your own itineraries.

March 6, 2022

Europe , France , Hiking & Trekking , Nature & Wilderness

Mountains , Trails

12 Comments

October 10, 2019 at 6:46 am

Nice to bump into your website. My name is Asen and I’m a hiker and a blogger from Bulgaria. Your list is super extensive and very useful. I recently did some urban hiking in Toronto Canada – Cedar Trail, Highland Creek Trail, and Bluffer’s Park. Really cool places. In Europe I’ve recently hiked in Cinque Terre, Italy. It was very hot but crazy exciting! 🙂 Keep up the great work and happy trails!

November 18, 2019 at 1:30 am

Glad you liked our article and found it useful! So many trails in Europe! I can imagine Cinque Terre be hot, especially in summer. What your next hiking trip?

May 15, 2019 at 6:27 am

Nice post! We are planning our next summer’s hike and we were thinking about Stubai High Trail. We were just wondering if climbing equipments are necessary there?

Thanks in beforehand 🙂

Greetings from Finland

May 17, 2019 at 1:08 am

Hi Vilma, we did not trek the Stubai High Trail ourselves but from what I read as we are looking at hiking it, climbing gear is not necessary. Some people run it with lightweight bags, others go in low hiking shoes. Of course, it depends on the season, and on the snowpack of the past winter. Talking to the people of the huts might give you a better view of how this year might look like. Safe hiking!

April 12, 2019 at 7:40 am

Very nice blog.

April 16, 2019 at 11:25 pm

Thank you, glad you like it!

March 13, 2019 at 4:58 am

This is fun to do with your friends. RV is also good to have to get into this place if you want to spend few nights there.

March 22, 2019 at 10:53 am

RVs are indeed a good option for traveling to some remote places. We used to have our own as well when we were kiteboarding in the San Francisco Bay Area – we loved it!

October 2, 2018 at 1:44 pm

These are amazing hiking trails. I love hiking especial mountainous areas. From the list, I really like the Switzerland – Sardona Path. It looks stunning and I would love to trek it one day. Thanks for sharing. I have got some added to the bucket list.

October 23, 2018 at 9:41 pm

Think you can’t go wrong with any hike in Switzerland! But agree, some appear more stunning than others if that’s possible!

September 27, 2018 at 2:31 am

i really love hiking.i hope i will visit all these places at least once in life.

October 12, 2018 at 1:59 am

Same here! Happy hiking ?

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Walks of a lifetime: six epic mountain hikes across Europe

From a sandstone labyrinth to bears and marmots, Europe’s hills and mountains offer exhilarating long-distance walks. Just don’t forget your poles and harness

I s this bag too heavy? Do my boots pinch? Am I fit enough? Do I look a complete anorak in this cagoule? There is nothing like the prospect of a multi-day, long-distance footpath to rouse lurking anxieties and keep you awake at night for weeks beforehand. And there is always the helpful soul who insists you must take a particular item: a thick hardback volume on the benefits of walking? Lovely.

A selection of artisanal cheeses and a bottle of fizz? I’ll squeeze them in somehow. Once for me, in Yemen, it was a pistol, presented with the comforting words: “Take this – you’re going to need it.”

Then, finally, you begin. You are moving and eventually comes the realisation that, assuming you manage the feat of placing one foot in front of the other, you will make it. You dump the hardback book and pistol, scoff the food, quaff the drink; your bag gets significantly lighter. The sun comes out and all the mountains stand before you. With luck, there are no more cars, no power lines or pavements for a long time to come.

Within a few hours you are looking back and saying, “I can’t believe I’ve walked so far already!” Within a few days, you say, “I just want to keep going forever.” (There will be moments when you bitterly regret that one.) You have entered the real world, the one you now prefer. You are a long-distance European mountain walker. So here are some ideas, some real walks to be considered.

The Malerweg (Painters’ Path) , Germany

In 1766 two Dresden art teachers, Anton Graff and Adrian Zingg, set off on a trip into Saxony, heading through the town of Pirna, south-east of their home, into a region of mountains, mists and deep valleys that now straddles the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. Other painters, including Caspar David Friedrich, soon followed, triggering a romantic art movement and a love of hiking.

In 2006 a new path, the Malerweg or Painters’ Path, opened, a 71-mile circuit that has quickly become a German classic. Normally done over eight days, the walk takes in highlights such as sandstone outcrops and massifs such as the Schrammtor and Schrammsteine, where the trail burrows up narrow canyons, often on ladders, to magnificent views. Don’t bring a massive, wide backpack – you will get stuck – but come with sketching gear. There is plenty of accommodation in guesthouses along the path, but there are some campsites, too, and pitching under rock overhangs is tolerated. More details on the official website: Malerweg . Hiking Navigator has a very useful stage-by-stage guide Tours The Natural Adventure Company offers a great self-guided walk of the Malerweg from £765pp, which includes nine nights in hotels, luggage transfers and breakfasts

Alta Via 1, the Dolomites , Italy

It was on the Alta Via 1 that I first experienced the magic of the Dolomites. We had hiked up the trail to the Rifugio Nuvolau mountain hut in broad sunshine, but as the day ended clouds came rolling in from the Adriatic Sea, blossoming above the 3,000-metre peaks in dramatic thunderheads that were then slowly torn apart by the wind in the dying rays of a ripening red sun. In many years of mountain walking and climbing I had never witnessed anything like it. Eventually we went inside the hut for a hearty, home-cooked dinner and asked the manager if he’d seen the spectacle outside: he nodded, grinning, “Yes, every night.”

The Dolomites, named after an 18th-century French mineralogist, are an Italian extension of the Alps that regularly pull in the Adriatic clouds to adorn their stunning peaks and rock formations. Cinque Torri, the Five Towers, is just one clutch of crags that lies on the Alta Via 1, a north-south hiking route that also passes valleys (decked with flowers in season), waterfalls, epic ridges and some fascinating first world war history. Most walkers start in the north at Lago di Braies (spend a night there if possible – it’s beautiful) and take 10 days to reach the finish at La Pissa, 74 miles away, but there is no reason you couldn’t do it the other way around. It can be done faster, but the terrain is tough – don’t underestimate it. Some via ferrata (steel climbing fixtures) can be included, which are great fun, but you’ll need a harness and a lanyard.

There is no wild camping allowed, but the accommodation is a prime attraction on this route: the stop before Nuvolau (only accessible on foot) is Rifugio Lagazuoi , a larger but equally enjoyable place that sits on an escarpment above a complex network of first world war tunnels. The hut can sleep about 70 and is accessible by a cable car, so it is a lot busier than others, but the atmosphere and panoramas are as good as anywhere. Allow a day to explore the tunnels and trenches. Outside this short honeypot section, you will encounter only a few other hikers and climbers. More details Visit Dolomites ; maps: use the Tabacco editions; books: Trekking in the Dolomites by Gillian Price; The Dolomites: Rock Climbs and Via Ferrata by James Rushforth Accommodation Booking at the rifugio is essential Tours Collett’s Mountain Holidays specialises in the area. Alpine Exploratory does self-guided and guided versions of the complete 74-mile ute

Mount Triglav, Slovenia

At a mere 2,863 metres, Triglav might seem like an Alpine pimple, but be warned: this is a serious lump of rock, requiring careful preparation, and also home to several of Europe’s most incredible walks. All routes require at least two days for normal mortals; more if you actually want to enjoy the experience. The most demanding ascent is called the Bamberg, and requires nerves of steel on the iron cables. Head for the top of the Vrata Valley and a night in the Aljažev Dom hut. Ahead stands Triglav’s legendary North Face, a near-vertical kilometre of karstic limestone.

The Prag route to Krederica hut is easier than the Bamberg, but still requires steady hands up some vertical sections – all well protected as long as you use the via ferrata correctly. Triglav is a very dry place (except during summer thunderstorms), so bring lots of water. The Bamberg itself takes you through a series of tough vertical pitches, narrow canyons and plenty of exposure, as climbers call it, popping out on a rocky plateau that takes you to Planika Hut for a possible overnight before the final ascent.

If you really don’t like the prospect of a via ferrata – and they’re not everyone’s bag of wire – try the Krma route, which starts from Kovinarska Koča hut, rising up to the Krederica hut at 2,515 metres. The final ridge does involve some via ferrata cables, but the summit is in sight and is worth it. More details Triglav national park Trips (tours) Much Better Adventures runs various two-night trips to Triglav from £392, including guides, via ferrata equipment, meals, accommodation and airport transfers

Turnov to Jičín, Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has some fine walking routes, but none beats the exquisite labyrinth of sandstone rock towers in the east known as Bohemian Paradise. From the start in the town of Turnov, this feels like moving into a Mitteleuropa of a slower, more ancient vintage: villages that cluster around castles are dotted across a landscape of mountains, meadows and forests. The path heads south and soon begins to bump into isolated rock towers and natural grottoes that become more and more grandiose and dramatic. If they were the fanciful rock follies of some deranged Austro-Hungarian princeling, it would be no surprise, but they are completely natural.

At Prachovské Skály the geological eccentricity reaches its apogee: this is a baffling playground of towers, canyons and stairways (humans have played a minor role here) that is difficult to leave – partly because it is so delightful and partly because it’s hard to find the way out. No wonder film location scouts looking for a gothic or medieval fantasy hideout often end up here. Walking north to south is preferable, because you finish in Jičín, an imposing old city with a beautiful square and market. However, going in the other direction does open up the possibility of connecting with the E3 long-distance path. More details Visit Czech Republic Tours On Foot Holidays does a six-night trip from £635pp including breakfasts and luggage transfers

France and Spain: GR10 and GR11, the Pyrene es

Having warmed up on short hikes like the other five mentioned here, you may be ready to really stride out. For this I suggest the GR10, which traverses the entire length of the Pyrenees, a distance of around 900km. At the end of your 50- to 60-day walk, you will have climbed the equivalent of more than five Everests (about 48,000 metres of ascent). I have done a few sections and it is superb high-country hiking. There are in fact two paths: on the French side of the border is the GR10, the Sentier des Pyré nées , and on the Spanish, GR11, the Senda Pirenaica .

Overall, the French side is a slightly easier option: there are more mountain huts and more walkers, while its altitude is slightly lower. Both paths are spectacular, with stunning scenery including the Añisclo Canyon and the Cirque du Gavarnie.

For those without time for the entire hike, these two highlights can be done as day walks. The wildlife is special: chamois, marmots and bears (although you are very unlikely to see one), plus wonderful birdlife, especially during migration periods. As both paths rise above 2,500 metres, they may not open until late June, or even into July, whereupon thunderstorms become a danger. More details Walking the Pyrenees , with a blog from Steve Cracknell, who walked both routes; Cicerone guide

The Glockner Circuit , Austria

Occasionally you go somewhere, you walk, you see no wildlife, the clouds come down and any views go no further than you could chuck a walking pole. So it was when I first hiked in Austria’s vast Hohe Tauern national park . We were unlucky with the weather, and the wildlife. But everything else was magnificent: the forest, the waterfalls and the cosy mountain huts. The Glockner Circuit is an Alpine classic: 71 miles of tough footpath that circumambulates Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 metres).

Start with a 660 postbus from Zell am See (which has international rail connections) to Kaprun, then make for the trailhead, where you start on an anticlockwise route around the peak. With luck you’ll see bearded vultures, golden eagles, steinbock and ibex – and even without it you will enjoy Austrian dishes like Kaiserschmarrn (a sweet pancake served with plum or apple sauce) and Käsespätzle (a type of cheesy pasta) in mountain huts such as Rudolfshütte (there’s a big climbing wall inside) and Salmhütte (recommended). This is a summer walk, but even then some of the higher sections can be impassable, with hikers forced to take lower alternative routes. It’s definitely not one for beginners. More details Hohe Tauern national , and also Carinthia Tourism , where there is a useful brochure to download Accommodation It’s worth joining the Austrian Alpine Club UK for access to huts

Walk this way…

Advice from the experts

Mick Fowler Mountaineer and hill walker who specialises in bagging unclimbed peaks, the type that invariably require long-approach hikes I always take a bivvy bag with me, Polartec gloves and a spare pair of socks – there’s nothing like clean dry socks in the morning! For mud and snow, gaiters are essential, and I find that trekking poles – love them or loathe them – protect my joints. To stay warm, layering is essential: base layer, fleece, then a down jacket. For me, the development of waterproof down jackets with a hood, like Berghaus’s Tephra, has been a game-changer. As far as your bag is concerned, get something big enough and don’t overstuff it; they get out of shape and uncomfortable. I generally take a 65-litre sack. Use compression straps to reduce size.

Kirsty Pallas Mountain leader and instructor based in Oban, Scotland, where she is also a member of the mountain rescue team I would say never use new equipment on a multi-day hike. You want to know that it all fits properly. There’s nothing worse than a rucksack that gets uncomfortable on day two. I always take spare laces and duct tape wrapped around my walking poles – that way I know I can always fix a boot, a tear in a tent, even a blister. I use a water filtration bottle to avoid disposable bottles. For warmth I particularly like the Patagonia R1 range: recycled materials and cosy on winter climbs.

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11 Long Trails to Hike in Europe

Have you ever wanted to backpack through Europe and actually, you know, go backpacking? Then you’re in luck! Along with great history, great food, and great wine, many countries in Europe also have great hiking trails. So if you’re planning a months-long Eurotrip, or are just getting away for two weeks in the summer, make sure to check out some of the amazing hiking Europe has to offer.

1. El Camino de Santiago

Length: 500 miles

Country: Spain

Also known as St. James’s Way, the Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. While there are plenty of hostels along the path – no camping required! – the trail has gained popularity over the years, which has lead to crowds of pilgrims walking the path during the peak hiking season (June to September).

2. Tour du Mont Blanc

Length: 110 miles

Country: France, Italy, and Switzerland

Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most popular hiking paths, circling the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps. The hike is usually completed counter-clockwise over the course of 11 days. There are several huts along the route that provide beds, bathrooms, and cooked meals, though the popularity of the hike sometimes makes it difficult to find accommodations. Unfortunately, wild camping is illegal in France.

3. Haute Route

Length: 112 miles

Country: Switzerland and France

The Haute Route starts at Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and winds through the French and Swiss Alps to finish at the famous Matterhorn. The trip usually takes two weeks, and hikers gain 12,000 ft in elevation over 112 miles. The Haute Route is less crowded than the Tour du Mont Blanc, which means it will be easier to find accommodations at hostels. While tenting in the wilderness is perfectly legal in Switzerland, it is illegal in France.

photo: tramplite.com

4. Nordkalottruta

Country: Norway, Sweden, and Finland

The English name for this hike is The Arctic Trail because – surprise! – the entire route is in the Arctic Circle. The trail winds through Sweden and Norway, with a brief stop in Finland, ultimately crossing international borders a total of 15 times. There are plenty of huts along the route, and wild camping is legal in all three countries. While best hiked in the summer, the Nordkalottruta can also be completed with cross-country skis during the snow season.

View more photos here .

5. Kom–Emine

Length: 447 miles

Country: Bulgaria

The Kom-Emine is Europe’s longest uninterrupted high-mountain path. The trail usually takes a little under a month to complete, and there are around 30 mountain huts to accommodate hikers. The trail goes over Botev Peak, which is the highest summit of the Balkan Mountains. Fun fact: Bulgarian runner Kiril Nikolov holds the FTK record, having completed the trail in 4 days, 13 hours, 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

6. Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls

Length: 34 miles and 16 miles

Country: Iceland

Combining these two routes together allows a hiker to witness the best of what Iceland has to offer: hot springs, glaciers, and volcanoes. Together, these trails can be completed in under a week, though they are only accessible between mid-June and late-August. There are several hostels along the route, and wild camping is legal in Iceland.

7. West Highland Way

Length: 96 miles

Country: Scotland

The West Highland Way is the most popular walking route in Scotland, with over 80,000 visitors every year. This trail allows hikers to experience the full Scottish countryside, from the pastoral landscapes, to the rugged Scottish Highlands. Wild camping in Scotland is legal, and there are several hostels and inns along the trail. In 2010, the West Highland Way was co-designated as a part of the International Appalachian Trail.

photo: globetrotter-magazin.de

8. Grande Traversata delle Alpi

Length: 620 miles

Country: Italy

The Grande Traversata delle Alpi – translated as the Great Crossing of the Alps – runs through the Piedmont region of Italy. The trail is best hiked between July and September, with stopovers in small mountain villages for overnight stays. According to the  GTA website , overcrowding is not an issue, as managers of hostels and inns will “find accommodation for everyone in homes (or barns) of the village”. Now that’s some Italian hospitality!

9. Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Length: 186 miles

Country: Wales

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along the shoreline of Britain’s only coastal national park, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The path passes 58 beaches, 14 harbors, and goes over more than 100 footbridges. While wild camping is not allowed in the park, there are a number of campsites for hikers, as well as hostels, B&Bs, pubs and inns for hikers to enjoy.

10. Kungsleden

Length: 270 miles

Country: Sweden

Kungsleden, which translates to The King’s Trail, is a hiking path in Northern Sweden. This trail passes through the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe. There are 21 huts along the trail and, for a small fee, hikers can pitch their tents right outside them. The peak hiking season is from June to September, and the trail can also be crossed on skis during the winter season.

View more photos here . 

photo: mountainhikingholidays.com

11. Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail

Length: 370 miles

Country: Slovenia

The Slovenian Mountain Hiking Trail is the oldest hiking track in Europe. This trail covers all the Alpine ranges in Slovenia: Kamnik Alps, Karavanke, and Julian Alps. There are 58 huts and two museums on the trail, and the route also passes through the Škocjan Caves.

Cinque Terre Coastal Trail

Length: 8 miles

While not a long trail by any means – you could hike the entire Cinque Terre Coastal Trail in a day – the beauty of this path is not to be missed. The distance is perfect for a weekend getaway, and the little fishing towns along the route are wonderfully romantic. If you’re looking to spend some time exploring the towns, consider staying the night at a hotel. There is a train you can hop on at the end of your hike to return you to the start of your trip.

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Sporadic section-hiker of the Appalachian Trail (1,500 miles done!). Outdoor photography enthusiast and amateur park historian. Still can't settle on a trail name. Follow me on Instagram @katignatova. Colorado Trail '16

In France, wild camping (staying a few days in a non designated camping spot) is forbidden however you can stealth camp in most National Parks usually from 7 pm to 8 am (no one will check if you leave your spot at 8.30 :)) and generally speaking if you are one hour walking from any entry of the park, you should be totally fine. Along any GR (Grande Randonnée > long trails of France), you can usually stealh camp without too many issues since you are arriving late and leaving early. Otherwise, you can try talking to farmers, I had no issues pitching my tent i fields along the GR10 every night when i was not in the forest.

There is more info here but it’s in French 🙁 https://www.lecampingsauvage.fr/legislation-et-reglementation/camping-sauvage-bivouac

Other amazing long trails in French; – GR10 : crossing the Pyrenees from Hendaye (Atlantic Ocean) to the Mediteranean sea. – GR20 : crossing Corsica through the middle – gorgeous views! – Stevenson Way, etc, etc!

Many trails to do in France 🙂

You can legally bivouac in France. Like along the GR70, pyrenees, les ecrins, les ardennes. Actually it is allowed everywhere unles its stated as forbidden (certain nature reserves f.i.)

Thanks I took notes from your post.

The Lycian Way in Turkey is absolutely beautiful (although it´s not located is the european part of Turkey ).

Thanks for the information – what a great list! Hoping to do at least 1 when this pandemic ends.

Hey Kat! Pegleg and I were reading this article when I scrolled down and saw that you were the author! 😀 Hope you’re doing great and staying trashy my friend

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15 Best Trekking Trails in Europe: Hiker’s Guide

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Are you looking for the best trekking trails in Europe for your next active vacation?  

If you’re planning your next European adventure and love hiking, then you’re in luck! I’ve been hiking and trekking with my family all over Europe and I can confidently say there is a trail for almost everyone.

What I love most about trekking in Europe is that there’s usually somewhere to get a cold beer and hot food on the top of a mountain peak. 

All that convenience does come at a cost and I’ll share below the pros and cons of trekking in Europe. 

tl;dr multi-day trekking in Europe:

• From the Berlin High Trail in Austria to the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, there’s something for trekkers of all levels.
• I’ve considered a wide variety of difficulty levels and included multi-day journeys in the mountains and by the sea.
• Each trail is serviced by either high elevation mountain huts, hotel or bed and breakfasts.
• A hut to hut hiking trip can be a mix of huts and hotels.
• The best TMB self-guided planners can help make your trek a reality.

This is not a list of day hikes. Click on my hiking library for day hikes if you’re not ready (or willing) to go a multi-day hike.

Quick Verdict: My Favorite Trail in Europe

Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging circuit that spans across three countries, Switzerland, Italy, and France. It is approximately 105 miles long and can take up to 11 days to complete.

Overall Best Self Guided Planning Service: Alpenventures Unguided

This firm is great for finding secluded variants (like the one by the La Gorge gondola), private rooms, and providing maps. They have multiple ways to hike the TMB from a short 4 day to 11 days and everything in between. You can also arrange higher levels of "comfort", i.e. private rooms.

• Glacier Filled Raw Beauty
• Wildflowers and Wildlife
• Food is Local and Delicious
• Most Famous Trek in Europe
• Variable Hospitality
• Serious Elevation Gain 
• Complicated and Tedious Bookings
• Not for Total Beginners

What You Will Learn

Quick Table of the 15 Best Trekking Trails in Europe

Pros and cons of trekking in europe, become a european adventure travel insider in just 5 minutes, fisherman’s trail, portugal, via transilvanica, romania, tour du mont blanc, italy, switzerland, france, alta via 1, italy, the rhine castles trail, germany, bernese oberland (lauterbrunnen), switzerland, berlin high trail, austria, the west highland way, scotland, the slovenian mountain trail, slovenia, camino de santiago, spain (and really everywhere in europe), gr20, corsica, kungsleden, sweden, laugavegur, iceland, italian riviera cinque terre, italy, haute route, france and switzerland, more resources.

Let’s get to my list of the Top Long Distance Hiking Trails in Europe.   Including route, difficulty and comfort to help you plan an epic active vacation.

I’ve done most, but not all the treks listed below personally and share my personal experience. I just can’t get myself to Sweden to hike…yet!

However, I wanted to share a wide range of trails and not just my favorite leaf-carpeted trails in Germany (there are so many, but I’m working against my bias)!

• Stunning Scenery
• Cultural Diversity
• Well-Marked Trails
• Accommodations on Route
• Unpredictable Weather
• Language Barriers
• Little "true" Wild
• Cost - Wild Camping Often Prohibited

✨Unlock Europe’s best-kept secrets with our free bi-weekly newsletter.

Best 15 Trekking Trails in Europe

Best wild coastal : 140 miles, scenery: stunning cliffs and storks.

Difficulty : 4/10

I loved hiking the Fisherman’s Trail in November because it was still warm and there were zero crowds.  It feels so authentic and a dose of coastal sunshine is welcome near Thanksgiving.

It is the coastal part of the larger Rota Vicentina network. It is a moderate-level hiking trail that runs along the Alentejo and Algarve coasts of Portugal.

The trail is approximately 140 mi long and takes about 10-13 days to complete. The trail is extremely well-marked and easy to follow, but it does require some physical fitness and endurance, as there is a lot of sand along the way.

Route : Sandy, Incredible Views Intermittently, Mostly Flat Oceanside

The Fisherman’s Trail starts in the town of Porto Covo and ends in Cabo de Sao Vicente, following the coastline for the majority of the route. The trail passes through small fishing villages, deserted beaches, and rugged cliffs, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The trail is divided into several stages, ranging from 15 to 25 km in length, and there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants along the way.

Duration : 4-13 days

The Best of the Fisherman’s Trail can be completed in four days.  The trail can be hiked year-round, but the best time to hike is from September to June, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. Another popular trail is the Seven Hanging Valleys in the Algarve, but it’s a day hiking tour.

Best Art Walk : 870 miles

Scenery: soft and pretty & art.

The hospitality of hosts at the pensions and inns along the trail cannot be matched.  The trails are soft and wildflower filled, but you do have to worry a little about bears and wild dogs.  We loved meeting farmers and sheep herders and even wanted to take home some stray dogs, but alas, my husband won’t let me have any more!

The newly built (2018) Via Transilvanica is a long-distance hiking trail that spans over 1400 kilometers across Romania, connecting various communities and showcasing the beauty of Romania’s nature and heritage. 

The trail is marked by unique hand carved artful stones and is suitable for hikers of all levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers. The trail is divided into 7 sections, each with its own level of difficulty, ranging from easy to moderate.

Route : Rolling Hills, Mix of Trail and Road Through Villages

The route of Via Transilvanica takes hikers through some of Romania’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Transylvanian Plateau, and the Danube Delta. The trail passes through numerous small villages, offering hikers the opportunity to experience Romania’s rich cultural heritage, as well as its stunning natural beauty. The trail is well-marked and maintained, with numerous rest areas and campsites along the way.

Duration : Long Daily Sections – 40 days

The full hike of Via Transilvanica takes approximately 40 days to complete, but shorter portions of the trail can be taken on day trips or multi-day journeys. The trail can be broken down into 10 sections, each taking between 3 to 6 days to complete. The duration of the hike depends on the chosen route and the hiker’s level of experience.

Best Overall : 105 miles

Scenery: out of this world mountains, glaciers cute alpine villages.

Difficulty : 8/10

The granddaddy of all treks in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is a challenging circuit that spans across three countries, Switzerland, Italy, and France.  While popular, spaces in huts are limited so it doesn’t ever feel crowded (also we take the variants when possible). Read my guide to the TMB costs here.

The path varies in difficulty, but it’s safe to say that this is not an easy journey or for beginner hikers, even if you use the cable car.  My husband was so tired one day he couldn’t even drink beer once we made it to the isolated mountain top TMB refuge .  

To be fair, he flew in from Singapore the day before so jet lag was rough for him! Hospitality also varies here…some huts or hotels were amazing, others so-so.  Nothing compares to Romanian hospitality 😉

Route : Steep, VIEWS, Rocky, Non-Technical

The Tour du Mont Blanc route starting point begins in Les Houches, France, and then passes through Courmayeur, Italy, and Champex, Switzerland. The path is well-marked and passes through stunning alpine landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The trek can be done in either direction, but most hikers choose to start in Les Houches and move clockwise around the highest peak in Europe.

Duration : 7-10 Days

The Tour du Mont Blanc trek can take up to 11 days to complete, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way. However, shorter portions of the route can be taken on day trips or over a weekend. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you can choose to do only the northern or southern part of the trail.

Most Jaw-Dropping Scenery: 75 miles

Scenery: moonscapes. pinnacles, spires, lakes.

My first long distance hike and boy was it a grand one.  The spires, pinnacles and towers of the Dolomites on the Alta Via 1 hike by day and Italian food served at 2,760 meters, saunas on the deck at rifugios, and delicious Lagrein wine by night.  What more can you ask for?  Seriously. 

This one is probably better than the TMB, I have a hard time choosing. The Alta Via 1 is a challenging hiking trail that spans across the Dolomites mountain range in Italy north to south, starting a Lago di Braies and the ending point at Belluno.

The trail is suitable for hikers who are in good physical condition and have some previous experience with multi-day hikes. The route consists of steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and high altitude sections that require proper gear and preparation.

Route : Steep, VIEWS, Rocky, no Via Ferratas

The Alta Via 1 trail is a 75 mile long trek that starts in Dobbiaco and ends in Belluno. The route takes hikers through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Dolomites, including alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. The trail is divided into 10 stages, each with its own unique challenges and highlights.

Hikers will pass through several mountain passes, including the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and visit charming mountain huts along the way.

Duration : 10-12 Days

Completing the entire Alta Via 1 trail takes around 10-12 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. Hikers can choose to break up the trail into shorter sections and customize their route based on their preferences and abilities.

It is important to note that the trail is only accessible during the summer months, typically from June to September, and hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Best History: 130 miles

Scenery: castles, leaf carpeted trails, farm fields.

Difficulty : 3/10

This is my backyard trail, you could say I’m a local by now here in Germany.  We love the Rhine Castles Hike so much we go at least once a month to either hike, bike, boat or go wine tasting. 

There’s a day hiking section of this trail made accessible to wheelchairs by use of gondola. It’s the definition of “soft hiking” or forest bathing and you can even backpack between castle hotels each night.

There are trains, buses and boat ferries so you can mix up your hike or take shortcuts.  The Rhine Castles Trail is an easy to moderate level hiking trail. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate.

There are some steep inclines and declines, but they are not too difficult to manage.There are wine villages near the river filled with hotels and bed and breakfasts and even Rhine castle hotels to stay each night. 

Route : Mostly Soft Wooded Trails with Intermittent River Views

The Rhine Castles Trail is located in Germany and follows the Rhine River. The trail is approximately 130 miles long and passes through several medieval castles and charming villages. The route is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Rhine River and surrounding landscapes.  Its sister trail, the Rheinsteig , is just on the other side of the river.  You can switch easily between them using the ferry system.

Duration : 10 -14 days

The duration of the hike depends on the pace of the hiker. On average, it takes about 10-14 days to complete the entire trail. However, shorter portions of the trail can be taken on day trips or multi-day hikes.

Best Waterfalls: 52 miles

Scenery: waterfalls, wildflowers, green steep mountains.

The Bernese Oberland hike is considered to be a challenging Swiss hut to hut hike.  The trail is well-maintained and provides stunning views of the surrounding Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau Alps and multiple waterfalls.

Route : Steep, Serious Views, Single Track, Impossibly Cute Alpine Villages

The hike begins in the tiny village of Meiringen, located in a glacial valley in Switzerland. From there, you can take an easy day hike to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Mürren And more. 

Duration : 7 Days

The trail is a relatively difficult hike approximately 52 miles that can be completed in 7 days. The trail is suitable for most trekkers but can be crowded at times.

Best Glaciers: 46 miles

Scenery: almost always glaciers and high mountain lakes.

Difficulty : 9/10

The Berlin High Trail, also known as the Berliner Höhenweg, is a challenging trek in the Zillertal Alps of Austria that passes by the world famous Olpererhutte bridge hike . The trail is considered to be very difficult, with steep ascents and descents, narrow paths, long sections and rocky terrain. Hikers should be physically fit and experienced in alpine hiking.

I’ve only done sections of this trail and can say it’s out of this world beautiful, but there are places with snow even in summer.  Hot tip: Bring microspikes if you’re undertaking this trek.

Route : Steep, Rocky, Exposed, Snow

The Berlin High Trail is a circular route that begins and ends in Mayrhofen . The trail is approximately 46 miles long and takes about 7-8 days to complete. The route follows the high alpine terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

The trail passes through several mountain passes, including the Pfitscher Joch pass, and crosses several glaciers.

Duration : 7-8 Days

The Berlin High Trail takes about 7-8 days to complete, depending on the hiker’s pace and the weather conditions. Hikers can choose to stay at several mountain huts along the way, including the Olpererhütte, Friesenberghaus, and Greizerhütte. The trail is only open from mid-June to mid-September, and hikers should check the weather conditions before embarking on the trek.

Most Friendly : 100 miles

The West Highland Way is an intermediate level hiking trail that is considered to be manageable for most people. The trail covers a distance of around 100 miles and takes up to a week to complete. It is Scotland’s most popular long-distance hiking trail, with thousands of people completing the entire trail each year, which is why I’m saving this one until I’m a little older.  I’ve heard it’s fun and beautiful, but rather expensive. 

Route : Soft Wooded Paths and Roads, Some Elevation

The West Highland Way traverses through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, providing hikers with an opportunity to see the Scottish highlands up close and personal. The trail begins in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow, and ends in Fort William, a small town located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Along the way, hikers will pass through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and stunning lochs.

The West Highland Way takes around a week to complete, but shorter portions of the trail can be taken on four-day trips. The trail is open all year round, but the best time to hike it is from April to October when the weather is milder. Hikers can choose to camp or stay in accommodations along the way, with options ranging from basic campsites to luxurious hotels.

From Mountains to Sea: 375 miles

Scenery: like a green rocky mountains with green-blue lakes.

Difficulty: 7/10

This is on my bucket list!  Having done day hikes near Lake Bohinj and Triglav National Park and experiencing the emerald green waters and mountains reminiscent of a “green Rocky mountains”, I am ready to get a hut to hut trip booked here. Probably not the entire trail though as I’m not down with via ferrata.

The Slovenian Mountain Trail is a hiking trail that spans much of Slovenia’s territory, covering 375 miles and built in 1953. The trail was conceptualized by Professor and mountaineer Yvonne Giulia in the 20th century, with the idea of connecting Slovenia’s various mountain ranges with footpaths. 

It would be a full mountain to sea trail from the northeast of Slovenia to Koper on the Adriatic coast.

Route : Mix: Mountain Trails Moderately Steep, Wooded

The Slovenian Mountain Trail traverses a multitude of terrain including places where you’ll need to carry via ferrata gear. You can easily do shorter sections that don’t require so much alpinism. The modern trail begins in Maribor and goes through various mountainous areas like Lake Bled, Mount Triglav and the Julian Alps.

Duration : 30-40 Days

The full hike of the Slovenian Mountain Trail takes about a month to complete, but shorter portions of it can be taken on four-day trips.

The hike is considered to be of challenging difficulty level, and it is recommended for experienced hikers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience Slovenia’s natural beauty up close and personal.

The Original Way: 485 miles

Scenery: mix of farm, city, vineyard, wooded hills.

Historical Significance

I live on a distant small artery of the Camino de Santiago, or Jakobsweg, as it’s known in German.  

I love the interconnectedness that the Camino brings to Europe.

However, most people think of the Way of Saint James as the popular trek from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela.  It was my very first multi-day hike and as such we did a 7 day section in a somewhat bougie way by staying in bed and breakfast each night vs albergues. I even walked with a pastor carrying his surfboard on his back.

Difficulty: 4/10

This may be helpful for people not used to long distance hiking and need a gentle break-in to the lifestyle. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain where the remains of Saint James the Greater are said to be buried.

The Camino has been a significant pilgrimage site for centuries, attracting religious trekkers from all over the world. Today, it is also a popular hiking trail for those seeking a spiritual and cultural experience.

Routes : Mostly Flat or Rolling Farm Roads, Hard Road and Some Trails

The Camino de Santiago has many routes, but the most popular one is the Camino Frances, which starts in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Frances is approximately 780 kilometers long and takes about 5-6 weeks to complete on foot. Other popular routes include the Camino Portugues, which starts in Lisbon, Portugal and ends in Santiago de Compostela, and the Camino del Norte, which follows the northern coast of Spain.

Duration : Long Daily Sections 35-45 Days

The duration of the Camino de Santiago varies depending on the route and the pace of the hiker. The Camino Frances takes about 5-6 weeks to complete on foot, while shorter routes like the Camino Portugues can take 2-3 weeks. Many hikers choose to break up their journey into smaller sections and complete it over a longer period of time. 

Most Challenging Terrain: 100 miles

The Gr20 trail in Corsica is an expert-level mountainous trail that spans over 100 miles in length. It takes about two weeks to complete, but it can be separated into the northern or southern part of the trail. The hike is challenging, and it’s recommended for experienced hikers. I’ve not done it because I heard bedbugs are really common.  Also, I prefer Sardinia to Corsica because the Italians are just more fun than the French (sorry, not sorry).

Route : Steep, Rocky

The Gr20 trail in Corsica spans almost the entire length of the island, from the north to the south. The trail takes you through stunning mountainous areas, including the Vizzavona forest, the Monte Cinto massif, and the Bavella peaks. You’ll also pass through several beautiful lakes and rivers.

Duration : 14-16 Days

Completing the entire Gr20 trail takes about two weeks, but shorter portions of the trail can be taken on four-day trips. The trail can be separated into two parts by the midpoint of Vizzavona. The northern part of the trail is about 50 miles long, and the southern part is about 56 miles long. The trail is challenging and requires a good level of fitness.

Most Isolated: 275 miles

Let’s not forget our neighbors to the north!  My husband goes to Sweden every year for cornhole, but I must admit that I have only researched this trail vs hiked it. It would be really great though for people who don’t want to spend money on hotels as wild camping is actually legal in most of Scandinavia.

The Kungsleden Trail, also known as the King’s Trail, is a 440-kilometer-long hiking trail in northern Sweden that stretches from Abisko in the north to Hemavan in the south. It passes through some of the most spectacular and remote areas of the Swedish Lapland mountain landscape, including the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Europe.

The full Kungsleden Trail is approximately 440 kilometers long and takes about four to six weeks to complete. However, most hikers choose to hike only one or two sections of the trail, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the section and the pace of the hiker. For example, the most commonly hiked section of the trail, from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, is about 105 kilometers long and takes about a week to complete.

Best Volcanoes: 34 miles

Difficulty : 7/10.

According to my friend Dave who did this with his brothers the year after we did the Alta Via 1, you’ll likely get into snow and a blizzard, even in summer!  Despite that, he thought it was more beautiful than the Dolomites!And according to my friend Jill who did it after we did the Camino, it’s possible to take it slow and do the trek even with bad knees (just bring trekking poles).

This trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty, with some steep ascents and descents along the way. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, and hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even snow in some areas.

Route : Weather Makes it Hard, Moderately Steep Trails

The Laugavegur trail is a 55-kilometer journey that takes hikers through some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes. The trail starts in Landmannalaugar, a geothermal area known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and hot springs. From there, hikers will trek through the Highlands, passing by glaciers, rivers, and valleys along the way. The trail ends in Þórsmörk, a lush valley surrounded by glaciers and mountains.

Duration : 4-5 Days

The full Laugavegur trail typically takes around 4-5 days to complete, with hikers covering an average of 12-15 kilometers per day. However, shorter versions of the trail are also available, ranging from 2-3 days. It’s important to note that the trail is only open during the summer months, from late June to early September, due to harsh weather conditions during the rest of the year.

Best Coastal Cultural: 25 miles

Difficulty : 5/10.

The Ligurian coast in northern Italy is famous for the UNESCO Cinque Terre region and for good reason.  It was my first trip when I moved to Europe and I can’t wait to go back. The Italian Riviera path is a moderate, but steep hiking trail that is suitable for hikers with some experience.

It’s also known as the Sentiero Azzurro (or Blue trail in English). One of the most popular sections, the Cinque Terre Lover’s Lane has been closed for a decade due to a landslide. However, the Via dell’Amore is set to reopen in 2024.

The trail is well-maintained and marked with clear signs, but there are some steep inclines and uneven terrain that require careful footing. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of the Ligurian coastline.  Heavy rain can make the trails dangerous and if there are mudslides you will have to walk around.

Route : Steep Seaside Trails, Rocky

The Cinque Terre network of footpaths that connect the five coastal villages of the region. It’s possible to start at Sestri Levante and walk through the 5 villages of the Cinque Terre stopping in each one for the night to stay at a hotel. As there are multiple paths between villages you must choose which ones are open (mudslides will close) but they range from 2 miles to 7.7 miles.  

Duration : Very Short Days – 5 Days to hit each Village

This trail can be completed in 5 days, but it is recommended to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way. Hikers should plan for a full day trip to allow for breaks and time to explore the villages at either end of the trail. It is important to note that portions of the trail may be closed due to environmental factors, so it is best to check ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Best High Elevation: 130 miles

Difficulty : 9.5/10.

This hike is seriously challenging as you hike from Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France to the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.  It’s a serious trek and not for the faint of heart.  It’s on my bucket list, but I want a few more summers worth of practice before I try it.  A lady in my hiking group did it while pregnant, so it’s not impossible, but hard. 

Route : High, Rocky, Steep, Long Daily Sections

The trail is not family-friendly and not accessible to most beginner hikers. The best part is that you will have solitude and you can say you literally walked from the highest mountain in Europe to the Matterhorn.

Duration : 13-15 Days

The Haute Route is 130 miles and takes people from 13-15 days typically. You will need some serious stamina. 

European Long Distance Hiking Youtube

Discover gear that elevates your outdoor adventures. As a physical therapist, I’ve curated product comparisons to enhance safety and enjoyment, perfect for beginners or those with weary knees.

Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers & Skiers

• 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
• 🌳Make the downhills stop hurting and hike with more confidence Best Trekking Poles Review
• ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
• ❄️ Go hiking on uneven terrain safely: The Best Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
• Don’t get lost in the backcountry with : My Review of the Best 2 Way Radios for the Mountains

My Guides to Bucketlist Hikes in Europe (That I’ve personally done and loved.)

• Alta Via 1 Trail in the Dolomites
• Olpererhütte Hike in Austria
• The Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal
• The Tour du Mont Blanc Hike vs the Alta Via 1

We hope this guide filled with interesting information about the best trekking trails in Europe has given you the proper information to plan your next adventure.

Author profile :  Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

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Best Hikes In Europe – The Definitive Guide

Europe , Hikes

Looking for the Best Hikes in Europe ? Look no further!

Regardless of your motivations, we hope you find a European hike below that will inspire you to come back to Europe over and over again.  Each time in search of ever more challenging endeavours.

Long-distance hiking is believed to have originated in Europe - Germany, to be precise - over a century ago. Despite the continent being relatively overpopulated, there are many diverse and pristine areas.

Views of idyllic landscapes, snow-covered mountain spires, grassy fields and hospitable villages, make hikes in Europe ever more rewarding!

Some are relics of the old Roman ways or Christian pilgrimages, while others mark historical battlefields or link strategically important locations for many centuries of European military, economic, political and cultural history.

Top Hikes in Europe

1. tour du mont blanc.

• Distance : 110 miles (170 km)
• Countries Visited : France , Italy and Switzerland
• Number of days : 11 
• Difficulty : Moderate to Difficult (depending on the level of fitness)
• Accommodation : Resorts, Hostels, Mountain Huts

Flowing over the peaks and valleys of the Western Alps through the stunning landscapes of France , Italy and Switzerland, The Tour du Mont Blanc definitely deserves the crown as one the best hikes in Europe and in the world.

And not only because it provides the finest views of the tallest mountain in the region!

Although physically challenging, it allows you to experience the most picturesque parts of the continent in less than 2 weeks. The hike will take you all the way from Chamonix in southeastern France, and through several famous villages like Courmayeur in Northern Italy.

However, the hike’s 11-day duration allows for route customisation – usually an anti-clockwise trek around the whole Mount Blanc Massif, it provides plenty of route variations to satisfy even the pickiest hikers.

And as if this wasn’t enough, the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a treat with its accommodation options, varying from boutique hostels and luxury ski resorts to rustic mountain huts.

Ready to book a trip?  Check prices and availability for the Tour du Mont Blanc or other hikes in Switzerland .

Join a Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Book with our recommended local guide

2. Walker's Haute Route

• Distance : 112 miles (180 km)
• Countries Visited : France and Switzerland
• Number of days : 14
• Difficulty : Difficult
• Accommodation : Mountain Huts, Hostels, Hotels

With its contrast landscapes and passing a few 4,000-meter glaciers along the way, the Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt , also known as Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn or La Haute Route , astounds everybody embarking on this two-week journey.

Peppering France and Switzerland , the snow peaks, lush green valleys and European villages lifted straight from the fairy tails, offer constant eye rest on this very demanding and challenging hike.

A real mountaineering crew from England initially walked and skied the route in mid-19 th century, creating the path for the modern-day challenge, best undertaken in summer.

Study our route variations well, to select the right one for your level of hiking experience and physical fitness.

3. Tour de Monte Rosa

• Distance : 101 miles (163 km)
• Countries Visited : Italy and Switzerland
• Number of days : 9
• Accommodation : Mountain Huts

And the last Alps’ trail on our top 20 list is Tour de Monte Rosa . As the other two hikes, it takes you through unforgettable scenery of the most popular European mountain range.

Taking you up and down the Renaissance paths, it provides the best views of the magnifico 4-thousanders.

Concurred in early 1500s by none the other but Leonardo da Vinci himself, the Monte Rosa (meaning ‘Glacier’) provides an unforgettable backdrop to the hike.

It truly is a hike across a magical Snow Kingdom, which is safer to admire in summer, preferably not earlier than in July.

Join a Matterhorn Highlights Trek

4. west highland way.

• Distance : 100 miles (151 km)
• Countries Visited : Scotland, United Kingdom
• Number of days : 7
• Difficulty : Easy to Moderate (depending on the weather)
• Accommodation : Campsites, Hostels, B&Bs

Set in the powerful and scenic Scottish Highlands, the   West Highland Way Hike seems to be getting even trendier than before. It is fast becoming one of the best thru-hikes in the world .

Connecting Milngavie outside Glasgow and Fort William - home to the highest mountain in Britain, the infamous Ben Nevis  - the trail offers some of the harshest and refreshing views.

You will be treated to the Scotland’s best natural beauties – mysterious lochs (like Loch Lomond), sumptuous heights and glens, serene moors and magnificent woodlands.

Highlights worth researching in advance include: Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and Glen Nevis.

Since you are hiking towards a fort, don’t forget to read up on the 18 th century military history of the region, as most of the roads around the area will be a real testament to some great historical events.

At the end of the path you will be in for a delightful ride on the Jacobite Steam Train , nicknamed the Hogwarts Express after featuring in the Harry Potter movies.

It’s no secret that this part of the country gets rather wet and hostile around fall and winter time, so it is advisable to embark on the journey between May and October. Avoid mid-summer also due to awfully annoying and blood-thirsty midges !

Not ready for this hike? Why not try the 3 Peaks Challenge instead or even this awesome canoeing trip in Scotland .

5. Kungsleden Trail

• Distance : 270 miles – divided into 4 trails of 110 km each
• Countries Visited : Sweden
• Number of days : 7-14
• Accommodation : Campsites, Rustic Huts

If you are after the untouched truly Nordic natural beauty with barren tundra plains and local mountains, harsh Artic summers , miniature dwarf pine trees, birch forests and endless valleys, rivers, lakes and ponds accompanied by massive glaciers, than the Kungsleden Trail is definitely for you.

If you aren’t as keen on the northern winds and Lapland sceneries during virtually non-existent summers, you might still find the experience rewarding and manageable.

Although the only true wilderness of the Western Europe, the trail offers some camping comforts in many rustic huts along all of the four 110km hikes.

One of which takes you from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, providing a view of the highest peak in Sweden, the stark Mount Kebnekaise .

We recommend choosing your hike according to climate zones you’d like to explore, or based on your preferences of nature reserves, of which there will be four on the entire journey, with Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve , peppered with several Scandinavian Mountains , being one the most popular and definitely the largest.

The best time to visit is either during the popular summer season – from June to early September, or mid-September, when most European hikers are gone and mosquitoes have died out.

6. Camino De Santiago Trail

• Distance : 500 miles (can be dived into 8 sections of about 80-100km each)
• Countries Visited : Spain, France
• Number of days : 7-10 days per section (full route – 30 days)
• Difficulty : Moderately Difficult, requires physical fitness 
• Accommodation : Camping, Rustic Huts, Hostels, Guest Houses

The Camino De Santiago trails take you through the majestic Pyrenees , short but unforgettable mountain range dividing Northern Spain and France with a tiny country of Andorra in-between. 

Originally the most famous route for Catholic pilgrims, it is today a well-mapped trail for any culture-driven hiker.

The most picturesque route of Camino de Santiago Trail ,   meaning   the Way of Saint James,   is called   T he French Way . It   takes your across the valleys with powerful rivers, roaring alongside majestic summits. 

Thanks to its heritage, the trail is packed with major cultural sites of the region, including a very impressive Cathedral at Santiago built in infamous Gothic Baroque style.

If you were to take the route from St Jean Pied de Port and walk through a legendary town of Pampolona in July, you’d be greeted by the fearless Running of the Bulls Festival , which worthy of a pilgrimage on its own! 

From here you can take a trip to the coast, but this could add another 3 days to the trek.

Go Hut to Hut Hiking in the Pyrenees in Spain

• Countries Visited : Corsica, France
• Difficulty : Difficult 
• Accommodation : Refuges, Campsites, Basic Hostels, Rustic Huts

If you are ready to test your mountain hiking skills, fly out to Corsica for the epic GR20 Hike .

From Calenzana (near Calvi to Conca) the route is a chain of seemingly never-ending climbs up and down very steep and spiky footpaths.

You might find it a relief to learn that the start of the trek – Northern part of the island – will pack your hardest days, and it gets a bit less gruelling as the days progress.

Although, be prepared for a toughest section where you will have to rely on bolted chains to climb over.

But it all becomes worth it! Winding from North to South of Corsica, this covered in pine trees hike penetrates the very spine of the island – its single mountain range.

It provides the best views of the rocky walls protecting the warm valleys, lush meadows and sparking lakes.

As the heat can add even more pain to the journey, try hiking either in June, September or even October, to save yourself from a pounding sun.

• Distance : 538 miles (divided into smaller sections)
• Countries Visited : France
• Number of days : 8-15 (per section)
• Difficulty : Difficult, requires physical fitness 
• Accommodation : Hostels, Campsites, Rustic Huts

The entire classic GR10 Hike through the French Pyrenean Mountains would take two months to walk, but it is conveniently broken down into many varied routes, which you can do in one or two weeks.

The difficulty of the hike is determined by its tiresome and continuous accent, so if you are not prepared to be climbing for days on end, then select a shorter version with more rest days for your comfort.

While hiking in the Central Pyrenees, you will discover some landscape landmarks like the Gaube Lake, Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO Heritage Site) and the Vignemale (highest peak in the area).

With breathtaking valleys and fascinating peaks, the views on the trek are simply unbeatable. But unlike many other hikes in Europe, this section of GR10 also offers some bird watching and wildlife spotting opportunities.

But as you are taking pictures of brown vultures and griffons beware of being spotted by the golden eagle from above!

If you would like to see these majestic kings of the sky, make sure to walk through the Néouvielle National Reserve .

Additionally, one of the central routes will take you through spa towns – Cauterets and Bagnères-de-Luchon – to give you time to rejuvenate your aching muscles.

9. El Caminito Del Rey

• Distance : 3 km
• Countries Visited : Spain
• Number of days : 0.5
• Difficulty : Easy
• Accommodation : N/A

The El Caminito del Rey hike will offer a glimpse into the region of Spain  called  Andalucía . It is a land of mounting summits, enormous basilicas, whitewashed villages, blooming orchids and ancient mountain towns that outlived the rises and falls of the three major European and Eastern empires.

Considered the most dangerous hike in the world , it requires mental stoicism and some bravery. Due to landfalls the path was closed and only reopened recently, so safety is definitely a number one priority.

However, don't forget to look around and take in the views of the canyon, the gorge and the quite sublime river running only 100 metres below the path, curving the sides of the gorge.

It is likely you will never see this kind of beauty again!

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10. Rota Vicentina

• Distance : 46 miles (75km; full length is 250 miles)
• Countries Visited : Portugal
• Number of days : 4-5
• Difficulty : Easy to Moderate

Although the entire Rota Vicentina Trail is hefty 250-miles long, it is divided into chewable sections, with the Fishermen’s Trail on top of the list.

Considered one of the best coastal trails in Europe, it takes you through some of the wildest southwest areas of Portugal.

It starts in Santiago do Cacem and ends at the most southwestern point of continental Europe, the Cabo San Vicente.

The trail consists of two parts, the Fisherman Trail and the Historic Trail , which runs a bit further inland and takes hikers along remote farm lands and small villages.

11. Laugavegur or Laugavegurinn

• Distance : 34 miles (54 km)
• Countries Visited : Iceland
• Number of days : 3-5
• Difficulty : Easy (but depends on the weather)
• Accommodation : Camping, Rustic Huts

Mostly known for a variety of unforgettable and even frightening landscapes spiced up with volcanoes, multi-coloured mountains, ice caves, lava fields, canyons and black arctic deserts the Laugavegur Hiking Trail is made for those who prefer to see all the planet Earth has on offer.

And the views could be completely out of this world!

Walking from North to South, through the South-West of Iceland, you will also be treated to some hot springs in Landmannalaugar, before enjoying the fascinating beauty of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve (Thórsmörk) and it its glacial valley. 

The Hot Spring Route (translation) takes you through the scenery fit for fairy tails and fantasy movies.

Don’t be afraid of hoping for some magic, and perhaps you’d be rewarded with the fascinated light show that is the Northern Lights.

Being one of the most popular trail's in Iceland , it is better undertaken at the beginning or end of the summer months.

12. Westweg in Black Forest

• Distance : 177 miles (285 km)
• Countries Visited : Germany
• Number of days : 5-15 (depending on the route)
• Accommodation : Camping, Hostels, Guest Houses

The Westweg , or the West Way , is the most famous trail in Germany. Running all the way from Pforzheim to Basel, it is practically the birthplace of the entire concept of hiking itself.

Established in 1900, it is still frequented by Germans and the international hikers alike.

It runs from North to South of the country, but if you are familiar with the Nordic European forests you might find the North section a bit tiresome on the eye, so it could be better to start the hike in Schonach, a small idyllic village.

Continue in the Southern parts of the trail, you will pass primordial forests, emerald seas of meadows, lakes, and be happily reminded of the majestic spikes of the Alps and the peaks of the Black Forest Mountains on the way.

The area is packed with trails running through the dark forests that inspired brothers Grimm, across muttering creeks and through rolling pastures surrounding.

Small guest houses that serve local cuisine are dotted all around, so you will score some traditionally German food. 

13. Alta Via 1

• Distance : 93 miles (150 km)
• Countries Visited : Italy
• Number of days : 8
• Difficulty : Moderate (depending on the level of fitness)
• Accommodation : Rustic Huts, Hostels

If you have long been trying to convince somebody to get into hiking with you, the Alta Via 1   is a great trek to start.

And not only because by being in Italy it allows room for a more relaxing cultural or even a beach holiday afterwards!

The ragged summits with their grand splendour of the Dolomite Mountains can inspire the least outdoorsy hikers. To make it awe-inspiring, you could choose any of the trails that connect various local villages and pearls of nature.

Interlacing through North East of Italy, it will take you past limestone cliffs, various 3-thousanders, generous meadows dotted with sheep, unspoiled lakes and even the historical World War I battlegrounds located at high altitude.

Although these mountains are usually outshone by the Alps in terms of tourist popularity, we believe them to be the most dramatic and compelling on the continent, or at least in the West of Europe.

With their pictorial rock formations and quite distinctive geology, it’s no wonder the UNESCO listed them as its World Heritage Site .

Although the trail might pose some physical challenges, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the homemade food and tidiness of the beds in the huts along the way. More experienced hikers would know that that is a very-very rare treat on a remote trail. 

The best time to hike is from late June to September, as the summer should save you from dealing with the snow.

But whatever you do, avoid hiking in August, as during this time, it seems, you are likely to meet all hikers in Italy taking on the challenge.

Another hike in Italy to check out: Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek

14. Dingle Way

• Distance : 111 miles (179km)
• Countries Visited : Ireland
• Number of days : 9-14
• Difficulty : Moderate (depending on the weather) 
• Accommodation : Hostels, B&Bs, Campsites

A hike on the Edge of Europe could well be the Dingle Way ’s nickname, had Iceland not been halfway between you and the North American continent. 

The trail is definitely one of the best hikes in Europe because of its remarkable sceneries and enriching exposure to the Irish culture along the way.

Around almost every turning point on the hike, you will be mesmerised by gorgeous slopes, lavish countryside and sandy shorelines, and of course the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

A circuit route around the picturesque Dingle Peninsula – from Kerry back to Kerry – the hike comprises 30 Irish long-distance walking trails in the South West of the country.

Famous around the world idyllic Irish pubs with their fresh beer, seafood and traditional local County Kerry cuisine will not let you to get too bored or tired on your hike.

15. North Cape

Photo by mimirandas

• Distance : Varied 
• Countries Visited : Norway
• Number of days : 1-5
• Difficulty : Moderate
• Accommodation : Hostels, Cabins, Hotel,  Staffed Lodges

Although a very popular hike in Norway , with thousands of people visiting the area every year, we couldn’t ignore the North Cape's (or Nordkapp 's ) Arctic beauty and, unlike many other destinations, its popularity actually translates into its worth. 

Mid-hike you will see the two mighty bodies of water – the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Sea – fearlessly collide in front of you.

Although most hikers would only attempt the trail in the slightly less wet summer months, if you brave it out in winter you'd be able to ski over instead.

But at the end you can experience the North, as it should be experienced - with a number of wonderful winter activities, including dog sledding, and visiting the colourful fishing villages like Skarsvåg, which is the world’s northernmost fishing village, and Gjesvær with its amazing views of the Gjesværstappan Archipelago .

And if you are up for it, you could extend the hike to the Cape Knivskjellodden on Magerøya , which is a more challenging trek and is the actual most northern point of Europe.

Its name is a quite obscure and unpronounceable, and perhaps is to blame for the fact that tourists overlooked the place for years, regardless of the wide understanding that this is, in fact, the true north of Europe. So to make it stick - try to remember it by its rough but powerful translation as the Knife Shield .

Here you will enjoy the cliff face of the North Cape Plateau – the most iconic of them all. It’s a good idea to camp in Knivskjellodden overnight to amplify your experience of this iconic place, before walking back the next morning.

Hike Pulpit Rock while camping and Kayaking the Norwegian Fjords

16. slovenian mountain trail.

• Distance : 310 miles (divided into sections)
• Countries Visited : Slovenian
• Number of days : From 3 to 30
• Difficulty : Moderate but requires physical fitness 

Although not very famous among hikes outside Europe, Slovenia is a paradise of hiking.

The renowned Slovenian Mountain Trail also known as Transverzala will take you to and from some of the best natural pearls.

With mountains like Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Julian Alps , some of the sharpest climbs characterise the trail, so you’d need to do some preparation before the trip.

Along the Kamnik-Savinja trail, you’ll see simple examples of traditional alpine architecture in a shape of chapels made of wood and huts nestled in the scrumptiously green meadows cuddled by some dense pine forests.

The Logarska Dolina is a glacier formed valley, notable for its numerous waterfalls cascading down the mountains.

All the way, you will be hiking past 2-thousanders, while enjoying the welcoming chirping of the meadows and forests.

The most notorious mountain passes in the north of Slovenia include the Jezersko Sedlo between Carinthia in Austria and the Jezersko in Slovenia, and the Pavlič Pass.

Another Slovenia hike for your radar : Hike Mt Triglav (2,863m) - the Highest Point in Slovenia

17. Caucasian Mountains

• Countries Visited : Georgia 
• Number of days : 4-14
• Difficulty : Moderate, requires physical fitness 
• Accommodation : Guest Houses (serving food), Camping, Huts

On the intersection between Europe and Asia, high in the Caucasus Mountains , you will most likely be left alone for most part of your trekking adventure.

The Mestia to Ushguli is a perfect trail if you would like to experience a country not popular with the Western tourists.

Surrounded by the verdant valleys, impressive glaciers covering pointy peaks and aquamarine lakes, you will most certainly immerse in nature at its purest.

The beauty of the hike is that it takes you from one ancient stone village to another (called Savan), some of which are famous for their UNESCO World Heritage guard towers.

Unlike anywhere else in Europe, people still travel by horse and keep the traditional mountain lifestyle here.

Svaneti is a very easily trekked area, so you can extend your trail from 4 to 7 or even 14 days if you continue to wonder around the region.

Attempt to plan a hike from the beginning of June till late September, but avoid the busiest months of July and August, as it is more difficult to find a place in the guest houses.

18. Transylvanian Mountain Trail

• Distance : 50-80 miles (80-130 km)
• Countries Visited : Romania
• Number of days : 7-10
• Accommodation : Rustic Huts, Campsites, Basic Hostels, some Chalets

Famous for their abrupt limestone walls, the Carpathian Mountains , also known as the Transylvanian Alps , offer some of the truly of-the-beaten-path hiking experiences.

Although they are popular with European hikers, Americans are rarely seen around for miles.

Many take on the challenge of hiking the Transylvanian Alps Trail to see the notorious Bran Castle suspended on a rocky cliff.

Built in the 14th century, it has been widely associated with infamous Dracula, although it is unclear why, since an inspiration for the book, Wallachian prince Vlad Tepeş, isn’t directly affiliated with the place, as long as we know.

You will most likely take the trail that leads along the main range of the Făgăraş Mountains and climb over the three of Romania's highest peaks.

On the way you can visit one of the medieval towns called Sighisoara and see a few monasteries and fortified Saxon churches and local castles.

With the largest number of glacier lakes and streams, the Retezat National Park is another treasure not to be missed.

The best time to hike is from May to October, but note that accommodation on the trail is very basic, so it is safer to bring a good sleeping bag with you.

19. Eagle Walk

• Distance : 256 miles (412 km divided into routes)
• Countries Visited : Austria
• Number of days : 1-10

The name of the Eagle Walk says it all – the hike gives you not less and not more than a view of the most popular and familiar regal Alpine scenery.

Just as the eagle, the trail travels through Tirol – from east to west, the whole length of Austria. Viewing the map you will realize that the walk symbolizes a proud eagle spreading its wings all over Tirol.

Divided into multiple sections between Kaiser Mountain Range and Arlberg, it comprises 9 stages between Venediger and Grossglockner Mountains in East Tirol.

Any of the routes on the Eagle Walk offer superb opportunity to explore the nature. From simple walks through stunning scenery to vigorous hikes over various summits, we are sure you’ll find a hike that is just right for you.

20. Cinque Terre Mountain Trail

• Distance : 25 miles (40 km)
• Number of days : 2-5
• Difficulty : Moderately difficult (depending on your hiking experience)
• Accommodation : Hotels, Guest Houses, B&Bs

There is probably no person online who hasn’t seen the iconic images of the rugged Italian Riviera coastline -  Cinque Terre (or 5 Earths ) - hanging off the cliffs above the turquoise waters glistening in the sun.

But such postcard images of the five towns the area in coastal Italy connects aren’t everything.

To avoid the crowds, ignore the most popular Trail 2 (the Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail), which you can do later by train or by bus, and ask your guide to take you on the more challenging Trails 1, 4, 6, 9 and 10.

The guide is a good idea as these hikes have little room for purchasing water, so you need a local with you to make sure you don’t inadvertently compromise your safety and ruin your entire experience.

Trail 1 is called the High Path of the Cinque Terre Moutain Trail , taking your from the charming Portovenere and to the luxurious area of Levanto alongside the beautiful coastline.

There are two major benefits to this trail: it’s less frequented by the tourists and takes you through all five towns of the Cinque Terre.

See more mountain and hiking guides including:

• Hiking In Gran Paradiso National Park
• Mount Olympus
• Best Thru-Hikes In The Wold
• Most Dangerous Hikes In The World

About the author 

Mila Whitman

Mila has been to 5 continents, visited over 40 countries and hiked across some of the most famous mountain ranges including the Andes and the Atlas Mountains. As an AMS sufferer she learned a few techniques to reduce the symptoms and the effects on her hiking adventures.

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Is it possible that I want to do the hiking in solo, is there any problem to find huts or whatever sleeping places for the night along the route. If I decide to choose, say Alta Via 1 in Italy in this mid September. Thanks,

Hi Joseph, finding hut accomodation is usually not a problem, but I recommend booking in advance as huts get booked out frequently.

Hi Joseph: Most huts will still be open in mid Sept., but by 25th some of the more remote ones will be closing or already closed. You should be fine at least as far as Rifugio Lagazuoi, but after that you should definitely call ahead. There should still be enough of them open to finish the trek, but you may have to do a longer (or shorter) day than you would have planned on doing. Also, even if your guidebook gives a closing date, don’t rely too much on it as they may close a few days early. Huts that are easily accessible from the lowlands will be busy at weekends even in late Sept, so be sure to book ahead then. Lastly, be aware that there will be a greater chance of snowfall that late in the season.

You talk about Best Hikes in Europe, I have read this post very carefully. I want to visit the Tour du Mont Blanc. Can I use the motorcycle for riding? Thanks for sharing this post.

Hi David, yes, you can motorbike throughout the Alps in the Summer.

After checking the internet over the last days I still can’t find where I am looking for. I am planning a hike trip mid Oktober to iceland. Although I know this is shoulder season I am wondering the the Nupstaðaskogar to Skaftafell (not listed here), South Iceland is accessible for a solo hiker? Also, i am wondering if the trails are well marked and you don’t have to take special equipment with you. And do you have any idea how cold it can be during the nights in the mountains? Hopefully you can help me making this final decision 😉

Thanks a lot in advance.

Hi Guido, Unfortunately I haven’t trekked in Iceland – it’s still on the bucket list. Can any readers help Guido?

Hey, thanks for putting together all these great Infos. However the part about the Rota Vicentina is a bit misleading. We did the trail this spring and we never passed a “Porto Novo”. it does not start in Odeceixe, Odeceixe is pretty much halfway. It starts in Santiago do Cacem and ends at the most southwestern point of continental Europe, the Cabo San Vicente. The trail consists of two parts, the fisherman trail (the one by the coast) and the historic trail, which runs a bit further inside and leads you along remote farm lands and small villages. Everything taken in total might be around 200 miles but in most cases you have to chose whether you want to do the fisherman or the historic trail, thus you will probably end up with something like 100 miles. It is a stunning trail and very well taken care of. I would strongly recommend it to anyone, which is why you might want to update your information. Enjoy your hike!

Thanks Anni, we have updated our list.

hi, The Fishermans way starts in Porto Covo and follows the coast to Odeceixe in about 4 days, you can then join the Historical way down to Cabo san Vincente

Hello – I have 4-5 days off around this coming Easter. And I am desparately want to go hiking in Europe but am a bit hesitant/afraid to go solo. I am open to going anywhere in Europe. Is anyone looking for a hiking partner? Also, any recommendations on where to go?

Hello, really nice informative guide! I’m thinking about to take Camino De Santiago Trail in Autumn. How busy it could be in October? Is the climate still mild in the middle of Autumn? How about rain? I prefer more walking alone, so I’m looking for a right time of the year to make it. Thanks!

Hi Rob, check out our detailed guide: https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/hikes-in-europe/camino-de-santiago-routes/ where we answer all these questions.

I want to hike the Transylvanian Mountain Trail this June, but the information on this trial is difficult to find. Do you have any information about this trail / a general route or some place I can find most information? Is there a ‘normal route’ like for example the GR20 on Corsica?

Hi Rob, we don’t have anything specific on the Transylvanian Mountain Trail, but this article does give some insight on the various treks in Romania: https://www.mountainiq.com/hiking-in-romania/

Cool hikes but just wondering why you have a picture of Oeschinensee in Switzerland as no.19 for your point on Austria’s Eagle Walk? Not a very reliable source…

Thanks for the heads up Max. We’ll get that image updated.

How many years did it take you to do all of these hikes. How many can you do in one year? thanks

Hi Russell, I haven’t personally completed all of these treks, but I suspect it would take many years and quite a lot of money, unless of course you were doing this full time. Assuming you could take 2 months off every year I think you could complete most of these treks in a few years. Hikes like the Camino de Santiago and GR20 ect, take many weeks to complete.

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Best Long Distance Hikes in Europe

With extremely diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountain ranges, magical woodland forests, and long stretches of golden-sanded beaches, it’s no wonder that Europe is such a hiking hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. What’s more, the weather isn’t as extreme as it is on other continents, so there are excellent hiking options year-round if you chose your location wisely – sounds like a great location for a long-distance hike, doesn’t it?

But as much as we love hiking for days, we all know that long-distance hikes can be hard work – a real test of both your physical and mental endurance. Despite this, they’re also extremely rewarding, and there’s nothing like being surrounded by natural beauty for days on end to forget the stresses of day-to-day life.

Long-distance hikes do, however, require some careful planning, and you want to make sure you find the route that’s right for you. After all, they’re time-consuming affairs and you might only manage to squeeze in a couple throughout your lifetime, so you better make them count!

Here, we’ve brought you a selection of the best long-distance hikes that Europe has to offer. The routes are aimed at different levels of fitness, and there’s a variety of routes ranging from mountain scrambles to coastal routes to historical trails, so there really is something for everyone – happy hiking!

Slovenian Mountain Trail, Slovenia

Hike details.

• Trail length: 617 km / 383 miles
• Elevation Change: Altitude difference: 37.300 m (uphill); 37.600 m (downhill)
• Hiking Time: 28 to 37 days
• Starting Point: Maribor to Ankaran, Slovenia
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Transportation: Maribor can be reached by bus or train from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. It's also less then a 2-hour drive from Croatia's capital, Zagreb, so you could always pop over from there too. You can make your way back to Ljubljana from Ankaran easily via public transport too (and it won't cost you much either, yay).

Our first pit stop on our tour of the best long-distance hikes in Europe takes us to Slovenia, where you can find the month-long Slovenian Mountain Trail.

As the name suggests, this hike will wind its way past various plateaus as you make your way from Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, to the coastal town of Ankaran (although it is possible to head in the other direction too). Specifically, you’ll acquaint yourself with the spectacular mountain ranges of the Julian, the Kamnik-Savinja, and the Karavanke Alps. As well as magnificent snowcapped mountains, you’ll also head through the wooded Pohorje hills, heaps of, valleys and even vineyards, before you’re greeted with oceanic views for the grand finale.

This hike is one of the longest on our list, and you’ll need a good level of general fitness to keep going day after day. However, the route itself isn’t too challenging (and there are hand markers along the way), although you’ll ascend roughly 2 km in total over the course of the month, so trekking poles might be a good idea. There are plenty of huts along the way, which means that so you can break up the journey pretty much however you like – you’ll even pass some museums along the way if you fancy taking a break one afternoon!

Overall, this route offers incredible variety in terms of scenery, doesn’t require extensive mountaineering experience, and is a lot more affordable than similar treks in nearby countries – we definitely recommend checking this one out if you have a month to spare on the trail.

Fishermen’s Trail Rota Vicentina, Portugal

• Trail length: 75 km
• Elevation Change: N/A
• Hiking Time: 4 days
• Starting Point: Porto Covo to Odeceixe, West Portugal
• Transportation: To reach Porto Covo from Lisbon, you can catch a taxi, if you're willing to spend upwards of €100, or you can hop on a bus for less than €20. You have the same options when heading back to Lisbon from Odeceixe, but the taxi will be even more expensive (while the bus will be around €5 more).

We’re super excited to introduce you to what we think is hands-down the best coastal trail in the whole of Europe, the Fishermen’s Trail Rota Vicentina. This 75 km route is located on the west coast of Portugal and begins in Porto Covo , a traditional former fishing village situated roughly 270 km south of Lisbon.

You’ll then hike south and stick to the coast, soaking up the incredible sights of Portugal’s raw, rugged landscapes. You’ll encounter beach after beach after beach… but no two will be quite alike – you’ll find yourself stumbling upon remote coves without another soul around, as well as popular surfing beaches, and you’ll even spot beaches from the cliffs that are inaccessible from the land. The cliffs themselves are also a feast for the eyes, and their colors, textures, and sheer variety will stick in your mind for years to come.

The entirety of the trail lies within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park , so it’s worth keeping your eyes open for some of the unique flora and fauna in the area.

The path itself is clearly signposted, and the trail is relatively easy-going, without too many ascents and descents (although if you go off track to spend time on the beaches you’ll add to your climbs considerably). Having said that, it can be somewhat treacherous when the wind picks up and you’re high on the cliffs, and walking on sand paths will really get your calf muscles going, so it’s not a total walk in the park either. Make sure you take plenty of water with you, as the sun and the wind can really build up a thirst.

The route usually takes four days to complete, with overnight stops at Vila Nova de Milfontes and Almograve before finishing up at Odeceixe (which is great for surfing if you fancy hanging around for a bit to unwind).

Hadrian's Wall Path, England

• Trail length: 135 kilometers
• Elevation Change: 1,070 ft maximum height; lots of short ascents and descents
• Hiking Time: 6-10 days
• Starting Point: Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway
• Difficulty: Easy
• Transportation: Newcastle is well-connected to the rest of the UK via train routes, and from there, there are various buses run right to Wallsend. The easiest way to get back to Newcastle from Wallend is via train, although there are a few bus options too (but they aren't too regular and you'll have to change along the way).

For those of you that like some historical entertainment while you’re trekking for days, the Hadrian’s Wall Path might be just what you’re looking for.

Located in the north of England, this hiking route not only takes you through some fantastic rural landscapes, with rolling hills as far as the eye can see, but you’ll be walking alongside one of the best-preserved Roman monuments England has to offer. In fact, the wall is so historically relevant that it’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll also encounter tonnes of castles, turrets, and forts along the way. If you’re keen to learn a little more about the historical side of things, then you can pop into one of several museums along the way, or there are hiking tours available if you really want all the details.

This hike is 135 km in length and stretches from Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne, on the West Coast right over to Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, on the East Coast. A word of warning that it can get notoriously boggy during the winter seasons, so make sure you have appropriate footwear with you. But the good news is that there the route is dotted with places where you can stay for the night or pop in for a cheeky pint by the fireplace to warm up.

The route can be completed in as little as 6 days, but many people opt to take a little longer to soak it all in. Again, despite the long distance involved, the route is fairly easy (although there is one 37-km patch between Chollerford and Birdoswald that’s slightly more hilly than the rest) and it doesn’t require an expert level of fitness.

Tour du Mont Blanc, France (and Italy and Spain)

• Trail length: 170 km / 106 miles
• Elevation Change: 10 km of ascent/descent!
• Hiking Time: 7 to 11 days
• Starting Point: Various starting points; Chamonix, France, is the most common
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Transportation: The Tour du Mont Blanc typically begins at Les Houches in the Chamonix valley, which can be reached by a short (15 minute) bus ride from Chamonix town itself. If you’re flying from afar, Geneva airport, located in Switzerland, is actually the nearest airport to Chamonix, and so many people fly there and then hire a car or take a taxi to the base of the mountain. Alternatively, if you’re over in Italy, you can drive there through the Mont-Blanc Tunnel.

Although French by name, the Tour du Mont Blanc hike actually passes through three different countries – France, Italy, and Spain – as it circles the Mont Blanc massif, offering fantastically diverse perspectives of the landscape.

Undoubtedly one of the best-known long-distance routes in Europe, this hike takes at least a week to complete and covers 170 km… this might sound fairly laidback compared to some of the other distances and times we’ve mentioned, but don’t be fooled… along the way there is 10 km’s worth of ascents and descents for you to deal with – it makes you stored just thinking about, doesn’t it?

Winding your way through snow-capped mountain passes, soaking in panoramic views of valleys below, scrambling up gorges, and admiring glaciers… this really is one trip you’re unlikely to ever forget in terms of scenery. Plus, the Alpine flora is exceptionally pretty in the summer months and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot an ibex or two on your journey.

Bear in mind, however, that this route is, unsurprisingly, extremely popular, so it’s advisable to check out your accommodation options in advance to avoid disappointment (the mountain huts are generally opened from June-September – you might struggle to find places to stay at other times of the year).

Camino de Santiago, France and Spain

• Trail length: 825 km (but various routes are possible)
• Elevation Change: Variable
• Hiking Time: Typically 30 to 35 days (for the full route)
• Starting Point: Northern Spain and Southern France
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Transportation: Saint Jean Pied de Port (the most common starting point) in Souther Fracne can be accessed via train or the nearby airport of Pamplona.

The Camino de Santiago is a somewhat special route that has been traditionally viewed as a pilgrimage rather than a hike, although nowadays you’re just as likely to encounter outdoor enthusiasts along the trail as you are those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

The route has numerous variants and points of origin and, although it predominantly takes place across the North of Spain, the most common starting point is actually in Southern France. Depending on what route you go for, the trail can cover up to 825 km, but all routes accumulate at the city of Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally, the arrival of pilgrims at the city was acknowledged during midday mass, and the length of time spent in purgatory would be reduced for individuals who had managed the impressive journey.

The route beginning in France and crossing Northern Spain is actually considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with so many kilometers to cover, you’ll bear witness to a huge array of scenery on your journey.

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23 Wildest Treks in Europe | Europe

Just as urban areas are different from one continent to the next, wild spaces are vastly different, too. And Europe has some of the best wilderness in the world. Sure, you can venture into the Baltic countryside for a weekend or drive through the Alps by car. But if you want to experience what unbounded nature is really like, you’ve got to go for a trek in Europe.

Wander off into the Dolomites. Pass through the Alps that span 8 countries. Experience true solitude when you explore the interior of Iceland. Amble coastal trails that look out across the Pacific Ocean. Make a pilgrimage to holy sites that have been walked for centuries. And if all this sounds a bit rugged, there is one major perk of trekking in Europe: the accommodations are pretty great too. You can finish your day drinking Aperol Spritzes in rifigio or in a picturesque Swiss village. Pretty much anything is possible if you’ve got the time and energy to make it happen. 

Ready to embark on a hike across Europe? Swear you won’t regret it. 

This post on the best treks in Europe was written in collaboration with 20+ travel and outdoor writers. The photos and excerpts are based on their experiences. Some photos have been edited for color and may not reflect the style of the photographer.

THE BEST HIKES & TREKS IN EUROPE

The adlerweg | austria.

Nearest City: St. Johann, Tirol, Austria   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  Varies // Distance: 412 km

The Adlerweg (or the Eagle Walk) is a 33 stage, long-distance hiking trail that covers some of Austria’s most stunning Alpine scenery. It’s named for trails that look like the wings of an eagle outstretched across Tirol.

The Adlerweg can be broken into day hikes, conquered over nine days between Grossglockner and the Grossvenediger, or hiked in its entirety from east to west Tirol in 33 days.

It’s one of the toughest treks in Europe as it gains more than 30,500 meters when you hike the whole route. But since it’s a hut-to-hut hike, you’ll have the benefit of traveling light and customizing your route to one that’s comfortable.

Photo by Homberger // © Austrian Tourist Board

Rila Mountain Trail | Bulgaria

Submitted by roshni of the wanderlust within.

Nearest City: Samokov, Bulgaria //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  4-7 Days// Distance: 74 km

The Rila Mountain Trail covers 74 kilometers of landscape characterized by sunken valleys, alpine meadows, granite peaks, and countless glacial lakes.

It is recommended for experienced hikers, due to the steep ascents, and March to October is the best time of year as seasonal mountain huts are open, though you can also camp. The highlight of the trail is conquering the highest peak in the Balkans, Mount Musala (2,925m) and luckily for hikers (and non-hikers), there are numerous natural hot springs found throughout this region to soothe your weary legs after this picturesque trek. 

Photo from The Wanderlust Within

The GR20 | Corsica

Submitted by ellen of adventures with nelle.

Nearest City: Calvi, Corsica   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  14 Days // Distance: 180km

The  GR20 is a challenging hike along the ‘backbone’ of the Mediterranean Island of Corsica. The route covers 180 km and over 12,000m of ascent and descent over rocky terrain, with plenty of scrambling. The stunning views, mountain villages and sense of camaraderie amongst fellow hikers make the long days, steep inclines and stays in mountain huts completely worthwhile. 

Photo from Adventures with Nelle

The GR10 | France

Nearest City: Hendaye, France   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration: 52 days // Distance: 866 km

The GR10 is a path that runs through the French Pyrenees. It’s a long-distance hiking trail most often hiked west to east. And if hiked in full, its one of the longer treks in Europe – the route takes 52 days. 

While non-technical, the GR10 isn’t easy, either. The trail makes frequent ascents and descents which amount to 48,000 m elevation change. It’s a historical trail notable for dramatic scenery and high-mountain villages. Accommodations along the way are mostly simple huts and hotels, but they’re quite cozy.

Photo by Les routes sans fin(s) on Unsplash

Tour du Mont Blanc | France

Submitted by mags of the family freestylers.

Nearest City: Chamonix, France   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  11 days // Distance: 161 km

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world’s classic high altitude multi-day treks that circles Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe and crosses three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland.

This famous 161 km trek takes around 11 days to complete (although it’s possible to do in two halves). The trail has an accumulated height gain and loss of approximately 10,000m climbing over 10 mountain cols & descending into 7 valley floors. The height gain over the entire trail is higher than Everest.

Accommodation is in charming alpine hotels along valley floors or in high altitude mountain huts (refuges) accessible only on foot.

The Tour du Mont Blanc can be hiked self-guided – the trail is well marked, is busy & has refuges every 5kms, but note that the high mountain passes require a degree of mountain safety & good map & compass skills (in the event of bad weather). 

Photo from the Family Freestylers

Mestia to Ushguli | Georgia

Submitted by erika of erika’s travel ventures.

Nearest City: Mestia, Georgia   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  3-4 Days // Distance: 58 km

The hike from  Mestia to Ushguli  in  Georgia  takes you through some of the most incredible mountain landscapes that  Georgia has to offer, in the Svaneti region bordering Russia. Over 3-4 days you hike village-to-village through the countryside, and stay and eat in homestays offered by the locals. After a river crossing on the third day, the highest elevation is reached at the Chkhunderi pass (2655m), where hikers can enjoy beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and nearby glaciers. 

Photo from Erika’s Travel Ventures

The Westweg | Germany

Nearest City: Pforzheim, Germany   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies// Distance: 285 km

The Westweg is a long-distance hiking trail and one of the most beloved treks in Europe. The 285 km trail wanders through the Black Forest in Southern Germany, an area that includes not just forest but also moors and the Hohloh mountains.

Along the way, you’ll pass through German villages that look plucked out of fairytales. You can sleep in cozy hostels and eat in local restaurants rather than schlepping your gear. And while it’s not a beginners’ hike, it doesn’t have the same elevation gain as hikes in the German Alps while still offering much of the beauty. 

Photo by Sandra Ahn Mode on Unsplash

Laugavegur | Iceland

Submitted by ela & beata from stunning outdoors.

Nearest City: Skaftárhreppur, Iceland   //  Difficulty: Hard // Duration:  4 days // Distance: 55 km

The famous Laugavegur is a 55km hiking trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork that takes you through the breathtaking and diverse landscape of Icelandic interior. Bubbling hot springs, multi-colored mountains, glaciers and lava fields – every day provides new sights and experiences. The hike is suitable for experienced walkers; it involves several river crossing, navigating in ever-changing weather conditions, carrying supplies for 4 days with a total elevation gain of 1300 meters. 

Photo from the Stunning Outdoors

The Alta Via I | Italy

Submitted by jake.

Nearest City: Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  11 Days // Distance: 120 km

Italy’s  Alta   Via 1 explores the Dolomites, offering some of the finest mountain trekking you could possibly ask for. Surrounded by jagged limestone peaks and with relatively plush accommodations in mountain huts, the AV1 is something out of a mountain-lovers fever dream.

That said, the trek isn’t for those looking for an especially easy holiday: it spans 120 kilometers, reaching a high point of 2,750 meters at Mount Lagazuoi (where you will spend the night!), with a total elevation gain around 6,665 meters (~22k feet), featuring rigorous climbs and descents on hard rocks. 

Photos from @jwphill

The San Vili Trek | Italy

Submitted by cate of sacred wanderings.

Nearest City: Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy   //  Difficulty: Moderate // Duration: 6 days // Distance: 100 – 112 km

The  San   Vili  Trek or Cammino  San   Vili is a moderate 6+ day hike that follows the alleged path of San Vigilio, a bishop of Trent in the North of Italy as he brought Christianity through the region. The trek has two routes – a high path and a low path –    and can be hiked from Madonna di Campiglio to Trento or vice-versa. It’s also an excellent trek to piece-hike with many quaint towns, painted churches, historical stops and museums along the way. 

Photo by Sacred Wanderings

The Causeway Coast | Northern Ireland

Submitted by simon of wild about travel.

Nearest City: Portstewart, Northern Ireland   //  Difficulty: Easy // Duration: 3 days // Distance: 52 km

The  Causeway   Coast  Way is a relatively easy 3-day  coastal hike in Northern Ireland, taking you through dramatic scenery. The 52 km trail from Portstewart to Ballycastle (or the other way round) is one of the most scenic coastal hikes in Europe. Furthermore, it will take you through the Giant’s Causeway . The 40,000 polygonal basalt columns dating back from 50-60 million years ago makes it a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Along the way, you’ll hike surrounded by amazing steep white cliffs, green meadows dotted with sheep, castle ruins, and beautiful golden beaches. The  Causeway   Coast Way also crosses a few charming towns, where you can have a break, and enjoy a bite and a drink.

The trail is well marked, and you won’t need a guide unless you wish so. You need to beware of the strong winds that sometimes sweep the coast . The weathering Northern Ireland is unpredictable and prone to change several times during the day. That’s why the meadows are lush, and the light and colors unique. Be sure, however, to wear layers since you’re likely to need them several times during the day. 

Photo from Wild About Travel

Rota Vincentina | Portugal

Submitted by james of the portugalist.

Nearest City: Odemira, Alentejo, Portugal   //  Difficulty: Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance: Varies

The  Rota   Vicentina is a 450 km network of walking trails that spans across two regions, the Algarve and the Alentejo. It is made up of two main multi-day walking trails, the Historical Route and the Fishermen’s Trail, as well as several smaller circular walks. The most popular path, the Fishermen’s Trail, usually takes a minimum of 4 days to complete the main 75 km of the trail and longer if you want to do the additional 45 km or so of add-on walks. 

Photo from the Portugalist

The West Highland Way | Scotland

Submitted by kathi of watch me see.

Nearest City: Glasgow, Scotland   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance:  Varies

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most iconic and popular long-distance trails. Imagine a trail that begins (conveniently) at the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, and slowly makes its way past lochs and Munros deeper and deeper into the mountainous heart of the Scottish Highlands . The trail finishes in Fort William, at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis. 

Photo from Watch Me See

Fife Coastal Path | Scotland

Submitted by gemma of two scots abroad.

Nearest City: Fife, Scotland   //  Difficulty: Easy // Duration:  5-8 days // Distance: 188 km

Fife, or the Kingdom of Fife to give it its full title, is a region over the water from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. The Fife Coastal Path is popular because of its length and location. As the name indicates, much of the multi-day hike is situated along the Forth taking you through seaside towns such as Aberdour. The route starts in Kincardine and the endpoint, 188 kilometers later, is at Newburgh. 

Photo from Two Scots Abroad

The Slovenia Mountain Trail | Slovenia

Read more: the other alps: hiking the julian alps.

Nearest City: Maribor, Slovenia   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  3-28 days // Distance: 599 km

While most travelers flock to Germany or Italy for their alpine hikes, the Slovenian Alps are where you’ll find some of the most picturesque and uncrowded treks in Europe. The Slovenian Mountain Trail (or Transverzala) travels between all of the Alpine ranges in Slovenia – Kamnik Alps, Karavanke Alps and Julian Alps. Along the way, you’ll amble through alpine meadows, pass brilliantly blue lakes, and climb the highest peak in Slovenia until you eventually drop out on the Adriatic Coast.

It’s a hut-to-hut route so you’ll be able to pack lighter than you would for most long-distance trails. That said, some of the route also recommends via ferrata equipment. It’s recommended that you pack your helmet, harness, and learn the basics before starting. 

Photos from Travel Outlandish

The Camino de Santiago | Spain

Frances route, submitted by katie-beth of her life in ruins.

Nearest City: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance: ~ 800 km

The Camino  Frances is a path of the Camino de Santiago that traditionally begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and stretches around 800 km to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The route takes pilgrims over mountains, through vineyards, into historic cities, and all around the gorgeous Spanish countryside in around 35 days. This lengthy trip is fairly inexpensive, as pilgrims can use a credential (picked up at tourist centers along the way) to stay in albergues each night; I recommend budgeting around 30€ per day. 

Photo from Her Life in Ruins

Primitivo Route

Submitted by wendy of the nomadic vegan.

Nearest City: Oviedo, Spain   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance: ~ 330 km

The Camino Primitivo , at 330 kilometers, is shorter than the more popular 800-kilometer Camino Francés. Passing through the two northern coastal provinces of Asturias and Galicia, it’s also much greener, wetter and hillier, and is considered to be the most difficult of all the Caminos de Santiago .

A s the word “ primitivo ” indicates, the very first pilgrimage made to Santiago was along this route, and that first pilgrim is said to be the King of Asturias in the ninth century.  

Photo from The Nomadic Vegan

del Norte Route

Submitted by campbell & alya of stingy nomads.

Nearest City: Irún, Spain   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance: ~ 845 km 

The Camino del Norte is one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes in Spain. It starts in a small Basque town of Irún on the border with France and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, the total distance of the route is 845 km. The Camino crosses four Spanish regions; the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Most of the time the route goes along the coastline and offers breathtaking scenery; rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, hidden bays, cozy beach towns, and endless coast.

Most people walk the Camino independently but it’s possible to join a group or to arrange the walk through an agency. Walking the Camino del Norte is probably one of the most budget ways to explore the beauty of Northern Spain, the average daily cost is between 20-25 Euro per person. 

Photo from Stingy Nomads

Fisterra-Muxía Route

Submitted by inma of a world to travel.

Nearest City: Santiago de Compostela, Spain   //  Difficulty:  Easy // Duration:  Varies // Distance: ~90km

The  Fisterra -Muxía  is the only ‘Camino’ route that begins in Santiago de Compostela. If done fully, it takes around one week but it can also be done faster, depending on your pace. Each year it is walked by more and more pilgrims who, after finishing some of the typical paths to Santiago, want to continue walking a few more days until they reach the Galician coast. 

Photo from A World to Travel

Portugues Route

Submitted by michelle of oh what a journey.

Nearest City: Lisbon, Portugal   //  Difficulty:  Moderate // Duration:  Varies // Distance:  250 – 620km

The Camino  Portugues is a pilgrimage that spans two countries and up to 620 kilometers. This self-guided hike takes you through Portugal into Spain toward the final destination, Santiago de Compostela where the other Caminos also finish. Thousand of Pilgrims walk this moderate hike every month with only a painted arrow and occasional way marker to guide them, and you don’t have to be super fit or religious to walk, just motivated by the spirit of the Camino. 

Photo from Oh What a Journey

The Kungsleden Trail | Sweden

Nearest City: Abisko, Norrbotten, Sweden   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  Varies // Distance:  Varies

Kungsleden is a 440km trail through northern Sweden. The most popular section leads from Nikkaluokta to Abisko which takes 5-7 days. Along the way, you walk through diverse landscapes, cross over the stunning Tjäktja Pass. You’ll also have the chance to climb Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise. Wild camping is a must and an absolute delight on this trail – here is everything you need to pack for this trip! 

Photo from Watch Me See  

The Walker’s Haute Route | Switzerland

Submitted by leigh of campfires & concierges.

Nearest City: Chamonix, France   //  Difficulty:  Hard // Duration:  12 Days // Distance: 225km

The  Walker’s  Haute   Route is a walking path from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. The trail is 225km long and takes most trekkers around 12 days, with nights spent in mountain huts or small Swiss villages. Each day brings new breathtaking scenery, quaint Swiss towns and plenty of trains, buses and chairlifts if you want to take a day off! 

Photo from Campfires & Concierges

Hadrian’s Wall | The UK

Submitted by carol of wayfaring views.

Nearest Town: Wallsend, UK   //  Difficulty:  Easy // Duration:  Varies // Distance: 128 km

The Hadrian ‘s Wall walk is a 128-kilometer coast-to-coast path transiting what in 225 AD was England’s Roman border with Scotland. Along the way you hike through the beautiful English countryside where you get views of Northumberland National park and plenty of opportunities to stop and tour the Roman fortifications. The path is very accessible and you can do as little or as much as you wish, but the best bits are in the middle, which you can hike using this four-day itinerary . 

Photo from Wayfaring Views

Ready to take on one of the best treks in Europe? Here’s everything you need to know to undertake the Tour du Mont Blanc, Camino de Santiago, Kungsleden, and beyond including distance, difficulty, and where to begin.

What do you think are the best hikes and treks in Europe? And if you dig hiking…

You might also like, taylor record.

I'm Taylor and this is Travel Outlandish. I’m an independent traveler kind of like you. I believe we deserve better than crowds of people and manufactured experiences when we explore. Whether you're going into the wild on a backpacking trip or planning a weekend in a foreign city, you'll find everything you need to plan something awesome on Travel Outlandish. Thanks for stopping by!

I have truly come to know on a recent hike ( in this case an Alaskan Glacier)….that all these years I’ve been lied to! It is NOT about the journey but the destination!!! hahaha….I’m only saying this cause I had the opportunity to hike with this TRAVELOUTlandish chica….and even the easiest of trails for an unexperienced treker was a challenge and was only 3/4 mile in and 3/4 out….on incline and decline when you have improper shoes and rolling gravel! Kudos and my “sun hats off” to those of you who make it look easy! I will say the destination was rather awesome and memorable and the company I wouldn’t have changed for the world!…..Travel ON! your MOM

Great post Taylor! I have already noted few new hiking ideas! Thanks!

Thanks a lot, Beata! Laugavegur has definitely moved up my list.

What a list and so many hikes to add to my ever-growing bucket list! The Adlerweg has always been a dream of mine – I’m Austrian, but live abroad, and I think it would be a great way to get to know my country from a different point of view!! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

Totally know what you mean. Just finished up some hiking in Utah and it was definitely a different perspective than I’ve ever had on the American national parks. Any plans to do it?

Andrew Delmenhorst

Lots of great hikes on this list! I’ve done the TMB, West Highland Way, the Camino Frances and the Haute Route. Looking forward to the Alta Via 1 when this pesky pandemic is over 🙂

Yeah, so many things on hold right now. How was the Camino Frances? I’ve long considered doing one of the Caminos but wouldn’t know which to pick.

It was great. I’ve done it twice. Once the entire length of Spain and once from Leon to Santiago. Normally, people choose Frances for their first time as it is a good introduction to the camino and you will meet a LOT of people along the way. Often, people then go back and do a different route like the Primitivo or Camino Portuguese. Those routes tend to be a bit quieter.

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LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

The best long distance hiking trails in europe.

Published by

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<- READ ALL CAMINO POSTS

Alternatives to the Camino de Santiago

It is no secret that we love the Camino de Santiago and thru-hiking . We’ve written a lot of posts about it and a guide book too. But, we also know that there are other routes in Europe that we haven’t yet got our mucky paws on. As keen hikers, we are always on the lookout for long distance hiking trails in Europe . There are many to choose from, but we’ve compiled a list of our favourites that we hope to try at some point soon. A hiking bucket-list of sorts! If you’re looking for some alternatives to the Camino de Santiago, read on for some inspiration.

West Highland Way (Scotland)

The camino ingles (england), the gr20 (corsica), via francigena (italy), the trans caucasian trail (armenia, georgia and azerbaijan), e4 path (cyprus), the south west coast path (england), coast to coast (england), rheinsteig (germany), pieterpad (the netherlands), kungsleden (sweden), st olav ways (norway).

• High Scardus Trail (Kosovo, Albania, North Macdeonia)

Slovenia Mountain Trail (Slovenia)

Traumpfad (germany to italy), would you like to read more about hiking, short multi-day hikes in europe.

About this trail: The West Highland Way, referred to as “Scotland’s best-loved hike” is a 96 mile trail. Starting near to the city of Glasgow and ending in Fort William, it passes varied terrain, including Loch Lomond. This is a really established trail, walked by many each year. It’s so well organised that you can even buy a West Highland Way passport.

Accommodation: There are hostels (bunk houses), B&Bs and hotels on route. And of course, the famous Scotties Bothies! The other popular option is to wild camp, which is legal in Scotland.

Distance/ duration: The West Highland Way is 96 miles/ 154km which will take 5 to 7 days to walk depending on your pace. If you don’t have time to do the full distance, there are shorter routes available too.

Best time of year: The best times of year to walk the West Highland Way are May, June, September and October

Find out more: The West Highland Way website

About this trail: OK, we haven’t fully moved away from the Camino. But, I bet you’ve never heard of this! There is a section of the Camino de Santiago in England. This trail has very recently been sign posted and is open for business. It’s the start of the Camino Ingles trail, which continues from A Coruna in Northern Spain, eventually joining Santiago.

In the South of England, you will start this trail in Reading before travelling across English countryside and visiting the city of Winchester, famous for it’s Cathedral. Eventually, you will end up in Southampton, a port city.

Fun fact – if you complete this trail (and get your pilgrim passport stamped) you can continue to the Camino Ingles in Spain (after a ferry ride) and walk to Santiago to get your Compostela. This is the only way to walk the Camino Ingles and qualify for your certificate.

Accommodation: There are no “official” pilgrim accommodation options, but plenty of good old fashioned English bed and breakfasts along the way. Did I mention there are 13 pubs on the trail too?

Distance/ Duration: The Camino from Reading is 68 miles/ 105 km which will take 3 to 5 days depending on your pace

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the Camino Ingles English section is April to October

Find out more: Our guide to walking the Camino Ingles

Long distance hikes in Europe that take around 14 days

About this trail: Widely thought to be one of the most challenging trails in Europe, the GR20 runs through the lower mountains of Corsica. It can be tricky to navigate and even trickier to walk, but it’s hugely popular with hikers. It’s not difficult to understand why it is so popular, Corsica is a beautiful island and the GR20 provides a challenging adventure for adrenaline chasers.

Accommodation: The accommodation on the GR20 is a mix of basic mountain refuge huts and bergeries (dorm style accommodation). There are also hotels at the start and the end of the route. Finally, you can choose to camp – either packing and carrying your own tent, or renting them daily from the mountain huts.

Distance/ Duration: The GR20 is 112 miles/ 180km. The entire GR20 will take two weeks to walk. But, you can walk the GR20 South or GR20 North, which is half the trail and takes half the time.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the GR20 is May to October. During the winter, the trail is likely to be covered in snow.

Find out more: The GR-20 website.

About this trail: This route takes you from the charming town of Lucca, through Siena and the golden Tuscan countryside all the way to Rome. It’s a 400km section of the 2000km Via Francigena, which starts in Canterbury and also ends in Rome.

Many people talk about the Via Francigena as an alternative to the Camino de Santiago, but it is quite different. Although the premise is similar – it’s a pilgrimage to a holy site – the scenery and Italian culture are a marked contrast to the Camino.

We’ve heard that this is the prettiest stretch of the Via Francigena, plus, what can be bad about walking through vineyards in Tuscany?

Accommodation: There is pilgrim accommodation available as well as tourist hotels and B&Bs along the route from Lucca to Rome on the Via Francigena.

Distance/ Duration: The distance from Lucca to Rome on the Via Francigena is 260 miles/419 km. This will require around 14 to 18 days of walking depending on your pace.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the Tuscany leg of the Via Francigena (Lucca to Rome) is March to October, but you may wish to avoid peak summer.

Find out more: our guide to walking from Lucca to Rome

About this trail: The Trans Caucasian Trail really excites us, because it travels through a few countries that we haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting. The TCT is a path (in the making) through Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. At time of writing, you cannot yet thru-hike the entire trail. But, sections are opening regularly, with volunteers working passionately to unveil new paths for future hikers.

At present, the TCT officials are allowing a small number of hikers to thru-hike the 800km across Armenia, but currently this is described as a challenging route only available for self-sufficient hikers comfortable with the risk of walking a new trail with minimal infrastructure.

There are however some sections already open. There’s a 10 day stretch open in Georgia, a 10 day stretch in Azerbaijan and a 12 day trail open in Armenian.

Accommodation: Along the sections of the Trans Caucasian Trail that are open, there is a mix of some guest house accommodation or camping. If opting to hike across Armenia, you will only be able to camp on the route.

Distance/ Duration: As noted above, the full Trans Caucasian Trail is not yet open, but you can walk sections of it in 10-12 day durations.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the Trans Caucasian Trail is June to October.

Find out more: Detailed information on the TCT website.

About this trail: The E4 is one of Europe’s long distance paths. Starting in Gibraltar, it runs through Spain, France, Germany and a number of other countries before arriving in Cyprus.

The Cyprus section itself is around 500km and takes hikers from Larnarca airport to Paphos airport. Picture coastal walks followed by a dip in the clear blue water and a glass of local wine in the evening.

Accommodation: Accommodation on the E4 in Cyprus includes agritourism places and B&Bs. Sections of the route route are in touristy areas, therefore there are hotel options on some of it too. You can also camp at various campsites or wild camp along the route.

Distance/ Duration: The total path is around 500km, but you can walk sections of it instead. The coastal path around Paphos and sections of the Aphrodite trail are said to be the most beautiful.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the E4 around Cyprus is April to October, but expect high temperatures in peak summer.

About this trail: After reading the Salt Path by Raynor Winn , I am enamoured with the idea of walking the South West Coast Path. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the path and what could be a better way to celebrate it than stomping along it?

The trail runs through some of the most stunning areas of England including Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. It starts in Minehead and ends in Poole, having wrapped around Lands End in Cornwall on the way.

Picture sweeping coastlines, rugged scenery and a pint of cold cider to end your day.

Accommodation: The South West Coast Path has a number of B&Bs and hotels along the way. There are also numerous campsites, where you can pitch a tent for a small price.

Distance/ Duration: The South West Coast Path is 630 miles/ 1014 km. Therefore to walk the entire trail would take over one month. But, you could walk half of it, or a section of this path easily in a shorter time period.

Best time of year: The best time of the year to walk the South West Coast Path is June, July and August

Find out more: The official South West Coast Path website.

About this trail: The Coast to Coast Trail crosses the belly of England, from the West to the East. It winds through the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales before ending in Robin Hood’s Bay.

The walk is thought to have been founded by Alfred Wainwright in the 1970s. He famously remarked of the Coast to Coast “Surely there cannot be a finer itinerary for a long-distance walk!”

Accommodation: There are B&Bs, youth hostels and hotels along the coast to coast route. However, you are recommended to book these well in advance as the coast to coast is a popular walk that runs through tourist areas.

Distance/ Duration: The entire Coast to Coast path is 190 miles/ 305 km, it can be walked in around 14 days depending on your pace.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk Coast to Coast in the UK June, July and August.

About this trail: The Rheinsteig is a trail that skirts alongside the river Rhine through Bonn, Koblenz and Wiesbaden. It is mostly a narrow path with some steep climbs. You’ll find a mix of cities, like Bonn, juxtaposed with the vineyards abutting the river Rhine.

Perhaps the most famous wine of this region is Riesling, a drop of which could be your reward at the end of a good day of hiking. The other bonus to walking this trail is that the Rheinsteig officials boast that there is “Absolutely no chance of getting lost”, due to the thorough and clear markings along the trail.

Accommodation: There is a vast selection of accommodation on the Rheinsteig, from hostels, to B&Bs and hotels. Officially wild camping is illegal in Germany, but it’s unclear if stealth camping may be acceptable if the usual rules are followed.

Distance/ Duration: The Rheinsteig is 190miles/ 320km and will take between 10 and 14 days to complete, depending on your pace.

Best time of year : The best time of year to walk the Rheinsteig in Germany is March to October

Find out more: You can find out more on the official Rheinsteig website.

About this trail: The Pieterpad was crated by two Dutch ladies in the early 1980s who were inspired to create a long distance path in The Netherlands. It is a way marked path, starting near to Groningen and ending in Sint Pietersberg to the South, near to the cosmopolitan city of Maastricht.

Of course, The Netherlands is not known for mountainous terrain, the trail is fairly flat. But it flows across countryside that you wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see in The Netherlands. And of course, you can stop at some fun Dutch towns and cities on route.

Accommodation: Bed and breakfasts, hotels and camping options are available along the Pieterpad trail.

Distance/ Duration: The entirety of this trail is 500km (310 miles). You’d be hard pushed to walk this in 14 days, but perhaps could do a section of it, or take a little longer to complete it.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the Pieterpad in The Netherlands is April to October

Find out more: The Pieterpad official website

Long distance hikes in Europe that take around one month

About this trail: Kungsleden literally means Kings Trail. The hike in Sweden is between Abisko and Hemavan. The most exciting thing, is that in walking this trail, you cross through Lapland mountains and four national parks.

Accommodation: There are 16 mountain huts on the Kungsleden, but some patches where other accommodation must be relied upon.

Distance/ Duration: The distance of Kungsleden is 270 miles/ 440 km. Although this is not a particularly long trail, it is recommended to walk it in four weeks, due to the difficulty. But, if you have a quicker walking pace you may be able to complete it in less time.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk Kungsleden Mid-June until Mid-September.

Find out more: The Swedish Tourist Association website has further information.

About this trail: St Olav Ways are actually a series of different paths in Norway. We have our eye on the Gudbrandsdalsleden, which runs from Oslo to Trondheim, which is the most popular of the paths.

This trail takes in two large Norwegian cities at the start and end, as well as passing through small communities and towns. The real selling point is the opportunity to stay in farming communities along the way and enjoy the tranquil Scandinavian countryside.

Accommodation: There are small walkers hostels along the Gudbrandsdalsleden route, it’s recommended to book these in advance. There is also the option to wild camp, as this is legal in Norway.

Distance/ Duration: The length of the G udbrandsdalsleden 643km/ 400 miles. The recommended walking time is 32 days.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk one of the St Olavs way routes in Norway is May to August

Find out more: You can find our guides to walking this route here.

High Scardus Trail (Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia)

About this trail: The High Scardus is a new hiking trail through the Balkans . Not only is it the newest, but it is also the highest trail in the Balkans, with ascents of up to 2000m.

This is a remote but beautiful trail, with the opportunity to see three countries as you hike. Scenery highlights include Lake Ohrid and Mount Korab. But mostly, the draw to the High Scardus Trail is the Balkans hospitality that comes with Raki and home cooked food.

Accommodation: There are basic home stays along the way on the High Scardus Trail, these should be booked in advance. Wild camping is also an option (with some restrictions.)

Distance/ Duration: The High Scardus trail is 495km/ 307 miles. 20 days is the recommended duration to walk the entire trail.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the High Scardus trail is June to September.

Find out more: The official High Scardus website.

For a shorter hike in the Balkans – find our guide to hiking in Albanian here.

About this trail: The Slovenia Mountain Trail runs across Slovenia through alpine routes. This mountainous route is said to be well way-marked and takes in some incredible scenery along the way.

You don’t necessarily have to walk the whole way, you can pick sections of it, or walk the length of the trail if you wish to. The highest point of the route is just short of 3000m in Triglav. Highlights include the Julian Alps where unbelievable blue lakes contrast with green pastures.

Accommodation: There are mountain huts at various points along the route. Camping is not allowed on the Slovenia Mountain Trail however.

Distance/ Duration: The distance of the Slovenia Mountain Trail is 599km/ 372 miles. The recommended walking time is 30 days, depending on your pace.

Best time of year: The best time of year to walk the Slovenia trail is June to October

About this trail: Traumpfad (The Dream Way) is a trail from Munich, in Germany, to Venice in Italy. Crossing the Bavarian foothills and eventually through the Dolomites. There’s some significant elevation (of course) but it’s rumoured to be a suitable trail for most experienced walkers.

We like the idea of it, because walking from Munich to Venice just sounds like a good idea! It seems like it would be mildly crazy but with a whiff of romance. From beer halls in Germany, to mountain tipples in Austria and spritz by the canals of Venezia. Truly, the Dream Way.

Accommodation: Mountain huts are the name of the game when it comes to accommodation on Traumpfad. Expect group dining and basic facilities, but oodles of Alpine charm.

Distance/ Duration: The Traumpfad is 327 miles/ 526 km long. As this is a mountainous walk, it’s difficult to specify a duration but most people would complete it within 30 days.

Best time of year: May to September is the best time of year to walk the Traumpfad.

GR131 Canary Islands

About this trail: The GR131 is a long-distance hiking path in Europe in the Canary Islands. It crosses seven islands, starting in the large volcanic island of Lanzarote and ending in the small island of El Hierro, close to Tenerife.

This trail offers a number of great things – firstly, it’s a bit of an adventure crossing seven different islands and taking the ferry between them. Secondly, the geology and scenery of each island is vastly different, meaning no two days of hiking will look the same. Finally, it’s an all year round hiking option, owing to warm weather throughout the winter.

Accommodation: Mix of hotels (at the end of the trail heads) and camping (wild camping mainly on trails.)

Distance/ Duration: The GR131 is 560km and takes around one month to complete. It can be done quicker if you avoid the small islands near to Tenerife, as these are the most challenging for ferry connections.

Best time of year: The GR131 could be walked all year round – ideally, we would suggest avoiding the summer months (June, July, August) if possible, as it will be too hot to walk. This is one of the only hikes that can be walked in the European winter.

Find out more: We recently walked the GR131 and have written all about it here.

A long-distance hike that you can enjoy in the winter months

If you’re looking for a hike to walk during winter months, you may also be interested in the Lycian Way in Turkey , or the Jordan Trail in Jordan.

Number one destination for a hiking vacation in Europe

We recently found what we think is the number one hiking destination for vacations in Europe.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hike as a vacation, but without walking a long distance trail, then you may be interested to find out about a tropical island in Europe with the best one day hiking trails.

Found out about the island of Madeira and the 10 best hikes here .

How to train for long-distance hiking?

Are you planning a long distance hike, but you’re not sure how to train. A combination of strength training, mobility and walking is how we train to be at our best for all of our long distance hikes.

Want to know more about how to combine these elements to be at your best? You can find our guide to training for long-distance hiking here.

Would you like us to plan your walk for you?

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Lotus Eaters Travel Planning, where we turn your dream of long-distance walking into a meticulously planned reality.

Our passion for exploration, love for diverse cultures, and commitment to providing an unparalleled experience drive us to offer personalized consultation services for some of the world’s most iconic walking trails

Find out more here.

John and Emma’s hiking gear. These are items we love to use when we go hiking, find them here on Amazon .

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Find them here on Amazon .

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The Best Long-Distance Hiking Trails in Europe

Ok. Europe is BIG. And Long-distance hiking has matured so much across the continent with hundreds of classic long distance routes across the mountain ranges and plains of Europe. So getting a list of the best long-distance trails in Europe together is tough.

But when we look at what people are searching for on HiiKER and what they are tracking, there is no doubt what the top hiking trails are. You might disagree with this list entirely and we are probably going to miss out on some epic adventures. So please, let us know if you have any particular favourites of your own in the comments.

Here is the TLDR List (in no particular order) which you can use to skip to one that strikes your fancy!

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Also known as the Way of St. James, this famous pilgrimage route spans 500 miles from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The trail meanders through vineyards, villages, and the beautiful Spanish countryside, making it a perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.

There are so many ways to experience the Camino. While you can walk the entire route in one go, some opt to take it in stages and use the transport options to their advantage.

GR20, Corsica, France

The GR20 is often considered one of the most difficult long-distance hikes in Europe (possibly the world). Covering approximately 180 km, this trail traverses Corsica’s mountainous spine, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, glistening lakes, and dense forests.

Considering its difficulty, hikers are advised to overestimate the time needed to complete and underestimate the distance they will cover in a day. It’s not just the distance and elevation gain that adds to the difficulty, but also the heat. But don’t let this deter you from one of the most spectacular hikes in the world!

Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland

This famous route encircles the Mont Blanc Massif, offering a stunning tour of the Alps. Over about 170 km, hikers can experience the diverse beauty of three different countries, all while soaking in the sights of Western Europe’s highest peaks.

Planning in advance is encouraged on the Tour du Mont Blanc . The rules around wild camping are very strict on the entire route and the refuges (refugios) are limited in numbers.

The Kings Trail, Sweden (Kungsleden)

Stretching 440 km through some of Sweden’s most beautiful and remote Arctic wilderness, this trail offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. It’s best known for its vibrant flora, diverse fauna, and the mesmerising northern lights.

Slovene Mountain Trail, Slovenia

Extending over a remarkable 599 km, the Slovene Mountain Trail is an unparalleled hiking experience that takes you through the heart of Slovenia. The trail, inaugurated in 1953, is reputedly the oldest connecting trail in Europe. It begins in Maribor and passes through the magnificent regions of Pohorje, the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Karawanks before finally ending at the Debeli Rtič on the Adriatic Sea.

Hikers can expect to traverse diverse terrains, ranging from verdant valleys to rugged mountain peaks, offering panoramic views of Slovenia’s stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll find 75 mountain huts offering shelter and respite. The trail typically takes about 44 days to complete but promises a memorable and rewarding journey amidst Slovenia’s most breathtaking natural beauty.

The Kerry Way, Ireland

As Ireland’s longest signposted walking trail, the Kerry Way circles the Iveragh Peninsula and navigates through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, including Killarney National Park, the famous Ring of Kerry, and the wild, rugged coastline.

The Kerry way is also host to one of the most prestigious Ultra running events in the calendar. Runners attempt to complete the 188 KM trail in under 40 hours in September each year.

West Highland Way, Scotland

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first officially designated long-distance hiking trail, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William. The trail offers diverse scenery, from lowland moors, dense woodlands, and rolling hills, to steep mountain terrain.

Not to deter anyone from this incredible trail, but do prepare for midges. They are the almost as famous as the trail itself. You can read our blog on how to set yourself up for success on the West highland way here.

Tour Monte Rosa, Italy & Switzerland

For a truly international hiking experience, consider the Tour Monte Rosa trail which circumnavigates the spectacular Monte Rosa massif, taking you through both Swiss and Italian terrains. This 163 km trail offers a variety of landscapes from idyllic mountain pastures to impressive glaciers. The high-altitude route demands a decent level of fitness, but the sweeping views of the Swiss Alps, as well as the picturesque mountain towns of Zermatt (Switzerland) and Alagna (Italy), make the challenge worthwhile.

Hiking the entire trail typically takes about 10 days, with mountain huts and small guesthouses providing accommodation along the way. The trek offers an intimate experience with the Alps and a deep appreciation of the region’s rich alpine culture.

Alta Via 1, Ital y

This spectacular trail, located in the Italian Dolomites, is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, including rugged peaks, verdant meadows, and idyllic Alpine huts. The trail is about 120 km long and traverses from Dobbiaco to Belluno.

Much like the Tour du Mont Blanc and other Alpine trails, booking your accommodation is advised in advance.

GR10, France

Running the length of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the GR10 offers hikers a challenging, rewarding journey through one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges. This approximately 866 km trail crosses a variety of terrains, from lush valleys to barren peaks, showcasing the region’s diverse ecosystems.

All these trails can be found on HiiKER and downloaded to your phone for offline use for free. This is a list that is based purely on our user activity. We know there are hundreds of other trails that are worthy of being on the list of the Best long distance hiking trails in Europe.

What do you think? Let us know of any trails we should add to this list!

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The Best Hikes in Europe: Our Top 13 Picks for 2024

Table of contents.

Hiking is many different things to people —a way to escape the rush of city life and get in touch with oneself, aerobic exercise for the calorie counters, a wellspring of content for the selfie seekers…

But for us at 57hours, it is first and foremost a celebration of nature.

Our mission is to inspire you to get outside and explore the outdoors on unique, exciting, and sustainable adventures alongside expert local guides who act as stewards of the world’s most beautiful trails.

With that in mind, we’ve pooled together a list of the best hikes in Europe to help whet your wanderlust.

Your Guide to the Best Hikes in Europe

After showing you where you can find the best hiking in the world , we’ve decided to narrow our scope and focus on a single continent instead.

With 10 major and 100 minor mountain ranges, countless islands, beaches, forests, rivers and valleys spreading across more than 40 countries, Europe is a treasure trove of geographical and cultural diversity.

From the windswept cliffs of Norway to the rustic villages of the Italian Riviera, from soaring Alpine peaks to the deepest ice caves of Iceland, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Deciding on our favorites wasn’t an easy task, but it’s one that needed to be done. Without further ado, here’s what we’ve prepared for you.

Best hiking trails in Europe (single and multi-day):

• Laugavegur Trail, Iceland — Top choice for volcanic landscapes
• Kungsleden Trail, Sweden — Top choice for trekking with the family
• Blue Trail, Italy — Top choice for seaside hiking
• Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria-Slovenia-Italy — Top choice for pleasure hikers
• Alta Via 1, Italy — Top choice for limestone lovers
• Camino de Santiago, Spain — Top choice for a historic hike
• Quiraing Walk, Scotland — Top choice for fantasy landscapes
• Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Faroe Islands — Top choice for a remote hike
• Samaria Gorge Hike, Greece — Top choice for gorgeous cliffs
• GR 20, France — Top choice for the toughest of the tough
• Tour du Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland — Top choice for an Alpine classic
• The Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland — Top choice for a Tour Du Mont Blanc alternative
• Trolltunga, Norway — Top choice for an unforgettable photo-op

1. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

The 55-kilometer (34 miles) Laugavegur Trail is a multi-day hiking route in Iceland that takes hikers through a series of otherworldly landscapes which feature volcanic mountains, lava fields, glaciers, geysers, black sand desert, lakes, geothermal pools and so much more.

The hike starts in the Landmannalaugar area, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, and ends in the Thórsmörk Valley. Along the way, you’ll experience some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the Hrafntinnusker geothermal area, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

The trail is well-marked with cairns and signs, and there are mountain huts and campsites along the way where hikers can rest and spend the night. Just be aware that the weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable, sometimes going through all four seasons in a single day, so always be prepared for sudden changes.

The Laugavegur trek thrusts you into the mythical heart of Iceland, surrounded by contrasting scenery, colors, and landform. But luckily, you don’t need the strength and endurance of the Gods to enjoy it.

– Saga Líf in Hiking the Laugavegur Trail: A Guide to the Heart of Iceland

All-Women Hiking Trip on Icelan...

1. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland - Good to Know

4-6 days, depending on how much sightseeing you plan on doing.

Mostly undemanding, with the occasional steep hill or unbridged river crossing.

1,700 m (5578 ft)

Casual hikers looking for extraordinary views.

The Landmannalaugar area in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Icelandic Highlands.

From late June through mid-September.

Laugavegur Trail Guided Hike Classic Laugavegur Hike All-women Laugavegur Hiking Tour Hut-to-Hut Hiking on the Laugavegur Trail Tent-based Laugavegur Hike

2. Kungsleden, Sweden

Kungsleden, meaning King’s Trail, is the longest and most popular hiking trail in Sweden. It stretches for 440 kilometers (273 miles) from the village of Abisko to the village of Hemavan in the Arctic wilderness. Along the way, the route passes through four national parks, vast expanses of wilderness (including Kebnekaise, the highest mountain in Sweden), and culminates in the northernmost province of Lapland.

The trail features remote and rugged terrain, with snowy mountains, dense birch forests, moorland, glaciers, lakes, and offers exhilarating views of Sweden’s wildest landscapes. Low altitudes and flat terrain coupled with well-maintained trails make Kungsleden suitable for all hikers, even kids. Every 10-20 kilometers you’ll find a mountain hut offering simple accommodation and respite for the night.

There’s plenty of flexibility here; the trail can be hiked both ways, all at once or in sections. If you’re looking for the classic approach, the northernmost section of the trek is the most popular, as it takes hikers through Abisko National Park—famous for its mountain scenery and the Aurora Sky Station, a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.

Kungsleden, one of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails, passes through one of the least populated regions in Europe.

– 57hours

Solo Hiking the Kungsleden trai...

2. Kungsleden, Sweden - Good to Know

Easy to moderate

The full hike takes about a month to complete.

Mostly flat and undemanding, with a fairly gentle elevation profile.

Around 200 m (656 ft) per day on average.

Families and casual hikers.

Either of the two terminus villages—Abisko in the north or Hemavan in the south.

Mid-July to the end of August.

3. Blue Trail, Italy

Cinque Terre is a series of five colorful fishing villages perched on the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea in Italy. Most of the hikes here are relatively easy and can be done in a day, the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) being no exception. This 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) point-to-point path connects all five communities into possibly the brightest jewel of Mediterranean hiking.

The Blue Trail takes 2-4 hours to complete, but we encourage you to take your time and give ample attention to each village, paying visits to local shops and restaurants to sample the delicious seafood and wine the region is known for. There are also plenty of rest stops and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Because of the Mediterranean climate, the trail is open year-round, but some sections may be closed due to landslides or other natural hazards, so it’s important to check the conditions before starting your hike.

Cars have been banned within the villages for more than a decade, which means that the best way to travel along Cinque Terre’s hiking trails is on foot, just as famous poets have done over the centuries.

– Stefano Lera in Why The Hiking Trails of Cinque Terre Are Poetry in Motion

From Cinque Terre to Sunny Tusc...

3. Blue Trail, Italy - Good to Know

Mostly flat, with the occasional steep hill or set of stairs.

524 m (1720 ft)

Hikers looking for a soothing Mediterranean vibe.

The village of Monterosso.

Spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Hike the Mediterranean Paradise of Cinque Terre

4. Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria-Slovenia-Italy

The Alpe-Adria-Trail is one of the latest additions to Europe’s constellation of long-distance treks. Passing through Austria, Slovenia and Italy, the route consists of 43 stages, each around 20 kilometers long (6-8 hours of walking time). Its name comes from the fact the trail starts on Grossglockner (the tallest mountain in Austria) and ends in the seaside town of Muggia in Northeast Italy.

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the trek features few Alpine stages, with most of them winding through open countryside, along pristine lakes and rivers, through verdant forests and picturesque towns. Similar to how geographical features transcend borders on a map, here languages, traditions, and cuisine spill over national lines and create unique blends of influences.

Along the way, you’ll visit the sites of famous WW1 battles, historic castles and medieval churches, go wine tasting in local vineyards, and sunbathe on the Adriatic coast. Completing the entire 750-kilometer (466 miles) trek would take a month and a half, so most hikers opt for completing a section or two at a time.

One of Europe’s newest long-distance hiking routes, the project was designed for pleasure and convenience from the get-go.

— Martina Kosmina in The Ultimate Pleasure Hiker’s Delight: Meet the Alpe Adria Trail

Alpe Adria Trail - Our Highligh...

4. Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria-Slovenia-Italy - Good to Know

1.5 months for a thru-hike, 6-8 hours for each of the 43 individual sections.

Quite easy, without any significant technical portions.

Around 26,000 m (85,300 ft)

Casual hikers and families (especially for a day hike).

The trail starts at the foot of Mount Grossglockner in the Austrian region of Carinthia.

Anywhere between April and October. Peak season runs from July to August.

Hiking the Alpe Adria Trail: Triglav and Soca Valley The Three Nation Loop

5. Alta Via 1, Italy

We can’t talk about the best hiking in Europe without mentioning Alta Via 1. This long-distance hiking trail is located in the Dolomites, also known as the “Pale Mountains”, which occupy an area of around 16,000 km2 (6,177 sq mi) in Northeast Italy. The trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in Europe, offering hikers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and pristine alpine lakes.

Despite its difficulty, Alta Via I is still one the most approachable of all the high routes in the area. Starting from Lago di Braies in South Tyrol and ending in the province of Belluno, it covers a distance of approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) and takes between 7 to 14 days to complete. Sections of the trail are punctuated by quaint rifugios or huts where local delicacies are served.

The trek will take you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Dolomites, including high-altitude meadows, deep valleys, and massive limestone formations. To complete it, you’ll need a good level of fitness and experience in mountain hiking, as there are some steep ascents and descents, as well as exposed sections that require careful attention.

When it comes to trekking in the Dolomites, the Alta Via 1 is number one (pun intended) for a multi-day hut-to-hut adventure.

— Augustina Lagos Marmol in The Best Hiking in the Dolomites: A Legacy of Limestone

Hiking 120km Across the Dolomit...

5. Alta Via 1, Italy - Good to Know

Steep and rocky, with some ladders and cables thrown in for good measure.

7,700 m (25,260 ft)

Backpackers looking for a real challenge.

The Alpine lake of Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed spots in Italy.

May or June, right before summer break hits its peak, or in the fall, when temperatures are lower.

Hiking Tours of Alta via 1 and 2

6. Camino de Santiago, Spain

Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a pilgrimage route that leads to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle St. James are believed to be buried. The route has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, first by Christian pilgrims, then by the eager hikers of the modern world.

There are several ways to reach the terminus from various parts of Europe. The most popular route is Camino Francés, which starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and covers a distance of approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) over the course of several weeks.

The hike is both a cultural and historical experience, with diverse landscapes, medieval architecture, and charming communities strewn along the trail. Many hikers embark on the journey for spiritual reasons, while others do it for the physical challenge and sense of adventure.

The route is marked by yellow arrows and the famous scallop shells. You’ll never find yourself in the middle of nowhere as there are many albergues (hostels for pilgrims) where you can grab a bite and spend the night.

Are you ready to become a modern-day pilgrim? Embark on your Camino adventure and earn your compostela—certificate for accomplishment given to hikers who have walked at least 100 km (62 miles). 

This is the Camino | (Camino de...

6. Camino de Santiago, Spain - Good to Know

The Camino Francés route usually takes 30-35 days to complete.

Combination of woodland paths, hills, mountains, and paved roads.

Around 20,000 m (65,616 ft)

Experienced long-distance hikers with an interest in history, religion, or architecture.

There are various possible starting points in Spain, Portugal or France. Camino Francés begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a French village at the foot of the Pyrenees.

April through June; September-October.

Self-Guided Camino de Santiago Hiking Tours Guided Camino Frances Walking Tour Guided Camino Portuguese Walking Tour

7. Quiraing Walk, Scotland

The Isle of Skye feels like a portal to another dimension where giants roam the land and dinosaurs lay their bones in misty lochs. This majestic Scottish island is home to the looping 6.8-kilometer (4.2 miles) Quiraing Walk, one of the most dramatic day hikes in the world.

The trail begins at a nearby car park and follows a path up the hillside towards the Quiraing plateau. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Trotternish Ridge and the Inner Hebrides, an archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. Some of the most famous features of the Quiraing are the Needle—a tall, narrow pinnacle of rock that juts out from the plateau—and the Prison—a jagged tower of grass and rock dominating the skyline.

Also notable is the Table, a flat-topped rock formation that offers a great spot to rest and take in the view. Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll find yourself on the Quiraing plateau, which is a unique landscape of rocky outcrops, deep gullies, and steep cliffs. The trail follows the edge of the plateau, offering sweeping views of the surrounding terrain.

Quiraing is a massive landslide with cliffs that slump down and create a really bizarre landscape of looming towers and pinnacles that guard hidden valleys.

– Gareth Williams in Why the Magical Isle of Skye Should Be Your Next Hiking Adventure

THE BEST VIEWS on the Isle of S...

7. Quiraing Walk, Scotland - Good to Know

Undemanding, pleasant first half; the second half can get quite muddy.

392 m (1,286 ft)

Hikers looking for the most dramatic photo-ops

The trail begins at the car park on the east side of the road.

The best time to visit the Isle of Skye is spring, summer, and early fall.

Hiking Tours of Storr and Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

8. Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Faroe Islands

The Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike is a popular hiking trail on the Faroe Islands known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. The hike starts at Viðareiði, the northernmost settlement in the Faroe Islands, where you’ll follow a path that winds up the side of the mountain. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the vast landscape—deep fjords, smooth green-carpeted hillsides, and Viðareiði below.

The trail is quite steep in places, and you’ll need to scramble over rocks and boulders as you climb. Luckily, it’s also well-marked and maintained, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way. As you near the top of the mountain, the markings will become less clear. Don’t follow the cairns to the left, but rather continue pushing up towards the summit.

At the top of Villingardalsfjall Peak, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view few hiking trails can match. The Faroe Islands are like an enchanted fairytale land hidden from the rest of the world, and its unique setting makes it one of the best places to hike in Europe.

All the culture, history and traditions are connected to the island’s nature. No matter where you are in the archipelago, you can feel the force of the sea and smell the sea salt and grasses. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been.

– Albert Ojembarrena in Hiking in the Faroe Islands is Your Next Must-Do Adventure

Hiking at Vidoy, Faroe Islands ...

8. Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Faroe Islands - Good to Know

Around 4 hours

Steep rocky terrain all the way to the top.

890 m (2,920 ft)

Hikers (and photographers) looking for dramatic landscapes.

The Villingardalsfjall hike starts in Vidareidi village, the northernmost town in the Faroe Islands.

May to August, when the weather is at its most stable.

Hike and Sail the Mythical Faroe Islands

9. Samaria Gorge, Greece

Located on the Greek island of Crete, Samaria is the longest gorge in Europe, stretching for a whopping 16 kilometers (10 miles). As one of the biggest hiking attractions in a country filled with natural and historical wonders, it frequently sees hundreds, sometimes even thousands of visitors per day.

Hiking through the Samaria Gorge can be challenging, as it involves walking on rocky terrain and navigating steep descents and ascents. The trail gets quite narrow in some sections where the gorge cuts deep into Lefka Ori, the White Mountains of Crete.

This 5-7-hour hike begins at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) at the Omalos Plateau and descends towards the coast, where it ends at the village of Agia Roumeli. The whole way down, the trail is framed by rugged cliffs, pine forests, and the crystal-clear waters of the Samaria River. If you can handle the steepness, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best day hikes in Europe.

The Samaria Gorge is a veritable haven for biodiversity. Over 300 species and subspecies of plants and 900 animal species call it home.

9. Samaria Gorge, Greece - Good to Know

Downhill walk on rough terrain full of rocks, dirt, and several river crossings.

2,636 m (8,649 ft)

Competent hikers who enjoy biodiversity and can handle elevation change.

The Omalos Plateau, a tableland surrounded by the Lefka Ori mountain range.

You can only hike in the Samaria Gorge during late spring and summer.

GR20, the twentieth “Grande Randonnée” or “great hike”, is a long-distance trail that crosses the French island of Corsica north to south. It’s considered by many to be the most challenging hike in Europe, with rugged terrain, steep ascents and descents, and narrow ridges which define the island’s jagged spine. Walking it is already challenging enough, but some hardcore athletes go as far as running it in hopes of breaking the speed record.

The trail covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and can take up to two weeks to complete. Divided into 16 stages, it takes hikers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Corsica, including snow-capped peaks, rocky ridgelines, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes.

To complete the thru-hike, you’ll need a very high level of fitness and experience with hiking on mountainous terrain, as there are some technical sections that require a good deal of scrambling. The trail is well marked with red-and-white stripes and there are refuges and campgrounds along the way where you can rest and spend the night.

Once you enter this alpine labyrinth, you’ll likely forget you’re on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean.

— Anthony Laplagne in GR20 : Ultimate Guide for the Toughest Trail in Europe

Hiking the entire GR20 in 14 Days

10. GR 20 - Good to Know

Very strenuous

Around 2 weeks

Extremely rugged, full of steep ascents and descents.

10,500 m (34,500 ft)

This is a trek only for the fittest, most experienced and tenacious hikers.

Although it’s possible to do the trek in both directions, most hikers start in the village of Calenzana in the north.

from the end of June until the beginning of October.

Hiking the Full GR20 Trail in Corsica Hiking the North GR20 Trail in Corsica Hiking the South GR20 Trail in Corsica

11. Tour du Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland

The 170-kilometer (105 miles) Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the most celebrated (and trafficked) long-distance trails in the world, circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Filled with iconic Alpine vistas and enough rustic charm to fill a dozen photo albums, it’s a staple of any self-respecting hiker’s bucket list.

Although there are many different starting points you can choose from, the trek traditionally begins and ends in Chamonix. Every day of the Tour is a new feast for the senses—from the cold granite spires of the Aiguilles to the sun-kissed slopes of Les Contamines; from the whistling of high winds above Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, to the jingle of cow bells in Val Ferret.

Throughout these 6-12 days, you’ll pass through picturesque villages and mountain huts, where you can rest and recharge with local delicacies belonging to three different cultures. The trail involves some steep ascents and descents, so you should have a reasonable level of fitness and endurance to complete it.

Each pass of the Tour du Mont Blanc is different. While the itinerary of the days might be similar—starting in a valley, heading over a pass and back down to a different valley—the views on the Tour du Mont Blanc never cease to amaze me.

— Natalie Mirzoeff in Tour du Mont Blanc Hike: Route, Preparation & Tips for 2023!

Guide to Trekking the Tour du M...

11. Tour du Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland - Good to Know

Very diverse—paved roads, flat dirt trails, steep rocky paths, narrow mountain passes, stream crossings…

around 10,600 m (35,000 ft)

Fit long-distance hikers looking to bag a classic trek.

There are many different options, but most people start in the Chamonix Valley, right under Mont Blanc.

The summer months, from late June to early September.

Classic Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Luxury Guided Mont Blanc Hiking Tour Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

12. The Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Stretching from the base of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France, to the striking fin of Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, the Walker’s Haute Route combines rolling pastures and high mountain passes to form one of the best multi-day treks in the world. With only a fixed starting and ending point, it can take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to complete the trek.

The hike takes you through both serene and dramatic Alpine landscapes, stringing together massive glaciers, verdant meadows, and picturesque villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, snowfields, and exposed ridges. The reward for this challenge is access to unparalleled views of some of the tallest mountains in the world.

Along with other determined hikers, cows, ibex, and chamois will keep you company throughout your trek. To successfully complete the Walker’s Haute Route, you’ll need plenty of energy, which is where the hotels and huts come in. Do yourself a favor and try the local delicacies—this is also a culinary journey!

Brace yourself for long daily hikes; patchworks of dramatic landscapes leading you from glaciated mountains reflecting in crystalline lakes to verdant valleys and meadows beneath 9,500-foot mountain passes.

The Walker´s Haute Route | Hiki...

12. The Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland - Good to Know

Wide forest tracks, zig-zagging hillside paths and steep, rocky mountain paths.

Around 12,600 m (41,340 ft)

Tough trekkers looking for an alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Chamonix, France

Mid-July to mid-September, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted.

Haute Route Trek: Hiking From Chamonix to Zermatt

13. Trolltunga, Norway

When it comes to trekking in Europe, the Trolltunga trail in Western Norway stands with the best of them. This scenic 28-kilometer (17.4 miles) out-and-back trail will take you through the Nordic wilderness and up to a majestic cliff jutting out 700 meters (2,300 feet) above Ringedalsvatnet Lake.

The trail can be challenging, especially during bad weather, as it involves some steep climbs and river crossings. However, most of the difficulty stems from the length of the trail. If you’re planning on doing it one day, make sure to start early. But if you’d like to immerse yourself in the untouched nature, consider camping under the northern sky.

The name Trolltunga translates to Troll’s tongue. Why, you ask? According to legend, there once was a troll who, thinking himself immortal, stuck out his tongue to mock the sun and was in turn petrified. As you journey through Norway’s vast landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers, you will be humbled just the same. Deep fjords, valleys, and waterfalls—this unique hike has them in spades.

The Trolltunga hike in Norway is one of those hikes where the end destination is phenomenal, but the journey itself is just as extraordinary and rewarding.

– Stian Ruud in Trolltunga Hike: Itinerary, Useful Info & Tips

TROLLTUNGA (Official Site) | No...

13. Trolltunga, Norway - Good to Know

The first section of the trail is a steep ascent on stone and gravel. After that it gets mellower, with smaller climbs here and there.

800 meters (2,625 feet)

Hikers with good endurance who aren’t terrified of heights.

The hike usually starts at the village of Skjeggedal in Vestland county. Alternatively, you can start at Mågelitopp.

Mid-June to mid-September, when the warm weather makes for ideal hiking conditions. Outside of this time window, you must go with a guide.

Hiking to Trolltunga Cliff in Norway

Good-to-know Info for Hiking in Europe

When traveling to a different continent for outdoor adventures, there’s a lot of different factors to consider: available budget, destinations, what your goal is, season and weather, accommodation… But as we all know, preparation is the key to success—so you want to do it well. To help you plan your trip to Europe, here’s some information you might find useful before booking your flight.

What’s the best season for hiking in Europe?

The answer to this question, of course, depends on where you’re going. There are beautiful hiking destinations around Europe available at any time of the year. Come springtime, the hidden trails of Tuscany are in full bloom. In summer, we love hiking the Via Dinarica , which runs from Slovenia to Albania. The mild temperatures of Portugal’s fall season are perfect for hiking the Rota Vicentina . And don’t get us started on winter hiking in Iceland under the northern lights!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options. As a rule of thumb, however, try to aim for summer if you’re going to hike in Northern Europe or in the Alps. In Mediterranean countries, where summers get prohibitively hot, spring and fall are your best bet. Winter months are great for scenic lakeside hikes, snowshoeing tours in the mountains, and trips to sunny islands such as Malta, Madeira, or the Canaries for rejuvenating walks without crowds or scorching heat.

What’s the best country for hiking in Europe?

It’s impossible to pick the best country for hiking in Europe. However, strong cases could be made for Italy , France , and Iceland , which all appear on our list and include many other world-class trails that deserve honorable mentions. Too many to count!

What are some cheap hiking destinations in Europe?

If you’re hiking in Europe on a budget but still want to experience a first-class adventure, some destinations you should definitely check out are Georgia’s Caucasus mountains, the Tatra Mountains between Slovakia and Poland, or the Julian Alps in Slovenia—recently we fell in love with hiking the Juliana Trail . Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong!

The Best Hikes in Europe At Your Fingertips

There we go, the hardest part of the job is done. The list of the best hikes in Europe is finally in your hands—now it’s your turn to go out and enjoy what many consider to be hikes of a lifetime. Start with our suggestions and curate your own best-of list. We can’t wait to hear what you come up with.

Psssst, by the way… If you happen to see someone wearing a red hoodie with “57hours” emblazoned on their back out there in the great outdoors, don’t be shy, give us a holler! You never know, we might just let you in on what’s the next big thing in the hiking world.

For Marko, literature came first and the outdoors followed. Lermontov took him galloping across the Caucasus, Wordsworth brought him along for a tour of the Lake District, and Conrad sent him sailing down the Congo—but for better or worse, it was 57hours that got him to climb his first route outside. When he’s not penning articles, you can find him in the bouldering gym, taking photos on the streets of Zagreb, or at home brushing up on his Japanese skills.

Read reviews of similar trips

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The GR Routes: Long-Distance Hiking Along the Trails of Western Europe

If you’ve ever searched for trekking options in Western Europe, you’ve likely come across one of these long-distance hiking trails before. In fact, our trail database features several of these GR trails. In this blog article, you’ll learn all about these long-distance hiking trails, including how the GR routes came to be, and much more. We’ll also share our top 5 picks for the most unique and beautiful GR routes for your next long-distance trekking tour.

Table of Contents

What are the gr routes exactly.

The GR trails are a network of long-distance hiking trails in Europe, primarily passing through France, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. The GR trails are a network of long-distance hiking trails in Europe, primarily passing through France, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. Since these trails originated in France, the abbreviation is French and stands for ( Sentier de ) G rande R andonnée , which translates to “great hike” or “long-distance hike” in English. In the Netherlands, the GR trails are called Lange-afstand-wandelpaden , while in Spain they are called Gran Recorrido .

Generally, GR routes are labeled with numbers. However, because the maintenance of the trails is managed by different organizations, this numbering does not follow a uniform standard. As a result, there are trails in different countries that bear the same number, but do not connect to each other. Certain GR routes are included in the 12 European long-distance paths, also referred to as E-paths , each spanning thousands of kilometers.

The GR trademark is legally protected and the routes themselves are considered intellectual property. As a result, it can be difficult to find the precise route online for transnational long-distance routes. An overview of all French GR trails can be found here .

Trail Markings

For the marking scheme of the GR trails, the colors red and white are used across countries. The two horizontal stripes stacked on top of each other (first symbol) indicate the hiking trail and confirm that you are on the right path. The next symbol, two horizontal stripes with an arrow underneath, signifies a change in direction. You must then turn in the direction of the arrow (illustrated here as a right turn ). Crossed lines mean “wrong direction” or “wrong turn”.

The markings shown in the first graphic are primarily used in France. In other countries, the markings for indicating a change in direction may differ. In Spain, for example, they usually look like the ones shown in this picture.

The History of the GR Routes

The beginning of hiking in france.

Here, we need to go back a bit. Hiking is undoubtedly the oldest sport in the world However, hiking as a leisure activity did not become fashionable in Europe until the end of the 18th century with the Romantic era. Nature played a significant role in the art and literature of this period. It was considered a place of yearning and a counterbalance to the industrialized, overcrowded cities. More and more people are drawn to the vastness of nature.

This change led to the emergence of the first associations and clubs for hiking tourism in France in the second half of the 19th century, such as the Touring Club de France. In the early 20th century, the first scouting movements were established, followed by the youth hostel associations These clubs and organizations arrange hiking expeditions, mainly for young people, during which a region is explored on foot for several days. For instance, the Club Alpin Français (CAF) has been organizing hikes in the Fontainebleau forest since 1910.

Jean Loiseau: The Man Behind the GR Trails

On one of these trips, Jean Loiseau, who was only 14 years old at the time, discovered his love for nature and hiking. At 15, he became a troop leader with the Scouts and began putting together his own hiking programs. In the years that followed, Loiseau, who worked as an archivist at the Banque de France, traveled across Europe and upgraded his camping equipment.

In 1928, he formed a group of hikers called Les Compagnons Voyageurs (Travel Companions), recruiting members primarily from the youth of the Touring Club de France. All of them were adept at navigating nature using a compass and map, and they explored the paths of France and Europe together. Starting in the 1930s, Loiseau shared his extensive knowledge through a series of books. His book, Camping et voyage à pied (Camping and Traveling on Foot), became a sort of bible for camping and hiking enthusiasts.

The New Interest in Hiking

Despite this, hiking as a leisure activity remained relatively unknown, mainly because most people had very little free time However, this all changed due to a development in labor law in France: in 1936, the 40-hour workweek was introduced, and every employee was granted the right to paid vacation days for the first time.

As a result, there was a sudden surge of interest in hiking. The surge of interest among the population motivated Loiseau to create a network of long-distance hiking trails in France, allowing even those with little experience to enjoy hiking without the fear of getting lost. He provided a detailed description of this long-distance hiking network in his book Les Routes du marcheur (The Walker’s Routes) as early as 1938.

From the grandes routes du marcheur to the Grande Randonnée

During the war, Loiseau developed a concept for his grandes routes du marcheur (long-distance walking routes) project with the help of the Camping Club de France . In 1945, they presented the project to the influential Touring Club de France . The club was thrilled with the concept and decided to immediately realize it.

By the end of 1946, a master plan for the network of long-distance hiking trails had been developed and approved. The plan also established a system of standardized trail markings. Loiseau drew inspiration from the trail markers used in the US Appalachian Park, which featured colored stripes on trees and rocks to guide hikers. It’s said that he took inspiration for the colors from French foresters, who used red markings to designate areas for logging. He added the white stripe to ensure that the trail could still be visible even in low-light conditions.

A recruitment of volunteers to mark the trails is taking place within the hiking clubs and associations. The grandes routes du marcheur (great walking routes) quickly became known as the Grande Randonnée (Great Trails). By the beginning of 1947, construction had already begun on several sections of the future GR trails.

On August 22 of that same year, at Loiseau’s initiative, the Comité National des Sentiers de Grande Randonnée (CNSGR), or National Committee of GR Trails, was founded from the participating clubs and associations. Many members of this group of hikers were personally trained by Loiseau and were responsible for marking and maintaining the trails from then on.

Opening of the First GR Path

In August 1947, the long-awaited moment finally arrived: a symbolic section of the GR3 from Orléans to Beaugency, spanning 28 km, was inaugurated as France’s first long-distance hiking trail. Interestingly, in 2023, this GR trail is a whopping 1311 km long. The following year, the GR1 in the Île-de-France region was next in line. In the same year, the first section of the long-distance hiking trail was inaugurated between Dammartin-en-Goële and Orry-la-Ville.

Further Development of the GR Network

In 1951, the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) was completed, and the following year saw the existence of 1,000 km of GR trails. Over the next few years, several thousand kilometers of long-distance hiking trails were marked by volunteers, and the trail network continued to expand and gain popularity.

The decision of the IGN (National Geographic Institute of France) in 1956 to include long-distance hiking trails in their maps may have also contributed to the popularity of the GR trails. The first of the still very popular Topo-Guides was published in 1957.

Founding of the FFRP

Due to the constant expansion of the network of trails into more and more regions and the increasing number of hikers, it was decided to restructure the organization. Therefore, in 1978, the CNSGR was transformed into the umbrella organization FFRP (Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre), which today includes more than 3,050 individual hiking clubs. The organization is to this day dedicated to the maintenance of the GR routes and the promotion of hiking.

The Origins of the GR Routes in Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands

In 1959, the idea was exported to Belgium by three Belgians vacationing in Provence and the ambitious project of the GR5 was launched. It aimed to create a long-distance hiking trail from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. Today, the GR trails in Belgium are managed by the non-profit organization Sentiers de Grande Randonnée (SGR).

In Spain, the history of the GR trails begins in the early 1970s. The mountaineering association FEDME (Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada), which still manages the trails today, receives a request from French tourism associations to expand the GR trails on the Spanish side. Especially the GR7 is to be extended to the west. This trekking route now leads from France through Andorra to Tarifa in Andalusia, with a continuation on the Canary Islands in the form of the GR131. As of 2023, there are over a hundred GR routes in Spain.

In the 1970s, the Netherlands also developed the idea for a network of long-distance hiking paths. These trails are not referred to as GR routes, but rather as Lange-afstand-wandelpaden (LAW), and they are not directly linked to the Grande Randonnée routes. The creators of the most famous trekking route in the country, the Pieterpad , Toos Goorhuis-Tjalsma and Bertje Jens, were not inspired by the French long-distance hiking trails, but by their hikes in the German Black Forest.

Nonetheless, the LAWs are often considered part of the GR network, not least because some of the LAWs connect to the GR long-distance hiking trails. For example, the GR5 intersects with the Pieterpad near Maastricht. Also, the trail markings are very similar. In addition to the LAWs, several international GR routes also pass through the Netherlands, including the aforementioned GR5, GR12, GR16, GR17, and GR128.

Our Top 5 GR Routes

Are you looking for a long-distance hiking trail for your next trekking adventure? You’ve come to the right place! We would like to present you our top 5 most extraordinary and beautiful GR hiking trails. With different difficulty levels and landscapes (do you want to hike along the coast or in the mountains?), every trekking enthusiast will find something to suit their preferences!

GR20 One of Europe’s Toughest Long-Distance Hiking Trails

The GR-20, established in 1972, runs through the French island of Corsica and is not only the most well-known GR trail, but also the most challenging. With constant ups and downs, sudden weather changes, and rocky terrain on steep, narrow paths, the GR20 presents a real challenge for all trekking enthusiasts. In total, you will have to climb almost 12,000 meters in altitude. The lowest point of the trail is 250 meters above sea level, while the highest point reaches a staggering 2,500 meters. Depending on your fitness level, you will need about 16 days to complete this 181-kilometer long long-distance trail.

Trail creator Michel Fabrickant was inspired by Jean Loiseau’s book Itinéraires de Corse (Travel Routes in Corsica), in which he documented the paths of his hikes on Corsica. The 180 km long GR-20 leads over 15 stages across the Corsican high mountains from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south of the island.

Along the way, there are many highlights, such as the deep blue glacial lakes of Capitellu and Melo or Corsica’s highest mountain, the Monte Cinto, at 2706 m altitude. You can stay overnight in mountain huts along the trekking route. Generally, this trail can be hiked at any time of the year, but the easiest time is between June and October when the majority of the path is free of ice.

GR21 – The Relaxed One

The GR21, also known as Littoral de Normandie , takes you along the Normandy coast. In 2019, this trail was voted the most popular long-distance hiking trail in France in an FFRP survey. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Le Havre, the trail mostly follows the Normandy coast with its up to 110m high chalk cliffs. These famous cliffs have earned the coast the name Alabaster Coast. The 189km long trail ends in the port city of Le Tréport.

The GR21 not only takes you through the stunning landscapes of Normandy, past the chalk cliffs, green meadows, and fields, but also offers plenty of cultural attractions. From the trail, you’ll have a good view of the Étretat lighthouse, built in the 19th century. Directly next to the long-distance hiking trail is the Château de Dieppe, which towers over the city on a hill and now houses a museum. We recommend the months of March through November as the ideal time to embark on this trekking tour. The weather in Normandy can be quite changeable even in the summer months, so be sure to pack weatherproof clothing and shoes.

The highest point of this long-distance hiking trail is just 130 meters above sea level, and the paths are well-developed, with some sections even paved. herefore, we recommend the flat coastal path mainly for beginner trekkers. You’re never far from the next coastal town, where you can buy groceries. Unfortunately, wild camping is not allowed, but you can pitch your tent at numerous campsites along the trail or simply stay overnight at hotels and guesthouses dotted along the hiking route.

GR5 – From the North Sea to the Mediterranean

The GR5 is one of the longest and most impressive Grandes Randonnées. This long-distance hiking trail spans a total of 2080 km from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. In its longest variant, it begins at the Dutch coast in Hoek van Holland, passes through Belgium and Luxembourg, and finally ends in the French port city of Nice.

This trek was deliberately designed to cross and touch as many mountain ranges as possible. During your hiking tour, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ardennes, Vosges, Jura Mountains, and the Alps. The numerous ascents and descents in the mountains make the GR5 a challenging adventure. To complete the entire route at an average pace, you will need over 3 months (of course, you can also hike sections of it).

In return, the trail rewards you with beautiful and varied landscapes. You will encounter a wide range of mountain landscapes, from high alpine peaks to gentle hills. The hiking trail passes through dense forests that stretch over the Vosges and Jura mountains, over vineyards in the Burgundy region of France, and up to glaciers and high peaks in the Alps, where you’ll walk past blooming alpine meadows in the summer.

The last section of this trekking tour is probably also the most famous. The last section of this trekking tour is probably also the most famous. From the southern shore of Lake Geneva, the Grande Traversée des Alpes ( GTA; Great Alpine Crossing ) leads through the landscape of the French Alps to Nice. Along this section of the trail, many highlights await you, such as the Mont Blanc massif or the Vanoise National Park.

GR11 – Discover the Pyrenees

The GR11, also known as the Ruta Transpirenaica (Trans-Pyrenees Route), runs for a length of 827 kilometers through France, Spain, and Andorra. It winds its way from the French Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean in Catalonia. Embarking on a trekking tour along the GR11 takes you along the entire Spanish side of the Pyrenees.

Although less known than the Alps, this mountain range is by no means less impressive. On this long-distance hiking trail, you’ll climb a new peak of the 430-kilometer-long mountain chain almost every day, and then descend into the valley. This trail rewards you with stunning views, but the over 40,000 meters in altitude to conquer and the narrow, rocky paths make it a trail best suited for experienced hikers.

The best time to trek on the GR11 is from June to September, but even then, there may still be snow and ice in the higher altitudes. For instance, in August, there is often still snow in the slopes leading from Refugio de Respomuso to Cuello Tebarrai (2782 m).

During the summer months, the Pyrenees landscape is particularly beautiful. Your trekking tour will take you through the deepest gorges in Europe, which house many endangered species of animals and plants that are extinct elsewhere. Along the long-distance hiking trail, you will encounter not only the rugged beauty of rock formations, but also blooming mountain meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The GR11 leads you along remote mountain paths through areas far away from civilization, as well as through small mountain villages, past dolmens, Romanesque chapels and monasteries, medieval castles, and bunkers from the Spanish Civil War. On the trail, you can experience the region’s eventful history up close.

There are guarded mountain huts, called refugios , available for overnight stays. If you prefer camping outdoors, you can also go wild camping during your trek. Although it is officially prohibited, it is usually tolerated.

GR34 – Tracing the Footsteps of the Customs Officers

The GR34, also known as the “Customs Officer’s Path” or “Sentier des Douaniers”, is a beautiful and historically rich long-distance trail that runs along the coast of Brittany.

The origin of the path dates back to the 18th century. Back then, customs officers patrolled this path day and night to make life difficult for smugglers. In the 20th century, the path fell into oblivion. Fortunately, with the emergence of long-distance hiking trails, it was rediscovered and has since become very popular with trekkers from all over the world.

On this approximately 2000 km-long coastal path (depending on the variant, it may be slightly longer or shorter), you can experience the beauty of Brittany up close during your trekking tour. Here, the sea is always in sight. You will walk along rocky headlands and rugged cliffs, but you will also find numerous sandy beaches and coves inviting you to take a swim. It is especially beautiful in spring and summer when the flowers start to bloom on the meadows beside the coast. If you’re looking for solitude on the trail, you should plan your hike for autumn. The GR34 has many highlights, including the Crozon Peninsula, the Pink Granite Coast Côte de Granit Rose in the north, and the Emerald Coast ( Côte d’Emeraude ) between Cap Fréhel and the town of Cancale, named after its emerald green waters.

This long-distance hiking trail is perfect for novice trekkers. However, you should have a head for heights, as the trail passes very close to the cliffs in many places. Along the trail, you will come across small and large coastal towns where you can stock up on supplies every day. Unfortunately, wild camping is not allowed on this trekking route. Similar to the GR21, you can stay at numerous campsites or hotels and guesthouses along the way.

The GR routes are perhaps the most impressive long-distance hiking network in Europe. They cover over 100,000 kilometers in total, spanning across France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Whether you prefer adventurous routes through the mountains or leisurely hikes along the coast, there’s something for everyone!

If you need more information, be sure to check out our trail search where you can find everything you need to know about 13 of the GR trails for your trekking adventures.

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9 of the most breathtaking hikes in Europe

Trek your way through the continent’s most spectacular scenery, from the UK and France to Slovenia and Scandinavia

Europe is the baby of the continents size-wise, although only a fool would dismiss the hikes in this part of the world. Yes, they aren’t as massive as some classic treks worldwide , but these are special in their own way. The best hikes in Europe are jaw-dropping. There are many breathtaking long walks around this wonderful continent, and author Alex Roddle has taken it upon himself to pick out the best for intrepid amblers everywhere. ‘Wanderlust Europe’ showcases Europe at its hiking best, and anyone with an interest in a long walk should get planning immediately.

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Most breathtaking hikes in Europe

The Pennine Way

Start Edale, England

Finish Kirk Yetholm, Scotland

Distance 407km

Duration 16 to 19 days

‘You’ll find the Pennine Way on almost every list ever written of the world’s best long-distance trails. It has earned that designation because of a near-perfect blend of classic British scenery, genuinely iconic landmarks, hiking that’s challenging yet accessible, and a long and illustrious history. The Pennine Way is to the UK what the Appalachian Trail is to the USA: a big walk that has been enjoyed by generations and changed countless lives.

This range of hills forms Britain’s backbone. While they’re lowly in height compared to many other mountain ranges in Europe – the highest point, Cross Fell, is only 893 metres (2,930ft) above sea level – the Pennines have a quietly dramatic character, along with a rural charm that makes for fine hiking countryside. There is no grand wilderness here, no soaring rock pinnacles or glaciers. What is to be found are hundreds of kilometres of quiet, empty moorland, big skies, and a true sense of hiking through a country’s heart.’

The Hornstrandir Trail

Start  Hesteyri, Iceland

Finish  Veiðileysufjörður, Iceland

Distance  54km

Duration  Four days

‘Iceland has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best places in the world for otherworldly mountain landscapes, wilderness and wildlife. It’s also a superb hiking destination. While the Laugavegur Trail is the classic trek on every hiker’s wish list, the opportunities for multi-day walks in Iceland are almost limitless, and the Hornstrandir Peninsula offers more esoteric charms. Although there are no formal long-distance trails in this nature reserve, hikers have been coming here in small numbers for decades, and there are now several loosely established trails on the peninsula.

Hornstrandir is Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, jutting out into the Westfjords – a landscape of low mountains, fjords and vast open spaces. There is no road access, which means that the only way of getting to Hornstrandir is by ferry from Ísafjörður, which is a 40-minute flight from Reykjavik. Some return ferries – such as the one back from Veiðileysufjörður, the endpoint of your journey – require booking in advance.

The walking here offers a real feeling of adventure and isolation, although there is just enough infrastructure in the form of trails and established campgrounds to make it a feasible proposition for intermediate hikers. And while the weather even in summer can be challenging, there are no large mountains or glaciers to negotiate.’

The Slovene Mountain Trail

Start  Maribor, Slovenia

Finish  Ankaran, Slovenia

Distance  Up to 617km

Duration  Up to 37 days

‘The Slovene Mountain Trail, also known as the Transverzala, is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the European Alps, and it fully deserves its classic status. Although Slovenia is a small country, it contains a vast range of landscapes: forests, rural farmland, limestone karst, and the peaks of the Julian Alps. It’s also one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with 90 percent of its land area above the 300-metre contour.

Within Slovenia’s compact landscape, there is some truly magnificent hiking, and it’s as accessible as any you’ll find, with a good network of huts and comprehensive waymarking. The trail connects 55 mountain huts, 23 peaks and five towns. The diversity of this trail is reflected in its varying levels of difficulty. Some sections are straightforward, while others, typically in the high mountains, are much more difficult. Some climbs even involve  via Ferrata  (exposed rock faces protected by ironwork, requiring safety gear and a head for heights to cross).’

The Transcaucasian Trail

Start  Chuberi, Georgia

Finish  Ushguli, Georgia

Distance  135km

Duration  Six to eight days

‘Have you ever wondered how a long-distance trail comes into being? Sometimes they evolve organically, becoming popular after a travel writer or film points the way, but more often, they’re developed over a long period – deliberately, methodically, and with a lot of hard work. Such is the case with the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT). This ambitious project, begun in 2015, aims to create a world-class long-distance trail network more than 3,000km in length, following the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains throughout Armenia and Georgia. Though it will be many years before completion, one of the finest sections, through the Upper Svaneti Valley in Georgia, is already open to hikers.

The Greater Caucasus is a vast and very wild range of mountains spanning several different countries. These peaks are significantly higher than the Alps – Elbrus, at 5,642 metres (18,511ft), is the highest mountain in Europe – and they are very different in geology, natural history and culture. This is one of the most diverse regions in the world. Hikers used to the Alps will find a radically different experience here.’

The Mettelhorn

Start / Finish  Zermatt, Switzerland

Distance  18km

Duration  Nine to ten hours

‘Hiking in the high Alps generally sticks to the lower foothills, passes and valleys. The Swiss landscape throws up countless insurmountable barriers to hikers, from glaciers to towering 4,000m peaks, and there’s generally a clear divide between walking and alpinism. However, in a few places, it is possible for mortals to get up close to the high-altitude jewels in Switzerland’s crown, and Mettelhorn is one such place.

Depending on your point of view, Mettelhorn is either the easiest mountain in Zermatt’s Mattertal valley or the hardest. Climbers with ambitions on peaks such as the Matterhorn or Lyskamm will see Mettelhorn as a useful training climb to test their fitness and start the process of acclimatising their bodies to high altitudes. Hikers will view it as a challenging peak in its own right, perhaps the climax of a walking holiday in the area. However you approach this mountain, it’s a well-deserved classic and a must-do objective.’

The Mercantour Traverse

Start  Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, France

Finish  Menton, France

Distance  188km

Duration  Eight to nine days

‘When viewed from space, the Alps form a great arc spreading from Vienna to Monaco, and in the extreme southwestern corner reside the Maritime Alps – a compact range straddling the border between France and Italy. These mountains are lower and sunnier than their Swiss counterparts, and in most cases, a little friendlier to hikers. Although there are a few glaciers, they’re small, hidden against the north faces of major peaks, and don’t tend to get in your way. If you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll still be able to find one.

The best corner of the Maritime Alps is arguably the Mercantour National Park. With its beautiful landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and traditional way of life, it offers a glimpse at what the more popular areas of the Alps might be like without the crowds. There’s just enough tourist infrastructure to make it a convenient destination for hiking, but it’s quiet enough to feel truly wild in places. And the scenery is, of course, second to none.’

Start  Abisko, Sweden

Finish  Hemavan, Sweden

Distance  440km

Duration  21 to 28 days

'There’s something understandably intimidating about the idea of hiking north of the Arctic Circle. It’s easy to visualise hardcore expeditions involving sleds, endless snow and more risk than most hikers are willing to take on. However, there’s a lot more to the Arctic than the polar ice, and happily one of Europe’s best long-distance trails is an Arctic route suitable for the intermediate backpacker. It happens to visit some of the finest wild mountain country in Europe, and if you’re into big routes in wilderness areas, the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) should be on your wish list.

During the Arctic summer, the mountains of Swedish Lapland shed most of their snow and experience a whirlwind spring. Flowers sprout, the forests turn green, and for a while, the sun turns above the horizon 24 hours a day. This is prime hiking time above the Arctic Circle. The terrain and weather aren’t too different from what you might experience in Scotland, and, in fact, many backpackers who started out on Scottish routes such as the West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail have eventually taken the next step to Arctic Scandinavia. Imagine the Scottish Highlands, but bigger, more remote and with higher mountains.’

The Harz Border Trail

Start  Hornburg, Germany

Finish  Tettenborn, Germany

Distance  97km

Duration  Five to six days

‘For decades, the iron curtain carved Europe in half. Now nature is bouncing back. The European Green Belt initiative, which began in 2003, has created a habitat corridor stretching over 12,500km from the Black Sea to the Barents Sea. The strip of land that once separated East from West went uncultivated and undisturbed for decades, giving wildlife free rein in the area. Now it forms a nature corridor linking areas of biodiversity along the entire length of the former iron curtain.

Unsurprisingly, the Green Belt has attracted cyclists and, especially, hikers. One of the best sections of Germany’s Green Belt is known as the Harz Border Trail. This 97km route bisects the Harz Mountains – a region of forested uplands including the summit of the Brocken, one of Northern Germany’s most beloved mountains. The area is popular among hikers, with a network of basic wooden shelters and plenty of villages for resting and resupplying. Thanks to the relatively easy terrain, this is a straightforward long-distance walk suitable for relative beginners. The Harz Mountains also have a system of hiking awards known as the Harzer Wandernadel. At 20 checkpoints, you can collect stamps for your passbook; collect them all, and you can claim a Harz Border Trail pin.’

Start  Calenzana, Corsica, France

Finish  Conca, Corsica, France

Distance  180km

Duration  12 to 16 days

‘The GR20, traversing the Mediterranean island of Corsica from north to south, is one of the world’s best multi-day hikes. It has a ferocious reputation, too, and while you’ll often find the GR20 on lists of ‘Europe’s toughest trails’, fit and prepared hikers who have spent time scrambling up and down big mountains will find it well within their capabilities. The terrain’s rough, but this is no rock climb. The trail is well-marked, and there are regular options for accommodations and resupplying.

This hike is about one thing: mountains. The goal is to spend as much time up high in the rugged, awe-inspiring scenery as possible. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and acres of rocky ridges and cirques to explore, the GR20 is a paradise for the mountain-loving trekker. Like many of the GR (Grande Randonnée) paths, the GR20 has lots of optional variants and side trails; while the classic trek takes about a fortnight, those wishing to take their time could add several days to create a more varied itinerary. There are also lower-level options that take some of the sting out of the route. However, to get the full GR20 experience, you’ll want to stay high.’

‘Wanderlust Europe: The Great European Hike’ is published by Gestalten.

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25 Best Long-Distance Hiking Trails Around The World

The world is full of wonderful areas to hike, so much so that it can be overwhelming where to choose for your next long-distance trek. From the volcanic terrain around the Ring of Fire to the peaks of Central Asia and the alpine trails of Europe and North America — how do you know what you should select? There are numerous hiking trails to choose from, so we're helping you narrow down the list. Get ready to pack your bags and lace up your hiking shoes — here are our picks for the top 25 long-distance hikes around the world. 

Kepler Track, New Zealand

One of New Zealand's "Great Walks," this loop trail is just over 32 miles in total and typically takes three to four days to complete, depending on your pace. The Kepler Track is located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island and takes you through thickly forested trails with views of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. 

Keep in mind the "Great Walks season" lasts from October and April and requires booking huts or campsites in advance. This is considered the most ideal period for trekking conditions, however, it is possible to complete the path in the off-season. Just be prepared for snow, limited sunlight, and potential ice. It's recommended that only experienced hikers attempt this trek outside of the season.

Pacific Crest Trail, U.S.

Made famous by Cheryl Strayed's book and movie starring Reese Witherspoon, the 2,600-mile trek from the Canadian to Mexican border along the U.S. West Coast is not for the faint of heart. Hiking through seven national parks, from SoCal deserts to the peaks of the Pacific Northwest, makes every day an adventure on the PCT!

As the trail traverses high mountains, deserts, and everything in between there isn't an ideal time of the year that's applicable to the entire route. However, in general, the summer and early fall are considered the best, as snow, which often covers the trail in winter, will have mostly melted. Remember to bring plenty of water on the arid stretches. It's recommended to allow about five months to complete the full route and don't be surprised if you meet a few four-legged friends as the trail is equestrian friendly.

El Camino de Santiago, Spain (and France and Portugal)

The Camino is the most famous long-distance walk in Europe with hundreds of thousands descending on it each year. The walk dates back to medieval times when it was a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Contrary to popular belief, the trail is actually a series of paths that stretch as far as France and Portugal, with numerous starting points and lengths. Many of the routes are also considered UNESCO heritage sites in their own right. The most popular is the 480-mile Camino Frances (also called the French Way), but you can choose shorter or longer options.

Walkers who walk at least 60 miles of a route will receive a Pilgrim Passport. You'll receive stamps along the way to go toward earning a Compostela Credential certificate at the end of your journey. The best times of year to hike the Camino are in the spring from April to June and in early fall from September to October. The weather in southern Europe during these months will be pleasant, but not too hot. Due to the popularity, it's best to plan and book accommodation at least a few months before you depart.

Kungsleden, Sweden

In the far north of Swedish Lapland is a 240-mile route from Lake Tärnasjön to Hemavan. The hike's name translates to "The King's Way" as it starts at what was once the king's favorite fishing lake, and it's now one of the most popular trails in the country.

Cobbled together from various ski and footpaths through Sweden 's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, you'll feel like you're on another planet (or perhaps on a visit to Narnia!). Summer is the best season for hikers. From June to mid-September conditions are mostly friendly and cabins along the way are open for weary travelers, with supplies available to buy.

Grand Italia Trail (Sentioro Italia)

Italy is always a favorite destination among travelers, but most opt for train journeys, road trips, or ferry crossings. However, one of the best ways to see the country is by foot. In 1983, the Sentiero Italia Association came up with the idea to put together the ultimate Italian hiking trail, from the islands and boot all the way to the mountainous northern regions. It took a few decades, but now hikers can follow the Sentioro Italia from the Slovenian border and end in Sicily. 

At just under 4,900 miles in length, most hikers choose a section and cover a single region or two. Optimal weather depends on the chosen region. The north and central sections are best hiked in the summer once the snow has melted, while southern portions are most comfortable in spring and autumn.

Continental Divide Trail, U.S.

Another border-to-border trail in the U.S., the Continental Divide starts in Montana and follows the Rocky Mountains all the way to Mexico. The 3,100-mile route takes hikers from the border with Alberta to Idaho's mountains and the deserts of New Mexico. Unlike other long-distance thru-hikes in the U.S., the Continental Divide has a few variations and route options along the way. 

The official trail is the Continental Divide Scenic National Trail — put together by the National Forest Service and follows the actual continental divide. However, on AllTrails and other maps, you'll find alternative routes and detours to follow if you want to cover a certain area or landmark not on the official trail. No matter which option you opt for, allow five to six months complete.

Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa & Lesotho

Covering 150 miles throughout southern Africa, the Drakensberg is one of the more brief, but difficult hikes on this list. You'll start at the Sentinel Car Park in Royal Natal National Park in South Africa, not far from Lesotho, and ends at Bushman's Neck Border Post across the border. Throughout the trek, you'll summit six mountains; Mont Aux Sources (10,768 feet), Cleft Peak (3,100 feet), Champagne Castle (11,080 feet), Mafadi (11,306 feet), Giant's Castle (10,875 feet) and Thabana Ntlenyana (11,420 feet), which is why it's considered a brutal hike despite the shorter length. 

This hike is not very well signposted, often taking you through sheep fields that will require careful navigation. The spring and fall are when most hikers choose to tackle the path, due to longer daylight hours and friendlier weather conditions. Just remember seasons are reversed in this hemisphere!

Via Alpina (multiple alpine countries)

Eight countries make up this 3,100-mile trek; France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. You'll climb from sea level to 9,850 feet above, all in Europe's iconic Alps. Along the very well-marked path, look for the Via Alpina logo, to lead you to places to stay the night or purchase some food. The trails aren't considered too technical and can easily be completed without a guide by experienced hikers. 

The Via Alpina is best hiked between June and September. However, as this is peak hiking season in Europe, it's recommended to book huts or other accommodations far in advance.

Jordan Trail, Jordan

Opened a few years ago, this is the first long-distance trail in Jordan and a wonderful adventure for hikers! The 420-mile trail takes you from the town of Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south along the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll cross through Jordan's mountains, deserts, and small towns. Additionally, you'll cover the country's highlights by foot, including Petra, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and the Kerak Castle.

The best time of year depends on the region, as despite its' small size, Jordan's climate and landscape are incredibly diverse. The north is most comfortable during March and April while the south is better tackled in late winter. Most trekkers will need about a month and a half to complete the trail. You can hike the Jordan Trail independently, but many knowledgeable local guides are available to make it a stress-free experience as well.

Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia and Armenia

One of the newer long-distance hiking routes, the Transcaucasian has been cobbled together over the years between Armenia and Georgia. With the trail currently at just under 960 miles long, hikers will pass through amazing alpine vistas, desert canyons, sweeping valleys, and volcanic remains. The first test-hikers hit the trail in 2022 and provided recommendations to improve the experience for those to come.

The Transcaucasian Trail, also called the TCT, made a few improvements and is now inviting the next batch to try out the latest iteration. There's a thru-hiker support program available that can help plan your trip and facilitate shipping supplies to various points along the trail. As this is still a newer trail, it's recommended only for experienced thru-hikers and is best tackled in July and August.

The Enchantments, U.S.

The 18-mile thru-hike in the Washington Cascades might not sound bad at first. That's until you realize that at a minimum, you'll gain over 2,000 feet of elevation. Still, the crystal clear lakes, smooth granite slabs, and towering Evergreen trees make for a setting unlike anywhere else in the state. Please note that overnight camping permits in the Enchantments are a lottery system and if you don't have one you cannot complete the hike over multiple days.

However, there are a few day-hike routes. The shortest option is a 7-mile route to the first lake in the Upper Enchantments, although this requires an elevation gain of 4,400 feet in that short distance. Don't attempt if you aren't a regular hiker, it's not a casual jaunt through the woods. Summer is the best season, although it's also beautiful during the fall larch season. And keep your eyes peeled for the mountain goats that like to frequent this area!

Inca Trail, Peru

This four to five-day hike is on many a trekker's bucket list. You'll start in the mountain city of Cusco before heading into the Andes, where you'll hike 26 miles and gain 2,000 feet of elevation en route to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Dramatic cliff drop-offs and ancient ruins as well as local alpacas dot this trail. The jungles, cloud forests, and looming peaks await you on this trail.

This trail is only possible to complete with a certified guide, and you'll want to secure one far ahead of time as this is one of the most popular and famous routes in South America, thus they book out quickly because the Peruvian government limits the number of visitors each day to preserve the ancient site. Expect heavy crowds, especially in the peak season from May through September, where you can also expect pleasant temperatures and not too heavy rain.

Appalachian Trail, U.S.

This 2,200-mile trail through the eastern U.S. takes you through some epic scenery. From the mountains of Maine (the most difficult portion of the hike) through New England to the Appalachian mountains and finally ending in the northern part of Georgia. 

You'll pass through 15 states while hiking this trail; Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. It's recommended to start in spring and to allow five to seven months to hike the full route.

Torres del Paine W Track, Chile

The quintessential Patagonian route, this 45-mile circuit where you'll gain nearly 9,000 feet of elevation typically takes about five days to complete. The W Track is located in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile. Thus, the seasons are reversed making November through April the best months, as well as the only period where independent treks are allowed. 

Along the way, you'll enjoy views of Gatorade-colored alpine lakes, mountains teeming with glaciers, and sweeping valleys. If you want to hike in winter, you'll need to go with an official guide. Huts are available each night with food provided (for a fee), making it much simpler for hikers coming from abroad.

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain, Peru

This 44-mile hike in the high Peruvian Andes will take your breath away — sometimes literally due to the high altitude in this part of the world. You'll begin at the bottom of the Vilcanota mountain range and complete a loop, usually lasting between four and six days. 

You'll pass through epic vistas, and breathtaking glaciers, and hopefully spot some wildlife. The pinnacle of course is Rainbow Mountain , a mountain comprised of different colored minerals that give it a colorful appearance. Head to Peru from May through September for the most ideal conditions.

The Long Trail, U.S.

Vermont is known as an outdoor lover's paradise and The Long Trail is the ultimate challenge for hikers in the state. The route is considered the oldest continuous footpath in the U.S. and follows the local peaks for 272 miles from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. The last southern 100 miles are actually a part of the larger Appalachian Trail, which was supposedly inspired by the Vermont path. 

You'll wander through the aptly named Green Mountains along serene streams and ponds and through mud, even in summer. The trail typically takes between two and three weeks to complete, although it has been done in under one. It's best tackled in late summer or early fall (when New England's foliage begins to show) to avoid extreme heat and the worst of the crowds.

Mount Toubkal, Atlas Mountains, Morocco

This just over 37-mile trek in North Africa's highest mountain is open to hikers (as are the huts to sleep in) year-round and is possible to do independently. Even for experienced hikers, it is considered quite the challenge with 12,320 feet of elevation gain. The hike can take you anywhere from two to seven days, with most of the climbing in the first couple. You'll start in the village of Imlil and pass through a few more small villages before getting into the heart of the trek. Then, you're rewarded with views of the rugged landscape and sometimes snowy peaks. 

While you can hike throughout all seasons, April, May, September, and October are considered the best months to tackle it. Guides are available for hire in both Casablanca and Marrakech (two popular ports of entry to Morocco) should you not want to organize logistics on your own.

Great Himalayan Trail, Nepal

The Great Himalayan Trail, or GHT as it's known, is 2,800 miles long and is considered the highest hiking path in the world. The path will take you through eight 26,000-feet-plus peaks, with 3,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation gained on most days. From the east to the west of Nepal, you'll walk amongst the epic Himalayas, through alpine forests, snow-covered passes, and small villages. 

The GHT is also considered one of the most difficult thru-hikes in the world, as it's very remote and many mountain passes can be fraught. This hike requires about five to six months to complete, although most hikers opt to tackle a single section.

The Greater Patagonian Trail, Chile & Argentina

Patagonia is a haven for hikers and the crown jewel of the area is, of course, the Greater Patagonian Trail, which starts just outside Santiago and continues south to the southernmost point on the continent. It's not an official trail, but rather a bunch of path networks put together to create this 1,900-mile route. Due to this, large sections aren't marked or officially established as paths, and you'll often be wandering in the wilderness between designated trails. Because of this, research and a GPS are absolutely necessary ahead of time. 

Even then, you'll likely end up in cow fields or off-limits property at some point and will need to proceed with caution. Allow around four months to complete. Like most hikes in the region, the months between November and March are considered the most optimal.

Ak-Suu Transverse, Kyrgyzstan

This 67-mile hike starts in the small village of Jyrgalan and ends at an old Soviet-era resort in Jeti-Oguz. At over 20,000 feet in elevation gain, it's definitely one of the most challenging hikes in Asia and on this list. You'll pass through expansive green valleys, snow-covered passes, and rocky climbs and be rewarded with views of the surrounding countryside. 

The route consists of seemingly endless vertical climbs and steep ascents, so make sure to prepare in your pre-trek training. The best time of the year to hike Ak-Suu is mid-summer, usually July and August. You'll need around one week to hike this route.

Fansipan Trek, Vietnam

In the hills above Sapa (known for beautiful landscapes and bustling markets) in northern Vietnam, lies this 14-mile hike which takes you up Fansipan, the region's highest peak, and through bamboo forests and lush valleys. You'll begin at the bottom of the mountain and ascend it in the first day or two, depending on your pace. Keep in mind the climb consists of over 10,000 feet of elevation gain, with the most intense section in the second half of the ascent. 

After enjoying an epic view from the top, you'll descend into the verdant valley below. The hike usually takes trekkers between one to three days to complete, and you can do so independently or with a guide.

Lost City, Colombia

South America's other lost city can be found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria in the north of Colombia. The 28-mile route through the jungle will pass by swimming holes and local farms, with campsites to sleep in along the way. Take care, as the forest can be damp, making sections a bit slippery, especially where you'll need to climb quite a few steps. In fact, to reach the end you'll need to climb about 1,200 steps in Colombian heat and humidity. It can also become quite muddy or dusty, depending on the season. In general, though, you can hike year-round, although if you arrive between May and September, be prepared for frequent downpours. Mosquitoes are common trail companions, so bring along bug spray.

You'll end in Ciudad Perdida, formerly called Teyuna or the "lost city," which is actually older than Machu Picchu, although much less remains. The path typically requires four to six days to complete and you must do so through a guided tour as you're passing through villages and ancestral land of the Kogi tribes. They've given permission for groups to hike through, but only with operators, so no tourists should be hiking on their own.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

One of Nepal's shortest "teahouse" treks (as accommodation along the way is in mountain teahouses) you can hike between 100 and 160 miles (depending on your start point). However, with just over 8,800 feet in elevation gain, it's still a strenuous route no matter the course you take. 

You'll tackle subtropic forests to some of the highest mountains in the world. The hike takes between 10 to 21 days to complete and is best hiked in fall or spring. As with all treks in Nepal as of 2023, you must hire a guide. Additionally, road construction has reportedly degraded the path a bit, but most trekkers still enjoy the route.

Milford Track, New Zealand

Another famous "Great Walk" in New Zealand , the Milford Track is a 33-mile hike in Fiordland National Park on the South Island. You'll hike through the rainforest, enjoy views of gushing waterfalls, pristine lakes, glacier-filled mountains, and across suspension bridges. Just like its neighbor the Kepler Track, Milford is best hiked during the "Great Walks season," between October and April, however experienced trekkers can do so outside this period. 

If you're visiting during the season you'll want to book huts and campsites as soon as possible, at least a few months. No matter when you choose to hike, allow at least four days to hike and go between October and April for the best conditions.

The Great Trail, Canada

Canada is known as a fantastic place for hiking and The Great Trail, or Trans-Canada Trail, is the ultimate long-distance trek for those looking to see the country on foot. Starting in St. John's, Newfoundland, you'll wander the coast and forests of the Atlantic provinces, before heading into Quebec and the flats of the prairies. From there, you'll head into the Rockies, before turning north to the Arctic where you'll truly experience Canadian wilderness. Then, return south into the forests and mountains of British Columbia where you'll end on Vancouver Island. 

At 17,400 miles long, of course, it would be quite difficult to complete in one go, most people complete sections at a time. And since Canada is known for brutal winters, it's best to do so in the summer months or early autumn.

The best long distance walks in Europe

Long distance walking is a trending new sport, there’s no arguing with that. With the introduction of new technology, and more and more people flocking to this new form of adventure, long-distance trails are getting busier and busier by the day.

From the world famous Appalachian Trail in America which spans 14 states and more than 2,000 miles, to the little-known Hadrian’s Wall trek that goes from one end of Scotland to the other, long-distance trails aren’t a new addition to this wonderful world. But their popularity seems to be!

And with more and more trails popping up in Europe all the time, and more people deciding to get out there and see the world, we wanted to put together this article that showcases some of the best around, and gives you an idea of what’s in store.

An ‘E-Path’ or ‘GR-Path’, European Long-Distance Paths, or Grande Randonnées in the native French, are long-distance footpaths that stretch across Europe. Once popular mainly in Western Europe, these paths have now been cut through Britain, Northern, and even much of Eastern Europe, too.

There are 12 official E-Paths and over 100 GR-Paths that interconnect Europe’s expansive hiking trail network, and are maintained by the ERA, or European Rambler Association, a group with more than 3,000,000 registered walkers from all over the world.

You may be asking yourself then — thousands of kilometres, every country in Europe, and 3M members? How didn’t I know about any of this? Don’t worry, we didn’t either. But now we do, and we’re about to pass on the knowledge. So buckle up, it’s going to be an adventure.

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Gear up for your next long distance walk.

Before embarking on one of Europe's incredible long-distance trails, make sure to check out our latest collections at Ridestore. We offer a wide range of women's outdoor jackets and men's outdoor jackets that are both stylish and functional, ensuring you stay comfortable and look great as you explore the best long distance walks Europe has to offer.

The E-Paths

Let’s back up a little. What are E-Paths exactly? The E-Paths are a network of hiking trails which connect Europe. They offer a combined 55,000km of interconnected trails all across Europe, with the shortest being the E-12 with a paltry 1,800km length. Tiny in comparison to the massive E4, which is 12,000km long. Of course, you aren’t doing either in a day! Though even at 30km a day (which is a lot), it would take more than two months to walk the E12 and more than a year to do the E4 start to finish! And that’s without rest days. Impressive, huh?

But why would anyone even want to do that? Taking a break from work or taking a Sabbatical is becoming more and more popular due to high-pressure work environments, more concern for mental health, or because of other challenges in live. Walking in nature, day-in-day-out can be freeing, cleansing for the soul. And it’s been popular for thousands of years. Ever heard of a pilgrimage? Many people still undertake massive hikes from their homes to Rome and the Vatican or to Jursalem as a way to bolster their faiths. And there are people like us, who do it for fun!

Now, if you’ve never been walking more than a few hours a day, but this sounds kind of amazing, then you’re not alone. All you need to know is that no one is invincible. Start small, sleep in huts or lodges during your first overnight hiking tours and work your way up. The more you walk, the easier it will be. And as soon as you feel ready for your next big adventure, you can tackle one of the famous E-paths through Europe.

And don’t worry, they’re divided into segments, so you can still ‘complete’ one without doing the whole thing!

History of the E-Path network

The history of the E-Path network isn’t steeped in tradition or prestige. An evolution and intermingling of existing trails and paths, continually updated and developed by the European Ramblers Association, E-Paths are an ever expanding and changing thing.

The first official E-Path was the National Blue Trail of Hungary, established in 1938. After the formation of the European Union, which made traversing borders much easier, more trans-national trails began to form, their creation driven by hikers wanting to walk further. This simple, yet charming origin story is one that personifies the spirit of these trails, and the purity of what they represent.

Long distance walking packing list

Preparation is key! Like with all things in life, preparing for your long distance walk is the most important part of the journey. More important even than the actual walking.

The difference between hiking and long distance hiking is, weirdly, the distance. But with most hikes, even if they’re 10km, 20km, maybe even 30km, you’re only ever that far (at most) from where you began, and civilisation — be it a town or even your car. 

But with long-distance hiking, it’s not uncommon to be well outside of a day’s hiking to safety, or the nearest shelter. And with more than a few dead-spots dotted around the mountains and countryside of Europe, if something goes wrong, you can’t guarantee you can call for rescue.

So with that in mind, how does a long-distance hiker’s pack look?

A 65+L backpack is pretty much essential for all but the best-planned long distance hikes. Big packs are comfortable, spacious, and will keep your belongings safe and secure. A rain cover is also a must, so that if the weather turns, your stuff doesn’t get soaked.

It’s not for comfort, or for fun, but if you sprain an ankle, get lost or can’t get back to the nearest town in time, being able to pitch a tent and keep the wind and rain off will be a real lifesaver!

Much in the same vein, a sleeping bag will keep you warm when the temperature drops. There’s no point taking one without the other.

Depending on whether your camping gear is for emergencies only or you’re intending to keep your adventure as natural as possible, you may wish to include a sleeping matt or air mattress to make your sleeps a little more rejuvenating!

A lightweight camping stove and a pot will go a long way when it needs to. We always recommend a foldable, detachable stove that can be split up for easy storage, and a cooking/eating pot to make your meals as easy as possible. Oh, and don’t forget a mug, because honestly, who doesn’t want coffee on the trail?

Depending on how far, where, and what you’ll be doing, your water needs will change. A bladder is always a good option, and you can get them in sizes up to 3L, which is usually enough for a full day walking. If you need more to cook, clean, and do other things with (wash, for example), then you may need more. But you should always take plenty as dehydration can set in quickly, especially in the summer months!

Like water, food is essential. Dried foods weigh the least, but you should always take a mix of things to cover your basics — sugars, carbs, fats, protein. Everything you need to get recharged and ready for the next day.

A first aid kit is a must for any long-distance hike. Make sure it has disinfectant, plasters, blister plasters especially, as well as angle and joint supports or compression sleeves, and any other treatments you might need based on where you’re going! Tailoring your first aid kit to the local wildlife and flora is always a good idea.

Come on, it’s just good sense.

Always good to carry, an emergency beacon gives rescue services the best chance of finding you quickly if they need to.

Depending on where you’re going, when, and what the forecast is looking like, carrying appropriate clothing is absolutely essential to making your trip the best it can be.

Spare socks comes as our last (and one of the most important) recommendations. Getting a chance to air your feet out and swapping socks if your feet are getting sweaty, are wet from a river crossing, or just generally need a break, is without a doubt one of the best feelings when on the trail.

The European Walking Paths and their highlights

Distance: 7,000km

Countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy

Highlights: Beginning at Nordkapp in northern Norway, and crossing the Kattegat by ferry, this trail is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the harsh, wild beauty of Northern Scandinavia by both land and sea. Further south, this route crosses through the Alps at Switzerland before transitioning into Italy, offering up some jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. Finishing on the sun-bleached island of Sicily, this trail offers a staggering amount of variety, and is a true pilgrimage for any hiking enthusiast looking to see everything Europe has to offer.

Distance: 4,850km

Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France

Highlights: Starting off in Galway, Ireland, you’ll be travelling by land, then sea to the UK, then south, before catching a ferry to the Netherlands. Perfect for anyone hailing from the UK or Ireland who wants to head south for the winter, this trail will take you through Luxembourg, skirting the French Alps, before breaking away towards the mediterranean coast. The landscape here, near the Italian-French border, is rocky, dramatic, and utterly stunning. And finishing it off with a descent down to the temperate Med is the perfect way to finish the trip of a lifetime for some well-earned rest.

Distance: 6,950km

Countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey

Highlights: A coast-to-coast expedition, this trail runs through a number of countries. Starting on the south coast of Portugal, you’ll wind your way north towards the beautiful northern Spanish coast, and then turn east, making the trek out, skirting the Sierra Nevada mountains on the north, before heading North-East, experiencing no less than seven border crossings! From here, a turn south takes you back to sunnier surroundings until you reach the coast of the Black Sea in Turkey for a little bit of R&R on this beautiful stretch of water.

Distance: 10,000km 

Countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus

Highlights: Like the E3, this route starts in southern Portugal, but hugs the mountainous south coast of Spain, taking you up past Valencia and Barcelona, through the jaw-dropping Pyrenees mountains before dropping down into France. A long trip North-East will have you hugging the north-side of the Alps all the way out to Hungary, where you’ll turn south and travel down towards Greece and Cyprus. Each country has its own rugged terrain and offers a unique landscape. This journey is a must for anyone who lives for the mountains, as it delivers new peaks and ranges at every turn.

Distance: 3,200km

Countries: France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy

Highlights: Starting in Brittany in Northern France, this trail leads you down through the rural interior to the Swiss border, where you’ll ascend into the mountains, aiming for Austria. This 600km stretch of trail winds endlessly through the Swiss, Austrian, and then Italian mountains, before finally dropping down towards the Italian coast, passing Verona before ending in Venice. One of the most scenic, high, and mountainous treks you can do, this one is definitely worth doing if an Alpine excursion is on your bucket list.

Distance: 6,300km

Countries: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey

Highlights: Split into two parts, the first begins on the northernmost coast of Finland, and heads south through Sweden and Demark before crossing into Germany and then Austria. Hugging the eastern side of the Alps, it delivers a different sort of Alpine experience than the paths which favour France and Italy. You’ll transition into Slovenia from there, before finishing up on the Adriatic Coast. A second part of the trail begins in Greece and ends in Turkey — if you’re still hungry for more, that is.

Distance: 6,000km

Countries: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia

Highlights: Starting on the western coast of Portugal in Lisbon, a trek east will send you deep into the heart of Spain, past Madrid, before turning north towards Barcelona, and then up into the Pyrenese, through Andorra, a beautiful country that everyone should visit at least once. From here, you’ll continue your eastward journey, passing into Italy before nearing the coast. As it curves away south, you’ll continue east, the sea on your right giving way to the Dolomites on your right, before you cross into Slovenia, and finally Serbia to finish in the mountains. This trail encompasses several large cities as well as lots of exciting climbs and mountainous hikes, so offers great variety.

Distance: 4,700km

Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey

Highlights: Beginning in Ireland again, you’ll cross this beautiful country, then hop a ferry for a brief dalliance in Wales, before joining the Trans Pennine Trail. This gorgeous British walk leads you to the sea once more, where you’ll hop another ferry to the Netherlands, and then head south, missing the Alps on the northern side as you veer east towards Slovakia. The trail then takes on an Eastern-European theme, guiding you through Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and finally Turkey for a distinctly unique experience.

Distance: 5,000km

Countries: Portugal, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Kaliningrad Oblast, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Highlights: The E9 is a trail that heads north, unlike most of its counterparts, and traverses more countries than any other. Beginning on the coast of Southern Portugal, to complete this mammoth journey, all you need do is keep the ocean on your left. You’ll cross into Spain, moving through the wonderfully vibrant Bilbao, before heading for France, up the Atlantic coast to Brittany for (hopefully) a glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover. From there, you’ll turn north-east, keeping to the coast until you reach the Belgian border. Just keep walking until you pick up the The Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail, which will treat you to some scarcely seen but amazingly beautiful coastal scenery. This trail is perfect for anyone who likes the smell of salt in the air and the spray of the ocean on their face. Because you’ll have it for 5,000km!

Distance: 2,880km

Countries: Finland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, France, Spain

Highlights: An interesting trail that begins in the harsh, wild north of Finland, before travelling through true lake country to the southern coast. A long ferry ride will take you through the stunning Baltic Sea, where you’ll be on the lookout for whales, dolphins, seals, walruses, and porpoises. Landing in Germany, you’ll ramble south into Czechia before climbing into the mountains and crossing into Austria. A western adjustment will let you meander down through the Alps and Dolomites until you reach flatter ground, cross into France, and then finish in beautiful and sunny Nice for much needed day of rest.

Countries: Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Highlights: Starting off in the Netherlands, this east-bound trail will take you into Germany and deep into the Black Forest before joining up with The Baltic Forest Hiking Trail. Continuing into Poland, before turning north towards Lithuania, Latvia, and finally Estonia. If you’re after a rural, forested walk, there aren’t any other trails which offer this kind of immersion. Forested practically the entire way, The Baltic Forest Hiking Trail serves up some beautiful, and not often seen scenery.

Distance: 1,800km

Countries: Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

Highlights: Another coast-hugging trail, this one begins in Southern Spain, and follows the Mediterranean eastwards. Keep the sea on your right and move through France and Italy, turning south with the water, and journeying towards the mighty Mt Etna. Still under construction, this trail currently exists in two parts, with the second beginning in Slovenia before moving down the Croatian coast. Beautiful and rugged, this coastal walk is great to join if you’re in the area, but isn’t fully signposted yet, so cannot easily be followed from beginning to end.

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• Womens outdoor clothing / Mens outdoor clothing

Long Distance Paths

Website for planning (multi day) walks over long distance walking routes. With this website distance, elevation differences and walking time can be determined for any desired stage. GPX files can also be downloaded from the routes for use with a smartphone or GPS device.

Map GR5, GR12, E8, E11, Dutch Long Distance Hiking Routes (LAWs) and Ways of Saint James

Click on a link above the map for (detailed) maps of a route.

For questions please send an email or visite the Facebook page of longdistancepaths.eu .

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8 Best Treks in Italy

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• Grand Italian Trail
• Cinque Terre
• Tratturo Magno
• Via degli Dei (Path of Gods)
• St Francis Way
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• The Mining Trail of Saint Barbara

Adventure Tours in Italy

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Most travellers and vacationers flock to Italy for its notorious big cities: Florence, Rome, and Venice, where hustling, bustling culture meets crumbling, ancient history. And don’t even get us started on the cuisine and wine! But what if we told you you could explore more remote areas of Italy, meandered by fewer crowds than the popular tourist cities? Don’t get us wrong; you’ll still pass through some famed metropolises and dabble in Italy’s rich, historical culture! Trekking through Italy is an ideal way to experience all the significant aspects of the country at a slower pace.

Trekking in Italy

Italy boasts a diverse range of treks. Want remote and rugged? Give the Alta Via Trek or hut-to-hut adventure in the Dolomites a try. Dial it back with a breezy seaside trek in Cinque Terre. You can complete this route in half a day, but why not spend a few days soaking up the five villages overlooking the sea? Some treks in Italy might keep you on foot for almost a year—the Grand Italian Trail, for example—while other routes only have you hiking for a few days.

Which type of adventure fits your trekking style? Take a look at eight of the best treks in Italy below.

1. Grand Italian Trail

Let's begin our list of Italy's eight best long-distance treks with a grandiose adventure: the Grand Italian Trail. This bucket-list-worthy trek travels more than 6,000km through Italy, bypassing some extraordinary imagery en route. Travel through the ever-imposing Dolomites and Gran Paradiso National Park. On top of that, you'll discover Mount Etna, the most active and tallest volcano in Europe. Then, enjoy the less-crowded, natural beauty flanking Abruzzo. Expect a beautiful fusion of Italian culture and spectacular scenery as you trek through the country! Check out all the different walking tours in Italy , and spend your next holiday exploring Italy on foot.

Location: Lazzaretto - Chiesa del Buon Cammino Distance: 6,166.0 km Time: Around 350 days When to do: Between May and October

2. Cinque Terre

Regarding distance travelled, Cinque Terre opposes the Grand Italian Trail, as it only takes a few hours to hike from village to village. 

Why not spend as much time as possible soaking up the five villages speckled by the seaside? If you want to explore the entire route in one day, you can always spend more time meandering the 120km trail network spanning the area.

Explore tours so you can explore Cinque Terre on your next vacation. You can marvel at the views and food on this self-guided Cinque Terre trek , or find other Cinque Terre walking tours in Northern Italy .

Location: Riomaggiore to ​​Monterosso Distance: 11.0 km , but it’s normal to stretch it over a few days When to do: March to June or September to October

3. Tratturo Magno

Travel through the Gran Sasso mountains, where low-hanging mist can't help but highlight these mountains' true height and grandeur. After marvelling at the never-ending natural wonders speckling central Italy, head to the farmland in Tavoliere delle Puglie. This long-distance trek always impresses, thanks to the history and uninterrupted beauty along the path. The Gran Sasso is a classic destination for an Italian walking vacation, combining great scenery, history, and wonderful food. Make your own memories and find an Italian Walking Tour for your next holiday.

Location: L’Aquila to Foggia Distance: 244.0 km Time: 10 days When to do: May to October

4. Via degli Dei (Path of Gods)

Walk through the shadows of ancient history on the iconic Via degli Dei (Path of Gods). Some sections hark back to 187 BC! Hikers can expect a natural blend of Italian culture—such as through Bologna, punctuated with the final destination, Florence—and history. Overall, the Via degli Dei ranks as a moderately challenging adventure, making it accessible to most, but worth training and preparing for! The Via Degli Dei walking tour is a classic vacation option. Explore other walking tours in Tuscany , or these trekking tours in Northern Italy .

Location: Bologna to Florence Distance: 125.0 km Time: 5 days When to do: April to June or September to November

5. St Francis Way

Want to traverse Italy's "green heart"? The St Francis Way awaits! While the trail is 520km, you can also look into completing one of the four stages instead. For example, you can stick with stage one and go from Florence to Sansepolcro—travelling 138km instead of 520km. The first stage captures the wonder of Italy's lush, rolling countryside. The following two sections take you deeper into the country, introducing walkers to ancient hilltop villages and vineyards. Dip back into a more hustling, bustling civilization during the final stage, ultimately leading you to one of the most significant cities in the world: Rome. Want to do this walk, one great option is the St. Francis tour from Florence to Verna , that takes you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside as you walk. You can find more St. Francis walking tours in Southern Italy

Location: Florence to Rome Distance: 520.0 km Time: 28+ days When to do: May to October

6. Alta Via 1

The dramatic scenery sweeping the Dolomites possesses the power to lure and inspire any avid hiker. You won't grow bored meandering by alpine lakes, layers of peaks, and grassy valleys hugged by jagged slopes. And one of the best ways to soak in the mesmerizing highlights is to trek the challenging Alta Via 1. Newbie trekkers will also enjoy this route, thanks to the limited technicalities underfoot. The trail is also well-marked! Join an Alta Via Trekking Tour on your next vacation, or find other great walking tours in the Dolomites .

Location: Lago di Braies to La Pissa Bus Stop (Val Cordevole) Distance: 120.0 km Time: 8-10 days When to do: June 15 to late September

7. Via Francigena

The stunning Via Francigena pilgrimage actually goes from Canterbury to Rome, stretching 2,000km.  While the complete route is spectacular, many feel the final stretch, from Lucca (near Florence) to Rome is the real highlight.  This 420 km stretch takes 2 to 3 weeks depending on your speed, and combines the best of Italy. You start in Florence, and then train to Lucca, where you start walking, savouring the best of Tuscany and Lazio, before ending up in Rome.

Want to be a pilgrim, check out this partial Via Francigena Tour from Lucca to Siena . You can also find more Via Francigena walking tours in Tuscany .

Location: Lucca to Rome Distance: 420.0 km Time: 14-21 days When to do: March to November

8. The Mining Trail of Saint Barbara

Revel in over eight thousand years of stories spanning this path. Miners travelled this trail way back in the day, and now it has been revamped! Walk past old mine towns and cultural delights tucked by natural wonders along this impactful long-distance trek.

Don't expect to walk through dry conditions for the entire journey! You'll also pass by gorgeous water beauties, such as the 5 Faraglioni and the Sugar Loaf and the Waterfalls of Sa Spendula.

Find other great tours in Sardinia , and if you are interested in similar tours, these wonderful walking tours in Sicily would make a fine walking holiday.

Location: Iglesias, Italy Distance: 498.7 km Time: Around 30 days When to do: Year-round, but it might be best to avoid during the hot summer months

Have any of the above long-distance treks in Italy piqued your interest? If you aren’t sure where to start the planning process, why not leave it to the professionals? From the dramatic terrain of the Dolomites to the seaside landscapes of Sicily and everything in between, we have plenty of amazing adventure tours available throughout the whole of Italy. Get ready to discover your next Italian adventure !

Looking to explore some of the World’s best treks outside of Italy? Check out the rest of the articles in our Best Treks series, where we highlight all of the best treks around the world to help you plan your upcoming long-distance adventures!

• 8 Best Multi Day Hikes in Iceland
• 10 Best Multi Day Hikes in Canada
• 10 Best Long Distance Hikes in the United States
• 10 Greatest Multi Day Hikes in Europe
• Africa's Best Treks
• 10 Best Long Distance Walks in the UK
• 10 Amazing Treks in Asia
• Australia’s Greatest Thru-Hikes
• 10 Spectacular Long Distance Hikes in New Zealand
• 10 Best Pilgrimage Routes
• 10 Best Treks in the Mediterranean

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