25 Best Hikes in Europe That You Have to Do in Your Lifetime

If you’re traveling to Europe and wondering about some of the best hikes to go on while in Europe, then you have come to the right place.

Europe has many world’s popular hiking trails and they attract thousands of hiking enthusiasts every year from all around the world.

Here’s a list of 25 best hikes in Europe that will help you explore the continent.

25. Eagle Walk – Austria

Distance: 256 miles (divided into routes)

Duration: Depends on the route

Best Time to Hike: May-October

As the name says it, Eagle Walk gives you an eagle’s view of Tirol’s beautiful Alpine scenery.  The Eagle Walk stretches throughout the whole country, from east to west. The trail made up of 33 different stages over 256.6 miles resembles an eagle stretching its wings.

Looking closely at the map of Tirol, you will notice a proud eagle spreading its wings all over Tirol.

Highlights: Explore lakes, rivers, meadows, mountains, hamlets, historic towns and soak yourselves in Austria’s culture and tradition on this self-guided hiking.

The region is popular as a walkers’ paradise with countless hiking routes. You can choose from high-level mountain hikes to simple lakeside strolls.

How to get there: Take a flight to Munich. Head to mountain village Boden situated on the   Hahntenjochstraße. The trail starts from the Angerle Valley.

24. The Camino – Spain / France / Portugal

Distance: 500 miles

Duration: 30 – 35 days

Best Time to Hike: April to September

An epic 500 miles hike across entire northern Spain, The Camino De Santiago trails take you along the magnificent Pyrenees Mountain Range. It begins from the border in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela on Spain’s western coast.

The Camino is one of Europe’s best hikes and attracts tens of thousands of trekkers every year.

Highlights: The best part of the trek is you don’t need to carry any heavy hiking equipment as you spend nights in shelters spread all along the route. Visit several cultural sites including an impressive Cathedral at Santiago.

Explore classic small Spanish villages and beautiful countryside.

How to get there: Camino de Santiago comprises of numerous trails, so the trail can start in different areas of western Europe depending upon your choice. Usually, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the starting point for Camino Francés.

You can reach Camino de Santiago from Biarritz on the coast of France or Pamplona in northern Spain. Take a flight to either of these places and catch a bus to nearby Bayonne. Head to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on a train.

23. Eiger Trail – Switzerland

Distance: 3.7 miles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Best Time to Hike: Late June-October

A 3.7 miles downhill/uphill trail, Eiger Trail starts at Eigergletscher station (2,340 meters) and concludes at Apiglen. The trail takes you through an open meadow, over a very steep hill and brings you face-to-face with the Ogre (Eiger) itself.

Highlights: Get intimate with the world famous trio of Switzerland’s beautiful mountains – The Eiger (3,967 meters), Mönch (4,107 meters), and the Jungfrau (4,158 meters).

Hike past the wonderful high alpine grasslands and pictorial scenery of the Grindelwald, cross a marvelous waterfall and get up close to with Eiger’s symbolic north wall.

On the trail, the north face of Eiger will accompany you for the first few miles.

How to get there: Fly to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Then, take a train or car to Grindelwald Grund Station and prepare for the hike.

22. Arran Coastal Way – Scotland

Distance: 66 miles

Duration: Over a week

Best Time to Hike: April-September

The Arran Coastal Way is a long-distance trail that encircles the Island of Arran in Scotland. The trek ranges from the rugged mountain trails in the north to the swirling lush green fields and beautiful beaches in the south.

Highlights: Explore Machrie Moor stone circles, which date backs between 3,500 BC and 1,500 BC. Walk past Glenashdale Falls, a series of spectacular waterfalls.

Visit the King’s Cave, where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid after the English army defeated his army.

You won’t get bored as you spectate eagles, red squirrels, and other wildlife along the way.

How to get there: Most trekkers to the island arrive and depart through the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, a start/finish monument located on the seafront near Brodick ferry terminal. Take public transport from Aberdeen International Airport to Caledonian MacBrayne ferry. Then you’re good to begin your hike.

21. Bachledka Treetop Walk – Slovakia

Distance: 1,234 meters

Duration:  11 hours

Best Time to Hike: Year Round

Located in the heart of Pieniny National Park, The Bachledka Treetop Walk provides you a unique view of Belianske Tatras. This full-day trip will take you through the local forests with various species of plants and animals.

To know about the timings and price of the treetop walk, check out The treetop walk Bachledka.

Highlights: Walk along a treetop wooden trail while admiring the beauty of the Tatra Mountain range. Stroll among treetops to cherish the untouched nature of the park. Know about the native animals and plants as you stop to read about them in each educational stop.

How to get there: Take a flight to Krakow airport. Then, head to the Bachledova Valley. After a 45-minute walk, you will reach the beginning of the trail.

20. Fairy Pools – Scotland

Distance: 2.4 kilometers

Duration: 40 minutes

Best Time to Hike: Year-round

Situated at the foot of Black Cuillins mountains, Fairy Pools are the most pristine swimming holes in the world. On a sunny day, you can see moss-covered stones at the bottom due to the clarity of the water.

The Fairy Pools deserves its name for its dream-like views and explicit waterfalls.

Highlights: Foot hike through the Glen Brittle forest to witness the series of small waterfalls that make up the Fairy Pools. The surroundings Fairy Pool houses a variety of animals, such as red deer, rabbits, and sheep.

The area is also home to large flocks of crows, ravens, and gulls as well as smaller birds such as meadow pipits, turnstones, common ringed plovers, grey herons, dunlins, and curlew.

How to get there: Carbost on the West of Skye is the closest village to the Fairy Pools. From Carbost, take your car up to Forestry Commission gravel carpark signposted ‘Glumagan Na Sithichean’. Then, hike along a graveled path to the Fairy Pools.

19. Alta Via 1 – Italy

Distance: 93 miles

Duration: 8-10 days

Best Time to Hike: July-September

Linking the towns of Dobbiaco in the North and Belluno in the South, the Alta Via 1 runs through the incredible Eastern Dolomites of Italy. You will ascend and descend about 800 meters, walking around seven hours a day.

Akin to the word high, the route stands on top of mountains, rather than going up and down the valley.

Highlights: The hike takes you past pristine lakes, lush meadows, limestone cliffs, and to the historical battlegrounds of World War I, located at high altitude. Gaze at the splendid peaks such as Tofana, Lagazuoi, Pelmo, and the mighty Civetta.

How to get there: Take a flight to Venice. Then, use public transportation to reach Lago di Braies in northern Italy. Your hike begins from Lago di Braies.

18. Transylvanian Mountain Trail – Romania

Distance: 50-80 miles

Duration: 7-10 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Transylvania, known globally as the land of vampires, has much to offer than the tales about the blood-sucking beasts. The mountain trail stretches along the main ridge of the Făgăraş Mountains–one of the longest high mountain trekking routes in Europe.

Highlights: Trek to the summits of Romania’s three highest peaks: Vistea Mare (2,527 meters), Moldoveanu (2,544 meters) and Negoiu (2,535 meters).

Discover peaceful land with appealing meadows, soaring mountains and stunning landscapes dotted by remote villages.

Visit the magnificent medieval town of Sighisoara, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Explore Transylvania’s treasury of mansions, monasteries, and manned Saxon churches.

How to get there: Take a flight to Henri Coanda Airport in the town of Bucharest. Drive or take public transportation to Zarnesti. Start your hike from Zarnesti.

17. Arctic Circle Trail – Greenland

Distance: 124 miles

Duration: 9-12 days

Best Time to Hike: June-August

Repeatedly listed as one of the best long-distance hikes in the world, Arctic Circle Trail extends 125.5 miles from the edge of the ice cap to the fishing town of Sisimiut.

The towns can be found only at the beginning and at the end of the trail. Around 300 hikers walk the trail every year, so you may walk for days without encountering other people.

Highlights: The Arctic Circle Trail allows you to escape the chaos and connect with nature. Roam free into the wild. Check out Expert Vagabond for detailed itineraries.

How to get there: The Arctic Circle Trail is slightly tricky to reach. However, board Air Greenland to reach Kangerlussuaq Airport. From there, hikes up to ice cap and embark on your journey.

16. North Cape – Norway

Distance: Varies

Duration: 1-5 days

Best Time to Hike: May-July

Nordkapp aka the North Cape is a cape in Northern Norway where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Arctic Ocean. Hike further to the challenging Cape Knivskjellodden on Magerøya, the  northernmost point of Europe

Highlights: Stand atop and gaze down the steep cliffs that rise 307 meters up the sea. Feel the impact of massive waves against the Cape’s rocky ridges.

Watch the midnight sun over the Barents Sea from the North Cape Plateau. Hike to the natural arch of Kirkeporten for an extraordinary view of the North Cape Plateau.

Pass along fishing villages, elegant wildflowers, and munching reindeers. Witness silhouetted reindeer antlers against a blue sky.

How to get there: You can drive all the way to the North Cape or you can take a boat. If you choose to take a flight, then take a plane to Lakselv Airport and drive to the North Cape.

15. Laugavegurinn Trail – Iceland

Distance: 34 miles

Duration: 4-8 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Iceland’s most popular hiking trail, Laugavegurinn Trail, stretches 34 miles from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk providing stunning views with every step.

Highlights: During the hike, you will pass through diverse landscape: from wildly colored hills to black volcanic deserts, lime green valleys to white ice caves. Explore the Icelandic wilderness. For travel itinerary, go through Laugavegurinn Hike: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk.

How to get there: Ensure that the buses are running on the days you start and end the trek.

Take a bus to Landmannalaugar, a colorful valley with tempting hot springs. Begin your hike all the way to lush green oasis, Þórsmörk or Thor’s valley.

14. Cinque Terre Mountain Trail – Italy

Distance: Varies

Duration: Varies

Best Time to Hike: April-October

Situated in the region of La Spezia, Liguria in northern Italy, Cinque Terre National Park offers spectacular views of the rocky coastline. Stroll along the coast of the Italian Riviera experiencing magnificent views.

Highlights: If you are seeking to experience Italian culture, hike through five of the Italian towns: Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. To know more about the hike, check Cinque Terre Hiking: Trails to Take

How to get there: Take a flight, train or car to reach Cinque Terre. Walk or catch a train to the first village Corniglia and start your trek.

13. Samaria Gorge – Greece

Distance: 16 kilometers

Duration: 7-8 hours

Best Time to Hike: May-October

Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Greece, is a 10 miles stretch to the south coastal region. The downhill trek descends 1,230 meters from the island’s rough crests to the blue-green waters of the Libyan sea.

Highlights: Hike through the dozens of gorges beneath the limestone peaks of Crete’s white mountains. As you walk along the trail, glance at the pale peak of Gingilos- known as Rotten Mountain- piercing the blue sky.

How to get there: Fly to Chania International Airport. Chania is the nearest city to the Samaria Gorge. Use public transportation or join the Samaria Gorge Excursion to reach the trailhead.

12. Westweg in the Black Forest – Germany

Distance: 177 miles

Duration: About 2 weeks

Best Time to Hike: April-October

The Westweg or West Way is a 177 miles long-distance trekking trail in Germany that runs north to south along the Black Forest from Pforzheim to Basel.

The Westweg leads you through the Enz valley from Pforzheim to Dobel and then along high moors, past the Wildsee and Hornsee lakes, and finally to the Hohloh.

Highlights: Hike through dense spruce forests on narrow mountain paths and wide forest roads.Cross historic wooden bridges built over rapid streams. Experience the hospitality of the Black Forest as you walk along the route.

Once you travel through the entire north-south range, you will leave with unforgettable hiking experience of splendid natural wonders and landscapes.

How to get there: Fly to Stuttgart Airport. Then, use public transportation to reach Pforzheim and start your Westweg hike.

11. Mestia to Ushguli – Georgia

Distance: 36 miles

Duration: 4 days

Best Time to Hike: June-October

Mestia to Ushguli is a multi-day mountain hike from Mestia to a small mountain town of Ushguli that takes you through several small villages, along rivers and streams, up the valley and finally to the top of mountain passes.

Highlights: The Mestia to Ushguli Trek provides a scenery of gorgeous villages and hundreds of archaic towers. On the hike, you’ll find large rocky peaks, suspended glaciers, robust rivers, and vivid valleys.

Enjoy excellent landscapes while you pass through traditional Svan villages.

How to get there: Take a plane to Kopitnari Airport in Kutaisi, Georgia.  Then, you can opt for a plane, taxi, car or shuttle to reach Mestia. Afterward, carry on with your Mestia to Ushguli hike.

10. Rota Vicentina – Portugal

Distance: 46 miles

Duration: 4-5 days

Best Time to Hike: Autumn, starting from September

A network of walking trails in South West Portugal, Rota Vicentina route combines the Historical Way of the Rota Vicentina, Fisherman’s Trail with various circular routes, totaling a 450 km walk from the city of Santiago do Cacém to the Cape St.Vincent, the south-westernmost point in Europe.

Highlights: Hike through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Explore the contoured cliffs in the preserved coastal areas of Europe.

Walk along the coast on a 111 km beach-trail extending from Porto Covo to Odeceixe.

How to get there: As the region is situated between Lisbon and the Algarve, take a flight to Lisbon or Faro airports. Then, head south-west to Rota Vicentina on a car, bus or train.

9. West Highland Way – Scotland

Distance: 96 miles

Duration: 5-8 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Extending 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, the West Highland Way takes you through a variety of scenery. The trail spreads from closed parks to open moorlands and from mushy lochs to stiff mountains.

Highlights: Experience the extraordinary scenery while walking along Scotland’s marvelous highlands. Enjoy the breathtaking views of dense lochs, dignified mountains, swirling rivers, wild plateau, and terrific glens.

How to get there: Take a flight to Glasgow International Airport. Then, take a train to Milngavie station. Walk for 25 minutes to reach the trailhead of West Highland Way.

8. El Caminito Del Rey – Spain

Distance: 3 kilometers

Duration: 3-4 hours

Best Time to Hike: Year-round

One of the most spectacular trails in Spain, El Caminito Del Rey is a 100-year-old pathway along the narrow gorge in El Chorro in Southern Spain. The path passes through multi-layered natural settings consisting of reservoirs, valleys, gorges, and mountains.

Highlights: Get a glimpse of soaring summits, discover secluded landscapes and experience vertigo as you walk along the high trail.

Look around for gigantic basilicas, blooming orchids, bleached villages and the ancient towns that outlived three major European and Eastern empires

How to get there: Take a flight to Málaga Airport. Then, Drive or take a train to El Caminito Del Rey Train Station in Alora. Travel further to El Chorro Train Station and continue your hike.

7. Central Picos Circuit – Spain

Distance: 49 miles

Duration: 7-9 days

Best Time to Hike: April-October

A challenging 5-day circular trek, Central Picos Circuit takes you through extraordinary limestone landscapes, river gorges, alpine lakes, vast beech woods, narrow canals, overwhelming trails, and awe-inspiring peaks.

Highlights: Journey through glacial valleys, breathing in the fresh, clean air in the Picos de Europa National Park. Observe the authentic Spanish culture and tradition.

How to get there: Take a flight to Seve Ballesteros–Santander Airport. Then jump on a train to Unquera. From Unquera, take a local bus to the circuit.

6. Kungsleden Trail – Sweden

Distance: 270 miles

Duration: Varies on the route

Best Time to Hike: June-September

A hiking trail in northern Sweden, Kungsleden Trail runs 270 miles between Abisko in the north and Hemavan in the south. The ‘King of Trails’ takes you through four national parks- Abisko, Pieljekaise, Sarek and Stora Sjöfallet.

Highlights: You hike through diverse landscapes, from alpine terrain to low-lying birch forest. The trail covers magnificent peaks, old birch forest, bare mountain drops, lakes, and swampland.

Consider yourself lucky if you spot Swedish lynx, wolverine, bear or wolf. The region houses around half of Sweden’s 400 bird species.

How to get there: Take a direct train to Abisko either from Gothenburg, Stockholm or Narvik.  Alternatively, you can take a car or bus to Hemavan from Umeå or Mo I Rana in Norway. Start your hike according to your choice of Route.

5. England’s Coast to Coast – United Kingdom

Distance: 182 miles

Duration: 8-10 days

Best Time to Hike: April-October

One of the ten best long-distance hikes in the world, England’s Coast to Coast walk follows Alfred Wainwright’s path from St. Bees Head to Robin Hood’s Bay.

The route takes you through three incredible national parks: Lake District, North Moors, and Yorkshire Dales.

Highlights: Walk past Roman ruins, across valleys, and along cliffs. Submerge yourself in the mysterious landscapes of Lake District, seek inspiration from William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge’s reflection.

On the trail, explore ancient stone circles, medieval mansions, and monasteries.

How to get there: If you take a train, you will reach the train station in St. Bees in 4 hours from Manchester Airport. You can also drive to St. Bees, the official starting point of your hike.

4. Norwegian Fjords – Norway

Distance: Varies

Duration: Varies

Best Time to Hike: Varies

To witness diverse sceneries in one place, head to the Fjords of Norway. You can choose from thousands of hiking trails to suit yourself. Wondering which route to take? Go through Norwegian Fjords to know more about the Fjords.

Highlights: Hike over blue glaciers, explore deep blue narrow fjords or wander around natural parks, the choice is all yours. If you are up for the challenge, hike to iconic Himakana, Landfossen, Preikestolen or Trolltunga.

How to get there: Norway has a well-developed transport network to help you travel all around the country. So, select a hike that interests you, and fly to the nearest airport. Use public transportation to get to trailheads.

3. GR20 – Corsica/France

Distance: 112 miles

Duration: 14 days

Best Time to Hike:  Early June-Late October

Running north to south from Calenzana to Conca, GR20 is a chain of ceaseless climbing up and down along the rugged spine of the Corsican mountains.

The trail is distributed into two parts: The northern part, Calenzana and Vizzavona, and the southern part, between Vizzavona and Conca.

Highlights: Walk alongside pine trees, into the welcoming valleys, through lush meadows and sparkling lakes. Navigate the high-level trail over Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica.

Scale the granite peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella. Walk past the Pozzines, moss-like grasslands unique to Corsica.

How to get there: Fly to Sainte Catherine Airport and head to Calvi. After reaching Calvi, use public transportation to reach Calenzana, the northern starting point of the GR20 hike.

2. The Haute Route – France/Switzerland

Distance: 112 miles

Duration: over 12 days

Best Time to Hike: July-October

Forged century ago to link two of the world’s great mountain towns (Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland),The Haute Route follows the classic trek across the Swiss Alps starting in Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc, and ending in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn, the world’s most renowned and astoundingly beautiful peak.

Stay prepared to witness 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the French and Swiss Alps while marching overpasses that near 3,000 meters. From the glistening snowfields to lavish meadows, you’ll encounter various diversity.

How to get there: Fly to Geneva.  At the airport, you can either hire a car or airport transfer to reach Chamonix. Make sure to book on a trip with a guide who will lead the hike. You can contact your guide for further information.

1. Tour de Mont Blanc – France/Italy/Switzerland

Distance: 110 miles

Duration: 11 days

Best Time to Hike: June-September

Mother of all treks, Tour de Mont Blanc is an iconic long-distance trek that introduces you to some of the breathtaking and diverse sceneries in the world. The trail encircles the entire Mont Blanc Massif, taking you through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Highlights: Hike along Europe’s classic long-distance trek admiring the views of the mountain at every turn. Walk past series of paths that link seven valleys, surrounded by the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc.

Experience the scenic images of the continent while you walk through three countries viz. France, Italy, and Switzerland.

How to get there: Land at the Geneva airport, Switzerland. Most hikers start the trail from Chamonix, so take public transportation to reach Chamonix. Once you reach Chamonix, head to the trailhead.

Stop wondering, pack your bag and hike along these awesome trails. If you are looking for hiking routes, see our list of 30 best hikes in the world.

Travel and Explore!