Europe’s incredible hiking terrain is calling! From the snow-capped Alps to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines, the continent offers an unmatched variety of trails for every type of wanderer. Whether you’re dreaming of challenging multi-day treks through remote mountain passes or gentle strolls through vineyard-covered hillsides, Europe serves up hiking experiences that will take your breath away (and not just from the climbs!).
What makes European hiking so special? It’s the perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural discoveries. Where else can you summit a peak in the morning, explore a medieval village by afternoon, and finish your day with locally-produced wine and cheese? The continent’s compact nature means you’re never far from civilization, making it ideal for hikers who want adventure without isolation. Plus, the extensive network of well-maintained trails, mountain huts, and public transportation makes planning your journey surprisingly straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll trek through everything you need to know about hiking in Europe – from iconic routes that should top your bucket list to practical tips that will keep your adventures smooth and blister-free. We’ll explore the rich history of European hiking traditions, uncover hidden gems beyond the famous paths, and help you navigate the diverse hiking cultures across different regions. So shoulder your pack and let’s hit the trail – an unforgettable European hiking adventure awaits!
History of Hiking in Europe
The European love affair with hiking has deeper roots than you might expect. While recreational hiking as we know it today gained popularity in the 19th century, Europeans have been traversing mountain passes and forest paths for centuries – albeit not always for pleasure!
The modern concept of hiking for enjoyment began in the late 1700s and early 1800s when Romanticism swept through Europe. Suddenly, wild landscapes weren’t just obstacles to overcome but sources of inspiration and spiritual renewal. Writers like Wordsworth and Rousseau praised the virtues of walking in nature, inspiring a generation to seek out scenic vistas on foot.
The Alps became the continent’s first major hiking playground, with Switzerland leading the way. The Swiss Alpine Club, founded in 1863, was among the earliest mountaineering organizations, followed quickly by similar clubs across Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. These clubs didn’t just organize expeditions – they built mountain huts, created trail networks, and published detailed maps that made remote areas accessible to average hikers.
By the early 20th century, youth hiking movements spread across Europe, promoting outdoor adventure as a way to build character and national identity. After World War II, hiking evolved into a mainstream leisure activity, with each European country developing its own unique hiking culture and trail systems that continue to expand and improve today.
Where Can Hiking Be Found in Europe?
The better question might be: where CAN’T you hike in Europe? The continent offers incredible diversity, with each region presenting its own unique terrain and hiking experience:
The Alps stretch across France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and even tiny Liechtenstein. They’re home to Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery and some of its most challenging and rewarding hikes. The Tour du Mont Blanc, circling Europe’s highest peak, is perhaps the continent’s most famous multi-day trek.
The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain, offering rugged trails with fewer crowds than the Alps. The GR10 in France and the GR11 in Spain are long-distance routes that traverse the entire mountain range.
Scandinavia presents vast wilderness experiences in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Norway’s fjords combine mountain and sea landscapes for breathtaking hiking, while Sweden’s Kungsleden (King’s Trail) takes you through 440km of pristine Arctic terrain.
The Mediterranean coastlines of Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey offer more temperate hiking conditions with stunning sea views. The Amalfi Coast in Italy and Lycian Way in Turkey are favorites for combining cultural experiences with beautiful coastal trails.
The British Isles feature an extensive network of public footpaths crossing rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and moorlands. The West Highland Way in Scotland and England’s Coast to Coast Walk are classics.
Central and Eastern Europe boast the Carpathian Mountains spanning Romania, Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia – home to some of Europe’s last true wilderness areas and largest populations of bears and wolves.
The Balkan Peninsula offers emerging hiking destinations like Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Bulgaria’s Rila and Pirin Mountains, and Albania’s rugged peaks – often with fewer tourists and lower prices.
From Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes to Crete’s dramatic gorges, Europe’s hiking possibilities are virtually endless!
Fun Facts About European Hiking
- Europe’s longest marked trail is the E1 European Long Distance Path, stretching approximately 7,000 km (4,350 miles) from North Cape, Norway to Sicily, Italy.
- The world’s largest network of hiking trails is in Switzerland, with over 65,000 km of marked paths – enough to circle the Earth 1.5 times!
- Europe’s highest hiking trail is found on Mount Etna in Sicily, where adventurous hikers can climb to approximately 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) to peer into the crater of Europe’s most active volcano.
- The oldest hiking club in the world is the Austrian Alpine Association, founded in 1862.
- Europe’s most unusual long-distance trail might be the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13), which follows the former border between Eastern and Western Europe for over 10,000 km.
- The Camino de Santiago pilgrim routes have been walked for over 1,000 years, with the most popular route (the Camino Francés) seeing over 300,000 hikers annually.
- Alpine mountain huts in countries like Switzerland and Austria often serve full hot meals and cold beer – a luxury unheard of in many other hiking regions worldwide.
- Cow bells in the Alps aren’t just picturesque – they serve a practical purpose in helping farmers locate their herds on the vast mountain pastures.
- The tradition of “Almabtrieb” in Austria and Bavaria celebrates bringing cattle down from mountain pastures for winter with festivals where cows are decorated with elaborate floral headdresses.
- Europe’s highest located hotel, the Rifugio Guide del Cervino at 3,480 meters (11,417 feet) on the Italian-Swiss border near the Matterhorn, caters primarily to hikers and mountaineers.
Cultural Tourism and Hiking
One of the most magical aspects of European hiking is how seamlessly natural beauty intertwines with cultural experiences. Unlike wilderness treks in other parts of the world, European trails frequently connect centuries-old villages, historic sites, and living cultural traditions.
The Camino de Santiago routes perfectly exemplify this blend, taking pilgrims and hikers through medieval towns, historic churches, and regional culinary traditions across Spain, Portugal, and France. Even if you’re not religious, walking these ancient paths connects you to a thousand years of European history.
In the Alps, hiking between villages means experiencing distinct cultural regions – sometimes crossing between Italian, German, French, and Romansh-speaking areas in a single day’s walk. Mountain huts offer not just shelter but introduction to local cuisines, from Swiss fondue to Austrian apple strudel.
The Dolomites in Italy combine dramatic limestone peaks with unique Ladin culture – an ancient people with their own language and traditions who’ve inhabited these remote valleys for centuries. Many trails pass directly through tiny Ladin villages virtually unchanged by time.
Greece’s hiking paths often lead to archaeological treasures. The trails on islands like Crete and the mainland mountains feature ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages where age-old crafts and agricultural practices continue.
In Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, hiking exposes you to traditional rural life seemingly preserved from another century. Trails pass wooden churches, horse-drawn carts, and meadows still hand-scythed by local farmers.
Scotland’s long-distance paths connect remote Highland villages where you might catch a traditional ceilidh (dance) or whisky tasting, while Slovenia’s mountain trails lead to alpine dairy farms where shepherds make cheese using methods passed down for generations.
This cultural richness means European hiking isn’t just about scenic vistas – it’s about connecting with the continent’s living heritage in ways impossible from a tour bus or train window.
Reasons to Go Hiking in Europe
- Accessibility and infrastructure: Even the most remote European trails benefit from excellent infrastructure. Well-marked routes, mountain refuges, and regular access points mean you can hike with confidence.
- Year-round opportunities: With its varied climate zones, Europe offers great hiking somewhere during any season – from winter snowshoeing in Scandinavia to autumn walks in Mediterranean olive groves.
- Historical depth: Follow ancient Roman roads, medieval pilgrim routes, or World War battlefields – European trails often double as pathways through history.
- Culinary rewards: European hiking culture embraces good food and drink. Whether it’s mountain huts serving hot meals in the Alps or vineyard trails with tastings in France, your efforts are deliciously rewarded.
- Cultural immersion: Hiking takes you through authentic villages and regions often untouched by mass tourism, offering genuine cultural experiences.
- Diverse ecosystems: From Arctic tundra to Mediterranean macchia scrubland, Europe packs remarkable ecological diversity into a relatively small area.
- Customizable challenges: With trails rated by difficulty throughout the continent, you can find everything from gentle meadow walks to technical alpine traverses.
- Public transportation access: Unlike many hiking destinations worldwide, Europe’s excellent public transport network means you can often reach trailheads by train or bus, making car-free hiking holidays entirely feasible.
- Spontaneous possibilities: The density of trails and accommodation means you can often improvise routes, extending or shortening your journey as mood or weather dictates.
- Multi-country experiences: Where else can you breakfast in France, lunch in Italy, and sleep in Switzerland – all in a single day’s hike?
Most Popular European Hiking Destinations
- Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland): This iconic 170km circuit around Western Europe’s highest mountain takes hikers through three countries with spectacular Alpine scenery. Typically completed in 7-11 days, the trail offers comfortable mountain huts and hotels each night.
- Camino de Santiago (Spain): The famous pilgrim route offers multiple paths leading to Santiago de Compostela, with the Camino Francés being the most popular. Combining spiritual history with beautiful landscapes across northern Spain.
- Cinque Terre (Italy): This coastal trail connects five colorful fishing villages perched on the rugged Italian Riviera cliffs. Though short (12km total), it’s immensely popular for combining Mediterranean views with charming villages and beaches.
- West Highland Way (Scotland): Scotland’s first official long-distance route (154km) takes hikers from Glasgow through the western Highlands to Fort William, featuring moody mountains, peaceful lochs, and historic sites.
- Trolltunga (Norway): This challenging day hike leads to one of Europe’s most photographed rock formations – a horizontal slab of stone jutting out 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
- Alta Via 1 (Dolomites, Italy): Known as the “High Route 1,” this 150km path traverses the stunning limestone peaks of the Italian Dolomites, with comfortable mountain huts spaced perfectly for multi-day adventures.
- GR20 (Corsica, France): Often considered Europe’s toughest long-distance trail, this 180km route crosses Corsica diagonally, featuring rugged terrain, dramatic mountain scenery, and challenging conditions.
- Lauterbrunnen Valley (Switzerland): Often called “the valley of 72 waterfalls,” this area offers numerous day hikes with classic Swiss Alpine scenery including the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia): A network of wooden walkways and forest trails wind through this UNESCO site featuring 16 terraced lakes connected by stunning waterfalls.
- Samaria Gorge (Crete, Greece): Europe’s longest gorge (16km) cuts through Crete’s White Mountains down to the Mediterranean Sea, offering dramatic cliff walls and unique ecosystems.
Other Notable European Hiking Regions
Beyond the most famous trails, Europe offers countless exceptional hiking regions that shouldn’t be overlooked:
The Black Forest (Germany) features mystical wooded landscapes that inspired Grimm’s fairy tales, with excellent infrastructure and trails suitable for all levels, plus charming spa towns for post-hike relaxation.
The Lake District (England) combines poetic landscapes of serene lakes and rounded fells with literary history (home to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter) and traditional stone villages.
The Picos de Europa (Spain) offer jagged limestone peaks rising dramatically from Spain’s north coast – often overlooked by international visitors despite scenery rivaling more famous European mountain ranges.
The Julian Alps (Slovenia) provide Alpine splendor at a fraction of Western European prices, centered around the picturesque Lake Bled and Triglav National Park.
The Tatra Mountains (Poland/Slovakia) form a natural border with spectacular hiking options, crystal lakes, and unique wildlife including endemic chamois and marmots.
The Faroe Islands (Denmark) deliver otherworldly landscapes of sheer cliffs, grassy slopes, and dramatic sea stacks on remote North Atlantic islands.
The Jotunheimen National Park (Norway) contains Northern Europe’s highest mountains and countless pristine lakes, with Norway’s excellent hut system making multi-day adventures accessible.
The Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria) combine gentle hiking with fascinating cultural sites including ancient Thracian sanctuaries and traditional villages with unique architecture.
The Côte d’Azur hinterland (France) offers surprisingly wild hiking just inland from the glamorous French Riviera, with perfumed herbs scenting the air and medieval perched villages as rewards.
The Tatras to the Baltic Sea (Poland) can be traversed on Poland’s longest trail, the 500-mile Główny Szlak Beskidzki, showcasing the country’s surprising landscape diversity.
European Long-Distance Paths
For the truly ambitious hiker, Europe offers an extensive network of long-distance paths called the E-paths (European long-distance paths), managed by the European Ramblers’ Association. These trans-national routes span multiple countries and can take months to complete in their entirety, though most hikers tackle them in sections:
E1: Runs north-south from North Cape (Norway) to Sicily (Italy) – approximately 7,000 km through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
E2: Connects Scotland with Nice, crossing the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France – about 4,850 km.
E3: From the Atlantic coast of Spain to the Black Sea in Romania – roughly 6,950 km traversing Spain, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania.
E4: From Gibraltar to Cyprus – approximately 12,000 km through Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece.
E5: From Atlantic France to Venice, including challenging Alpine crossings – about 3,200 km.
E6: From Finland to Greece, passing through the heart of Eastern Europe – roughly 5,200 km.
E7: From Portugal to Romania – approximately 6,000 km across the Iberian Peninsula, through the Alps and Carpathians.
E8: From Ireland to Turkey – about 4,700 km including some ferry crossings.
E9: The “Atlantic Coast Route” from Portugal to the Baltic – roughly 5,000 km following Europe’s western coastline.
E10: From Finland to Spain across the Baltic region and Central Europe – approximately 2,880 km.
E11: From Netherlands to Poland through northern Germany – about 2,070 km.
E12: The “Mediterranean Route” following coastlines from Spain to Cyprus – roughly 1,800 km with ferry links.
These paths are connected by an extensive network of regional and national trails, creating virtually unlimited possibilities for long-distance hiking across the continent.
Hiking Events Not to Miss
Europe’s hiking calendar is filled with organized events that combine walking with cultural experiences. Here are some standouts worth planning your trip around:
The Almabtrieb Festivals (September, Alpine regions) celebrate bringing cattle down from summer mountain pastures with decorated cows, traditional costumes, music, and local food in villages throughout Austria, Switzerland, and Bavaria.
The GR20 Challenge (June, Corsica) attracts trail runners and fast hikers attempting to complete Europe’s toughest long-distance trail in record time – spectators cheer them on while enjoying Corsican hospitality.
The Fjällräven Classic (August, Sweden) is a guided 110km trek through Swedish Lapland that draws international participants to experience the Arctic wilderness with organized support.
The Bergwiesenfest (June, Dolomites) celebrates the flowering alpine meadows with guided hikes, traditional music, and local food in South Tyrol, when the meadows explode with colorful wildflowers.
The Scottish Walking Festivals (year-round) include numerous regional events like the Angus Glens Walking Festival and the Isle of Arran Mountain Festival, combining guided walks with local culture and cuisine.
The European Ramblers’ Association Eurorando (every 5 years, various locations) brings together thousands of hikers from across Europe for a week-long celebration of walking culture with dozens of organized hikes.
The Via Francigena Marathon (October, Italy) allows participants to walk sections of the ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome in a festive, supported environment.
The Alpine Hiking Week (July, Slovenia) offers organized group hikes in the Julian Alps with expert guides, suitable for various fitness levels.
The Madeira Walking Festival (January, Portugal) provides guided walks across the beautiful Portuguese island known for its unique levada trail system.
The Gower Walking Festival (Wales, June) features over 50 guided walks exploring Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
These events not only provide structured hiking experiences but also opportunities to connect with local and international hiking communities.
Combining Cycling and Hiking in Europe
Many European regions excel at supporting both hiking and cycling adventures, making it easy to combine both activities in a single trip. This multi-sport approach allows you to cover more ground while still enjoying intimate connections with the landscape.
The EuroVelo network of cycling routes often intersects with major hiking trails, creating natural combination points. For example, the Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15) parallels numerous excellent hiking areas in the Black Forest and Swiss Alps.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the extensive cycling infrastructure makes it simple to bike between natural areas, then park and explore trail networks on foot. The Ardennes region excels at this combination.
Austria’s Danube Cycle Path offers perfect opportunities to park your bike and hike into the surrounding hills, particularly in the picturesque Wachau Valley wine region.
The Lake District of northern Italy (Como, Garda, Maggiore) features both lakeside cycling routes and mountain hiking trails, with ferries connecting different areas for flexible planning.
Many Alpine regions have invested in bike-friendly infrastructure, including luggage transport services that will move your bags between hiking destinations while you walk unburdened. Some cable cars and gondolas accept bicycles, allowing you to ride downhill after hiking uphill.
E-bikes have revolutionized combined adventures, enabling even casual cyclists to cover substantial distances between hiking regions without exhaustion. Many European rental shops now offer high-quality e-bikes specifically designed for touring.
The Bavarian Alps excel at this combination, with well-marked cycling routes connecting numerous trailheads, plus excellent public transportation that accepts bicycles if weather turns unfavorable.
Scotland’s Great Glen Way is designed for both hikers and cyclists, running alongside the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness.
For the ultimate flexibility, consider tours where you cycle between destinations but take daily hikes at each location – popular in regions like Provence, Tuscany, and the Spanish Basque Country.
Best Hiking Trails by Country
Here’s a quick country-by-country guide to standout hiking experiences across Europe:
Austria
Trail: Eagle Walk (Adlerweg)
Description: A spectacular alpine route through the Tyrolean Alps with breathtaking mountain views
Duration: 33 days for complete trail (can be done in sections)
Distance: 413 km (257 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time: June to September
Switzerland
Trail: Haute Route
Description: Iconic high-altitude trek from Chamonix to Zermatt with views of 10 of the highest peaks in the Alps
Duration: 12-14 days
Distance: 180 km (112 miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time: July to September
Italy
Trail: Alta Via 1 (Dolomites High Route)
Description: Stunning trail through the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites
Duration: 8-10 days
Distance: 120 km (75 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: July to September
France
Trail: Tour du Mont Blanc
Description: Circumnavigates Western Europe’s highest mountain through France, Italy, and Switzerland
Duration: 7-11 days
Distance: 170 km (106 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time: Mid-June to mid-September
Spain
Trail: Camino de Santiago (French Way)
Description: Historic pilgrimage route ending at Santiago de Compostela cathedral
Duration: 30-35 days
Distance: 780 km (485 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: April to October
Portugal
Trail: Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail)
Description: Breathtaking coastal path along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast
Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 76 km (47 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: September to June (avoid hot summer months)
Germany
Trail: Malerweg (Painters’ Way)
Description: Picturesque route through Saxon Switzerland National Park’s sandstone mountains
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 112 km (70 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: May to October
United Kingdom
Trail: West Highland Way
Description: Scotland’s first long-distance route through the stunning Highlands
Duration: 5-8 days
Distance: 154 km (96 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: May to September
Ireland
Trail: Wicklow Way
Description: Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail through rolling hills, mountains, and valleys
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 131 km (81 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: April to October
Norway
Trail: Besseggen Ridge
Description: Dramatic mountain ridge hike with panoramic views of Jotunheimen National Park’s lakes
Duration: 1 day (6-8 hours)
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time: July to September
Sweden
Trail: Kungsleden (The King’s Trail)
Description: Traverse through pristine wilderness with Arctic landscapes and midnight sun
Duration: 15-20 days (full route) or 3-5 days (sections)
Distance: 440 km (273 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Finland
Trail: Karhunkierros (The Bear’s Ring)
Description: Finland’s most popular hiking trail through northern wilderness with river valleys and gorges
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 82 km (51 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Greece
Trail: Menalon Trail
Description: Mountain path through traditional villages and varied landscapes in the Peloponnese
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 75 km (47 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: April to October (avoid midsummer heat)
Croatia
Trail: Premužić Trail
Description: Well-built stone path traversing the rugged Velebit mountain range with Adriatic views
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 57 km (35 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time: May to October
Slovenia
Trail: Juliana Trail
Description: Circular route around Triglav National Park with stunning Alpine scenery
Duration: 10-12 days
Distance: 270 km (168 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Romania
Trail: Fagaras Mountains Traverse
Description: High ridge trek along Romania’s highest mountain range with glacial lakes
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 70 km (43 miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time: July to September
Bulgaria
Trail: Kom-Emine Trail
Description: Bulgaria’s longest marked trail crossing the entire Balkan mountain range
Duration: 15-20 days
Distance: 650 km (404 miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time: June to September
Czech Republic
Trail: Krkonoše Trail
Description: Path through Czech Republic’s highest mountains with alpine meadows and views
Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 71 km (44 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Poland
Trail: Orla Perć (Eagle’s Path)
Description: Exhilarating mountain ridge traverse in the Tatra Mountains
Duration: 1-2 days
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Difficulty: Very difficult
Best Time: July to September
Iceland
Trail: Laugavegur Trail
Description: Otherworldly trek through colorful rhyolite mountains, black deserts, and geothermal areas
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 55 km (34 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: Late June to early September
Georgia
Trail: Mestia to Ushguli Trek
Description: Journey through remote Svaneti region with medieval tower villages and Caucasus mountains
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 58 km (36 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Slovakia
Trail: Tatranská Magistrála
Description: Classic trail through the High Tatras with stunning alpine scenery
Duration: 3-5 days
Distance: 45 km (28 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Hungary
Trail: National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra)
Description: Hungary’s most famous route through forests, hills, and historic sites
Duration: 30-35 days (full trail)
Distance: 1,128 km (701 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time: April to October
Cyprus
Trail: Aphrodite Trail
Description: Circular route through Akamas Peninsula with Mediterranean coastline views
Duration: 1 day (4-5 hours)
Distance: 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: October to May (avoid summer heat)
Denmark
Trail: Gendarmstien (Gendarme Path)
Description: Coastal trail along the Danish-German border with Baltic Sea views
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 74 km (46 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: May to September
Estonia
Trail: Oandu-Ikla Trail
Description: Part of the RMK hiking route through diverse forests and wetlands
Duration: 14-16 days
Distance: 375 km (233 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time: May to September
Latvia
Trail: Baltic Coastal Hiking Route
Description: Section of the E9 European long-distance path along Latvia’s wild beaches
Duration: 12-14 days (Latvian section)
Distance: 580 km (360 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time: May to September
Lithuania
Trail: Curonian Spit Trail
Description: Path along a UNESCO Heritage sand dune peninsula between the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon
Duration: 2-3 days
Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: May to September
Netherlands
Trail: Pieterpad
Description: Longest distance trail in the Netherlands crossing the country from north to south
Duration: 25-30 days
Distance: 498 km (309 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time: April to October
Malta
Trail: Victoria Lines
Description: Historic defense wall path with panoramic views across the island
Duration: 1 day
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time: October to May (avoid summer heat)
Belgium
Trail: GR 57 (Sentier de l’Ourthe)
Description: Beautiful path following the Ourthe River through the Ardennes forests
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 165 km (103 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: April to October
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Best seasons: While summer (June-August) offers optimal conditions for high mountain routes, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant hiking in Mediterranean regions. Alpine passes typically open by mid-June and may close with snow by late September.
Reservations: For popular routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc or huts in national parks, book accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially for July and August trips. Some countries (like France) have excellent online booking systems for mountain huts.
Equipment: Weather in European mountains can change rapidly – always carry rain protection and warm layers even on sunny days. Proper hiking boots are essential for mountain terrain, while trail running shoes suffice for gentler paths.
Mountain huts: Alpine countries offer extensive networks of staffed mountain refuges with varying comfort levels. Typically, they provide dormitory sleeping, hot meals, and sometimes showers. Bring your own sleep sheet (lightweight sleeping bag liner) and earplugs.
Maps and navigation: While many European trails are exceptionally well-marked, always carry detailed maps. The standard for hiking maps in Alpine regions is 1:25,000 scale. Apps like GaiaGPS, AllTrails, and country-specific hiking apps offer excellent digital backup.
Trail markings: Each country has its own trail marking system. In general, red and white stripes indicate major routes, while yellow markings denote local paths. Research specific systems before traveling.
Right to roam: Scandinavian countries embrace “everyman’s right” allowing hikers to camp responsibly on uncultivated land. Most other European countries restrict wild camping, particularly in natural parks – research regulations carefully.
Languages: Learning a few hiking-related phrases in the local language can enhance your experience tremendously. Key terms include asking about trail conditions, weather forecasts, and ordering food in mountain huts.
Insurance: Consider specific hiking or mountain rescue insurance beyond standard travel insurance, particularly for Alpine adventures. Some countries (like Switzerland) charge substantial fees for mountain rescues.
Transportation: Research local public transportation thoroughly – many European hiking regions are well-served by buses and trains specifically designed to serve hikers, but may run on limited schedules outside peak season.
Water sources: While mountain huts and villages provide reliable water, carry purification options for natural sources. Alpine streams above pastoral areas are generally safe, but always exercise caution.
Local regulations: Some nature reserves and national parks have specific rules about dogs, camping, and permitted activities. Check official websites before planning your trip.
Final Thoughts
European hiking isn’t just about physical journeys through beautiful landscapes – it’s about connecting with the continent’s soul. These ancient paths have carried traders, pilgrims, shepherds, and wanderers for centuries before us, each footstep becoming part of a living historical tapestry.
What makes hiking in Europe truly special is its accessibility to all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for extreme adventures across high alpine passes or gentle strolls through vineyard-covered hills, there’s a perfect path waiting for you. The continent’s exceptional infrastructure – from clearly marked trails to mountain huts serving hot meals – makes venturing into the wilderness approachable even for those new to hiking.
Perhaps most valuable in our hyper-connected world is how European hiking forces us to slow down. At walking pace, you notice details that would blur past a car window – the specific scent of pine forests after rain, the changing wildflowers as you gain elevation, the regional variations in church bell tones echoing across valleys. You’ll encounter locals tending mountain pastures using methods unchanged for generations and discover village bakeries where the same families have crafted regional specialties for centuries.
As you plan your European hiking adventure, remember that flexibility often yields the most rewarding experiences. Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries – the unmarked path leading to a hidden waterfall, the invitation to join locals for a village festival, or the mountain hut serving a regional specialty only on certain days.
The mountains, forests, and coastlines of Europe await your footsteps. All you need to do is take that first step on the trail – adventure will naturally follow.
Happy hiking!
