Planning a European adventure with the whole gang? Tired of hearing “Are we there yet?” every five minutes? These incredible family-friendly hikes across Europe will transform your little ones from couch potatoes into nature-loving explorers. From Swiss glaciers to Irish cliffs, we’ve handpicked trails that’ll keep everyone happy – including your Instagram feed!
1. Aletsch Glacier Trail – Switzerland
The Ultimate Ice Age Experience
Step into a frozen wonderland at the Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This relatively easy trail offers breathtaking views without requiring mountaineering skills, making it perfect for families with children aged 6 and up.
Historical Significance: The Aletsch region has been fascinating visitors since the 19th century when Alpine tourism began. The glacier itself is around 11,000 years old and stretches an impressive 23 kilometers.
Amenities & Facilities: Well-maintained hiking paths, visitor centers with interactive exhibits, mountain restaurants, cable car access, and clean restroom facilities throughout the route.
Popularity: Extremely popular during summer months (June-October). Book accommodations early!
Accommodation Options: Family-friendly hotels in Bettmeralp and Riederalp, cozy chalets, and mountain huts. Budget-conscious families can find guesthouses starting from €80/night.
Campervan Spots: Designated parking areas in Betten Talstation and Mörel, with basic facilities. Wild camping is prohibited.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Glacier viewing platforms, Alpine slide, hiking trails, photography workshops
- Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking trails
- Year-round: Cable car rides, visitor center exhibits, wildlife spotting
2. Glenariff Forest Park – Northern Ireland
The Queen of the Glens
Often called “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff offers magical waterfall walks through ancient forests. The main trail is pushchair-friendly, making it ideal for families with toddlers.
Historical Significance: This glacially-carved glen has been inhabited for over 4,000 years. Ancient ring forts and burial sites dot the landscape, telling stories of Celtic civilization.
Amenities & Facilities: Visitor center, café, gift shop, picnic areas, accessible paths, and well-maintained trails with safety barriers near water features.
Popularity: Moderate crowds year-round, busiest during summer weekends and autumn foliage season.
Accommodation Options: Nearby Cushendall offers B&Bs, family hotels, and self-catering cottages. The Londonderry Arms Hotel provides luxury family rooms.
Campervan Spots: Cushendall Caravan Park offers full facilities. Several wild camping spots available along the coast (check local regulations).
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Waterfall walks, nature trails, outdoor concerts, fairy door trail for kids
- Winter: Atmospheric forest walks, indoor visitor center activities
- Year-round: Wildlife watching, photography, geological tours
3. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) – Italy
Europe’s Largest Alpine Meadow
This stunning plateau in the Dolomites offers gentle walks through flower-filled meadows with dramatic mountain backdrops. The area is car-free, creating a safe environment for children.
Historical Significance: Traditional Alpine farming has shaped this landscape for over 1,000 years. Ancient shepherd paths cross the plateau, and traditional “masi” (farmhouses) tell the story of mountain life.
Amenities & Facilities: Cable car access, mountain huts serving local cuisine, clearly marked trails, emergency phones, and excellent signage in multiple languages.
Popularity: Very popular in summer (June-September) and winter. Early morning visits offer fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Accommodation Options: Mountain huts for authentic experiences, luxury hotels in nearby Castelrotto, family apartments, and agritourism farms offering farm-to-table dining.
Campervan Spots: Stellplatz Kastelruth provides full services. Parking restrictions apply on the plateau itself.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Easy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, traditional festivals, Alpine slides
- Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, Christmas markets
- Year-round: Cable car rides, traditional Alpine experiences, local food tours
4. Rila Monastery Trail – Bulgaria
A Spiritual Journey Through History
This gentle forest walk leads to Bulgaria’s most famous monastery, offering families a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for children over 8.
Historical Significance: Founded in the 10th century by hermit Ivan of Rila, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been Bulgaria’s spiritual heart for over 1,000 years. The current buildings date from the 19th century after a devastating fire.
Amenities & Facilities: Monastery museum, gift shop, restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine, parking areas, and restroom facilities.
Popularity: Moderate crowds, busiest during Orthodox holidays and summer months. Quiet early mornings offer the best experience.
Accommodation Options: Simple monastery guest rooms (book ahead), nearby mountain hotels, and guesthouses in Rila village offering authentic Bulgarian hospitality.
Campervan Spots: Parking available near the monastery. Wild camping possible in designated forest areas with permits.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Forest hiking, monastery tours, cultural workshops, traditional craft demonstrations
- Winter: Limited access due to snow, but magical winter photography opportunities
- Year-round: Religious festivals, icon painting workshops, traditional Bulgarian cuisine
5. Bohinj Lake Trail – Slovenia
Alpine Paradise for the Whole Family
This stunning glacial lake offers an easy circular walk with swimming opportunities and breathtaking Alpine scenery. The flat path is perfect for families with children of all ages.
Historical Significance: Bohinj has been a pilgrimage site since medieval times. The area played a crucial role in WWI, with remnants of the Isonzo Front still visible in surrounding mountains.
Amenities & Facilities: Visitor center, lakeside restaurants, swimming areas, boat rentals, cable car to Vogel ski resort, and well-maintained walking paths.
Popularity: Popular but not overcrowded. Peak season is July-August for swimming and September for autumn colors.
Accommodation Options: Lakeside hotels, mountain chalets, camping sites, and apartments. Book early for lakefront properties.
Campervan Spots: Camp Zlatorog offers excellent facilities. Several smaller campsites provide basic amenities.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Swimming, boating, easy hiking, cycling, fishing, outdoor concerts
- Winter: Ice skating (when frozen), cross-country skiing, winter photography
- Year-round: Cable car rides, traditional Alpine experiences, wellness spas
6. Eibsee Lake Loop – Germany
Bavaria’s Emerald Jewel
This picture-perfect lake at the base of Zugspitze offers a gentle 7km loop trail with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain reflections. The path is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.
Historical Significance: Formed by a massive rockslide around 4,000 years ago, Eibsee has been a popular destination since the railway reached Garmisch in 1889. It served as inspiration for many Romantic period painters.
Amenities & Facilities: Lakeside restaurant, boat rentals, swimming areas, cable car to Zugspitze summit, parking facilities, and clean restrooms.
Popularity: Very popular in summer. Early morning walks offer the best experience with fewer crowds and perfect lighting for photos.
Accommodation Options: Luxury lakeside hotel, nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers extensive family accommodations from budget guesthouses to resort hotels.
Campervan Spots: Stellplatz Garmisch-Partenkirchen provides full services. Parking at the lake requires early arrival during peak season.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Lake swimming, boat tours, easy hiking, cable car to Germany’s highest peak, mountain biking
- Winter: Winter hiking, ice formations photography, nearby skiing
- Year-round: Zugspitze cable car, traditional Bavarian experiences, brewery tours (adults)
7. Saxon Switzerland – Germany
Fairy Tale Landscapes Come to Life
The Bastei Bridge area offers easy walks through dramatic sandstone formations that look straight out of a fairy tale. Multiple trail options accommodate different fitness levels and ages.
Historical Significance: These unique rock formations have inspired artists and writers for centuries. The Bastei Bridge, built in 1851, was one of Germany’s first tourist attractions. The area also contains medieval castle ruins.
Amenities & Facilities: Visitor center, restaurant with panoramic views, well-marked trails, safety railings, and parking facilities.
Popularity: Very popular, especially weekends. Weekday visits or early mornings offer better experiences.
Accommodation Options: Charming hotels in nearby Rathen, castle hotels, family pensions, and riverside accommodations along the Elbe.
Campervan Spots: Several campgrounds along the Elbe River. Stellplatz options in Bad Schandau and Rathen.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Rock climbing (with guides), boat trips on the Elbe, cycling, outdoor theater performances
- Winter: Atmospheric winter hikes, fewer crowds, dramatic lighting
- Year-round: Castle tours, traditional German experiences, photography workshops
8. Wicklow Mountains – Ireland
The Garden of Ireland
These rolling green hills offer numerous family-friendly trails with options ranging from easy lakeside walks to moderate mountain paths. The scenery changes dramatically with the weather, creating constantly evolving backdrops.
Historical Significance: Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” these mountains have been inhabited for over 5,000 years. Ancient passage tombs, medieval monasteries, and sites from the 1798 Rebellion dot the landscape.
Amenities & Facilities: Multiple visitor centers, well-marked trails, mountain rescue points, car parks, and cafés in nearby villages.
Popularity: Popular with Dublin day-trippers, but the vast area means crowds disperse easily. Weather can change quickly – come prepared!
Accommodation Options: Country houses, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and glamping sites. Dublin offers extensive accommodations just an hour away.
Campervan Spots: Several campsites throughout the region. Wild camping is possible with landowner permission.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, traditional music festivals, archaeological site visits
- Winter: Dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, cozy pub experiences
- Year-round: Historic site tours, traditional Irish experiences, craft workshops
9. Skomer Island Nature Trail – Wales
Puffin Paradise
This magical island off the Welsh coast offers easy walking trails with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The boat trip itself is an adventure, and kids will love spotting puffins, seals, and dolphins.
Historical Significance: Archaeological evidence shows human habitation dating back 5,000 years. The island contains well-preserved Iron Age settlements and was once a medieval rabbit warren.
Amenities & Facilities: Visitor center on mainland, boat transportation, guided tours, wildlife hides, and clearly marked trails with safety barriers.
Popularity: Very popular during puffin season (April-July). Advance booking essential for boats.
Accommodation Options: Nearby Marloes and Haverfordwest offer B&Bs, family hotels, and self-catering accommodations. Camping options available.
Campervan Spots: Certificated sites near Marloes, basic facilities. Martin’s Haven car park allows overnight stays.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Puffin watching, seal spotting, botanical walks, photography workshops, marine wildlife tours
- Winter: Storm watching, archaeological site visits, fewer wildlife but dramatic seascapes
- Year-round: Boat trips (weather dependent), coastal path walking, local history tours
10. Dachstein Krippenstein – Austria
High Alpine Adventure for Everyone
Cable car access makes this high-alpine experience accessible to families. The viewing platforms offer breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, and multiple easy trails suit different abilities.
Historical Significance: The Dachstein massif has been central to Alpine exploration since the 19th century. The area contains important geological formations and archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.
Amenities & Facilities: Cable car access, mountain restaurants, viewing platforms, adventure park, ice cave tours, and well-maintained mountain paths.
Popularity: Popular year-round. Summer offers hiking and adventure activities, winter provides skiing and winter sports.
Accommodation Options: Nearby Hallstatt offers fairy-tale accommodations, lakeside hotels, and traditional Austrian guesthouses. Book well in advance for this UNESCO World Heritage location.
Campervan Spots: Designated parking in Obertraun with shuttle service. Hallstatt has limited parking – arrive early or use park-and-ride options.
Activities & Attractions:
- Summer: Cable car rides, easy mountain hiking, adventure park, ice cave tours, paragliding
- Winter: Skiing, winter hiking, ice formations, Christmas market visits
- Year-round: Hallstatt village tours, salt mine experiences, traditional Austrian culture
Planning Your European Family Hiking Adventure
Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early autumn (May-October) offers the best weather for most locations. Winter visits can be magical but require proper preparation and gear.
What to Pack: Comfortable hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water, snacks, first aid kit, and entertainment for kids during longer walks.
Kid-Friendly Tips:
- Start with shorter, easier trails and build up gradually
- Pack favorite snacks and plenty of water
- Bring a camera for kids to document their adventure
- Plan regular rest stops with fun activities
- Consider hiking poles for older children on steeper terrain
These European hiking destinations prove that family adventures don’t have to mean compromise. Each location offers something special – from glacial wonders to fairy-tale forests, ancient monasteries to puffin colonies. Your family will create memories that last a lifetime while exploring some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
Whether you’re camping under the stars, staying in luxury mountain lodges, or road-tripping in a campervan, these trails offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that will have everyone asking, “Where are we hiking next?”
Disclaimer: Trail conditions, accessibility, and facilities can change due to weather, maintenance, or other factors. Always check current conditions with local authorities before visiting. Ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage and equipment for your chosen activities. Some locations may have seasonal restrictions or require advance bookings. Parents and guardians are responsible for assessing whether activities are suitable for their children’s abilities and ensuring proper supervision at all times. Weather in mountain and coastal areas can change rapidly – always be prepared with appropriate gear and have contingency plans.
