What are the best hikes in Europe? To help you answer this question, we’ve put together a list of the most beautiful hiking trails on the continent. As we all hope the COVID-19 situation improves soon, we can look forward to traveling again later this year. And what’s a safer way to travel than on foot, away from the crowds?
Hiking is a fantastic way to explore the country you’re visiting while building endurance and enjoying nature. While waiting for summer and the lifting of travel restrictions, check out this list of some of the best multi-day and short hikes across Europe.
Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James):
A significant Christian pilgrimage and a beloved hike, the Camino de Santiago consists of a network of paths, mainly in Spain. All routes end in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s capital in northwest Spain. This pilgrimage concludes at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. Most routes take about a month to complete, but shorter options are available, ranging from two weeks to just a few days. There’s even the Camino Finisterre extension that reaches the Atlantic, adding 3-4 days to the journey. The French Way (Camino Francés) and the Routes of Northern Spain are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way, pilgrims stay in albergues (hostels with bunk beds and private rooms) and enjoy meals at family-run restaurants and cafes. The Spanish routes feature diverse landscapes from mountains to the ocean, passing through charming towns and peaceful villages.
Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB):
This 170-kilometer trail spans France, Italy, and Switzerland, making it one of Europe’s finest hikes and one of the world’s most famous long-distance treks. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe at 4808 meters, stands as the trek’s centerpiece. The TMB encircles the Mont Blanc Massif, crossing seven valleys and typically takes about 11 days to complete. The route navigates mountains, forests, quaint villages, wildflower fields, and sheep pastures. Accommodations include hotels and mountain huts, open from June to September. It’s advisable to book in advance, particularly in peak season (mid-July to mid-August). If 11 days is too long, there are many shorter hikes around the Mont Blanc massif.
Kungsleden (The King’s Trail):
Stretching 440 kilometers from Abisko to Hemavan, Kungsleden is one of Europe’s premier hikes and a highlight of Sweden. The trail traverses Lapland’s varied landscapes in Northern Sweden, including four national parks: Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, and Pieljekaise. Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak at 2098 meters, is one of the trail’s notable points. Renowned for its wild landscapes, glacial valleys, beautiful rivers, and scenic lakes, Kungsleden is best experienced between late June and early September. Camping spots and huts managed by the Swedish Tourist Association are available along the trail. Completing the route takes about a month, but the popular Abisko-Nikkaluokta stretch offers a shorter alternative.
Laugavegurinn:
This trail in southern Iceland extends from the Landmannalaugar geothermal springs to the Þórsmörk nature reserve. Known for its varied landscapes—colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, volcanic deserts, clear lakes, snowfields, and hot springs—this 54-kilometer trek takes about four days. With basic accommodation huts en route or camping options available, booking well in advance is essential if you opt to stay in huts.
Trolltunga:
Located in Norway, Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) is a unique rock formation jutting horizontally from a mountain, about 1100 meters above sea level and 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. This popular hike is a 28-kilometer round trip starting near Skjeggedal, taking 9 to 12 hours depending on your starting point. A shuttle bus can help you skip part of the road if desired. The hike offers impressive scenery, typical of Norway’s fjords, lakes, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and cliffs. Trolltunga is a challenging day hike, so be prepared for a strenuous journey.
Plitvice Lakes National Park:
Situated in the heart of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning cascades and dramatic lake landscape. The park features 16 interconnected lakes, ranging in color from deep blue to emerald green, depending on the minerals and time of year. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park includes multiple hiking routes named Route A, Route B, Route C, Route E, Route F, Route H, and Route K, spanning 3 to 18 kilometers. These trails offer perfect settings for relaxing hikes, suitable for beginners and families.
El Caminito Del Rey:
This unique trail in Málaga, Spain, spans just 3 kilometers but offers an exhilarating experience. Originally built in 1905 above a hydroelectric plant, the path features narrow wooden walkways and suspension bridges clinging to rock faces, 100 meters above the ground. Although once notorious for its danger, El Caminito Del Rey was restored and reopened in 2015 with safety measures in place. Tickets must be purchased in advance as they sell out quickly. The hike takes 3 to 5 hours to complete, and you can either hike solo or with a guide. The trek is linear, and a shuttle bus is available to return you to the starting point.