Europe is a hiker’s paradise.
The best hiking routes in Europe are insanely diverse and appeal to any kind of hiker. You could go hiking through Meditteranean vineyards and coastal paths, trekking through a snowy Arctic wilderness, summiting Alpine mountains, and everything in between. If you’re after highly rewarding hikes, then you’re spoiled for choice in Europe.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best hiking routes in Europe – focused on multi-day and long-distance hikes. In fact, this list includes some of the best beginner overnight hiking trails out there.
So whether you’re an experienced hiker or just strapping on your first pair of hiking boots, you’ll want to add some of these trails to your list.
15 Best Hiking Routes in Europe
Ready to experience the best hiking Europe has to offer? Then here are some hiking routes that you need to add to your bucket list.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
- Country: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Distance: Approximately 170 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- What makes it special: Stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, traversing three countries, and experiencing diverse cultures.
Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic long-distance trek that encircles the majestic Mont Blanc massif, offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
The trail takes you through charming villages in France, Italy, and Switzerland, providing a unique cultural experience alongside the natural beauty. With a mix of challenging ascents and descents, hikers are rewarded with unparalleled views of one of Europe’s highest peaks.
This is absolutely one of the best hiking routes in Europe for hikers of all levels. If you don’t have time to do the full trail, you can always break it down into smaller sections.
2. The West Highland Way
- Country: Scotland
- Distance: 154 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Scotland’s diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and the iconic Loch Lomond.
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s premier long-distance trail, starting in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow, and culminating at Fort William.
The route takes you through lowland moors, dense forests, and the picturesque landscapes of Loch Lomond. Passing ancient castles and ruins, hikers are immersed in Scotland’s rich history and folklore. Plus, you get to go wild camping along the way.
3. Dolomites Alta Via 1
- Country: Italy
- Distance: Around 120 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: Dramatic Dolomite peaks, challenging passes, and cozy mountain huts.
Dolomites Alta Via 1 is a high-altitude trek through the stunning Dolomite mountain range in northern Italy. This challenging route leads hikers through breathtaking landscapes, encompassing jagged peaks, lush valleys, and alpine meadows.
The trail also offers opportunities to experience the local cuisine and hospitality in the mountain huts scattered along the route, which certainly makes it one of the best hiking routes Europe has to offer.
4. GR20
- Country: France (Corsica)
- Distance: 180 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: Varied landscapes, from dense forests to rugged mountain terrain.
If you’re after the best hiking routes in Europe, you can’t overlook the GR20. Not only might this be the longest hike in Europe, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.
The GR20 in Corsica is known as one of the toughest long-distance trails in Europe. It traverses the island diagonally, showcasing diverse landscapes, including dense forests, high mountain passes, and rocky terrain. Hikers can expect challenging ascents and descents, with rewarding panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
5. The Camino de Santiago
- Country: Spain
- Distance: Approximately 770 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Pilgrimage route, historic landmarks, and a diverse cultural experience.
The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James, particularly the French Way, is a renowned pilgrimage route that spans the breadth of Spain. This is one of the most iconic and best walking routes in Europe.
Covering about 770 km, the trail starts in the French Pyrenees and culminates at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in northwest Spain.
Hikers traverse varied landscapes, including lush green countryside, historic towns, and charming villages. The route is dotted with iconic landmarks and provides a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection as pilgrims have done for centuries.
6. The Haute Route
- Country: France, Switzerland
- Distance: Around 180 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: Alpine scenery, high mountain passes, and a classic trekking experience.
The Haute Route is a classic high-level trek that connects Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland.
This challenging route takes hikers through some of the most stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers, high mountain passes, and picturesque valleys. The trail offers a sense of accomplishment as you traverse challenging terrain, and the iconic view of the Matterhorn in Zermatt is a fitting reward for completing this unforgettable trek.
The Haute Route is a favorite among experienced hikers seeking a true alpine adventure. It’s one of the best hiking routes in Europe for anyone wanting to experience the true magic of the Alps.
7. The Kerry Way
- Country: Ireland
- Distance: Approximately 215 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Ireland’s scenic landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites.
The Kerry Way is a captivating trail that winds its way through the stunning landscapes of County Kerry in Ireland.
Covering approximately 215 km, the route offers a perfect blend of coastal views, mountainous terrain, and serene lakes.
Hikers will encounter charming villages such as Killarney and Kenmare, providing opportunities to immerse themselves in Irish culture and hospitality. The trail also passes by historic sites, including old stone forts and monastic ruins, adding a sense of history to the scenic journey.
8. Alta Via 2
- Country: Italy
- Distance: Around 180 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: The Italian Dolomites, panoramic views, and challenging high-altitude sections.
Alta Via 2 is another spectacular trek through the Italian Dolomites, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers. It’s a slightly more challenging route, but definitely one of the most rewarding in Europe.
The trail covers around 180 km and provides panoramic views of the iconic Dolomite peaks. The route is known for its high-altitude sections, including challenging ascents and descents.
Hikers can expect to traverse alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and witness the unique geological formations that characterize the Dolomites.
9. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
- Country: Italy
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- What makes it special: Cliffside trails, colorful villages, and the picturesque Ligurian coastline.
The Cinque Terre Coastal Trail is a collection of interconnected paths that wind along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera.
Covering around 12 km, the trail connects the five iconic villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Hikers will be treated to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, vineyard-covered hillsides, and the vibrant, colorful buildings that characterize the Cinque Terre villages.
The relatively short distance and moderate difficulty make this trail accessible to a wide range of hikers.
There’s a train that also runs between each of the five villages, making it easy to hike sections during the day and take the train back to your “home village” to stay for the night.
10. Picos de Europa Circuit
- Country: Spain
- Distance: Approximately 100 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: Dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife.
The Picos de Europa Circuit takes hikers through the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range in northern Spain.
Covering around 100 km, the trail offers a challenging yet rewarding experience with its dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. Hikers may encounter diverse wildlife, including golden eagles and chamois, as they navigate the rugged terrain.
The trail also provides opportunities to explore charming mountain villages and experience the unique culture of the Asturias region.
11. The Rila Monastery to Rila Lakes
- Country: Bulgaria
- Distance: Approximately 20 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Cultural heritage, pristine lakes, and panoramic mountain views.
The trail from the Rila Monastery to Rila Lakes in Bulgaria offers a unique blend of cultural and natural wonders. Beginning at the iconic Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the trail leads hikers through dense forests and meadows to the stunning Rila Lakes.
These glacial lakes, surrounded by rocky peaks, provide a picturesque backdrop to the journey. Hikers can explore the monastery’s rich history before embarking on a hike that combines cultural immersion with the beauty of alpine landscapes.
12. The Pennine Way
- Country: England, Scotland
- Distance: Approximately 429 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- What makes it special: England’s first long-distance national trail, diverse landscapes, and historic landmarks.
The Pennine Way is England’s first designated national trail, covering approximately 429 km from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders. Of course, it’s one of the best walking trails in the UK, but also one of the best in Europe.
Hikers on this challenging route traverse diverse landscapes, including heather-covered moors, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys. The trail passes iconic landmarks such as the Brontë Waterfall and the High Force Waterfall.
The Pennine Way provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and historical heritage of northern England and southern Scotland.
13. The Lycian Way
- Country: Turkey
- Distance: Approximately 540 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- What makes it special: Ancient ruins, turquoise coastline, and a glimpse into Lycian history.
The Lycian Way in Turkey is a long-distance trail that meanders along the stunning Turquoise Coast. Covering approximately 540 km, the route takes hikers through pine forests, remote villages, and ancient Lycian ruins.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, and hikers can explore historic sites like the ancient city of Olympos and the rock-cut tombs of Myra.
With a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Lycian Way provides a unique trekking experience.
14. The Wicklow Way
- Country: Ireland
- Distance: Approximately 132 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Ireland’s largest national park, lush green landscapes, and panoramic views.
The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest waymarked long-distance trail, covering around 132 km through the picturesque landscapes of County Wicklow.
Beginning in Dublin’s southern suburbs, the trail winds its way through dense forests, open moorland, and serene lakes. Hikers are treated to panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea.
The trail also passes through Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement nestled in a glacial valley, adding a touch of history to the scenic journey.
15. The Kungsleden Trail
- Country: Sweden
- Distance: Approximately 440 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What makes it special: Arctic wilderness, stunning fjords, and the Northern Lights.
The Kungsleden Trail in Sweden is a world-renowned trek that leads hikers through the pristine Arctic wilderness of Swedish Lapland.
Covering approximately 440 km, the trail takes adventurers across dramatic mountain passes, vast tundra landscapes, and along the shores of stunning fjords.
Hikers may be fortunate enough to witness the spectacular Northern Lights during the darker months. The trail also passes through the remote village of Nikkaluokta and offers a unique opportunity to experience the Sami culture, adding cultural richness to the awe-inspiring natural surroundings.
Summary
These may be our top picks for the 15 best hiking routes in Europe, but there’s still so much more to experience for European hikers.
From mountains to lakes, snow to beaches, European hiking really does offer it all. So, get out there and start exploring, you’ll be amazed at just how rewarding these different trails can be.