Europe is a hiker’s paradise – even for beginners.
From epic mountain peaks to scenic coastal trails, the best hiking routes in Europe for beginners are incredibly versatile. This includes multi-day hikes, as well as easy day hikes.
If you’re new to hiking and want to find some routes that don’t require expensive gear, major fitness, or technical hiking knowledge, then you’re in luck. Here are 20 of the best hiking routes in Europe for beginners (not that experienced hikers won’t enjoy them too!)
Psst… we’ve also made a list of the overall best hiking routes in Europe for hikers with a bit more experience.
1. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
- Trail Length: Varies, typically around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
- Location: Liguria, Italy
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Scenic coastal views, colorful villages, vineyards, and olive groves.
The Cinque Terre Coastal Trail winds its way along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, connecting the five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The trail offers breathtaking vistas of the turquoise Ligurian Sea and the colorful houses perched on cliffsides.
Along the way, hikers can stop to sample local delicacies such as fresh seafood and pesto or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
2. West Highland Way
- Trail Length: 154 kilometers (96 miles)
- Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Devil’s Staircase, and Ben Nevis.
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, stretching from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William, beneath the towering peak of Ben Nevis – the best mountain to climb in the UK.
Hikers traverse diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, tranquil lochs, and rugged moorland. Highlights of the trail include the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, and the challenging ascent of the Devil’s Staircase.
The route is dotted with welcoming villages where walkers can rest and refuel with hearty Scottish fare. This is undoubtedly one of the best walking trails in the UK.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Trail Length: Various loop trails ranging from 3.5 to 18 kilometers (2.2 to 11.2 miles)
- Location: Lika-Senj County, Croatia
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Highlights: Spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, wooden walkways.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
The park is home to a series of interconnected lakes and waterfalls, surrounded by lush forest teeming with wildlife. Hikers can explore the park via well-marked trails and wooden walkways that wind their way around the emerald-green lakes and thundering waterfalls.
Highlights include the majestic Veliki Slap waterfall, the tranquil waters of Lake Kozjak, and the breathtaking views from the park’s highest points.
4. Cami de Ronda, Costa Brava
- Trail Length: Varies, typically around 20 kilometers (12.4 miles)
- Location: Catalonia, Spain
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Rocky coastline, secluded coves, sandy beaches.
Cami de Ronda is a coastal path that stretches along the rugged Costa Brava, offering hikers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The trail winds its way past hidden coves, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs, providing plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Hikers can explore charming fishing villages such as Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu, where they can sample fresh seafood and enjoy a taste of Catalan culture.
With its mild climate and stunning scenery, Cami de Ronda is the perfect destination for a leisurely coastal hike.
5. Lake Bled
- Trail Length: Approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) around the lake
- Location: Upper Carniolan region, Slovenia
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Highlights: Breathtaking views of Lake Bled, Bled Island, and Bled Castle.
The trail around Lake Bled offers hikers a leisurely stroll through some of Slovenia’s most picturesque scenery.
The path winds its way around the crystal-clear waters of the lake, offering breathtaking views of Bled Island with its iconic church and Bled Castle perched on a cliff overlooking the water. Along the way, hikers can stop to rent a traditional wooden boat known as a pletna and row out to the island, or sample a delicious cream cake at one of the lakeside cafes.
With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Lake Bled is a must-visit destination for hikers of all skill levels.
6. Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from 3 to 16 kilometers (1.9 to 10 miles)
- Location: Saxony, Germany
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Unique rock formations, lush forests, panoramic views.
Saxon Switzerland National Park, located near the German city of Dresden, is renowned for its dramatic sandstone rock formations and lush forests.
The park is crisscrossed by a network of well-marked trails that lead hikers through narrow gorges, past towering cliffs, and to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Elbe River valley.
Highlights of the park include the iconic Bastei Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Pravčická brána, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe.
With its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, Saxon Switzerland National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. The Kerry Way
- Trail Length: 215 kilometers (134 miles)
- Location: County Kerry, Ireland
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Skellig Islands.
The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s premier long-distance hiking trails, offering hikers the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of County Kerry.
The trail winds its way through rolling hills, rugged coastline, and verdant valleys, passing through charming villages and historic sites along the way.
Highlights of the trail include the famous Ring of Kerry, with its breathtaking coastal views, the beautiful Killarney National Park, home to majestic mountains and pristine lakes, and the remote Skellig Islands, renowned for their ancient monastic settlement.
With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, the Kerry Way is a must-visit destination for hikers seeking adventure in the Emerald Isle.
8. Laugavegur Trail
- Trail Length: Approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles)
- Location: Highlands of Iceland
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Trail Highlights: Colorful mountains, hot springs, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s most famous multi-day hike, leading adventurers through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. It’s also an ideal introduction to overnight hiking for beginners.
The trail begins in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, where hikers can soak in natural hot springs surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. From there, the trail winds its way through otherworldly landscapes, including the black sands of Þórsmörk Valley and the icy wilderness of the Fimmvörðuháls Pass, before ending in the lush greenery of Skógar.
Along the way, hikers can marvel at dramatic waterfalls, cross glacial rivers, and witness firsthand the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
With its ever-changing scenery and challenging terrain, the Laugavegur Trail offers a truly unforgettable hiking experience.
9. The Cotswold Way
- Trail Length: 164 kilometers (102 miles)
- Location: Southwestern England, United Kingdom
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Picturesque English countryside, charming villages, historic landmarks.
The Cotswold Way is a quintessential English hiking trail that meanders through the rolling hills and limestone villages of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is certainly one of the best hiking routes in the UK.
Starting in the historic city of Chipping Campden and ending in the Roman city of Bath, the trail takes hikers on a journey through idyllic countryside, pastures dotted with sheep and ancient woodlands.
Highlights along the route include the breathtaking views from Broadway Tower, the charming villages of Painswick and Castle Combe, and the impressive ruins of Sudeley Castle.
With its gentle gradients and well-signposted trails, the Cotswold Way is perfect for beginners looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the English countryside. Just make sure you bring along the right gear list for walking in the UK.
10. Rila National Park
- Trail Length: Varies, numerous hiking trails available
- Location: Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Seven Rila Lakes, glacial valleys, alpine meadows.
Rila National Park is a pristine wilderness located in the heart of the Rila Mountains, home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Bulgaria.
Hikers can explore a network of well-marked trails that wind their way through lush forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and up to rugged mountain peaks. The highlight of the park is the Seven Rila Lakes, a series of glacial lakes nestled amidst towering peaks, each with its own unique character and beauty.
Other highlights include the tranquil valleys of the Rila Monastery Nature Park, where hikers can spot rare wildlife such as brown bears and chamois, and the alpine meadows of the Maliovitsa Valley, carpeted with colorful wildflowers in the summer months.
With its diverse landscapes and wealth of natural beauty, Rila National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
11. Tatra Mountains
- Trail Length: Varies, numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Location: Poland and Slovakia
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, rugged peaks.
The Tatra Mountains, located on the border between Poland and Slovakia, are a hiker’s paradise, offering a wealth of trails to suit all abilities.
Beginners can enjoy leisurely walks through alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, while more experienced hikers can tackle challenging ascents to towering peaks such as Rysy, the highest mountain in Poland.
Highlights of the area include the stunning views from the summit of Giewont, the emerald-green waters of Morskie Oko Lake, and the dramatic rock formations of the Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (Valley of the Five Polish Lakes).
With its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Tatra Mountains are a must-visit destination for hikers seeking adventure in Central Europe.
12. Cinca Waterfalls Trail
- Trail Length: Approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip
- Location: Aragon, Spain
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Scenic canyon, numerous waterfalls, natural pools.
The Cinca Waterfalls Trail offers hikers the chance to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Spanish Pyrenees, following the course of the Cinca River as it cascades through a dramatic canyon.
The trail begins in the village of Escalona and follows a well-marked path along the riverbank, passing numerous waterfalls and cascades along the way. Highlights of the trail include the spectacular Gradas de Soaso waterfall, the crystal-clear pools of La Mora waterfall, and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the Mirador de Calcilarruego viewpoint.
With its easy terrain and stunning scenery, the Cinca Waterfalls Trail is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
13. Wicklow Way
- Trail Length: 129 kilometers (80 miles)
- Location: County Wicklow, Ireland
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Valley, Powerscourt Waterfall.
The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest waymarked trail, taking hikers on a journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
The trail starts in the village of Clonegal and winds its way through the rolling hills and valleys of County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland.”
Highlights of the trail include the breathtaking views from the summit of Lugnaquilla, the picturesque Glendalough Valley with its ancient monastic site, and the majestic Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ireland.
With its varied terrain and rich history, the Wicklow Way offers a truly unforgettable hiking experience for adventurers of all ages and abilities.
14. Alpe Adria Trail
- Trail Length: Approximately 750 kilometers (466 miles)
- Location: Austria, Italy, Slovenia
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Julian Alps, Adriatic Sea, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Alpe Adria Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches from the foot of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, to the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Muggia, Italy.
The trail passes through three countries – Austria, Italy, and Slovenia – and showcases the diverse landscapes and cultures of the region.
Highlights of the trail include the stunning scenery of the Julian Alps, with their rugged peaks and crystal-clear lakes, the historic towns and villages of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the pristine beaches of the Adriatic coastline.
With its well-marked trails and excellent infrastructure, the Alpe Adria Trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, making it the perfect destination for a multi-country hiking adventure.
15. Glymur Waterfall
- Trail Length: Approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) round trip
- Location: West Iceland
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Glymur Waterfall, panoramic views of Hvalfjörður fjord.
Glymur Waterfall is Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, located in the remote Hvalfjörður fjord in West Iceland. The trail to Glymur Waterfall offers hikers the chance to experience some of Iceland’s most stunning scenery, including dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fjord.
The highlight of the trail is, of course, Glymur Waterfall itself, a magnificent cascade that plunges 198 meters (650 feet) into a deep canyon below. Hikers can follow a well-marked path that winds its way along the edge of the canyon, crossing a wooden bridge and passing several smaller waterfalls along the way.
With its moderate difficulty and breathtaking views, the hike to Glymur Waterfall is a must-do for anyone visiting Iceland.
16. Durmitor National Park
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Location: Montenegro
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Tara Canyon, Black Lake, Bobotov Kuk.
Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the rugged mountains of northern Montenegro. The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including deep gorges, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks.
Hikers can explore a network of well-marked trails that lead through the park’s diverse terrain, from gentle strolls around the shores of the tranquil Black Lake to challenging ascents of peaks such as Bobotov Kuk, the highest point in the park.
Highlights of the park include the breathtaking views from the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest canyon, and the chance to spot rare wildlife such as bears, wolves, and lynx.
With its pristine wilderness and stunning scenery, Durmitor National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
17. Isle of Skye
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Location: Inner Hebrides, Scotland
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: The Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools.
The Isle of Skye is a rugged and enchanting island off the west coast of Scotland, famed for its dramatic landscapes and rich Gaelic heritage.
Hikers can explore a multitude of trails that wind their way through the island’s diverse terrain, from towering cliffs to windswept moors.
Highlights of the island include the otherworldly rock formations of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr, the crystal-clear Fairy Pools nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, and the breathtaking views from the summit of the Cuillin Ridge.
With its wild beauty and ancient history, the Isle of Skye is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Make sure you bring along the right backpacking checklist for the Highlands though, as weather conditions here can be incredibly unpredictable.
18. Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Location: Northern Portugal
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Gerês Thermal Springs, Pedra Bela viewpoint, Soajo Village.
Peneda-Gerês National Park is Portugal’s only national park, located in the rugged mountains of the Minho region in the north of the country. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and granite peaks.
Hikers can explore a network of trails that lead through the park’s diverse landscapes, from leisurely walks along the banks of the crystal-clear rivers to challenging climbs to panoramic viewpoints.
Highlights of the park include the rejuvenating Gerês Thermal Springs, the stunning views from the Pedra Bela viewpoint, and the ancient stone villages of Soajo and Lindoso.
With its rich biodiversity and pristine wilderness, Peneda-Gerês National Park offers a truly unforgettable hiking experience.
19. Lauterbrunnen Valley
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from easy to challenging
- Location: Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, Mürren village.
Lauterbrunnen Valley is a picturesque valley nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, known for its towering waterfalls, lush meadows, and charming villages. If you’re after the best backpacking routes in Europe, make sure you consider this scenic destination.
Hikers can explore a network of trails that wind their way through the valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Highlights of the valley include the iconic Staubbach Falls, Europe’s highest free-falling waterfall, and the thundering Trümmelbach Falls, which carve their way through the heart of the mountain. There’s also the car-free village of Mürren, with its traditional chalets and panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
With its stunning scenery and well-marked trails, Lauterbrunnen Valley is a hiker’s paradise in the heart of Switzerland.
20. Hallerbos Forest
- Trail Length: Various trails ranging from easy to moderate
- Location: Flemish Brabant, Belgium
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Highlights: Bluebell carpet (in spring), ancient beech trees, peaceful woodland trails.
Hallerbos Forest, also known as the Blue Forest, is a magical woodland located in Flemish Brabant, Belgium.
The forest is famous for its stunning display of bluebells that carpet the forest floor in spring, creating a fairy-tale landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. Hikers can explore a network of trails that wind their way through the ancient beech trees, offering glimpses of wildlife such as deer, foxes, and birds of prey.
Highlights of the forest include the peaceful woodland trails, where hikers can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the forest, and the vibrant display of bluebells that transforms the forest into a sea of blue in the springtime.
With its enchanting beauty and serene atmosphere, Hallerbos Forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers alike.
Conclusion
There you go, 20 of the best hiking routes in Europe for beginners. These trails offer a wide range of experiences and scenery, from cold mountain ranges to sunny beaches and everything in between.
Which beginner-friendly European hike will you do first? We highly recommend them all.