12 Best Hikes in Europe You Need to Experience
Defining the best hikes in Europe is no easy feat, as there are so many awesome trails across the continent.
From towering alpine peaks to coastal trails, multi-day treks, and iconic mountain summits, hiking trails in Europe are diverse and cater to all levels of hikers.
From our experience, some of the best hikes in Europe are also some of the lesser-known trails.
Although, you can’t create a list of the best hiking destinations in Europe without listing a few of the most classic hikes.
So, in no particular order, here are our top picks of the best hiking trips in Europe for all interests and hikers.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
Country: Switzerland, France, Italy
Length of Hike: 170 km (105 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most famous long-distance hikes.
One of the best European hikes, the route circles the Mont Blanc massif. It’s a long hike that offers great rewards.
In fact, we’d confidently say it’s one of the best treks in the world.
This classic trek passes through Switzerland, France, and Italy, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys.
What makes this one of the best hikes in Europe is the chance to spend the night in social hiking accommodation, explore small alpine villages, and experience the different countries and landscapes surrounding the famous mountain.
The entire route takes around 10-12 days to complete. Still, it’s possible to break it down into shorter sections if you have limited time or want a less intense experience.
Check out our two options for this tour:
2. The Grbaja Valley
Country: Albania
Length of Hike: Approximately 10-15 km (6-9 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Grbaja Valley offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Albania and definitely provides some of the best hiking in Europe.
Nestled in the Prokletije (Accursed) Mountains, many overlook this hiking destination gem.
While there are various routes you can hike in the Accursed Mountains, we’d recommend a route that takes you to two great peaks in one day.
The trail begins with an ascent through a shaded beech forest, leading to the 2,056-meter double peak of Popadija and Taljanka.
From the ridge, hikers are treated to panoramic views across the Kelmend region of Albania. The return journey follows the same path, providing a serene ending to this challenging yet rewarding hike.
This hike is part of our truly epic 8-day adventure hiking the peaks of the Balkans.
3. Ben Nevis Summit
Country: Scotland, UK
Length of Hike: 17 km (10.5 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Challenging
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, offers a rewarding hike with breathtaking views over the Scottish Highlands.
It’s top of the list of the best hikes in Scotland.
The most popular route is the Mountain Track, which is well-marked but steep and has a challenging final ascent.
On a clear day, the summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the effort worthwhile.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge and more fantastic hiking in the UK, you can hike Ben Nevis as a part of the Three Peaks Challenge.
4. Mont Blanc Summit
Country: France
Length of Hike: 20-25 km (12-15 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Very challenging
We’ve mentioned the Tour du Mont Blanc as one of the best hikes in Europe, but if you’re after an even greater challenge, why not summit this majestic mountain?
Many mountaineers dream of summiting Mont Blanc.
The trek to the top is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness and experience in high-altitude climbing. The journey involves glacier crossings and steep ascents.
You should have plenty of technical experience hiking in Europe and a high level of fitness.
Hiking with an experienced guide is also important.
While the ascent is tricky, the reward is standing atop the highest peak in Western Europe, surrounded by an endless sea of mountains.
Inspired? Consider our guided Mont Blanc summit expedition for the best way to climb this impressive mountain.
5. Hornvik
Country: Iceland
Length of Hike: 20 km (12 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
With its raw and expansive nature, Iceland includes some of the best hikes Europe offers.
If you’re interested in one of the wildest areas to hike in Iceland, you’ll want to head to Hornvik.
Hornvik is one of Iceland’s most remote and pristine areas in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
The hike to Hornvik takes you through dramatic coastal scenery, with towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife - including Arctic foxes and seabirds.
The route isn’t too challenging, with some steep sections, but the isolation and natural beauty make it a truly unique experience.
You’ll definitely want a guide in this remote region, as trails are not very clearly marked, and you’ll need local knowledge to help you safely navigate Iceland’s tricky climate and terrain.
For an amazing experience, take a look at our Hornstrandir traverse guided hiking and wild camping tour.
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6. Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek
Country: Italy
Length of Hike: 44 km (27 miles) over 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Gran Paradiso National Park is undoubtedly one of the best hiking spots in Europe.
While this park has many trails, we recommend a multi-day trek to experience its true natural beauty.
The Gran Paradiso Circuit is a stunning hut-to-hut trek in the Italian Alps. It offers hikers the chance to explore this remote and beautiful wilderness, and it is certainly one of the best hikes in Italy.
The trail passes through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and beneath towering peaks.
Each day brings new scenery, from waterfalls to panoramic mountain views. We really can’t stress enough how epic the towering mountain views are every day.
Along the trail, you may also spot wildlife like ibex and marmots!
Sound good? Then check out the Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek for more details.
7. Pulpit Rock
Country: Norway
Length of Hike: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re interested in the best hiking trails in Europe, you must look towards Norway. The country of fjords includes many amazing hiking routes, but this one stands out in particular.
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, attracting visitors from around the world.
The trail leads to a sheer cliff that rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fjord and mountains.
The hike is relatively short but involves some steep and rocky sections. The reward at the end is a panoramic view and rock formation that’s simply unforgettable.
Consider doing the Pulpit Rock hike as part of our hike, kayak, and wild camping adventure in the Norwegian fjords.
8. Predne Solisko Peak
Country: Slovakia
Length of Hike: 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Many people forget about Slovakia when looking for the best hikes in Europe. However, this Central European country has some awesome mountains and trails, including this peak, which is ideal for beginner hikers.
Predne Solisko is a perfect peak for those looking for a rewarding hike without too much effort.
After taking a chairlift up to 1,800 meters, a short hike leads to the summit at 2,100 meters.
You’re treated to incredible views of the High Tatras mountain range from the top, with jagged peaks and deep valleys stretching out in all directions.
Of course, you can skip the chairlift for a more challenging hike from the mountain’s base.
This is just one peak of many in the High Tatras range that should be on any keen hiker’s bucket list.
If you’d like to experience the best of this mountain range over a long weekend, check out our High Tatras and Slovak paradise hiking adventure.
9. Mt. Triglav Summit
Country: Slovenia
Length of Hike: 20 km (12 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Challenging (via ferrata sections)
Mt Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia, is a must-do for adventurous hikers.
Although not very well-known, the exciting climb up makes it one of the best mountain hikes in Europe.
The ascent involves a via ferrata, a type of protected climbing route that combines a thrilling hike with climbing. This is not your standard hike but a real adventure experience.
From the summit, at 2,864 meters, you’re rewarded with panoramic views across the Julian Alps. These views are incredible.
The hike is demanding, but with a bit of determination, even beginners can reach the top with the help of safety cables.
Consider taking our guided trip up Mt. Triglav if you’re new to this kind of climbing.
10. Pyrenees Hut to Hut
Country: Spain
Length of Hike: Approximately 40 km (25 miles) over 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
You can’t talk about the best hikes in Europe without mentioning the Pyrenees. This iconic mountain range has some of the most spectacular mountain peaks and scenery on the continent.
While there are many trails and peaks in the Pyrenees, we say the best way to experience this area is on a multi-day trek. This four-day route is one of the best treks in Europe and definitely one of the best hikes in Spain.
This hut-to-hut trek through the Pyrenees takes you through the stunning Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
The route passes through glacier-carved valleys, around crystal-clear mountain lakes, and over high-altitude passes.
You experience a wide range of landscapes and sights over a short period.
Each day brings new breathtaking landscapes, from rugged peaks to serene alpine meadows, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Check out our Pyrenees hiking adventure to learn more about the trail and route details.
11. Matterhorn Trek
Country: Switzerland
Length of Hike: Approximately 45 km (28 miles) over 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Matterhorn is Switzerland’s most iconic mountain.
While hiking to its summit is reserved for only the most experienced mountaineers, anyone can enjoy a multi-day trek around the Matterhorn region.
If you’re looking for incredible views and Alpine scenery on a relatively easy trail, this is definitely one of the best hiking places in Europe.
The trail passes through picturesque Swiss villages, crosses hanging suspension bridges, and follows scenic mountain paths with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn.
Although the trek is challenging in places, the combination of stunning scenery and the proximity to the majestic peak makes it an unforgettable adventure.
Look at our guided Matterhorn highlights hike for more details of this awesome route.
12. Vikos-Aoös Circuit, Greece
Country: Greece
Length of Hike: Approximately 40 km (25 miles) over 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Although it may not be one of the most well-known hikes, it’s still one of the most beautiful trails in Europe.
The Vikos-Aoös Circuit takes you through one of Greece’s most rugged national parks.
The hike includes crossing the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, and exploring the alpine landscapes around Dragon Lake.
The trek offers diverse scenery, from steep gorges and dense forests to open meadows and panoramic mountain views, making it a truly unique hiking experience.
Most people think of Greece purely as an island and coastal destination, but it can absolutely be one of the best places for hiking in Europe. Discover more about this route here.
Summary
No matter what kind of hiking adventure you’re after, you can experience it somewhere in Europe.
Europe is a diverse and promising hiking region with its different countries, landscapes, and national parks.
We’ve listed some of the best hikes in Europe for various hiking types and experience levels, but really, this list only scratches the surface.
Our advice? Get on some of these trails and explore Europe’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty. The more you hike in Europe, the more you’ll discover to help you plan your next adventure.
