It’s hard to pick the best hiking trails in Europe because there are so many. And everyone is looking for something different.
Luckily, Europe offers a diverse range of hiking trails, each with its own unique landscapes and challenges.
Here’s a list of some of the best hiking trails across the continent:
Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
This famous trail takes hikers around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, traversing through three countries and offering stunning alpine scenery.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Scotland’s first long-distance route, this trail offers a great introduction to the Scottish Highlands, featuring lochs, glens, and moors.
The Camino de Santiago, Spain
Also known as the Way of St. James, this is a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The most popular route is the Camino Francés, which stretches across northern Spain.
Lycian Way, Turkey
Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail along the coast of Lycia offers a mix of Mediterranean views, Turkish culture, and ancient ruins.
Alta Via 1, Italy
A stunning high route through the Dolomites, this trail offers breathtaking views of mountain landscapes and requires about a week to complete.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
One of Iceland’s most popular hiking trails, it features a remarkable variety of landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic terrain.
Rota Vicentina, Portugal
This network of trails along the southwest coast of Portugal offers hikers the chance to explore the beautiful and unspoiled landscapes of the Alentejo and Algarve regions.
GR20, Corsica, France
Known as one of the toughest long-distance trails in Europe, the GR20 crosses Corsica diagonally from north to south, offering rugged terrain, beautiful vistas, and a true challenge for experienced hikers.
Slovenian Mountain Trail, Slovenia
Slovenia’s longest and most popular long-distance trail, it crosses the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and the Pohorje Hills.
Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden
Located in the Arctic wilderness of northern Sweden, this trail passes through one of Europe’s largest remaining wilderness areas.
Final Thoughts
Each of these trails offers a unique hiking experience, from challenging mountain treks to scenic coastal walks.
Depending on your experience, fitness level, and interests, you can choose the trail that best suits your adventure needs.