Though Europe is often known for its romantic cities, the continent’s incredible variety of landscapes makes it a dream destination for hikers worldwide.
After getting your fill of city life in destinations like Paris and London, unplug from the chaos by hitting the top trails throughout Europe, from Iceland to Greece.
From the coastlines of France to the mountains of Norway, these are the best hikes in Europe of all difficulty levels.
Lake Oeschinen Loop, Switzerland
Head to Bern to embark on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake Oeschinen Loop. The journey begins with a cable car ride from Kandersteg to Oeschinensee.
After arriving at the gondola station, you’ll hike almost 5.5 miles to and around Lake Oeschinen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the trail is moderately challenging, the postcard-worthy views make the effort worthwhile.
Calanque de Port-Miou, Calanque de Port-Pin, and Calanque d’En-Vau, France
Discover three secretive coves while hiking between the French towns of Marseille and Cassis. The roughly 5-mile Calanque de Port-Miou, Calanque de Port-Pin, and Calanque d’En-Vau route begins in Cassis and follows the coastline, offering stunning waterfront views the entire way. Wear sturdy shoes and be careful while descending into the coves, as the rocky environment is quite slippery.
Fira – Oia, Greece
Visit Fira and Oai, two famous Santorini attractions, in one 6.5-mile-long hike. The route combines paved streets and rough dirt trails and is mostly uphill.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there is minimal shade along the way. While hiking, enjoy picture-perfect views of the Aegean Sea and charming Mediterranean villages.
Krimml Waterfall Trail, Austria
Embark on the Krimml Waterfall Trail to see the tallest falls in Austria. The route to the over 1,200’ waterfall is about five miles long, suitable for both beginner and experienced hikers.
There are multiple viewpoints from which to admire the cascading water. Reaching the top of the falls takes effort, but seeing the Krimml Waterfall in all its glory is worth it.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Iceland’s most famous hike, the Laugavegur Trail, typically takes four days. Over 30+ miles, you’ll encounter hot springs, flowing rivers, glaciers, and vibrant mountains. This unforgettable route is only accessible between June and September, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Camino del Norte, Spain
Tackle Camino del Norte, a section of the iconic Camino de Santiago trail, during your next trip to Spain. This portion of the route travels almost 530 miles along the northern coast of Spain.
You can expect to spend around a month hiking the entire Camino del Norte or opt for an overnight or weekend backpacking adventure. Top highlights include the bustling, historic towns of San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Santander.
Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), Germany
The Kehlsteinhaus hike to Eagle’s Nest is among Bavaria’s most popular trails. It provides a unique opportunity to learn more about German history, as members of the Nazi Party built and used the Eagle’s Nest during World War II.
Today, the building serves as a restaurant and beer garden for tourists. To reach the fascinating landmark, you must hike over nine miles.
Skjeggedal – Trolltunga, Norway
The Trolltunga to Skjeggedal hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Consider booking a guide to lead you 16 miles up into the mountains.
Many hikers camp overnight to make the steep and rocky route more manageable. The breathtaking, rugged landscape more than justifies the physical effort this trail requires.
Three Peaks of Lavaredo, Italy
Hiking to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo is a great way to witness one of the most scenic areas of the Dolomites. The loop meanders through lush alpine meadows, serene lakes, and jagged mountains. You’ll be awestruck once you spot the distinct rock formations for the first time.
Ben Nevis Mountain Track, Scotland
Conquer the United Kingdom’s tallest peak by hiking the Ben Nevis Mountain Track. Situated in the Scottish Highlands, the trail gains around 4,400 feet of elevation over almost 10 miles.
The rocky, strenuous path will test your physical abilities. Thankfully, the unobstructed summit views will make you forget how tiring the journey up was.
PR1 Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo, Portugal
Consider tackling the PR1 Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo trail in Portugal’s iconic Madeira Natural Park. This hiking path boasts beautiful views of rocky peaks and distant villages. Prepare for an intense endurance challenge as you travel 7.5 miles through the Madeira mountains.
Plitvice – Upper and Lower Lakes, Croatia
The Upper and Lower Lakes are a must-visit when exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Hiking there is a popular afternoon activity, as the route features 16 lakes and numerous waterfalls. Expect crowds unless you get an early start, as many hikers flock to this almost 9.5-mile trail for its striking water features and lush foliage.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled in Slovenia is a family-friendly trail for hikers of all ages and experience levels. This casual, 3.7-mile-long loop travels along the banks of Lake Bled, a scenic lake framed by distant mountains. Since the trail is relatively flat, it’s ideal for walking and biking and easy to enjoy year-round.
Spinc and Glenealo Valley, Ireland
Save a few hours during your vacation to Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains National Park for the Spinc and Glenealo Valley hike. This somewhat challenging route is almost six miles roundtrip and highlights famous sights such as Glendalough Valley and Poulanass Waterfall. After conquering the picturesque trail, you’ll have a new appreciation for the Irish countryside’s unique beauty and charm.
See more of Europe on an epic road trip
Driving is a fantastic way to experience Europe and see multiple countries in one trip. Plan the ultimate European road trip for unforgettable adventures and lifelong memories.
21 Epic Road Trips in Europe Worth the Steep Gas Prices
Head to the US for world-famous hikes
The U.S. boasts some of the world’s most iconic hiking destinations. These are the top hikes for jaw-dropping scenery, ranging from easy to challenging.
15 Best Hikes in the US for Epic Views
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
