Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful continent.
We have hiked trails all around the world and some of our top hikes are on this list below. Some of these you may have already heard of, like the Path of the Gods in Italy and Trolltunga in Norway, but also on this list are a few underrated gems such as the Hveradalir Geothermal Area in Iceland and Koscielec in Poland.
Every hike in this guide is a day hike, so they all can be completed in one day. They range from short, sweet hikes to full day efforts that are relatively challenging.
We have done every hike on this list and have a detailed trail guide for each of them, which you can use to plan your next adventure.
We would love to hear what your favorite hikes are in Europe. Not only will it give us more ideas of where to go, but it will also inspire other travelers who read this post. Let’s face it, we can’t get everywhere (although we are trying!), so I am certain that there are some fantastic hikes in Europe that are not yet on this list.
Best Hikes in Europe
1. Puez-Odle Altopiano
LOCATION: Italy
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 850 meters ascent, 1500 meters descent | Time: 6 to 9 hours
Let’s start with one of our favorite hikes in Europe and one of our favorite hiking destinations in the world.
The Dolomites are a spectacular place to go hiking. Hundreds of kilometers of trails crisscross this mountainous region, making it a playground for hikers in the summer months.
View from the Puez-Odle Altopiano Trail
On this hike, the trail runs along some of the highest peaks in the Dolomites. A chairlift lops off the first big climb (shaving off about 700 meters), so you can enjoy those wonderful views without a lot of effort. For the entire hike, the views are some of the best we have seen from a hiking trail.
There is a long list of great hikes to do in the Dolomites, from short, easy trails to multi-day treks. Of the long list of trails that we hiked in the Dolomites, the Puez-Odle Altopiano was our favorite. We could have easily added a few more Dolomites hikes to this guide (the Dolomites are that amazing!) but I didn’t want to exclude some of the other awesome trails in Europe. But if you want a few suggestions, a few more of our favorites are Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cinque Torri, and the Croda da Lago Circuit.
How to Hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano Trail in the Dolomites
Everything you need to know to hike the amazing Puez-Odle Trail in the Dolomites of Italy.2. Kjeragbolten
LOCATION: Norway
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 570 meters | Time: 6 to 8 hours
Hiking to Kjeragbolten, this giant boulder wedged between two cliffs, is one of our favorite hikes of all time.
Why?
It’s not just because you get the chance to do something absolutely crazy, stepping out onto the boulder, but it’s also because this hike is tons of fun. From climbing sheer granite faces with the aids of chains, to descending down into valleys inhabited by sheep and their clanging bells, to views out over some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway, this hike is a pure joy.
Once at the Kjeragbolten, do you dare step out onto it?
Kjeragbolten
This boulder sits 1000 meters off of the ground. It’s a bit unnerving, stepping onto it and then posing for the camera, but what an awesome collection of photographs you will have at the end of the day.
How to Hike to Kjeragbolten: The Complete Guide
A step-by-step guide to hiking Kjeragbolten.ANOTHER NOTABLE HIKE: Another notable hike in the area is Pulpit Rock. Both Kjeragbolten and Pulpit Rock can be done from the town of Stavanger. Pulpit Rock is shorter and easier to hike than Kjeragbolten and you get to stand on a large chunk of rock with beautiful views of the fjord. It’s a nice hike to consider if you want to stay closer to Stavanger and do a shorter hike.
3. The Eiger Trail
LOCATION: Jungfrau Region of Switzerland
Distance: 7.25 km (4.5 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Elevation Gain: 140 meters up and 800 meters down | Time: 2 to 3 hours
Eiger Trail | Best Hikes in Europe
The Eiger Trail is one of our favorite short hikes in Europe. This point-to-point hike follows the north face of the Eiger mountain. Along the way, you get jaw-dropping views across the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Mürren and Grindelwald.
The views are unbeatable, it is mostly a downhill walk so you don’t have to be super fit to hike this trail, and it can be easily added onto a visit to Jungfraujoch.
If you are planning a visit to Europe with kids, this is a great hike to put on your list. Plus, the entire Jungfrau region is a delight to explore. Learn how to do it in our Eiger Trail Guide.
4. Mt. Blahnúkúr Mt. Brennisteinsalda Loop
LOCATION: Landmannalaugar, Iceland
Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles) loop | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 610 meters (2000 feet) | Time: 4 to 6 hours
Hiking up Mt. Blahnúkúr
View of the Mt. Blahnúkúr Trail
On top of Mt. Blahnúkúr
Hiking Mt. Brennisteinsalda
Landmannalaugar is one of the top spots to go hiking in Iceland. Its colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long.
There are several great day hikes to do in this area. The Mt. Blahnúkúr Mt. Brennisteinsalda Loop combines two of them into one epic day hike.
Starting with Mt. Blahnúkúr, aka the Blue Peak, the trail zigzags up the mountain. It’s a tough climb but your reward is one of the best views of Landmannalaugar.
The trail descends the opposite side of Mt. Blahnúkúr, and from here, you can add on Mt. Brennisteinsalda, for a different viewpoint of the area. From the top of Mt. Brennisteinsalda, you look out over the Laugahraun lava field and the trekkers on the Laugavegur Trail.
Once finished the hike, relax in the soothing waters of the People’s Pool, a naturally occurring hot spring located next to the Laugahraun lava field.
Hike the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop, Landmannalaugar, Iceland
This loop is one of the best experiences in Landmannalaugar. Here’s how to do it.ANOTHER HIKING RECOMMENDATION: The Laugavegur Trek is a multi-day hike through some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Iceland. It is a 55 km (34 mile) trail from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk and it is typically done in 4 days and 3 nights, camping or sleeping in mountain huts along the way.
5. Plitvice Lakes
LOCATION: Croatia
Distance: 8 to 11 km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 4 to 8 hours
Plitvice Lakes
View over Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most unique places to visit in Croatia. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over the turquoise water, stunning viewpoints, and photogenic waterfalls, this is the type of place that is perfect for visitors of all ages.
This park is a network of hiking trails and boardwalks that are linked together with shuttle buses and boats. There are numerous “programs” you can follow, which are suggested routes depending upon your starting point, your energy level, and how much time you have.
In our guide to Plitvice Lakes, learn about a great loop you can hike, which is not listed as one of the main programs. See the highlights of Plitvice Lakes plus off-the-beaten-path viewpoints over the lakes.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Best Walking Route, Helpful Tips & Photos
Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Plitvice Lakes.6. Path of the Gods
LOCATION: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Distance: 5.6 km (3.5 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Descent: 410 meters (1345 feet) | Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Located high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy, the Path of the Gods (also called Sentiero degli Dei). This is the most popular hike to do along the Amalfi Coast and it is famous for its jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento peninsula.
Path of the Gods | Best Hikes in Europe
The view along the Path of the Gods
There are several different ways to hike the Path of the Gods. The most common way to do this hike is to start in Bomerano, hike to Nocelle, and then either take public transportation back to your starting point or continue the walk to Positano. By doing it this way, it is a one-way hike and mostly downhill.
With some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods is worth it for those looking to add a hike (and some pretty sweet views) on to their to-do list. We loved this hike, and if you do it point to point like we did, the views are always changing, so there is never a boring moment along this trail.
How to Hike the Path of the Gods
Everything you need to know to hike the Path of the Gods, including arranging your transportation and the best route to take.7. The Ladder of Kotor
LOCATION: Montenegro
Distance: 6.4 km (4 miles) one way; 12.8 km (8 miles) round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 3 to 6 hours
Ladder of Kotor
View of Kotor from the castle walls
For jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor, hike the Ladder of Kotor.
This trail starts next to the Old Town of Kotor and right from the start, climbs uphill. I read that there are at least 70 switchbacks on the trail. Since we never counted them, I cannot give a definite answer of how many there really are, but it’s a lot. But the higher you go, the better the view.
There are several different ways to do this hike, which is why the hiking stats above list different distances. You can hike all of the way to the top of the Ladder of Kotor and retrace your steps back down the mountain. Or you can return to Kotor by walking the Kotor castle walls. Get the full details in our Ladder of Kotor Hiking Guide.
8. Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First
LOCATION: Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
Distance: 16 km (10 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation: 860 meters (2,820 feet) ascent; 690 meters (2,260 feet) descent | Time: 6 hours
The start of the hike at Schynige Platte
Faulhorn
At the end of the hike, you have the option to add on the First Cliff Walk.
This is the second time the Jungfrau region is showing up on this hiking list (and it’s not the last), because it is a beautiful area to explore on foot, with a long list of hiking trails. The point-to-point hike from Schynige Platte to First is another one of our favorites.
The hike from Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First is a big day hike. A scenic ride on a cogwheel train takes you high up into the mountains. For the next 6 hours, you hike past alpine lakes, rustic mountain huts, snow-covered trails, cows and their musical bells, and get to see some of the best views of Swiss Alps.
If you plan to visit the Jungfrau region in the summer months and are looking for a longer hike to do, this is one of the best. Get the full details in our Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First Hiking Guide.
9. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
LOCATION: Portugal
Distance: 5.7 km (3.5 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 2 to 3 hours
Marinha Beach
Praia do Carvalho
Stretching along the coastline of the Algarve is one of the most beautiful walks in Portugal, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. On this hike, you will gaze across some of the most picturesque beaches in Europe, peer into Benagil Cave, and be treated to an endless number of jaw-dropping views of the Algarve.
This hiking trail takes you past some of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, including the very photogenic Marinha Beach.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is one of the few hikes on this list that ends at a beach, and what better way to end a hike than with a relaxing afternoon on the beach and lunch in a nearby beach cafe?
How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Everything you need to know to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, from arranging your transportation to what to expect along the trail.10. Måtind & the Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail
LOCATION: Vesteralen Islands, Norway
Distance: 7.6 km (4.7 miles) out-and-back | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 520 meters (1700 feet) | Time: 3 to 4 hours
Måtind | Best Hikes in Europe
Stave Beach
Vesteralen coastline
With jaw-dropping coastal views, this is one of the prettiest and most underrated hikes in Europe. It’s also relatively short and easy to do.
The Vesteralen Islands is a group of islands in northern Norway, not far from the Lofoten Islands. Many travelers skip right past the Vesteralen Islands and Senja, going to the more popular Lofoten Islands. But this quiet, less touristy area is home to beautiful landscapes and some of our favorite hiking trails in Norway (Segla on the island of Senja almost made it onto this hiking list).
The Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail is a 9 km trail that runs point-to-point along the coastline. Måtind is the highest point along the coast and this is the spot where you get the best views.
You can do this as a point-to-point hike, starting at one end and hiking to the other or you can do what we did. Start near the midway point, hike to the top of Måtind for the best views of the day, and wander as far as you like towards Bleik and/or Stave. We have the full details on how to do this in our Guide to Hiking to Måtind.
11. Cinque Terre
LOCATION: Italy
Distance: 11 km (7 miles) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 5 hours+
Vernazza
Monterosso al Mar from the hiking trail
The Cinque Terre is a group of five towns perched on the coastline of Italy, just north of Pisa. These colorful towns are easily recognizable, with their pastel buildings stacked on top of one another, overlooking the harbors below. Each town offers something a little bit different than the others, and part of the fun of visiting the Cinque Terre is picking your favorite one.
Hiking the Cinque Terre is one of the best ways to explore these five towns.
There is a 11 km trail (called the Blue Trail) connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare. Some portions of the trail are very easy to walk, such as the paved section connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola, and other sections climb up and over hillsides with spectacular views along the coast.
It takes about 5 hours to hike the entire distance, not counting the time to explore and linger in each town. To hike between all five towns, set aside a full day.
One of the best things about this hike is that you don’t have to do the full thing. When you get tired, take the train to the next town, rather than hiking the trail.
This is also the only hike on this list where you can refuel with gelato, pizza, and wine, as you hike from town to town.
Could this be the best hike in Europe? 😊
Hiking the Cinque Terre: What You Need to Know
How to hike the Cinque Terre from start to finish.12. The Green Lake (Zelene Pleso) & Vel’ká Svišt’ovka
LOCATION: High Tatras, Slovakia
Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation: 365 meters (1,200 feet) ascent; 1,200 meters (3,930 feet) descent | Time: 6 to 8 hours
Green Lake (Zelene pleso)
On the trail from Vel’ká Svišt’ovka to Zelene Pleso
Another view of Zelene Pleso
The High Tatras is another fantastic hiking destination in Europe. Jagged mountains, emerald green lakes, rugged hiking trails, and cable cars all come together to form the perfect adventure destination.
Hiking to the summit of Vel’ká Svišt’ovka was our favorite hike in the Tatras. The stunning mountain views and a visit to several vividly green lakes makes this a gorgeous hike.
A cable car shaves off the first major ascent, so this hike is easier than many of the hikes in the Tatras. Even so, this hike is not to be underestimated. It is a long hike, with a surprisingly difficult downhill section, parts of it requiring the use of chains. To get back into town, you also need to be prepared for the long, monotonous walk through a pine forest on a rocky, uneven trail. But it’s worth it for the views.
Hiking to Vel’ká Svišt’ovka and Zelene Pleso in the High Tatras of Slovakia
Everything you need to know to hike to the Green Lake in Slovakia.ANOTHER NOTABLE MENTION: Rysy is another popular hike to do in the Tatras. Rysy is the highest point in Poland and the highest point in the Tatras that you can hike to without a guide. Most people get here by hiking from the Slovakian Tatras. We hiked to Rysy from Štrbské Pleso in Slovakia. This tough hike is 20 km (12.5 miles) long with 1,345 meters (4,415 feet) of elevation gain.
13. Hveradalir Geothermal Area
LOCATION: Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
Distance: 11.5 km (7 miles) out-and-back | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 4 to 5 hours
Hveradalir Geothermal Area | Best Hikes in Europe
Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs.
The combination of hiking trails, rust-colored mountains, and clouds of steam creates one of Iceland’s most unique hiking and photography destinations.
From the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort, you can drive or hike to the Hveradalir Geothermal Area. If you hike out-and-back, it’s awesome to see how the terrain changes from the lush, green landscape around the resort to the steamy, orange and yellow mountains of Hveradalir. The hiking stats above include the hike to and from the resort plus exploring the Hveradalir area.
Get the full details in our Hveradalir Hiking Guide.
14. Mürren Via Ferrata
LOCATION: Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 miles) one-way | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Loss: 300 meters (1,000 feet) | Time: 3 hours
View from the Mürren via ferrata
This is the shortest but the most thrilling hike on our list of favorite hikes in Europe.
The Mürren via ferrata is a 2.2 km journey, part via ferrata and part hiking trail. You’ll cling to a cliff, climb down steep ladders, walk on a tightrope and a suspension bridge, and (with a guide) zip line across a ravine.
The best part is dangling over the Lauterbrunnen Valley, because the views are unbeatable.
Learn how to add this onto your trip to Switzerland with our Guide to the Mürren Via Ferrata.
15. Fira to Oia
LOCATION: Santorini, Greece
Distance: 10 km (6 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 3 to 5 hours
Fira to Oia hiking trail | Best Hikes in Europe
Santorini sunset
Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorini’s top experiences. Hike along the rim of a caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the islands.
If you go the entire distance, you will walk just over 10 km (about 6 miles). The walking path is a mix of paved, pedestrian streets and dirt hiking trails.
You can do this hike in either direction. For the best experience, walk from Fira to Oia. This makes it an overall downhill walk (although you will still have to walk up some hills), you get to see the amazing views of Oia in front of you, and you can end in Oia. Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, watch Oia’s legendary sunset, and then return to your hotel.
How to Hike from Fira to Oia, the Most Beautiful Walk on Santorini
Everything you need to know to walk from Fira to Oia.16. Hiorthfjellet
LOCATION: Svalbard, Norway
Distance: 5.4 km (3.4 miles) kayaking + 8.7 km (5.4 miles) hiking | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 11 hours
This experience is one of the most adventurous on this list. Due to its location, it is also the most remote.
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago that is located in the Arctic Ocean. If you look at Svalbard on globe, it looks like it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from the North Pole.
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard. At 78° north, it is also the world’s northernmost city. This is a town where the streets have no names, reindeer wander through town, and there are more snowmobiles than people.
And this is where this adventure begins.
From Longyearbyen, you will kayak across Adventfjord. Once on shore, it is a 9 km hike out-and-back to the summit of Hiorthfjellet. Along the way, you get great views of Longyearbyen and the chance to see Svalbard reindeer.
View of Hiorthfjellet from Longyearbyen
Kayaking across Adventfjord
View of Longyearbyen (and a few reindeer) from the Hiorthfjellet hiking trail
When we did this at the end of June, it snowed during the final part of our hike up Hiorthfjellet, making this hike even more memorable. We didn’t get to enjoy the view from Hiorthfjellet because of the snow, but I hear it’s an incredible view of the area.
To finish the experience, hike and then kayak back to Longyearbyen.
Kayaking Adventfjord and Hiking Hiorthfjellet: A One Day Adventure in Svalbard
This is one of the most adventurous experiences on this list. Go kayaking and then hike Hiorthfjellet, an unforgettable experience.17. Gornergrat to Riffelsee & Riffelberg
LOCATION: Zermatt, Switzerland
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1.5 hours
View from Gornergrat
View of the Matterhorn from the hiking trail
The Matterhorn | Best Hikes in Europe
This is another spectacular hike that does not require a whole lot of effort. And every step of the way you are treated to epic views of the Matterhorn…just as long as the weather cooperates.
Gornergrat is the location of the highest open-air railway in Europe. From Gornergrat, you get to see the second largest glacier in the Alps (Gorner Glacier), Switzerland’s highest peak (Dufourspitze), and the Matterhorn.
The hike from Gornergrat to Riffelberg is an overall downhill walk, so it’s a great hike for all ages and ability levels. Along the entire trail, the Matterhorn is right in front of you, which creates dramatic photo spots and great places to take a family photo.
You can end the hike early, going just to Riffelsee, or go a bit farther to Riffelberg. From Riffelberg, ride the train back to Zermatt or go even higher, adding on a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
How to Visit Gornergrat and Hike to Riffelsee & Riffelberg
Exactly how to hike from Gornergrat to Riffelsee to Riffelberg (and arrange your transportation).18. Koscielec
LOCATION: Poland
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) loop | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) | Time: 8 to 10 hours
Wildflowers along the trail
View from Koscielec
The hike to Koscielec is one of the toughest hikes on this list.
This hike starts and ends in Zakopane, Poland’s gateway into the Tatras. Along the trail, you will hike through fields of wildflowers, past alpine huts, and next to crystal-clear lakes. It is a very tough hike up Koscielec but your reward is panoramic views over both Poland and Slovakia.
We cover how to do it in our Koscielec Hiking Guide.
19. Fimmvörðuháls
LOCATION: Iceland
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Challenging | Total Ascent: 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) | Time: 8 to 10 hours
This is the toughest hike on the list and it’s one of the best.
26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet.
Sunset Falls
Baldvinsskáli Hut
Thórsmörk
Starting at the mighty Skógafoss waterfall, the land is lush and green as you hike past 25 more waterfalls along the Skógá River.
As you approach the ice caps, the green grass fades away, leaving behind a rocky, barren landscape.
From here, you hike between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, on fresh, black, volcanic soil, which is one of the youngest landscapes on the planet.
Once you begin the descent into Thórsmörk, the contrast is startling. Lime green moss covers the black soil and rocks, and eventually you will hike through a forest before arriving in Básar.
Fimmvörðuháls Hike: A Step-By-Step Guide to Iceland’s Best Day Hike
Get the full details on how to plan this hike, arrange your transportation, and what to expect along the trail.20. Trolltunga
LOCATION: Norway
Distance: 28 km (17.4 miles) out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 800 meters (2,625 feet) | Time: 10 to 12 hours
Trolltunga | Best Hikes in Europe
Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most popular hikes and one of the best hikes in Europe. It is a beautiful hike from start to finish but the main reason for doing this hike is to stand on the Troll’s Tongue, a thin sliver of rock that creates one of the most unique photo spots in Europe.
The hiking stats above are for the full hike but it is possible to shorten it. A small car pack was added which eliminates the first big climb of the hike. If you can get one of the few spots here, the hike comes in at 20 km (12.4 miles) with 300 meters (1,000 feet) of elevation gain. Not only is the hike shorter, it’s also a lot easier.
Learn how to do it in our Trolltunga Hiking Guide.
Honorable Mentions
Here are five more hikes to consider. These are also great hikes to add to your to-do list, but for various reasons, we enjoyed the hikes listed above just a little bit more.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)
Location: Madeira, Portugal
Hiking Guide: How to Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)
This hike is one of the most gorgeous listed in this guide, with jaw-dropping views of the mountainous interior of Madeira. However, we did this hike in July 2024 and it is the most crowded trail we have hiked, anywhere around the world. For a good portion of the hike, it was a single file line of people, which did not make for an enjoyable experience. It is a beauty…but it is probably a better overall experience in the spring and fall, when Madeira is less crowded.
Hörnlihütte
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Hiking Guide: Complete Guide to the Hörnlihütte Hike
The Hörnlihütte (Hörnli Hut) is a lodge built at the base of the Matterhorn. For avid hikers, this trail is a must while in Zermatt. On the trail, you are surrounded by snow covered peaks, Breithorn and Klein Matterhorn are visible in the distance, and Zermatt can be seen far below. All the while the Matterhorn grows larger as you head towards this iconic, jagged mountain.
Since we already listed a hike in Zermatt in our top 20, Hörnlihütte gets an honorable mention. Gornergrat is #1 in Zermatt in our opinion, since you get a big bang for your buck, getting awesome views with very little effort.
Caminito del Rey
Location: Andalusia, Spain
Hiking Guide: Caminito del Rey Trail Guide
The Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous walks in Spain. A series of boardwalk pathways cling to the cliffs of a gorge, creating a thrilling yet scenic walk.
The Caminito del Rey once had the distinction of being one of the most dangerous walks in the world, when the original, deteriorating concrete trail fell into disrepair. It attracted thrill seekers from around the world, but in 2014, brand new boardwalks were built, making this a much safer walk.
Cliffs of Moher
Location: Ireland
Hiking Guide: How to Hike the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of Ireland, in the County Clare. They stretch 14 km from north to south, starting at Doolin in the north and ending at Hags Head in the south. It is a very scenic walk and hikers can choose to hike the full trail or just do a small portion of it.
Walker’s Haute Route
Location: France and Switzerland
Hiking Guide: Ultimate Guide to the Walker’s Haute Route
This is not a day hike. This is a multi-day trek route that runs from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Basically, hikers trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. It is a tough, unforgettable journey that takes advance planning and training, but it is one of our absolute favorite hiking experiences. If you are an avid hiker, click the link above to check out our detailed guide to learn more.
On Our Bucket List
We would also love to hike the Hardergrat Trail in Switzerland, Aonach Eagach in Scotland, and the GR20 in Corsica. All of these are challenging hikes. The GR20 is a 112-mile trek that is often labeled as Europe’s toughest hiking trail.
The Azores are high on our to-do list. We had planned a trip here in 2020 but it was cancelled during COVID and we have yet to reschedule it.
What are your favorite hikes in Europe? We are always looking for new hiking trails and new hiking destinations and we would love to hear your list of best hikes in Europe (let us know in the comment section below). Thanks!
More Great Hikes in Europe
For more great hikes from around the world, check out our Hiking Travel Guide.
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If you ask us, putting one foot in front of another on a hiking trail is the best way to experience Norway. Hike along the jagged mountain peaks of the Lofoten Islands, the picture perfect fjords in southern Norway, and through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Stand on iconic Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock […]
12 Epic Day Hikes in Zermatt (+ Trail Stats, Photos & Map)
One of the best ways to explore Zermatt is on foot. Hiking trails climb high into the mountains above Zermatt, past Swiss hamlets, through scenic valleys and rocky gorges, and to some of the best viewpoints of the Matterhorn. The network of cable cars and trains takes you up into the mountains, so for the […]
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) in Summer: Things to Do, Photos & Tips
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German) is the highest alpine meadow in Europe. This lush, green meadow is located in the Dolomites of Italy. Cabins, rifugios, and hotels dot the landscape. Hiking trails and biking trails run along the hillsides, connecting the small villages. And Sassolungo, with its jagged, rocky peaks, looms over the […]
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) | Step-By-Step Trail Guide
A visit to Madeira would be incomplete without hiking the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). Known as one of the best trails in Madeira, you will walk along the rugged coast and marvel at the dramatic cliffs. The highlight is the view from the final climb, where hikers stand atop the highest point […]
10 Epic Hikes in Iceland: Which One Will Be Your Favorite?
One of the best ways to experience Iceland is from a hiking trail. Visit stunning waterfalls, hike through the steaming, colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll, and visit beautiful, remote destinations that you can get to only your own two feet. Here are 10 of the best day hikes in Iceland. Every hike on this […]
Exactly How to Visit Lago di Braies in 2025 (Photos & Helpful Tips)
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dolomites. This crystal-clear aquamarine lake, with its dramatic mountainous backdrop, easy walking trail, and rowboats, has long been attracting visitors. Recently, it has become even more famous, since it is the filming site for an Italian TV show, Un […]
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
In this post, find out what we carry with us on day hikes. Whether you are a new hiker, shopping for a friend or family member, or just curious about what hiking gear you should bring on a day hike, we have a lot of great information to share with you. We have hiked thousands […]
30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)
It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]
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