Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes

About the Hikes on this List

At the time that I am writing this, these are our 20 favorite hikes in Europe.

I expect this list to change in the near future, as we are planning a return visit to Italy, France, and Switzerland this summer. That means more hikes in the Dolomites and Switzerland plus 13 epic days on the Haute Route, as we hike from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. So, this list could look a lot different later this year.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

There is a long list of great hikes to do in the Dolomites, from short, easy trails to multi-day treks. Of the few trails that we hiked in the Dolomites, the Puez-Odle Altopiano was our favorite.

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.

As stated earlier, we are planning a return visit to the Dolomites this summer and we have a long list of trails to hike. But if you have been here, we would love to hear your favorites (let us know in the comment section at the end of this guide).

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

View of the Mt. Blahnúkúr Trail | Best Hikes in Europe

On top of Mt. Blahnúkúr | Best Hikes in Europe

Hiking Mt. Brennisteinsalda | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

5. Plitvice Lakes

LOCATION: Croatia

Distance: 8 to 11 km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 4 to 8 hours

Plitvice Lakes | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

Faulhorn | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

9. Montserrat

LOCATION: Spain

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) point-to-point | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 1.5 hours

Montserrat | Best Hikes in Europe

Montserrat is a rocky mountain range in Catalonia, Spain. “Montserrat” translates to “saw mountain” in Catalan, owing to this mountain range’s jagged, sawtooth appearance.

A visit to Montserrat is one of the best days trips from Barcelona. The train connects Barcelona with this area, where you have the option to ride a cable car or railway into the mountains, or hike up on your own two feet.

For active travelers, hiking to the monastery is the most adventurous way to get here. It’s a short but beautiful hike with great views along the trail. Once you make it to the monastery, you can extend the journey by hiking out to Santa Cova Chapel or hiking to Sant Jeroni.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

Monterosso al Mar from the hiking trail | Best Hikes in Europe

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? 😊

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) | Best Hikes in Europe

On the trail from Vel’ká Svišt’ovka to Zelene Pleso | Best Hikes in Europe

Another view of Zelene Pleso | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

Kayaking across Adventfjord | Best Hikes in Europe

View of Longyearbyen (and a few reindeer) from the Hiorthfjellet hiking trail | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

View from Koscielec | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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 | Best Hikes in Europe

Baldvinsskáli Hut | Best Hikes in Europe

Thórsmörk | Best Hikes in Europe

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.

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.

On Our Bucket List

Just this summer (2022), we hiked the Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland and spent 9 days hiking in the Dolomites. 

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.

Portugal, along with Madeira and the Azores, is a high on our to-do list. We had a big trip here planned that was cancelled during COVID, but hopefully we will get here soon.

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 from Around the World:

IN THE WORLD: 20 Best Day Hikes in the World
IN THE US NATIONAL PARKS: 20 Epic Hikes in the US National Parks
GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Hiking from Jiankou to Mutianyu on the Great Wall of China
NEW ZEALAND: How to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing