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Hiking & Trekking Tours in Europe

Find the best Hiking & Trekking tour in Europe. There are 793 trips to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 18 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time for a guided hiking adventure in Europe.

250+ hikes in Europe with 4,692 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

CAPPADOCIA TREKKING & CYCLE

It was lovely to see capadocia from a very different view. The litlle and not so little surprises of the hikings were the bonus. Hope to go again maybe at another season

• Mountain Hikes

Trekking Mont Blanc

Heather was a fantastic guide. It was truly an amazing experience and highly recommend to any experienced hiker

Walk the Camino de Santiago

I really enjoyed our 6-day Camino de Santiago walk with G Adventures. Although we probably could have organized it ourselves, going on a tour was nice to have it all taken care of. The walk itself is gorgeous and very interesting. The hotels were very basic at 2-stars but at least we had a decent bed and hot shower every night. The breakfasts were included in the tour price but were not very good. Many times they were late to serve us in the mornings and we got little food and drinks. Our tour guide was very good in letting us walk at our own pace but was always looking out for us to ensure we were ok. I think our CEO could have explained a bit more about the history of the Camino and offered a walking tour of Santiago de Compostela on the final day. Some of the organized lunch or dinner spots were not ideal but it was nice to have the option to eat with the group. We were overall very pleased with the tour and would recommend it.

Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica

• Coastal Walks
• Christmas & New Year

Walking the Amalfi Coast

Great trip walking the Amalfi coat! Our guide was Severio who was great fun and told us lots of facts about Amalfi along the way on our walks! The walks were challenging but a great way to see the Amalfi coast and to avoid the touristy parts. We also had free time to spend in the popular towns of Positano and Amalfi and the option to visit Capri! :) The food at the hotel was also great so don’t have anything to fault!

Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Peaks of the Balkans - Hiking Beyond Borders in Albania, Kosvovo & Montenegro (12 Days)

An amazing tour with a great organisation that really goes the extra mile for its travellers. The stunning locations are paired with some incredible food, guides are excellent, and the tour is very well supported. Highly recommend!

Mont Blanc Highlights

We’ll run. We had a great time.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

We had a wonderful time hiking the Amalfi coast. Matteo, our guide, was great! Super nice, considerate, polite. He was always on top of safety and the well-being of all of us throughout our hikes; he was always ready to answer questions and to provide information about alternate activities. Overall, it was a great experience, although there are a few things that can be improved. Agriturismo Luna D'Argerola: Facilities/ Accommodations: good, clean and well mintained. Food: very mediocre (a bowl of lettuce is not a salad, especially in the Mediterranean region; poor preparation in general, lacking in variety; very low-quality wine) Staff: not well trained to interact with tourists, rude and not accommodating for basic courtesy like leaving me in the common area in an absolute dark knowing I was there using the WIFI; no information whatsoever upon arrival of our group

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route

I have been traveling the world for a few years now Doing tours and such in many countries and ive had my share of good and surprises It is safe to say that Albania has been the biggest surprise thus far The Choose Balkans Team was the right choice too Very professional and attentive This is one of those tours that i would gladly do again

Laugavegur & Fimmvörðuháls Trek - 6 Day Tour (Huts)

I loved hiking the Laugavegur trail and the hut-to-hut experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to see Iceland’s off-the-beaten path beauty. The sense of camaraderie and achievement at reaching our final destination is something I will never forget.

Tour du Mont Blanc TMB Circuit

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We stayed at small hotels, always having a private room and en suite bath. Issues along the way - matched with people in the same group who didn't take the training seriously; meals that were only fair and lack of diversification in picnic lunches; occasional front desk staff that acted uninterested or inconvenienced. Fortunately, this did not affect the beauty of the surroundings and the overall exhilaration felt with the accomplishment of each day. Although the tour operator did mention the importance of training, this should have been stressed more greatly. It should be made more clear that the actual route taken may not end up being the same route clhosen for the day.

Village Life in Transylvanian Carpathians Mountains, an eco-certified program

This was a fabulous tour! Interesting itinerary, spectacular countryside, lovely walks, tasty local food and drink, and a great guide in Bogdan.

Peaks of the Balkans - Ten days, Three countries

Reviews of europe hiking & trekking tours.

TourRadar did a fine job of making the purchase of my Tour du Mont Blanc easy and accurate.

Our guide got us safely to Santiago which was a big part of his job. We had a nice group of people on our tour. The leader had good recommendations for restaurants and city tours. However, the guide was very impatient with me when my backpack was missing, and I only found my pack due to my air tags. Gadventures was responsible for moving my pack during the day so I am not sure about the reason for the impatience.

Hiking & Trekking Tours

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Travel Styles

• 10 Best Hiking & Trekking Companies
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Your Guide to Planning a Private Hike 2024/2025
• Best Hiking Tours in The World 2024/2025
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
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• Hiking in Europe in December

International Versions

• Deutsch: Wandern & Trekking in Europa
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7 Best Hikes in Europe for Unbelievable Scenery

By David Escribano

Although autumn has that bucolic and melancholic halo that is so well reflected in the act of the leaves falling from the trees, it's also a season when the torrid summer heat is finally gone and nature displays an incredible blanket of colors, smells, and sensations. In many parts of Europe , autumn is the best time to explore natural places and trails full of hidden treasures.

Below, we (literally) walk through some of the most beautiful areas of the old continent come cooler temperatures.

South West Coast Path, England

In the far southwest of England , a strange microclimate means that there are far more sunny days in October and November than you would expect in the UK during this time of year. Couple that with the fact that during autumn tourism in the area drops to almost non-existent levels, and this leaves the stunning South West Coast Path wide open.

The route is the longest signposted path in England at just over 621 miles. Starting in Minehead (Somerset), it runs along the coast of Exmoor, and the coastlines of North Devon and Cornwall. It crosses the mouth of the River Tamar, enters Devon, and crosses part of Dorset before ending at the port of Poole.

The route was created in the days when coastal patrols watched these shores for smugglers. However, the area has been populated since the Iron Age, and several archaeological gems can be seen close to the trail. Be warned: The entire route can take more than a month to complete, so it's more common to choose smaller sections of the trail.

In Cornwall—the most popular part—expect wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages such as St. Ives or Penzance, old tin mines such as Levant, old smugglers' caves, theaters carved into the rock, spectacular scenic views, and much more. Whew.

Tatra Mountains, Poland

The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian Mountains and serve as a natural border between Poland and Slovakia—autumn is the best season of the year for hiking this region. The main reasons for this are that the number of hikers decreases at this time of year—making it easier to find a place in the huts—and the forests take on a special color, especially in the western part of the mountain range.

Most of the routes aren't loops but rather straight walk-throughs that require sleeping in huts where you are served homemade meals, drinks, and some snacks. (Even better: All of them have electricity and running water.) You can access most of the trails from the town of Zakopane, with routes ranging two days to week-long strolls. You'll see steep ridges, dense forests of fir and beech trees, and unforgettable starry nights along the way.

Algarve, Portugal

This coastline is full of sea cliffs of polychrome limestone, caves, coves, and wild beaches, coming together in a natural paradise best walked in sections.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Steph Koyfman

Emily Pennington

One of the most popular routes in the Algarve is the Seven Hanging Valleys, which connects the beaches of Marinha and Vale Centeanes. In total, it is a linear route of 3.5 miles showing off the area's sublime beauty.

You can go down to some of the beaches along the route, and don't miss stops at villages, caves such as Benagil, and restaurants where you can get a real taste of Portuguese cuisine, inspired by the sea—and local vegetable gardens. A little further west, near the city of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade and its magnificent rock walls and sea caves can also be discovered via trails, as well as the cliffs near São Rafael beach.

Lycian Route, Turkey

Although the fantastic Lycian Route runs through the Asian part of Turkey, we have decided to include this wonderful long-distance trail among the recommendations. The Lycian Route was signposted just over two decades ago by a British woman in love with the coastal area of the Anatolia provinces of Mugla and Antalya. This is how she created a route of more than 311 miles that offers a glimpse into the ancient history of this part of the eastern Mediterranean. In October, the temperature is still pleasant and the influx of people on the route is practically nil.

The Lycians were a people of sailors, traders, and warriors who inhabited the area a couple of millennia ago. On the trail, you'll find ancient Lycian tombs carved into rocky walls, ruins of villages abandoned in the early 20th century, fishing villages, cliffs, Mediterranean forests, mountains, and beaches of spectacular beauty, such as those of Ölüdeniz or Fethiye.

The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Nature lovers consider the Ring of Kerry their ideal home in Ireland —specifically the Kerry Way. The route is one of the longest marked walking routes in Ireland. It's approximately 134 miles long divided into about nine stages ranging 11 to 19 miles each. The loop route begins and ends in the small town of Killarney.

Castles, ancient mansions, endless expanses of green meadows and valleys, cliffs, beaches, mountains (the route passes through nine of the 10 highest peaks in Ireland), and the view of rocky islands in the distance are some of its main attractions.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Wherever we begin to describe Durmitor, it always comes down to nature. With 48 peaks over 6,562 feet above sea level, the Durmitor range–which is the central part of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site —stirs the imagination.

Unlike the coastal part of Montenegro, Durmitor is a place forgotten by tourists and it is very easy to spend fantastic autumn days in almost totally isolated parts of this grandiose massif. To get a minimum impression of what the park is like, spend at least one or two days hiking its peaks and touring its glacial lakes. It is difficult to choose between the hiking trails that can be done in Durmitor because there are several really spectacular ones.

If you need some help whittling it down, ascent Prutas Peak (7,851 feet above sea level), a circular route that will take around eight hours, and the Skrka route, also known as Paradise Valley. The latter is a loop of 6.4 miles that spans lakes, mountains, and forests of the central part of the Durmitor mountains.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Fall is also a great time to hike any section of one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world: the Camino de Santiago .

More than a route, it's a vital experience that reveals the nature, culture, traditions, and gastronomy of some of Spain's most storied regions. The autumn forests look stunning in Navarra Asturias, Cantabria, or Galicia, while the number of walkers is cut way down allowing the degree of intimacy each hiker seeks.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller .

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BLOG , Europe , Hiking , travel inspiration · January 16, 2022

The 17 Best Treks And Most Impressive Hiking Trails In Europe

This post is also available in: Nederlands

Are you looking for the best hiking trails in Europe but not sure where to start? No need to keep on searching cause I am here to help! I was facing the same problem as you a couple years back and I had no clue where to start looking or if I would even be able to complete some of these hikes.

Europe is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the entire world so it comes as no surprise that this goes hand in hand with some of the most beautiful hiking trails you’ll ever see.

In this list I wrote down my personal favorites that are in my opinion the most spectacular hikes in Europe. All of these hiking trails can be done in just 1 day and all you will need are some sturdy hiking shoes, enough water and a camera to capture the most stunning landscapes!

The Best And Most Impressive Hiking Trails In Europe

The most beautiful hikes in switzerland.

Switzerland is one of the best places to hike in Europe. From turquoise mountain lakes to winding roads offering spectacular vista’s and fairytale towns to epic mountain ranges. Switzerland pretty much has it all and is the perfect country to go on a road trip !

1. Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail – One of the best day hikes in the Alps

The Appenzell region is a lesser known part of Switzerland with the main tourist crowd. But it didn’t take long for me to fall completely in love with this area! The Saxer Lücke hike is part of the Alpstein mountain range and was one of my favourites in Switzerland and I can’t wait to go back one day!

This particular hike used to be a rather challenging 16km but a few years ago they installed a new gondola in Frümsen . For €35 you can now take the cable car up and down which makes the hike a short but sweet 3km.

Distance  – 6km

Elevation  – 300 meters

Difficulty  – Easy. It’s a well maintained hiking trail with some stairs along the way. This hike is not accessible with strollers. The pathway is pretty rocky so pay attention where you place your feet.

Starting Point  – Berggasthaus Staubern

Ending Point  – Berggasthaus Staubern

What to bring  – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera

Where to stay  – I stayed in Appenzell which is only 30 minutes driving away.

2. Schäfler Hiking Trail

There are several options to reach the Schäfler hiking trail but all of them start in Ebenalp . Cause besides the impressive Schäfler viewpoint there are several other beautiful stops that you shouldn’t miss along the way! You can start hiking up from the parking lot and first encounter the beautiful Seealpsee . Afterwards you can hike up to the famous mountain restaurant Aescher-Wildkirchli and continue your hike up to Schäfler.

Another option is to take the cable car up in Ebenalp to the top (€30 to go up and down by cable car). From here it’s a 1,5 hour hike to reach Schäfler and to reach the other viewpoints you simply have to hike down the mountain. Below you’ll find the details to reach the Schäfler viewpoint from the top of the cable car.

Difficulty  – Easy to Moderate. It’s a pretty straight forward hiking trail but includes a steady incline at the end with a couple of switchbacks.

Starting Point  – Ebenalp

Ending Point  – Ebenalp

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Austria

I only visited Austria for a couple of days so far but so far I can tell you it’s an amazing country to visit if you love hiking! Some of the best hiking trails in Europe are located here and you’ll have an amazing time exploring them!

3. Olpererhütte – a famous hiking trail in Europe

The name of this hut probably doesn’t ring a bell with you but what if I said that this is how you reach one of the most photographed suspension bridges in Austria. The Olpererhütte is located in the Zillertal Alps and this hike remains one of my favourites! You start at the Schlegeis Stausee parking lot where you can park your car. I advise you to arrive early in the morning cause the drive up here goes through a one way tunnel with traffic lights which can cause long delays otherwise. This alpine road is usually open from late May until late October. As of May 2020, there’s a  14 EUR toll per car  , which you’ll pay near the toll station at Gasthof Breitlahner.

There are three ways to hike up to the Olpererhütte. I advise you to take the blue route (Trail 502), which takes around 1,5 hour.

Elevation  – 600 meters

Difficulty  – Moderate. This hike can not be accesses with any stroller. It’s a pretty steep incline with a lot of switchback and a rocky pathway.

Starting Point  – Schlegeis Stausee

Ending Point  – Schlegeis Stausee

Where to stay  – I stayed in Mayrhofen which is only 30 minutes driving away.

4. Drachensee Hiking Trail

The Drachensee is a beautiful lake nestled between the mountains in Tyrol and offers a view over the Zugspitze. The hike to Drachensee is one of the best hikes in Europe and starts at the Ehrwalder Almbahn and from here you can either take the cable car up or you can start hiking up from here. I recommend the second option cause you will encounter some of the most stunning vista’s including a waterfall perched between the mountains!

On your way up from Ehrwalder Almbahn you’ll first reach Ehrwalder Alm . The next stop is the beautiful Seebensee which is a really popular attraction. The main reason for this is that the hike from the top of the cable car to the Seebensee is really easy and on a paved road so you’ll encounter families and cyclist along the way. My advise is to leave as early as possible and try to be at the top of the cable car before the first one goes up.

From Seebensee to Drachensee it gets a little trickier. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and enough water. It’s only a short distance but a steep incline of 260 meters (follow the arrows to Coburger Hut ) but in the end you’ll be awarded by the most amazing view!

Distance  – 26km

Elevation  – 900 meters

Difficulty  – Moderate. The start and end of this hike can be rather challenging with steep inclinations but the middle section is very easy.

Starting Point  – Ehrwalder Almbahn

Ending Point  – Ehrwalder Almbahn

Where to stay  – I stayed in Grainau to be close to Eibsee but the beautiful town of Ehrwald is also a very good option!

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Italy

Over the past year if someone mentioned Italy to me my thoughts immediately go back to the Dolomites. This mountain range completely stole my heart from the moment I arrived and is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe ! There are a ton of amazing hikes that you can do here but here I will list my absolute favorites!

Planning a trip to the Dolomites? Then you’ll also love these articles:

• The 24 most beautiful places in the Dolomites
• Tips for driving and renting a car in the Dolomites
• The 10 most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites

5. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hiking Trail – One of the most popular hikes in Europe

Let’s start with one of the most famous hikes in the entire Dolomites ! The Tre Cime National Park is UNESCO World Heritage and located in the area of South Tyrol . It’s safe to say that you simply can’t visit the Dolomites without doing this beautiful hike!

There are many hiking trails in the Tre Cime National Park but the one which offers the best views over the world famous Drei Zinnen is the  Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop trail .

Distance  – 10km (6 miles)

Elevation  – 340 meters

Difficulty  – Easy

Starting Point  – Rifugio Auronzo

Ending Point  – Rifugio Auronzo

What to bring  – water, snacks, a jacket, your camera and cash.

Where to stay  – Stay in  Dobbiaco  or  Sexten  for the best experience.

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike will take you approximately 4 hours to complete. This includes a rest at the famous Drei Zinnen hut and enough time to take an endless amount of photos! Since this hike is pretty easy I recommend you to start early in the morning, preferably around sunrise. Not only will you be rewarded with the most stunning views over the mountain but you also won’t be bothered by hundreds and hundreds of other hikers.

To reach Rifugio Auronzo you simply drive up the mountain pass and upon entering the National Park you will have to pay  €30 . They accept cash only so make sure you have this on hand. The rifugio’s that you’ll encounter along the hike also only accept  cash .

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  –  Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo  for an unforgettable and luxurious stay or enjoy the authentic charm of  Hotel Eggele

VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST :  Hiking The Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Circuit

6. Cadini di Misurina Hiking Trail – A short but beautiful hike in Europe

This hike in Europe is one of my favorites, especially cause you get rewarded with the most amazing view point at the end! And do you want to know the best part? This is a super short hike! It will only take you around 30 minutes to reach one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites !

Distance  – 4km (2.5 miles)

Elevation  – 100 meters

Difficulty  – Easy to Moderate – This hike is not for you if you have a fear of heights.

To get to this hiking trail you’ll start the exact same way as with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking trail. You’ll drive up your car to Rifugio Auronzo but instead of walking left and going to the Tre Cime you now go right and walk away from them.

If you look to the right when you’re standing on the parking lot you will see the rigged peaks from the Cadini di Misurina behind a hill. On that hill you will see a hiking trail, this is where you’ll go!

Try to plan this hike together with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, this way you only have to pay the €30 fee once!

VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST :  CADINI DI MISSURINA HIKING GUIDE

7. Seiser Alm/ Alpe di Siusi Hiking Trail – Some of the best trails in Europe

When it comes to visiting Alpe di Siusi , also known as Seiser Alm, things can become a little confusing. Cause upon arrival you will see a street sign which says no driving up between 9am and 5pm. So the first time I visited this place and I saw this sign, I checked my watch and noticed that it was 5.20pm. I figured I was good to go cause I hadn’t done proper research on visiting this place.

So how can you properly visit Alpi di Siusi?  Well, if you want to go by car and go before the gondola’s are running you can drive up before 9am but you can’t drive any further than the parking lot in  Compatsch . This is a small town a little on the outskirts of Seiser Alm and there is a small parking lot where you can leave your car.

To reach the famous viewpoint you will now have to hike for about 45 minutes but the trail is almost completely flat and super easy. The easiest way to reach the viewpoint is to put in  Malga Sanon  into Google Maps. Follow the paved road and before you turn right to go down to the restaurant simply walk a hundred meters further and you’re there! But let me tell you, it would be a shame if you only visited Alpe di Siusi for this viewpoint. Cause this beautiful meadow is filled with fun and easy hiking trails!

Where to stay  – I stayed at  Alpina Dolomites , for more hotels in Alpe di Siusi click  here .

VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST  –  Alpe di Siusi Hiking Guide

8. Gran Cir Via Ferrata

The Gran Cir Via Ferrata has to be one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites due to the spectacular views you get to witness when you reach the top.

For those of you who have never done a via ferrata don’t be discouraged. It’s only a very short part of the hike where you need the help of a chain to climb up the mountain and you don’t need any gear to complete this hike. It is however a very steep hike so if you have trekking poles, definitely bring them with you for this one . I didn’t and I regretted it the entire way up.

Even though that it’s a rather short hike you really shouldn’t underestimate it. The climb up is pretty brutal and in all honesty I didn’t even make it all the way up. Like I said before I didn’t bring my trekking poles and my backpack was way too heavy from all of the camera gear that I was dragging with me. But along the way up I found this amazing spot from where I could admire the sunrise as well.

Hiking Distance  – 4.5km (2.8 miles)

Elevation  – 474m

Route Type  – Out & Back

Duration  – 3 hours

Level –  Moderate to Hard

Parking Lot  – Passo Gardena, which is accessible from Val Gardena or Val Badia along the paved serpentine SS243 road. The parking lot adjacent to  Rifugio Frara  on the Sella side is gated and requires payment as early as 7 am. After your hike, you can pay using cash, or cards, at the parking machine. However when I was there at the end of October the railing was open the entire time and payment wasn’t required.

Best time to visit  – This is one of those hikes where you really want to be at the top for sunrise. It was simply magical to watch the sun light up the valley below. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your  headlamp  with you if you embark on this adventure in the dark.

Season  – June until the end of October depending on the snowfall.

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  –  Boutique Hotel Nives  for an unforgettable stay right next to Passo Gardena or enjoy this luxurious adults only hotel  Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST –  HIKING THE GRAN CIR VIA FERRATA

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Madeira

Did you know that there are over 450 different hikes in Madeira ? This means that there is over 3000km of hiking fun scattered throughout the entire island. It’s safe to say that it won’t be possible to do all of them on your trip. I think that would be just a little too much, even for the most experienced hiker out there.

This little Portuguese island is home to some of the most impressive hiking trails in Europe ! If you are planning a visit to Madeira make sure to read my road trip guide and my full hiking guide!

The 6 Most Epic Hikes in Madeira – Hiking Trails you can’t miss

The Perfect 7 Day Madeira Road Trip Itinerary

Tips for driving and renting a car on Madeira

9. Vereda do Pico do Arieiro – PR1

Let’s start with one of the most beautiful and impressive hikes in all of Europe! But let me be clear, it’s also the hardest. Remember that I said that I am in no way a professional hiker? Well, that became very clear on this particular hike :p.

This hike  connects the two highest peaks on the island : Pico do Arieiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m)

Distance  – 15km

Average time  – 8 hours

Starting point  – Pico do Arieiro. The restaurant and shop opens at 9am and closes at 6pm.

End point  – Pico do Arieiro

Difficulty   Level  – Moderate to Hard. It is a well marked pathway but what makes it so hard are the many steep inclines. Especially since this isn’t a loop and you have the hike the entire way back up.

Advised starting time  – 30 minutes before sunrise

What to bring with you  – Sunscreen, water, camera, protein bar and a piece of fruit. I did the hike without trekking poles but can imagine they would really come in handy here.

What to wear  – Make sure to wear enough layers. In the morning it can be very cold and windy but once the sun rises you’ll be happy to continue the hike in a t-shirt. This hike requires good hiking shoes.

Distance from Funchal  – 45 minutes driving

After you’ve parked your car go up the stairs and follow the arrow that says  PR1 Pico Ruivo . As soon as you start your hike you’ll realise why I have kicked you out of bed this early. Not only will you be one of the only people here but you will get to witness the sunrise in all it’s glory. Imagine a pastel coloured sky, cloud inversions, the moon on one side and the sun rising through the clouds on the other side.

Your first stop on this hike will be  Miradouro do Ninho da Manta , also known as the birds nest. Make sure to take out your camera and snap some photos. I used my  Tamron 70-300mm  to take these close ups.

After this simply continue along the PR1 trail. On the way you’ll come across stairs, tunnels and insane panorama views. The reason why this trail is pretty tough is that you go almost entirely up and down the mountain. To add to that, the PR1 is not a loop trail. There are two ways to get back to your car at Pico do Arieiro:

• Hike the PR1 back from Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro
• Hike the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo. This is a 2.8km hike that will take you to Achada do Teixeira in Santana. If you wish to do this you have to ask the guy at the refugio at Pico Ruivo to call a taxi for you. Do know that the drive from Santana back to your car at Pico do Arieiro can take up to 1 hour and will cost you minimum €60.

10. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço – PR8

This hiking trail is located on the Eastern part of the island and offers incredible panoramic views! During the hike you’ll walk along the entire peninsula.

Distance  – 7km

Average time  – 2 hours

Starting point  – Ponta de São Lourenço

End point  – Ponta de São Lourenço

Difficulty Level  – Easy to moderate

Advised starting time  – Sunrise or 2,5 hours before sunset

What to bring with you  – Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water, snack

What to wear  – For this hike you can wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Make sure to dress in layers. There is no cover during this hike so you might want to bring a cap with you to protect you from the sun. Just make sure to choose something that sits tight on your head cause it can get very windy on this peninsula.

Distance from Funchal  – 40 minutes driving

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Germany

Germany isn’t just home to fairytale castles and cute towns, here you’ll also find some incredible mountain ranges! The area around Berchtesgaden is one of my absolute favorites and is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails in Europe.

If you’re planning a trip to Germany make sure to give the following guides a read.

21 Fantastic Places To Go In Germany

17 Most Beautiful Fairytale Castles in Germany

The Perfect Visit of Königssee in Germany

11. Watzmann Hocheck Hiking Trail – A unique hiking route in Europe

This has to be one of the most spectacular hiking trails in entire Germany but also one of the toughest. With no cable car in sight you start walking up the Watzmann from the Hammerstielstraße 50 Parking.

The first kilometers of the hiking trail start in the woods on a gravel road at a moderate inclination. Afterwards the inclination only becomes steeper and steeper. After a while you’ll come across the first rest stop: Mitterkaseralm am Watzmann. Sit down here to have some breakfast and catch your breath before hiking up further.

From now the inclination will remain steep and there are a lot of switchbacks. The gravel road is now replaced by a rocky mountain pathway which can be pretty slippery if it rained the day before. Your next stop will be the Watzmannhouse. This is also the furthest that I went myself but my boyfriend did make it all the way up to Hocheck. There isn’t really a pathway, it involves a lot of climbing and looking out for the markings of the trail.

Elevation  – 1900 meters

Difficulty  – Hard

Starting Point  – Hammerstielstraße 50 Parking

Ending Point  – Hammerstielstraße 50 Parking

Where to stay  – Stay in Berchtesgaden or Ramsau for the best experience.

12. Rabenwand Hiking Trail

When traveling to Berchtesgaden a visit to the famous Königssee has to be on your list! But did you know that you can also hike alongside the stunning lake? Simply walk to the boathouse and turn left to walk behind them. From here you first follow the hiking trail that says Malerwinkel to reach the first viewpoint. This one is already nice but not nearly as beautiful as Rabenwand!

Distance  – 5 km

Elevation  – 170 meters

Starting Point  – Bayerische Seenschifffahrt Königssee

Ending Point  – Königssee Parkplatz

What to bring  – Water and your camera

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Norway – One of the best hiking destinations in Europe

One of my main goals for this trip to  Norway  was to do as many hikes as possible. And while doing my research I found a ton of articles but they all pretty much mentioned the same hiking trails over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a good classic but I also wanted to discover some hidden gems.

And that’s exactly what we did! We completed some of the most famous hikes in Southern Norway but also  discovered some lesser known hiking trails  that will completely blow your mind!

If you’re planning a trip to Norway you’ll also love these guides.

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway for the Outdoor Lover

Where To See The Musk Ox In Dovrefjell National Park In Norway

The Ultimate 2 Week Norway Road Trip Itinerary Perfect For The Outdoor Lover

13. TROLLTUNGA HIKE – A long hike in Europe

I don’t think there’s any spot in Norway that’s more iconic than the Trolltunga ! But it’s also one of the most photographed places in the country . And because of that you can expect an actual waiting line here to take this special photograph.

During high season waiting times can become as long as 2 hours. Fortunately there are also a couple of ways to avoid the big crowds and still have an amazing time on this trail.

A couple of tips for avoiding the big crowds :

• Hike during off season: September is the way to go!
• Start your hike before sunrise from P3 at Mågelitopp. This will take out the most strenuous part of the hike and is only accessible through a toll road. There are 30 parking spots available so make sure. tobook your spot from before.
• Stay overnight, there’s a ton of places where you can go wild camping near Trolltunga

Distance  – 20.2km (12.5 miles) if you start from P3. Otherwise the total hiking distance is 28km.

Elevation  – 400m

Route Type  – Out & back

Duration  – 8 to 11 hours (depending on where you start the hike)

Level  – Moderate to hard, depending on where you start the hike

Parking lot  –  P3 Mågelitopp

When to go  – The earlier you start this hike the better!

Season  – June 1 to September 30 (without a guide). At all other times of the year you must hike with a guide.

VIEW FULL BLOG POST – Trolltunga Hike – Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Norway’s Most Famous Trail

14. MOUNT SAKSA HIKE – An epic hike in Europe

If there’s one place that you can’t miss if you absolutely love hiking it’s the Sunmøre Alps in Western Norway. And you want to know the best part? This area in Norway is still relatively unknown!

Most people all flock to the nearby Geiranger fjord. And trust me, I’ve seen both places and the Sunmøre Alps are a lot more worth your time! They’re a lot less touristic and I could have easily spend 5 days here if the weather would have allowed it!

I think if I had to choose my favorite place in Norway out of all of the ones I’ve seen on this road trip it would be this one!

Mount Saks is one of the most popular hikes in the Sunmøre Alps and after a very hard and tiring climb you’ll be rewarded by 360° views over the fjords.

Distance  – 6km (3.7 miles)

Elevation  – 931m

Duration  – 4 hours

Level  – Moderate to hard

Parking lot  –  Saksa parking lot . There’s no parking fee.

When to go  – I advise you to leave early in the morning. It’s one of the busiest trails in the Sunmøre Alps and you really want to enjoy the view on the top alone, at least for a little while.

Season  – June until October

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON HIKING MOUNT SAKSA FOR MORE DETAILS!

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Iceland

The official hiking season in Iceland usually starts halfway through June and lasts until September. But it’s a little different for each hiking trail since some of them are located close to the Ring Road and are always accessible and others are in the Icelandic Highlands and only reachable during the summer months .

The two best months to go hiking in Iceland are  July and August . During this time you’ll be able to complete every single hike on this list. Some trails may be a little more crowded compared to a visit in the shoulder season. But  if you time it right you’ll still be one of the only ones on the hiking trails . And yes, I will include all of this information for every single hike!

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland you’ll also love these guides:

• The best places to visit in the Icelandic Highlands
• 13 crazy beautiful hidden gems in Iceland
• The perfect Summer road trip through Iceland
• The perfect Winter road trip through Iceland

15. FAGRADALSFJALL HIKING TRAIL

Ever since its eruption in March 2021 it has been attracting adventurous and curious locals and tourists. And   now it’s actually one of the top attractions and top things to do in Iceland! The Fagradalsfjall volcano has remained active ever since its eruption in March 2021 and until this day it is still spewing lava.

The start of the Fagradalsfjall hike is close to Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula . This is the same peninsula where the international airport is located so it’s most convenient to combine your visit to the volcano with your arrival or departure to Iceland.

There are actually 3 different trails that lead to the volcano but only one of them has a good view over the active crater. While at the start of the eruption in March 2021 you had to follow hiking trail B, now  you have to follow hiking trail C which will lead you to two different viewpoints .

Distance  – 9km (5.6 miles)

Elevation  – 300m

Duration  – 2 to 3 hours

Level  – Medium. There are a couple of steep inclines on loose gravel so make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. If you have trekking poles you’ll definitely want to use them here.

When to visit  – Preparation is definitely key when it comes to visiting this volcano! The best part? You can simply follow along the entire process on Youtube.  You can click here for the live feed of the active Fagradalsfjall volcano.  Here you can check if the crater is actually visible in real time or if it’s spewing lava or not.

Season  – The Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail is open all year round but might sometimes be closed if the hiking circumstances become dangerous.

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE TO FULLY PREPARE FOR THIS HIKE –  Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland

16. MOUNT BLAHNUKUR LOOP TRAIL – One of the best day hikes in Europe

The Mount Blahnukur hiking trail is located in Landmannalaugar , one of the most stunning places in the Icelandic Highlands . Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling color. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and golden yellow make for an ethereal location.

The colorful region can be found  nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field , a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477.

Landmannalaugar is located in the heart of Icelandic Highlands which means  you can only get there with a proper 4×4 vehicle.  The Highlands are interconnected by the so called F-roads and it’s strictly forbidden to drive on these with a regular car.

The Mount Blahnukur hiking trail is one of my favorite hikes in entire Iceland so make sure to add it to your itinerary.

Distance  – 6.1km (3.8 miles)

Elevation  – 350m

Route Type  – Loop

Duration  – 2,5 to 4 hours

Level  – Medium. The first part of the hike is a very steep incline but after that the worst is over and all that’s left to do is enjoy the incredible views.

When to visit  – If you start this hike in the early morning you’ll be the only one on the trail. Most people only start hiking around 10am in the area of Landmannalaugar.

Season  – The hiking trails in Landmannalaugar are only accessible during the summer months. Before June and after September the roads to the Highlands get closed off due to heavy snowfall.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED GUIDE ON LANDMANNALAUGAR –  The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar – The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail

17. REMUNDARGIL LOOP IN THAKGIL – One of the best hiking routes in Europe

Thakgil is a hidden gem in Southern Iceland close to the famous tourist attractions of Vik and Reynisfara. It’s a short 30 minute detour from the Ring Road but if you have the time I highly recommend spending at least 1 day here.

Typical for Thakgil are the  steep, mossy walls  and the many canyons. And compared to the immensely popular Fjadragljufur canyon you can actually roam around freely here. The Remundargil loop is one of the best hikes in Iceland so make sure to add it to your itinerary!

Distance  – 12.5km (7.7 miles)

Elevation  – 250m

Duration  – 3 to 5 hours

Level  – Medium to Hard. The start of the hike is a very steep incline with a lot of switchbacks followed by a very steep decline. If you have trekking poles with you I highly recommend using them here.

When to visit  – Start your hike in the morning to have the best experience.

Season  – Thakgil is one of those regions in Iceland that you have to explore during the summer months.  The Thakgil campsite opens annually from June 1st and closes down on the 15th of September . Outside this period of time you can still check if the hiking trails are accessible but chances are high they’l be covered in snow.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED GUIDE ON HIKING THE REMUNDARGIL TRAIL IN THAKGIL –  The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail – Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Gemma | footSTEPS - Dance, Travel, Culture says

August 14, 2020 at 2:23 pm

Wow. The views from each of these hikes look like something out of a fairy tale! So stunning!

I’m planning a round-the-world trip (or at least I was, before lockdown!) and was looking for some interesting hikes to include. Some of these will definitely be going on my list! Thank you!

Charlotte says

August 15, 2020 at 9:05 am

Ah so happy to hear that!!! 🙂

October 6, 2022 at 10:27 am

Wow, the views look magnificant!

Yakub Ghale says

February 5, 2023 at 10:27 am

Hi, i am from Nepal knows as the country of Mt.Everest so before reading this blog i used to think that the beautiful mountains are only in my country but after read above i feel my self i enter in another world, i enjoyed the pictures very much i feel myself proud that i got a lot of knowledge about Europe hiking mountains and enjoyed the pictures. Thank very much for sharing such a informative and good blog.

July 16, 2023 at 5:54 am

Beautifully crafted article

mountgloryadventures says

November 2, 2023 at 7:36 am

Helpful Article.

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