Europe has always been my favorite playground for adventure. I’ve traveled through 38 countries here, and what keeps me coming back isn’t just the castles, cafés, or cobblestone streets…it’s the trails. Hiking in Europe means standing on cliff edges above the sea in Portugal, climbing rugged peaks in the Alps, or wandering paths that lead you straight into storybook villages. Every trail feels like a mix of nature and culture that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Over the years I’ve tackled some of the continent’s most epic routes, and each one gave me more than just incredible views. They came with unforgettable side trips too…whether it was ending a hike at a mountain hut in Switzerland, cooling off in a hidden lake in Slovenia, or exploring centuries-old towns right off the trail. That blend of wild landscapes and rich history is what makes hiking in Europe so unique.
In this guide, I’m sharing 12 of the most epic hiking trails across Europe. I’ve included everything you need to know: not just the hikes themselves, but also the visiting info, nearby highlights, and the little extras that make each one worth putting on your bucket list.
Top Hiking Trails to Tackle in Europe (At a Glance)
Spending time in Europe and want to hit the trails? This quick-look list is your ultimate cheat sheet for the continent’s most jaw-dropping hikes, from alpine giants to rugged coastlines and remote wilderness. Tap any section to explore the trail details.
- Best Alpine Circuit: Tour du Mont Blanc
- Most Rugged Coastal Trek: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia
- Top National Pride Summit: Mount Triglav
- Wildest Cultural Trek: Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia
- Most Iconic Scottish Adventure: West Highland Way
- Best Peak Circuit Hike: Matterhorn Trek
- Toughest Island Traverse: GR20, Corsica
- Best Multi-Nation Route: Alpe-Adria Trail
- Best Coastal Vibes: Rota Vicentina, Portugal
- Most Otherworldly Landscape: Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
- Best Sunrise Summit: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
- Ultimate Alpine Epic: Via Alpina, Switzerland
Now, keep reading for insider tips, gear advice, and the best times to hike each one!
1. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
Look, I won’t sugarcoat it – the Tour du Mont Blanc is expensive, but it’s honestly one of the best hiking experiences you can have in Europe. We’re talking around €825-840 for a 10-day self-guided trip if you stay in mountain refuges, and that’s the budget option. If you want private rooms, you’re looking at closer to €925-1,200 depending on whether you’re hiking solo or sharing. I did the classic 170km circuit last year and can confirm it’s worth every euro.
The trail takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland, hitting incredible spots like Col des Fours and the Grand Col Ferret. What’s cool is you don’t have to commit to the full 10-12 day trek. Try the day hike between La Fouly and Champex in Switzerland if you want a taste without the massive time commitment. The refuges cost around €54 per night including meals, and honestly, after a long day of hiking with 3,000 feet of daily elevation gain, you’ll appreciate having a bed and hot meal waiting.
Best time to go is mid-June to mid-September when the mountain huts are open and paths are clear of snow. Just know that 2025 sees some tunnel closures between Chamonix and Courmayeur from September 1st to December 12th, so plan accordingly. Book refuges way in advance – this trail gets crazy busy during peak season.
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2. Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia, Italy
The Selvaggio Blu is hands down the most badass hiking trail in Europe, and I’m not exaggerating. This 50km coastal route along Sardinia’s eastern coast isn’t just hiking – you’ll be abseiling, rock climbing, and scrambling your way through some seriously technical terrain. The Swiss Alpine Club rates it T5, which is basically “prepare to die if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
I attempted this with a guide (which I’d highly recommend unless you’re already a mountain ninja), and even then it was intense. You’ll spend 5-6 days covering about 6 hours of hiking daily, with technical rock climbs up to grade IV and rappels as long as 45 meters. The route follows ancient charcoal burner tracks and shepherd paths, so navigation is tricky even with experience.
Water is the big challenge here – there are basically no reliable sources along the route except maybe Grotta dell’Acqua on day three. Most guided groups arrange boat deliveries for water and food, which honestly makes sense given you’ll need 3+ liters per person per day in the Sardinian heat. The camping is wild though – you’ll sleep in caves and coves right by the Mediterranean Sea. Spring and early autumn are your best bets for weather, and expect to pay around €700-1,000 for a guided experience that includes all the technical equipment and logistics support you’ll definitely need.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Sardinia
3. Mount Triglav, Slovenia
Every Slovenian will tell you that you’re not truly Slovenian until you’ve climbed Mount Triglav, and honestly, after doing it myself, I get why it’s such a big deal. At 2,864 meters, this isn’t just Slovenia’s highest peak – it’s a proper mountaineering challenge that’ll test your limits.
The climb typically takes 2 days (though hardcore hikers do it in one crazy 12-16 hour push), and you’ll gain about 1,885 meters of elevation from Aljažev Dom. The final approach involves via ferrata sections that actually require helmets, harnesses, and climbing gear. I stayed at Kredarica Hut (2,515m) on night one – it’s the highest hut in Slovenia and costs around €27 for a dorm bed, plus €40 if you want breakfast and dinner included.
Via ferrata gear rental runs about €20 per day in Lake Bled or Lake Bohinj. The Pokljuka Plateau route is considered the “easiest” approach, but don’t let that fool you – there’s still serious exposure and technical climbing involved. Weather changes fast up there, so June through September is your window. If you’re not comfortable with via ferrata or exposed climbing, seriously consider hiring an IFMGA guide. The mountain demands respect, and I met people who turned back because they underestimated the technical difficulty.
4. The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia
The Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia is still a work in progress, but the completed sections are absolutely spectacular. The Svaneti region portion from Mestia covers about 70km over 4-5 days, taking you through some of the most remote and culturally rich terrain in the Caucasus Mountains.
What makes this trail special isn’t just the scenery (though the medieval tower houses in Svaneti villages are incredible) – it’s the cultural immersion. You’ll stay in homestays and local guesthouses, eating amazing Georgian food and drinking way too much wine with your hosts. The trail infrastructure is still developing, so GPS and detailed maps are absolutely essential. I’d honestly recommend going with someone who knows the area or joining a small group.
The terrain is challenging – think steep ascents through alpine meadows and traverses across rugged mountain slopes. May through October is your hiking window, and you’ll want to be in good shape since help is far away if something goes wrong. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time, especially when you’re sharing meals with families who’ve been living in these mountains for generations. Budget around €30-50 per day for homestays and food, which is incredible value considering the level of hospitality you’ll receive.
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- For more reading: Stunning Hidden Gems in the Caucasus
5. The West Highland Way, Scotland
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, and after walking all 154km from Milngavie to Fort William, I can see why 35,000 people attempt it every year. It’s challenging enough to feel like an achievement but accessible enough that you don’t need technical climbing skills.
The trail typically takes 6-8 days, passing through some seriously stunning Scottish landscapes – Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and ending at the base of Ben Nevis. What I loved most was the variety: you start near Glasgow and end in the remote Highlands, with the scenery changing completely every day. The notorious section from Inversnaid to Inverarnan along Loch Lomond is tough going with challenging terrain, but the views are worth the struggle.
Accommodation books up fast, especially in summer, so plan ahead. B&Bs run £85-100+ per night for singles, cheaper if you’re sharing. The trail is well-marked and you’ll pass through villages most days, so resupply is easy. September 2025 is already fully booked with tour companies, which gives you an idea of how popular this gets. I actually enjoyed the social aspect – you’ll meet the same people each day since everyone’s roughly following the same itinerary. Pro tip: try the whisky tasting at Glengoyne Distillery – it’s right off the trail and makes for a perfect side quest.
6. The Matterhorn Trek, Switzerland/Italy
Circling the Matterhorn is one of those bucket-list hikes that actually lives up to the hype. The full 145km circuit takes 10-12 days and offers constant views of one of the world’s most iconic peaks. I started in Zermatt and honestly, waking up to see the Matterhorn every morning never got old.
The trek crosses between Switzerland and Italy multiple times, so you’ll experience different cultures and cuisines throughout. Mountain huts are well-maintained but book up quickly – expect to pay around 80-120 CHF per night including meals. The terrain varies from gentle meadow walks to steep rocky passes, with some sections requiring sure footing and a head for heights.
If you don’t have time for the full circuit, the day hike from Zermatt to Schwarzsee is a perfect taster – about 6 hours round trip with incredible Matterhorn views. The best hiking window is July through September when most mountain huts are open. Weather can change quickly at altitude, so pack layers and waterproofs. I met people who’d done this trek multiple times, which tells you something about how addictive these Alpine routes can be.
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7. GR20, Corsica, France
The GR20 has a reputation as Europe’s toughest trail, and honestly, it earned that title. This 180km traverse of Corsica from north to south is relentlessly challenging, with rocky terrain, steep ascents, and limited water sources that’ll test even experienced hikers.
Most people take 15 days to complete the full route, but I met plenty who opted for just the northern or southern section. The northern part is definitely harder – more technical scrambling and exposed ridges. If you want a taste without the full commitment, try the day section from Refuge de Tighjettu to Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori – about 6.5km that’ll take around 5 hours and show you what the GR20 is all about.
Water is scarce and weather can be brutal, so you need to be self-sufficient. The refuges are basic but functional, and wild camping is allowed in designated areas. June through September is your window, but even then you might hit snow on the high passes. I’d honestly recommend having solid mountain experience before attempting this – it’s not technically difficult like rock climbing, but the sustained difficulty over rough terrain wears you down. Pack light but don’t skimp on safety gear.
8. The Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria/Italy/Slovenia
The Alpe-Adria Trail is brilliant because it takes you from Alpine glaciers to Mediterranean beaches across three countries. The full 750km route is broken into 43 manageable stages averaging 17km each, so you can easily pick and choose sections that interest you.
I did the section from Tarvisio in Italy to Kranjska Gora in Slovenia – about 23km that took 6-8 hours and perfectly showcases the trail’s diversity. You literally walk from one country to another, experiencing different languages, foods, and landscapes in a single day. The route is well-marked with plenty of mountain huts and villages for resupply.
What makes this trail special is the cultural variety – Austrian strudels, Italian gelato, and Slovenian stews all within a few days of hiking. Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for the full range of elevations you’ll encounter. The infrastructure is excellent with good public transport connections, making it easy to hop on and off the trail. Many hikers use this as a “choose your own adventure” style trek, linking sections based on time and interest rather than feeling pressure to complete the entire route.
- Read next: Breathtaking Places to Visit in Austria
- You may also like: Incredible Places to Visit in Slovenia
- For more reading: Amazing Hidden Gems in Europe
9. Rota Vicentina, Portugal
Portugal’s Rota Vicentina is honestly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for coastal hiking. This 226km network combines the inland Historical Way with the spectacular Fishermen’s Trail along the Atlantic coast. The section from Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe is my favorite – 18km of dramatic ocean views, secluded beaches, and clifftop paths that’ll take 5-7 hours to complete.
What I love about this trail is how well-maintained and marked it is, plus the commitment to sustainable tourism. You’ll spot storks nesting on cliffs and have access to amazing Portuguese coastal cuisine in the small towns along the way. The trail is relatively recent but has quickly gained recognition for its pristine landscapes and authentic feel.
Spring and fall offer the best weather – summer can be brutally hot on the exposed coastal sections. The infrastructure is excellent with numerous small towns providing accommodation and food. Unlike some of the more challenging Alpine routes, this feels accessible to a wider range of hikers while still offering incredible scenery. Portuguese hospitality is legendary, and you’ll find locals eager to share recommendations for the best seafood restaurants and hidden beaches along the route.
10. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail is absolutely otherworldly – 55km through Iceland’s highlands that feels like hiking on another planet. From Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains to Þórsmörk’s lush valleys, every day brings completely different landscapes.
Most people complete it in 4 days, though you can push it to 3 if you’re fit. Hut accommodation costs around 15,800 ISK (about $122) per night for 2025 – a steep increase from previous years. Camping is much cheaper at 3,200 ISK ($25) per night, but you’ll need seriously waterproof gear for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. I opted for a mix and honestly appreciated the huts on the wettest nights.
The bus from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar costs around 12,499 ISK and runs from late June to early September. Weather changes constantly – I experienced sunshine, hail, and fog all in one afternoon. The Fimmvörðuháls extension adds another 25km with over 20 waterfalls if you want to continue to Skógafoss. Book huts well in advance as they sell out quickly. This trail is expensive by European standards, but the unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal features make it worth every krona.
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11. Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira, Portugal
The Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike in Madeira is hands down one of my favorite day hikes in Europe. This 12km round trip takes you from Madeira’s third-highest peak to its highest point (1,862m), with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery you’ll find anywhere.
The trail features steep ascents, tunnels carved through rock, and narrow passages that’ll get your adrenaline pumping. What makes this hike special is the incredible diversity of landscapes – jagged peaks, lush valleys, and ocean views stretching to the horizon. I did the sunrise hike and honestly, watching the golden light hit those peaks was magical.
The terrain is challenging with some exposed sections, but it’s technically straightforward if you’re comfortable with heights. Allow 6-8 hours for the round trip from Pico do Areeiro, though you can shorten it by starting from the Achada do Teixeira parking area. Weather in Madeira is generally favorable year-round, but mountain conditions can change quickly. The trail gets busy during peak season, so starting early not only gives you better light but fewer crowds on the narrow sections.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal
12. Via Alpina, Switzerland
The Via Alpina in Switzerland is the ultimate Swiss Alps experience – 390km divided into 20 stages that showcase everything from the Eiger and Mönch to traditional Swiss chalets. Each stage averages about 19km, making it manageable to tackle sections based on your available time.
What sets this trail apart is the incredible infrastructure – well-marked paths, excellent mountain huts, and that famous Swiss efficiency in organization. You’ll traverse lush valleys, cross high mountain passes, and walk through picture-perfect Alpine villages where every stereotype about Switzerland turns out to be true. The huts serve hearty traditional meals and offer comfortable accommodation, though you’ll pay Swiss prices for the privilege.
The full trail is a serious undertaking requiring 3-4 weeks, but most hikers pick favorite sections. The Jungfrau region stages offer some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe. July through September provides the best weather and hut availability. This isn’t the cheapest hiking experience in Europe, but the quality of trails, accommodation, and overall experience justifies the cost. It’s Switzerland at its finest – efficient, beautiful, and unforgettable.
