Hikers at viewpoint in the mountains enjoying beautiful view of the valley with a lake and sunny … [+]
Of course the weather and the season are initial considerations when planning a hiking or walking trip. Then there are the locations offering the most beautiful scenery, your physical condition, the plethora of trails on offer — and most important, the desire to have invigorating exercise while communing with nature in peaceful, gorgeous settings.
Europe offers not only some of the most iconic landscapes on the planet but safe, well-marked trails that feature alpine heights, colorful villages, amazing coasts, vineyards and canyons from the sun-kissed, picturesque Algarve in Portugal to the well-trodden Camino de Santiago trail.
There are distances and levels of difficulty for all. You can also dip in and out of almost every route for a single day’s hike.
If you’re ready for a slower approach to travel, to escape over-tourism, to go back to basics and schedule quality time in nature, here are some of the best recommended destinations:
Summer flowers in Kungsleden, with Laplands Akka Massif in the distance
The Kungsleden, between Abisko and Hemavanm, is one of the world’s most famous hiking trails — “possibly the best one,” according to Sweden’s tourism office.
Longer than 450 kilometers, it was established at the start of the 20th century and visited by hikers from around the world. It passes through varied landscape in the Lapland mountains and it can take either a month to complete, or avail yourself of a shorter, one-week version of a section at the northern end, from Abisko to Kebnekaise, and then peel off to Nikkaluokta.
“Instead of all the usual villages, towns and farmhouses, there’s.…nothing,” according to National Geographic. “Nothing but dwarf birch trees and rocky, dome-topped mountains. It’s an eerie and deeply exciting environment, begging to be explored.”
Make sure to take lots of bug spray. When the wind drops, the midges and mosquitoes come looking for a feed (on you).
Lake summer view with pink flowers in front (Sweden)
Hyssna is a well-established route graced by magnificent nature, lakes, forests, mountains, valley tracks and fantastic views where you can hike, bike, walk, run or explore other outdoor activities.
In the southern part of West Sweden, its 40-kilometer, two-day circular hike starts at a 12th century church in the town of Hyssna where you can arrive by bus from Gothenburg.
Along the trail, you can explore the giant’s cauldrons in Ansered and the beech forest in the Stomsås nature reserve.
“The trail passes through towering beech forests and offers the opportunity for a refreshing dip in Lilla Hålsjön lake, where there’s a dedicated swimming spot. The route is well signposted, with plenty of picnic spots,” CNN writes.
For accommodation, there’s a well-appointed camp site and a more luxurious resort.
Cows around lake Ercina in Covadonga, Picos de Europa, Asturias, Spain
The dramatic landscapes of Spain’s Picos de Europa, the country’s third-highest mountain range (topping out at 2,650 meters) spread across the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León.
The Picos de Europa National Park is an example of an Atlantic ecosystem sculpted by ancient glaciers and offering crenellated peaks and swooping valleys packed with oak and beech groves.
The park takes its name from the impressive rock formations, home to two emblematic animals in Spain: the brown bear and the Iberian wolf, as Chamois forage on the slopes and griffon vultures and golden eagles soar overhead.
“Spend a week following shepherds’ paths and roads once used by the Romans as you go through the breathtaking Cares Gorge and trek up to three of the range’s peaks,” The Times advises. “Break up the hike with some kayaking or canyoning — or even an excursion to the coast.”
This is a hike of moderate difficulty but the dizzying views require a head for heights.
Hiker marvels at the waterfalls of the Accursed Mountatins in Theth, Shkoder, Albania
Known most recently as “The New Greece,” but with fewer crowds and lower prices, Albania is a great walking territory, with well-marked footpaths and mountain trails snaking through rugged passes and valleys.
After been isolated for 50 years by the Communist regime, the country offers unspoiled trails around the Accursed Mountains – another name for the Albanian Alps – where old shepherds’ paths can be followed around Mt. Jezerca (2,694 meters), Theth and Valbonë Valley National Parks.
In the south, a couple of hours east of Tirana – Albania’s capital known for its colorful combination of Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet era architecture — is Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, and the UNESCO-rated city of Berat.
“You’ll walk for between three and seven hours a day, covering a total distance of 50 kilometers, and taking in the wildflower meadows of Valbona and Thethi national parks,” The Times notes. “Also make room for an excursion on the dazzling Lake Koman. While this is a hike suitable for seasoned and first-time hikers, there are some steep sections that require a moderate level of fitness and fully functioning hips and knees.”
Woman Hiking in Autumnal Forest, Julian Alps, Primorska, Slovenia,
The beautiful Slovenia Mountain Trail, running from Maribor in the country’s northeast to Ankaran, on the Adriatic Coast, is popular among European walkers and hikers and covers around 600 kilometers that can be done in 28 days or broken into smaller sections.
It’s the longest transversal hiking route in Slovenia and the first transversal trail in Europe and courses through forests and primeval bogs in the Pohorje Hills or across the Julian Alps, much of which form part of the stunning Triglav National Park.
“There are 49 different mountain huts to choose from and those opting to complete the entire trek will scale some 23 mountains in the process,” CNN writes.
‘Morskie Oko’ Lake in Tatra Mountains. Poland
The Tatra Mountains, part of the Carpathian mountain chain in eastern Europe, create a natural border between Poland and Slovakia.
There are more than 170 miles of hiking trails to explore in the national park varying in difficulty, with some paved, making them accessible to all. Because of the terrain, the majority are rated moderate to difficult.
Most of the routes are rather straight walk-throughs that require sleeping in huts with electricity and running water, and where you’re served homemade meals, drinks and some snacks.
“You can access most of the trails from the town of Zakopane, with routes ranging from 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,” writes Conde Nast.
“Autumn is the best season of the year for hiking this region when the number of hikers decreases, making it easier to find a place in the huts and the forests take on a special color, particularly in the western part of the mountain range.”
Kasprowy Wierch is also a starting point for many hiking trails that will take you to the west to the lower Western Tatras and east to the High Tatras.
County Kerry, Ring Of Kerry, Ireland
Among its list of seven “Best Hikes in Europe for Unbelievable Scenery,” Conde Nast includes the Kerry Way, a scenic route looping around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry and passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.
Over 179 kilometers long, it’s one of the longest marked walking routes in the country and one of the most popular. It is divided into nine stages ranging 11 to 19 miles each and it starts and ends in the touristic 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,” Conde Nast writes.
A hiker walking alongside Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England
Follow in the footsteps of Romans and trek alongside gorgeous views and ancient monuments on this coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall Path in northern England.
Construction of Emperor Hadrian’s Wall started in AD 122 and was completed along 120 kilometers over six years. The wall was a defensive fortification along the northernmost edge of the Roman Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From rolling fields and rugged borderlands to vibrant cities, small villages and dozens of fascinating museums along the way, the 135-kilometer National Trail stretches from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.
“You might want to skip the Newcastle section at the start to avoid a lengthy urban detour, but even so the walk will take six or seven days, especially if you have a break in the middle to see the world-class archaeology at Vindolanda,” National Geographic advises.
“Bowness on Solway is the best place to finish. The site of the wall’s westernmost fortress — these days it’s a tranquil spot — and you may find yourself sharing the beach next door with a herd of cows that like sitting on its sands. It’s likely the local cattle were doing exactly the same thing 1,900 years ago when the wall was first built.”
Hiker along the Portuguese coast at Rota Vicentina
Less known than its beautiful, popular beaches, a number of Europe’s most recommended trails are found in Portugal.
Starting with the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the western Algarve region and running from Praia da Marinha in the east to Praia de Vale Centeanes, it’s been selected as one of the best hikes in Europe by European Best Destinations (EBD).
This scenic route features the famous Bengali caves, Lagoa (considered the most beautiful municipality of Algarve), the fishing town of Ferragudo, the lighthouse of Alfanzina, the cliffs from Marinha, the Albandeira beach and other exceptional sites including the Chapel of Senhora da Rocha, the beach of Cova Redonda and the beach of Carvoeiro, named among the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Accessible to all ages, the walk can start at the chapel Senhora da Rocha and end at the Carvoeiro beach.
“Coastal paths trace towering cliffs, and wind down to sandy spots where waterside restaurants serve delicious seafood,” writes The Times. “There are gravity-defying rock formations to admire at Ponta da Piedade while the Rota Vicentina path culminates at the photogenic Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse. An eight-day tour is time enough to cover around 60 kilometers of the choicest paths — and still leave space to explore the historic town of Lagos or steal a cooling dip in the sea.”
The Atlantic Ocean and rocky shores shimmer at Cape Roca in Sintra, not far from Lisbon
Then, there are the many trails around Costa da Caparica near Lisbon. Among the best are Pelourinho de Sintra, a 2.3-mile meander in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Dramatic red sandstone form the backdrop for the beach walk of the Costa de Caparica Trail, where the coastline is full of sea cliffs of polychrome limestone, caves, coves and wild beaches.
Away from the coastline is the Trilho dos Currais that takes hikers through the beautiful Inpeneda-Geres National Park, which appears high on the list of best hikes by Euronews.
Also the longest circular hiking route, the 3,000-kilometer Palmilhar Portugal (Walking Portugal) is in the process of being developed with the aim of encouraging tourists off the beaten track and away from over-visited destinations including Lisbon and the Algarve.
The route crosses through 100 lesser-known places across the country. The inaugural section of the loop opens this summer in tiny Alenquer, just north of Lisbon. The project “is also part of a wider push for more wellness and health-focused tourism,” Forbes reports.
The next sections will include the coastal area of the Alentejo in the south and the mountainous Trás-os-Montes in the north. The plan is to have 15 routes open by the end of the year and the trail completed within three years.
Backpacker-pilgrim sitting on Obradeiro Plaza in Santiago de Compostela
One of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world, and considered a rite of passage for pilgrims and hikers alike, the Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s most paced routes that starts or finishes in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain’s Galicia region.
The name of the UNESCO-listed Camino comes from the belief that the remains of the of the apostle St James (Santiago, in Spanish) are buried there and the experience of following in the footsteps of pilgrims since the Middle Ages transcends simple walking to become a vital experience that reveals the nature, culture, traditions and gastronomy of some of Europe’s most storied regions.
Hikers have multiple ways to walk “the Camino,” across Spain, Portugal or France and the most-recommended route depends on the preferences of each “pilgrim.”
The Camino Frances is quite popular, starting in St. Jean in France and winding through Pamplona and Leon before arriving in Santiago. The full route can take seven weeks but it also can be done in a shorter version of the final 100 kilometers, from Sarria, and can be tackled over about six or seven days.
“The most dashing of the ancient Camino trails to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela — because it hugs the northern tip of Spain, with its expansive coastal views — is the Camino del Norte (or Northern Way),” reports The Times.
It’s also one of the lesser-walked routes, which means you won’t be tripping on the heels of others as you go. Comfortable hiking boots are a must. You’ll walk up to 28 kilometers a day on a hike covering 190 kilometers across 11 days, starting at Ribadeo, dropping in at historic monasteries and churches, and spending nights in characterful villages’ guesthouses.”
