Europe is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. For those who love to explore on foot, the continent offers an incredible array of walking trails, each with its own unique character and appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a challenging trek, a nature lover wanting to immerse yourself in pristine beauty, or a casual walker looking for picturesque strolls, Europe’s walking trails have something for everyone.
From rugged mountain paths to serene coastal routes, these walks promise unforgettable experiences. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best walks in Europe to inspire your next adventure.
ALSO SEE: How To Pack For One Month In Europe
CONTENTS
- 1 The Best 20 Walks in Europe
- 1.1 1. Cinque Terre Coastal Walk, Italy
- 1.2 2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- 1.3 3. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
- 1.4 4. Ben Nevis Mountain Path
- 1.5 5. Trolltunga Hike, Norway
- 1.6 6. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
- 1.7 7. Camino de Santiago, Spain
- 1.8 8. GR20 Trail, Corsica, France
- 1.9 9. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Norway
- 1.10 10. Samaria Gorge, Greece
- 1.11 11. Lycian Way, Turkey
- 1.12 12. Dolomites Alta Via 1, Italy
- 1.13 13. Fimmvörðuháls Trail, Iceland
- 1.14 14. Mont Blanc Tour, France/Italy/Switzerland
- 1.15 15. Bled Lake and Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
- 1.16 16. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland
- 1.17 17. The Fairy Pools Walk, Scotland
- 1.18 18. Alhambra Gardens Walk, Spain
- 1.19 19. Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden
The Best 20 Walks in Europe
1. Cinque Terre Coastal Walk, Italy
- Location: Liguria, Italy
- Highlights: The Cinque Terre Coastal Walk takes you through five colorful seaside villages perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera. The trail offers stunning views of terraced vineyards, azure seas, and pastel-hued houses.
- Best for: Romantic strolls and scenic photography.
The trail’s charm lies in its blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity, making it one of the most iconic walks in Europe. Be sure to pause at each village to savor local delicacies like fresh pesto and seafood.
ALSO SEE: Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Location: Central Croatia
- Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is famous for its cascading waterfalls and interconnected lakes. Wooden boardwalks wind their way through emerald waters and lush greenery.
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
The peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas make this an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
3. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
- Location: Málaga, Andalusia, Spain
- Highlights: Known as one of the most thrilling walks in Europe, this elevated trail clings to the cliffs of a narrow gorge, offering breathtaking views of the Guadalhorce River below.
- Best for: Adrenaline seekers and thrill enthusiasts.
While it was once known as the world’s most dangerous path, safety upgrades now ensure an exhilarating yet secure experience. You can see more from our walk on the El Caminito del Rey trail.
4. Ben Nevis Mountain Path
Location: Fort William, Lochaber
Highlights: The highest peak in the UK, breathtaking summit views
Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a challenge
Ben Nevis, standing at 1,345m, is Scotland’s highest mountain. The Mountain Path (also called the Pony Track) is the most popular route to the summit, covering about 10.5 miles round trip.
This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it takes about 7–9 hours to complete. But the reward? Panoramic views stretching across the Highlands on a clear day. If you’re up for a challenge, this walk is a must-do!
ALSO SEE: 14 Spectacular Walks in Scotland for Every Adventurer
5. Trolltunga Hike, Norway
- Location: Near Odda, Norway
- Highlights: The reward for this challenging hike is the jaw-dropping view from Trolltunga (“Troll’s Tongue”), a rock formation jutting out above a fjord.
- Best for: Experienced hikers and landscape photographers.
This iconic hike is tough but well worth the effort for those seeking dramatic scenery.
ALSO SEE: Trolltunga Hike Guide: Everything You Need To Know
ALSO SEE: What To Pack For Norway | Packing Tips For Norway City Breaks & Trolltunga Packing List
6. Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
- Location: Near Dresden, Germany
- Highlights: A haven for rock climbers and nature lovers, this park features sandstone formations, ancient forests, and the iconic Bastei Bridge.
- Best for: Families and casual walkers.
The park’s fairy-tale landscapes make it an enchanting destination.
7. Camino de Santiago, Spain
- Location: Across northern Spain, ending in Santiago de Compostela
- Highlights: This ancient pilgrimage route passes through historic towns, rolling countryside, and centuries-old cathedrals.
- Best for: Pilgrims, culture enthusiasts, and long-distance walkers.
Whether you’re walking for spiritual reasons or personal fulfillment, the Camino is a transformative journey.
8. GR20 Trail, Corsica, France
- Location: Corsica, France
- Highlights: Known as one of Europe’s toughest hikes, the GR20 offers rugged mountain terrain, alpine meadows, and stunning coastal views.
- Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
The GR20 is not for the faint-hearted, but its rewards are unparalleled.
9. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Norway
- Location: Ryfylke, Norway
- Highlights: This short but steep hike leads to a flat-topped cliff with breathtaking views of the Lysefjord below.
- Best for: Day hikers and adventure lovers.
Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most famous natural landmarks, perfect for a day trip.
ALSO SEE: Top 15 Of The Best Norway Hiking Tours | Norway Travel Tips: Things To Know Before Visiting
10. Samaria Gorge, Greece
- Location: Crete, Greece
- Highlights: The gorge is home to towering cliffs, wildflowers, and the ruins of ancient settlements.
- Best for: Nature lovers and history buffs.
This walk combines natural beauty with a sense of history, as the gorge was once a sacred site in ancient times.
11. Lycian Way, Turkey
- Location: Southwestern Turkey
- Highlights: This long-distance trail winds along the turquoise coast, passing ancient Lycian ruins and secluded beaches.
- Best for: Long-distance trekkers and history lovers.
The mix of archaeological wonders and stunning landscapes makes the Lycian Way truly unique.
12. Dolomites Alta Via 1, Italy
- Location: Dolomites, Northern Italy
- Highlights: Jagged peaks, rolling meadows, and picturesque alpine huts characterize this famous high-altitude route.
- Best for: Alpine hikers and mountain enthusiasts.
The Dolomites’ dramatic landscapes are a paradise for hikers.
13. Fimmvörðuháls Trail, Iceland
- Location: Southern Iceland
- Highlights: Glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls like the iconic Skógafoss.
- Best for: Adventurers and volcanic landscape lovers.
This trail showcases Iceland’s otherworldly beauty, making it an unforgettable journey.
ALSO SEE: Iceland Travel Tips From Things To Do To Must See Places
14. Mont Blanc Tour, France/Italy/Switzerland
- Location: Around Mont Blanc, across France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Highlights: Glaciers, alpine villages, and sweeping mountain vistas dominate this iconic trail.
- Best for: Long-distance hikers and nature lovers.
The Mont Blanc Tour is one of Europe’s most celebrated multi-day treks.
Image: ToursDumontBlanc
15. Bled Lake and Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
- Location: Bled, Slovenia
- Highlights: A serene lake with a fairytale island church and a nearby gorge with crystal-clear waters.
- Best for: Leisurely walkers and photographers.
Lake Bled’s enchanting setting makes it a must-visit destination.
16. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland
- Location: County Clare, Ireland
- Highlights: Towering sea cliffs, crashing waves, and the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast.
- Best for: Coastal walkers and birdwatchers.
This iconic walk offers dramatic ocean views that are quintessentially Irish.
ALSO SEE: Discover Ireland’s Best Walks: 15 Unmissable Walks Across the Emerald Isle
17. The Fairy Pools Walk, Scotland
- Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
- Highlights: A series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls nestled in a rugged landscape.
- Best for: Families and nature enthusiasts.
The Fairy Pools are a magical destination for a leisurely walk.
ALSO SEE: 14 Spectacular Walks in Scotland for Every Adventurer
18. Alhambra Gardens Walk, Spain
- Location: Granada, Spain
- Highlights: Moorish gardens, ornate palaces, and sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Best for: Cultural walks and history lovers.
Strolling through the Alhambra gardens is a feast for the senses.
19. Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden
- Location: Swedish Lapland
- Highlights: Pristine wilderness, the chance to spot reindeer, and stunning views of the Northern Lights in winter.
- Best for: Winter explorers and remote trekking.
The Kungsleden offers a true wilderness experience in the heart of Scandinavia.
Europe’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking high-altitude challenges, coastal serenity, or historic charm, these 20 trails offer something for every taste and ability.
Lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the best walks Europe has to offer.
Which of these trails will you tackle first?
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