Have you got the hiking bug yet? Hiking is becoming a really popular pastime for people of a range of ages. It basically involves taking long vigorous walks along trails and footpaths in the countryside. It’s a lovely way to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, and being outdoors in nature has many physical and psychological health benefits. There are some lovely places in the UK to hike but for those that might like to have a better chance of experiencing better weather than the UK has to offer hiking holidays in Europe can also be a great option. Pop hiking holidays europe in your search bar and you’ll be overwhelmed by the options available. Here we look at the Best Hiking Destinations in Europe, to help you negotiate that mind field and find just the right hiking trip for you.
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Best Hiking Destinations in Europe
Bled
Level: Easy
Time Taken: Approximately 1 hour
Bled is a Slovenian resort town located in the foothills of the Julian Alps. This is set alongside Lake Bled. The walk around the lake is one of the most popular walks and can get busy in the summer months. The scenery there is beautiful and the lake water is very clear and an eye-catching turquoise blue. Along the well-maintained path, there are a number of benches. You can sit down, have a break, and take in the beauty of your surroundings as well as look at the animals that frequent the area and the small island in the lake. There are other hiking trails in the area that range in intensity.
Adrspach-Teplice Rocks
Level: Easy
Time Taken: 3 hours (includes stopping to take pictures)
Adrspach-Teplice Rocks (Czech Republic) is also an extremely popular hiking location. Here you will see a variety of sight inclusing enormous rock formations, gorgeous scenery, narrow gorges, sandstone rock formations with yellow moss, wooden walkways that lead through a green forest, and falcons as it’s the largest breeding site in Europe. When you start the trail, the first thing you will see is the crystal clear waters of the lake. It’s best to visit in the summer or the Autumn to enjoy the variety of colours. The trails there are well marked. Wear suitable footwear as it can be slippery and muddy when there has been rain recently.
Vikos Gorge
Level: Easy
Time Taken: 1-3 days
Vikos Gorge in Greece is a stunning lush hiking site based in Vikos Aoos National Park. There you will discover gorges, stunning green valleys, rivers, and forests. A popular walk is through Vikos Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. To hike through this takes approximately a day but there are other trails that you can follow so you can extend your hike from 1 to approximately 3 days.
Path of the Gods
Level: Easy to Medium
Time Taken: 1.5 to 4 hours
Located on the
Path of the Gods
Located on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Path of the Gods is a popular hiking route that is famous due to its breathtaking views of Positano and the Sorrento Peninsula. It can be challenging with the variable steep and rough terrain. There are various possible starting points. Starting at Bomerano and heading towards Positano will mean all the best views will be ahead of you. This is a popular path for birding too. The best times to visit are between April to October.
Seven Hanging Valley Trails
Level: Easy to Medium
Time Taken: 3 to 5 hours
This has to be one of the most beautiful places to walk in Portugal. As you walk this path you will see beautiful sites like the Chapel of Senhora da Rocha which makes a great starting place. You’ll pass some of the Algarve’s most famous beaches including Carvoeiro Beach. One of the most beautiful albeit smaller beaches in Europe. The paths and beaches are clean. There is plenty of wildlife to see including birds and rabbits.
Cinque Terre
Level: Easy to Medium
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
This is made up of 5 towns on the coastline of Italy. The buildings are all very colourful with a wide array of pastels. They all have their differences and you can find that you’ll want to spend the whole day walking from one to the other and exploring the towns. If you want to take a break from walking, you can catch a train to the next town. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes with gorgeous food if you need to refuel before the next town.
Velebit Hiking Trail
Level: Medium to Hard
Time Taken: Around 9 days
This is said to be one of the best multi-day hiking trails in Croatia. You’ll find yourself hiking through a wide range of terrain with various surroundings. Walk through pretty rural towns, across rugged mountain peaks and beautiful lush green hills. There are a number of mountain huts along the way that can be prebooked. But, if you want to do that make sure you book early as they are in high demand. This hike is extremely strenuous and you’ll need to be well equipped with food supplies and a good sturdy backpack.
The Kjeragbolten Hike
Level: Hard
Time Taken: 6 to 10 hours
The Kjeragbolten hike is to be found in Norway and is not for the faint hearted. You will need to be a seasoned hiker to attend this one. But, the reward is some of the most spectacular scenery that you could possibly see in Europe. This is a popular choice amongst those who have had plenty of hiking experience. You’ll likely encounter plenty of other hikers when you go. The best time to go is between June through until October.
Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First
Level: Hard
Time Taken: 6 hours
Level: Hard
The hike to Schynige Platte and from there on to Faulhorn and finally to First is one of the most popular due to the gorgeous panoramic views. The landscape that you will see on your trek is both diverse and beautiful. This covers alpine lakes, rustic mountain huts, and lush meadows, and most likely you will also encounter plenty of local wildlife and wildflowers. The best time to go hiking here is from the middle of June until the middle of October. A great option to work up to if you’re just starting out in hiking.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my post about the Best Hiking Destinations in Europe. As you can see there are plenty of great options to choose from. So, grab your hiking shoes and get walking. This is a great form of exercise and works wonders for your mental health.
Have you been hiking before, even if it was just on a smaller scale than these options?
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Would love to do this but fear that age and health won’t allow. Particularly like Cinq Terry, so pretty. Wish I had visited Italy more before my health problems. Enjoy your life.
That’s such a shame. There are a range of options in the easy category not mentioned here that might be an option if you can get assistance.
Lots of great places – not sure I would find the “easy” one easy though!
It’s one of those things you’ll need to work up to then just go for it.
Wow, do you know I had never even thought of hiking in Europe! Thanks for this lovely guide and I think if I di take part in this I would definately go to Cinque Terre, it looks lovely
There are so many stunning places that you can hike which is great.
I can’t believe I have not heard of any of these places before to hike. Just shows how much more of Europe I still need to visit
Some fabulous views, I’ve never considered going on holiday to go on hikes but after reading this, I am intrigued
These places look amazing. I really should go hiking it’s not something I’ve done before.
The landscape at Bled looks amazing! So peaceful with so many vibrant colours!
These look like lovely places, I really should be more active
Path of the gods sounds lovely, I’ve always wanted to visit Italy so this would be ideal to see some sights.
I’ve always wanted to visit Lake Bled. However, my mobility is poor so my hiking days are over!
Hiking is a wonderful way to spend a summer break in Europe. I’m up for the easy routes. Thanks for the post.
great post i went hiiking in romania years ago was great
I have never really considered hiking but your post has made me want to do it!
My lack of mobility means I can no longer undertake such walks but I love looking at the lovely places I can maybe still visit.
I haven’t been hiking before but one day when I am not working and looking after children I would love to hike. Cinque Terre sounds like a wonderful place.
The landscapes look so beautiful. I particularly like the look of Bled
I love hiking! Nothing beats quality time in nature.
Aaaah! You’ve sent me off on anther lovely travelling daydream. Thank you!
I’ve done a couple of walking holidays in Europe and found them really enjoyable (especially the meals at the end of the day!). The Vikos Gorge looks amazing and one I wasn’t aware of, so thank you for planting the seed for my next adventure!
That’s wonderful to hear. They can be so much fun.
I’ve done a couple of walking holidays in Europe and found them really enjoyable (especially the meals at the end of the day!). The Vikos Gorge looks amazing and one I wasn’t aware of, so thank you for planting the seed for my next adventure.
I can imagine that the scenery on all of these is stunning… I’d definitely have to start with one of the easier hikes
It can be amazing to see all of the different scenery.
I’d love to do some hiking holidays abroad. I’ve been to the Lake District and Peak District, but I’d like to go further afield, while I’m still fit enough to.
It sounds like you’ve been to some lovely places.
Some amazing ideas! Definitely a few for the list! Italy would be my go-to!
Italy is lovely and have plenty of options for hiking.
What a gorgeous list!! I’d love to visit some of these
I hope you get to go to a few of these.
There are so many amazing places that you can go hiking which is great.
What wonderful laces for walking. Sadly too old to do it now as I’m in my 70s and a 3-4 mile daily walk is about my limit.
You could opt for easy options, there ae plenty of those too! Enjoy.
beautiful places to hike cant wait to get started
They sure are. I love the range of options available.
I hadn’t thought of going walking in Europe, but it looks fab. Slovenia looks lovely
It can be amazing and there are so many different places you can go.
These are all incredible destinations! I would love to visit Europe someday and be able to see these places. My daughter went to Europe and hiked in the Alps, it was breathtaking.
It can be quite an experience. I hope you have an amazing time!