16 great trekking routes in Europe: from the Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps to the Highlands in Scotland.

GR20, Corsica / Photo: STxxEN (Pixabay)
GR20, Corsica / Photo: STxxEN (Pixabay)

We know that there are probably treks on this list that you've never heard of before, and it's precisely that nuance that makes this post so necessary.

You may be interested in: The world's most interesting treks and trails".

Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy and Switzerland.

Tour du Mont Blanc / Photo: M.Paley [CC BY 3.0].
Tour du Mont Blanc / Photo: M.Paley [CC BY 3.0].

This is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Europe. In fact, it is also one of the most renowned trails in Europe, and with good reason. It is a 170-kilometre journey through three countries, offering the best snowy views that anyone would ever want to see in their lifetime.

The Pyrenean Path or GR-11 in the Pyrenees, Spain".

The Trans-Pyrenees Crossing on foot solo / Photo: Nico Fernandez
The Trans-Pyrenees Crossing on foot solo / Photo: Nico Fernandez

The Pyrenean Path (GR 11) runs for some 800 kilometres through the Pyrenees, from sea to sea, from Cape Higuer in the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea in the Mediterranean. Cap de Creus. A wonderful route that will take you from the humanised mountains of the westernmost Pyrenees to the more rugged and high mountainous Pyrenees in the central part, without forgetting the kingdom of the farmhouses in the pleasant and surprising Mediterranean section.

Alta via in Italy.

Lago di Braies, Braies, Dolomites / Photo: Luca Bravo lucabravo [CC0].
Lago di Braies, Braies, Dolomites / Photo: Luca Bravo lucabravo [CC0].

Connecting the towns of Dobbiaco and Belluno, Alta via is one of the best trails in Italy. We love it because it not only allows mountaineers to enjoy wonderful mountain scenery, but also to enjoy the characteristic lakes of the area. It is a 100% Italian traverse.

Kungsleden: the "King's Road" in Sweden

Kungsleden Trail / Photo: Shyguy24x7 [CC BY-SA 3.0] Wikimedia Commons
Kungsleden Trail / Photo: Shyguy24x7 [CC BY-SA 3.0] Wikimedia Commons

Kungsleden is a 400-kilometre snow route that leaves no one indifferent. We love it especially because the route passes through several snow-covered nature reserves that can only be enjoyed in this particular location and is therefore one of the top winter holiday destinations. It is also perfect for risk-loving mountaineers, as the weather conditions are so extreme that the experience can be heart-stopping.

Gr20 in Corsica "

GR20, Corsica / Photo: STxxEN (Pixabay)
GR20, Corsica / Photo: STxxEN (Pixabay)

This is a 180-kilometre trek that crosses Corsica diagonally. It is considered one of the most difficult routes on the island and is reserved for the bravest hikers who dare to defy fatigue above all else.

The hot spring route in Iceland.

This may be the most spectacular route of all, as the variety of landscapes along the 55 kilometre stretch is brutal. It is one of the best known routes in Iceland, and this is a country with a long tradition of mountaineering. It is perfect to be done as a family or as a couple, as it is a wonderful opportunity to connect.

The Slovenian mountain range in Slovenia.

This 500-kilometre trek is also quite tough, but we love it all the same. The reason why we can't recommend it enough is that it allows the trekkers to enjoy the discoveries that Slovenia itself has to offer. It is a country that is quite unknown to most visitors and that is why this extensive trekking allows you to grow and discover the essence of what Slovenia is all about. It is an icy route but the lakes and peaks are unlike any other.

The Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route

Haute Route Chamonix Montblanc on foot / Photo: Chase Warren
Haute Route Chamonix Montblanc on foot / Photo: Chase Warren

The route Walker's Haute Route is a world-famous multi-day trekking route that starts at ChamonixFrance, close to the Mont Blanc massif and ends at ZermattSwitzerland, where the Matterhorn towers above. This is a magnificent trail, which, with the support of the huts and shelters at the end of each stage, allows you to explore the wildest glaciers and valleys of the Alps.

Cinque Terre in Italy "

This is another of the most classic treks you can find in Europe. This trek will take you through the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterrosso, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The trek is 11 kilometres long and is therefore a very accessible route for all types of hikers. It is a perfect trekking for a summer getaway in which you will surely have time to enjoy nature, culture and, of course, moments in one or another of the most typical terraces.

The Eagle Route in Austria.

This route is perfect for a day hike or to extend the experience over a couple of days. It is also a perfect winter trek and offers some of the best snow-covered scenery to be found in Europe.

The Way of St. James in Spain".

Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago
Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago

This trek is special for a spiritual reason. It's great because the Camino is a pilgrimage of reflection and connection with nature and faith. It is also a perfect trek to meet like-minded people and to enjoy the company of other pilgrims.

Westweg in the German Black Forest". 

Westweg in the Black Forest, Germany / Photo: AsleifThorbaldson (pixabay)
Westweg in the Black Forest, Germany / Photo: AsleifThorbaldson (pixabay)

This 14-day, 285km journey takes you through the forests of Germany's Black Forest. You'll marvel at the Schwarzwald National Park, encounter the sources of the Danube and arrive at the foot of Lake Titisee. The area has many transport and accommodation facilities, making it a European destination for trekking trips.

The West Highlands of Scotland.

This 154-kilometre trek is one of the most complex treks you will find in Europe. The reason it is such a complete trek is that you can enjoy nature by day and by night. The nights are especially starry in this location and allow climbers to connect with the environment at any time. It is a perfect trek for a romantic mountaineers' getaway.

Picos de Europa in Spain.

In the north of Spain, this route offers one-day and multi-day routes. In addition, we love this route because it also has sections that can be perfectly done by bicycle and therefore allows us to reconcile two passions: hiking and cycling.

The Retezat Mountains in Romania.

These mountains are little known in Europe but they are the soul of the Carpathian Mountains. This trek has two major areas to explore, the Limestone Retzat and the Central Retezat, through which you'll feel like Dracula is looming at any moment. It's the perfect place to escape the crowds in Europe.

Handargervidda crossing in Norway.

This 2-6 day trek is one of the toughest treks you will find in Europe. During the days of the trek you will enjoy unspoiled landscapes and a lot of solitude, which is perfect to connect with the wildlife that is breathed in every corner of this country. You've probably seen a spot of this trek on the internet, as it's not only one of the toughest, but also one of the best known in Europe.


Europe is a continent where you can enjoy trekking in any of its many different mountain ranges:

  • Alps " (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Monaco, Slovenia, Germany and Liechtenstein) "
  • Apennines (Italy) "
  • Balkans (Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria) "
  • Carpathians (borders of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia and Northern Hungary) "
  • Scandinavian Mountains (Norway, Sweden and Finland) "
  • Pyrenees "  (Spain, France and Andorra)
  • Mountains Urals
  • Cordillera del Caucasus

Find your hiking route by Country

  1. Albania"
    • Lake Shkodër
    • Valbona Valley
  2. Germany".
  3. Andorra".
    • Pyrenees of Andorra
  4. Armenia".
  5. Austria".
  6. Azerbaijan".
  7. Belgium"
  8. Belarus".
  9. Bosnia and Herzegovina".
  10. Bulgaria"
    • Pirin
  11. Cyprus".
  12. Vatican City".
  13. Croatia"
    • Kornati 
    • Paklenica
    • Plitvice
  14. Denmark".
  15. Slovakia".
    • Carpathians (from Slovakia) / Tatras / Slovenský Raj
  16. Slovenia".
    • Triglav
  17. Spain".
    • Pyrenees ( Ordesa / Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici)
    • Picos de Europa
    • Galician Atlantic Islands
    • Sierra Nevada
    • Doñana "
  18. Estonia".
    • Lahemaa
  19. Finland".
    • Lemmenjoki
    • Oulanka 
  20. France".
    • French Pyrenees
    • Écrins
    • Port-Cros
  21. Georgia"
  22. Greece"
    • Seafarer of Alonnisos
    • Vikos-Aoös
  23. Hungary".
    • Hortobágy
    • Carpathian Mountains (from Hungary)
  24. Ireland"
    • Connemara
    • Killarney
  25. Iceland".
    • Snaefellsjökull
    • Vatnajökull
  26. Italy".
    • Etna
    • Magdalen Archipelago
    • Gulf of Orosei - Gennargentu
  27. Kazakhstan".
  28. Latvia".
  29. Liechtenstein".
  30. Lithuania".
    • Curland Isthmus
  31. Luxembourg".
  32. Macedonia".
  33. Malta"
  34. Moldova".
  35. Monaco".
  36. Montenegro".
  37. Norway".
    • Hardangervidda
    • Jostedalsbreen
    • Jotunheimen
    • Nordvest-Spitsbergen
  38. Netherlands".
  39. Poland"
    • Carpathians (from Poland) / Tatras
  40. Portugal".
    • Peneda-Gerês
  41. United Kingdom".
    • Brecon Beacons (Wales)
    • Pembrokeshire Coast (Wales)
    • Snowdonia (Wales)
    • Cairngorms (Scotland)
    • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (Scotland)
    • Dartmoor (England)
    • Lake District (England)
    • Peak District (England)
  42. Czech Republic".
    • Carpathian Mountains (from Czech Republic)
  43. Romania".
    • Carpathian Mountains (from Romania) / Retezat
  44. Russia"
  45. San Marino".
  46. Serbia"
    • Carpathian Mountains (from Serbia)
  47. Sweden".
    • Abisko
    • Sarek
  48. Switzerland".
    • Swiss Alps
  49. Turkey"
  50. Ukraine"
    • Carpathians (from Ukraine)