7 Stunning Hikes in Europe That Are Worth the Trip

Finding a perfect hiking trail can be as tricky as discovering the ideal pair of walking shoes. It may take some effort, but once you find it, you won’t look back. With its legendary paths rich in history and well-marked routes often accompanied by local delicacies and diverse lodging options, Europe is a paradise for hikers.

Whether you're up for a leisurely day hike or an adventurous multiday journey, these seven trails will immerse you in local communities, steering you away from typical tourist paths—and let's not forget the stunning views!

1. Camino Portuguese, Portugal and Spain

• Location: O Porriño – Santiago de Compostela
• Distance: 63.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Camino de Santiago is renowned worldwide, being one of the most traveled pilgrimage paths, attracting individuals from all walks of life. The well-trodden Camino Frances, which leads from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the Cathedral de Santiago, can be overwhelmingly busy. In contrast, the Old Way, or Camino Portuguese, sees significantly fewer hikers. This segment—covering at least 62 miles (100 kilometers) to earn the Compostela (an ancient certificate believed to forgive a lifetime of sins)—begins just outside Tui, in O Porriño. Along the journey, you’ll encounter charming riverside villages, savor fresh seafood, explore Albariño vineyards, and even complete part of the route by boat. Hiking here can be leisurely; the slow-travel specialist Inntravel offers a comfortable 10-night experience in boutique hotels, complete with a wine tasting and luggage transfer service.

2. Vikos Gorge, Greece

• Location: Monodendri
• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Greek mainland is interwoven with well-kept trails that guide hikers through quaint mountain villages, lush olive groves, and stunning canyons. One of the most breathtaking spots is Vikos Gorge, often referred to as Greece’s Grand Canyon, located in the Zagori region where 45 picturesque hamlets are nestled within the Pindus mountain range. Starting from Monodendri, the trail features stone pathways, bridges, and challenging staircases that run alongside the gorge, which boasts a Guinness World Record for its impressive depth. The hike takes approximately seven hours and offers a refreshing reward: a chance to swim in the springs of Voidomatis, right below the historic Monastery of Panagia. Guided hiking experiences, such as G Adventures’ Hiking Northern Greece package, are also available.

3. Fisherfield Forest, Scotland

• Location: Kinlochewe – Dundonnell, Wester Ross
• Distance: 27.3 miles
• Difficulty: Hard

Fisherfield Forest, named for an ancient deer hunting area, is a remote expanse of 304 square miles filled with glacially shaped peaks and picturesque Scottish valleys. To traverse this land, you'll leave the quaint village of Kinlochewe, home to a cozy family-run hotel and bar, and embark on a former postmaster’s trail that hugs the shores of Loch Maree. Over the following days, you may encounter golden eagles, pine martens, and deer while hiking among towering cliffs, crumbling pinnacles, and rocky gullies. You’ll have the chance to visit Britain's most remote mountain and stay in bothies—isolated former homes now maintained by volunteers and supported by donations, which are available for public use.

4. Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland

• Location: Kangerlussuaq - Sisimiut
• Distance: 103 miles
• Difficulty: Hard

While there’s no visible boundary marking the Arctic Circle, located at 66 degrees north, hikers in Greenland can experience something even more remarkable. The Arctic Circle Trail, stretching from the polar ice cap near Kangerlussuaq to the ocean at Sisimiut, spans just over 100 miles and is marked by painted cairns. This summer hike takes full advantage of the 24-hour daylight provided by the midnight sun.

Embarking on this hike is a significant undertaking: once you start, there are no escape routes and no towns to restock supplies. While there are nine free huts available for shelter, they cannot be reserved, meaning trekkers must still bring their own tents and camping gear. Despite the limited facilities, the trail is rich in Arctic wildlife, including musk ox, caribou, ptarmigan, arctic foxes, and hares. Hikers will encounter a landscape of mountains, glacial lakes, permafrost dotted with long grasses and broad-leaved willow herb, and secluded sandy beaches. Additionally, the tranquility of the environment offers a unique silence found nowhere else on the planet.

5. Kjerag (and Kjeragbolten), Norway

• Location: Øygardsstøl, Lysefjord
• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (includes sections with chains for assistance)

Perched high above the serene Lysefjord, the summit of Kjerag mountain is a tranquil spot, simply marked by a cairn. Beyond this point lies Kjeragbolten, a massive granite boulder nestled between two cliffs. Positioned there during the last Ice Age, it has become a thrilling challenge for hikers to stand atop while peering down at the fjord, which drops 3,556 feet below. Accessing the trailhead is easy via the Go Fjords Express bus from the coastal town of Stavanger, leading you on a six-hour round-trip hike over rocky terrain sprinkled with grassy crevices and equipped with fixed chains for those in need of support.

6. Le Col du Grand St Bernard, Switzerland and Italy

• Location: Great St. Bernard Pass
• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Since Roman times, the Great St. Bernard Pass has served as a vital corridor between northern and southern Europe for pilgrims journeying to Rome. This path was once notorious for alpine bandits preying on weary travelers. In the 11th century, the priest Bernard of Menthon established a hospice at this 8,100-foot pass to provide shelter. By the 1660s, the monks had formed a mountain rescue team, famously breeding the St. Bernard dog (named after their founder) to assist in rescues. Today, the hospice continues to offer year-round hostel accommodations, refreshments, and guided hikes. The highlight is a five- to six-hour loop trek in summer (alternative routes can be tackled on snowshoes during winter) that begins at the pass and showcases three mountain lakes, panoramic views of iconic peaks—including Mont Blanc—and a crossing into Italy.

7. Mlynicka and Furkotska Valley Circuit, Slovakia

• Location: Strbske Pleso
• Distance: 10.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (includes chain-assisted scrambling)

With snow-capped peaks, roaring waterfalls, towering pine trees, and glacial lakes, Slovakia’s Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras) provide all the excitement of the Alps, minus the crowds and high costs associated with western European mountains. This full-day adventure features a delightful mix of experiences: a leisurely stroll through the forest to Skok waterfall (perfect for energetic kids), a challenging scramble to a saddle nestled between two striking peaks (with chains to assist), and a descent to the heart-shaped Wahlenberg lake.