The 29 Very Best Hikes In Europe

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Are you looking for the best hiking trails in Europe but not sure where to start? No need to keep on searching cause I am here to help! I was facing the same problem as you a couple years back and I had no clue where to start looking or if I would even be able to complete some of these hikes.

Europe is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the entire world so it comes as no surprise that this goes hand in hand with some of the most beautiful hiking trails you’ll ever see.

In this list I wrote down my personal favorites that are in my opinion the most spectacular hikes in Europe. All of these hiking trails can be done in just 1 day and all you will need are some sturdy hiking shoes, enough water and a camera to capture the most stunning landscapes!

As I said I experienced all of these hikes in Europe myself. So as we keep on traveling to the mountains in Europe this list will also become longer and longer!

Happy reading and hiking!

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the best places to hike in Europe. From turquoise mountain lakes to winding roads offering spectacular vista’s and fairytale towns to epic mountain ranges. Switzerland pretty much has it all and is the perfect country to go on a road trip!

1. Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail – One of the best day hikes in the Alps

Distance – 6km

Elevation – 300 meters

Difficulty – Easy. It’s a well maintained hiking trail with some stairs along the way. This hike is not accessible with strollers. The pathway is pretty rocky so pay attention where you place your feet.

Starting Point – Berggasthaus Staubern

Ending Point – Berggasthaus Staubern

What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera

The Appenzell region is a lesser known part of Switzerland with the main tourist crowd. But it didn’t take long for me to fall completely in love with this area! The Saxer Lücke hike is part of the Alpstein mountain range and was one of my favorites in Switzerland and I can’t wait to go back one day!

This particular hike used to be a rather challenging 16km but a few years ago they installed a new gondola in Frümsen. For €35 you can now take the cable car up and down which makes the hike a short but sweet 3km.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – I stayed in Appenzell which is only 30 minutes driving away.

📖 READ MORE – Saxer Lücke Hike From Hoher Kasten (Including Tips For A Shorter Hike)

2. Schäfler Hiking Trail

Distance – 6km

Elevation – 300 meters

Difficulty – Easy to Moderate. It’s a pretty straight forward hiking trail but includes a steady incline at the end with a couple of switchbacks.

Starting Point – Ebenalp

Ending Point – Ebenalp

What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera

There are several options to reach the Schäfler hiking trail but all of them start in Ebenalp. Cause besides the impressive Schäfler viewpoint there are several other beautiful stops that you shouldn’t miss along the way! You can start hiking up from the parking lot and first encounter the beautiful Seealpsee. Afterwards you can hike up to the famous mountain restaurant Aescher-Wildkirchli and continue your hike up to Schäfler.

Another option is to take the cable car up in Ebenalp to the top (€30 to go up and down by cable car). From here it’s a 1,5 hour hike to reach Schäfler and to reach the other viewpoints you simply have to hike down the mountain. Below you’ll find the details to reach the Schäfler viewpoint from the top of the cable car.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY  – I stayed in Appenzell which is only 30 minutes driving away.

📖 READ MORE – Spectacular Schäfler Ridge Hike From Ebenalp

3. Oeschinen Lake Trail

Hiking Distance – 8.7km (5.4 miles)

Elevation – 490m (1607 feet)

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 3.5 hours

Level – Moderate. The Panorama Trail at Oeschinen Lake requires a good fitness level due to its elevation gain. My advise is to start with the left part of the trail that goes straight up to Heuberg. This way you’ll tackle the hardest part of the hike at the start and your total amount of elevation will be less than the other way around. The hike is a bit technical in some parts but doesn’t require any scrambling.

Parking Lot – There’s a parking lot at the cable car station in Kandersteg. I recommend arriving at opening time to make sure you can secure yourself a parking space and that you’re one of the first ones up the mountain.

Best time to visit – Oeschinensee has become extremely popular due to Social Media. I recommend taking the first cable car up from Kandersteg at 8.30am and start your hike by going up the panoramic trail on the left. We did it this way and had the iconic view for us alone for nearly an hour.

Starting from the picturesque village of Kandersteg, this trail winds its way up through dense alpine forests and opens up to a world of breathtaking beauty. As you ascend, the sound of gushing waterfalls echoes through the air, reminding you of the natural wonders that surround you.

The highlight of this trail is, undoubtedly, the shimmering Oeschinen Lake itself. Nestled amidst towering peaks and verdant meadows, the lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the splendor of its surroundings, creating a postcard-perfect scene that will take your breath away. The combination of the vibrant blue hues of the lake, the lush greenery, and the imposing snow-capped mountains is simply mesmerizing.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Boutique Hotel Glacier for incredible panoramic views over the Grindelwald region.

📖READ MORE – How To Hike The Oeschinensee Panorama Trail

4. Augstmatthorn Hike

Hiking Distance – 6.3km (3.9 miles)

Elevation – 564m (1850 feet)

Route Type – Loop

Difficulty – Moderate to Hard

Duration – 3 to 4 hours

Parking – Park at the restaurant Jügerstübli in Lombachalp (coordinates: 46.744202, 7.907412). This is a paid parking lot so make sure to bring some Swiss cash with you. Last time the machine did not yet accept any cards.

The trail begins in the charming alpine village of Lombachalp, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green meadows and the enchanting melodies of cowbells.

Do know that from here it only goes uphill. But the pain will be short and sweet and this is honestly the best way to hike up to Augstmatthorn if you want to see the sunrise. Otherwise you’ll have to start in the town of Interlaken and tackle a 12km hike uphill since the cable car up to Harder Kulm only starts running way later.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Boutique Hotel Glacier for incredible panoramic views over the Grindelwald region.

📖 READ MORE – Augstmatthorn Sunrise Hike From Lombachalp

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Austria

I only visited Austria for a couple of days so far but so far I can tell you it’s an amazing country to visit if you love hiking! Some of the best hiking trails in Europe are located here and you’ll have an amazing time exploring them!

5. Olpererhütte – A famous hiking trail in Europe

Distance – 6km

Elevation – 600 meters

Difficulty – Moderate. This hike can not be accesses with any stroller. It’s a pretty steep incline with a lot of switchback and a rocky pathway.

Starting Point – Schlegeis Stausee

Ending Point – Schlegeis Stausee

What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera

The name of this hut probably doesn’t ring a bell with you but what if I said that this is how you reach one of the most photographed suspension bridges in Austria?

The Olpererhütte is located in the Zillertal Alps and this hike remains one of my favorites! You start at the Schlegeis Stausee parking lot where you can park your car. I advise you to arrive early in the morning cause the drive up here goes through a one way tunnel with traffic lights which can cause long delays otherwise.

This alpine road is usually open from late May until late October.

There are three ways to hike up to the Olpererhütte. I advise you to take the blue route (Trail 502), which takes around 1,5 hour.

PS.: Please forgive my hiking attire here :p. This photo was taken nearly 6 years ago when I still thought I had to wear a princess dress in every single photo. These days are long gone but this also means that I only have photos like this from this hike…

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – I stayed in Mayrhofen which is only 30 minutes driving away.

6. Drachensee Hiking Trail

Distance – 26km

Elevation – 900 meters

Difficulty – Moderate. The start and end of this hike can be rather challenging with steep inclinations but the middle section is very easy.

Starting Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn

Ending Point – Ehrwalder Almbahn

What to bring – water, snacks, a jacket and your camera

The Drachensee is a beautiful lake nestled between the mountains in Tyrol and offers a view over the Zugspitze. The hike to Drachensee is one of the best hikes in Europe and starts at the Ehrwalder Almbahn and from here you can either take the cable car up or you can start hiking up from here. I recommend the second option cause you will encounter some of the most stunning vista’s including a waterfall perched between the mountains!

On your way up from Ehrwalder Almbahn you’ll first reach Ehrwalder Alm. The next stop is the beautiful Seebensee which is a really popular attraction. The main reason for this is that the hike from the top of the cable car to the Seebensee is really easy and on a paved road so you’ll encounter families and cyclist along the way. My advise is to leave as early as possible and try to be at the top of the cable car before the first one goes up.

From Seebensee to Drachensee it gets a little trickier. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and enough water. It’s only a short distance but a steep incline of 260 meters (follow the arrows to Coburger Hut) but in the end you’ll be awarded by the most amazing view!

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – I stayed in Grainau to be close to Eibsee but the beautiful town of Ehrwald is also a very good option!

7. Tappenkarsee Hike

Distance – 19.9 km lollipop-circuit

Elevation – 985m

Duration – 7 hours

Starting Point – To start the hike, drive or take a bus to Lake Jägersee in Kleinarl Valley. If the toll road is open, continue driving 3.6 km to Schwabalm car park. If the toll road is closed, park at the Jägersee Car Park. The hiking details above are for when the toll road is closed. Otherwise you can deduct 7.2km in hiking distance.

End Point – Schwabalm car park or Jägersee Car Park

Route – Jägersee – Schwabalm car park – Tappenkarsee – Tappenkarsee Alm – Tappenkarseehütte – Draugsteintörl – Tappenkarsee Alm – Schwabalm car park – Jägersee 

Level – Moderate to Hard depending if the toll road is open or not and if you decide to continue hiking after you reach Tappenkarsee.

Toll Road Fee – €6 per vehicle

Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.

Tappenkarsee is one of the highest mountain lakes in the Eastern Alps and only accessible by foot. This trail is definitely one of my favorites out of all the ones that we did in Salzburg. It just always feels so special to discover a place that is absolutely impossible to reach by car or public transport.

The Tappenkarsee is a favorite among the locals for swimming on a warm summertime ‘s day but I found the hike up to Draugsteintörl the most incredible part of the hike. It was literally view after view after view.

We started hiking from the Schwabalm car park and therefore deducted 7.2km from the total hiking distance. And honestly if you can, do it. The walk up from Jägersee to Schwabalm is pretty boring and you won’t miss out on anything special. The toll road is open from early June until early/mid October (depending on weather circumstances).

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Berghotel Alpenklang, a 4 star family run hotel where both breakfast and dinner are included and a beautiful terrace with a view over the valley and surrounding mountains.

8. Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut

Distance – 13.5km

Elevation – 910m

Duration – 6hours

Starting Point – Alpengasthof Finkau Parking Lot

End Point – Alpengasthof Finkau Parking Lot

Route – Alpengasthof Finkau – Leitenkammerklamm – Zittauer Hut – Unterer Gerlossee – Leitenkammerklamm – Alpengasthof Finkau

Parking Fee – €5

Level – Moderate. Be aware that if you have a fear of heights that there is a ridge line on this trail which is exposed on both sides, followed by a steel ladder across the steepest part of the mountain.

Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.

Another favorite of ours was this particular hike in Hohe Tauern National Park! The first part of the hike leads you along the beautiful Leitenkammerklamm tucked away in a forest. Part of the hiking trail is also a mountain bike trail so be aware of cyclist going up and down the mountain as well.

Next up was a beautiful meadown leading us to the foot of the mountain range. We honestly felt like we had stepped on an Austrian movie set: snow capped mountains in the back, green pastures, pine trees and cows grazing next to the road. All to the sound of clinging cow bells and the enthousiast squeals of a 1 year old seeing his first Austrian cow.

In the back you can already see the Zittauer Hut perched on top of the mountain. A steep and rocky climb up later took us to said mountain hut which is picture perfectly located at a gorgeous turquoise mountain lake called Unterer Gerlossee.

On our way down we decided to skip the forest path next to the gorge and opted for the mountain bike trail. A faster option and a little less tiring on the knees!

📖 READ MORE – Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Italy

Over the past year if someone mentioned Italy to me my thoughts immediately go back to the Dolomites. This mountain range completely stole my heart from the moment I arrived and is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe! There are a ton of amazing hikes that you can do here but here I will list my absolute favorites!

9. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hiking Trail – One of the most popular hikes in Europe

Hiking Distance – 10km (6.2 miles)

Elevation – 340m (1115 feet)

Route Type – Loop Trail

Duration – 3,5 hours

Level – Moderate. There are two “steep” inclines but they don’t last long!

Parking Lot – Rifugio Auronzo

Best time to visit – This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Dolomites so it’s best to start hiking as early as possible. From 9am there can be a very long line to get up to rifugio Auronzo with your car.

Season – June until the end of October

Let’s start with one of the most famous hikes in the entire Dolomites! The Tre Cime National Park is UNESCO World Heritage and located in the area of South Tyrol. It’s safe to say that you simply can’t visit the Dolomites without doing this beautiful hike!

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike will take you approximately 4 hours to complete. This includes a rest at the famous Drei Zinnen hut and enough time to take an endless amount of photos! Since this hike is pretty easy I recommend you to start early in the morning, preferably around sunrise. Not only will you be rewarded with the most stunning views over the mountain but you also won’t be bothered by hundreds and hundreds of other hikers.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo for an unforgettable and luxurious stay or enjoy the authentic charm of Hotel Eggele

📖 READ MORE – Hiking The Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Circuit

10. Cadini di Misurina Hiking Trail – A short but beautiful hike in Europe

Hiking Distance – 4km (2.4 miles)

Elevation – 112m (367 feet)

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 1,5 hour

Level – Moderate

Parking Lot – Rifugio Auronzo

Best time to visit – The best time to photograph these mountains is during sunset.

Season – June until the end of October

This hike in Europe is one of my favorites, especially cause you get rewarded with the most amazing viewpoint at the end! And do you want to know the best part? This is a super short hike! It will only take you around 30 minutes to reach one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites!

To get to this hiking trail you’ll start the exact same way as with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking trail. You’ll drive up your car to Rifugio Auronzo but instead of walking left and going to the Tre Cime you now go right and walk away from them.

If you look to the right when you’re standing on the parking lot you will see the rigged peaks from the Cadini di Misurina behind a hill. On that hill you will see a hiking trail, this is where you’ll go!

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay in Dobbiaco or Sexten for the best experience.

📖 READ MORE –  CADINI DI MISSURINA HIKING GUIDE

11. Gran Cir Via Ferrata

Hiking Distance – 4.5km (2.8 miles)

Elevation – 474m

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 3 hours

Level – Moderate to Hard

Parking Lot – Passo Gardena, which is accessible from Val Gardena or Val Badia along the paved serpentine SS243 road. The parking lot adjacent to Rifugio Frara on the Sella side is gated and requires payment as early as 7 am. After your hike, you can pay using cash, or cards, at the parking machine. However when I was there at the end of October the railing was open the entire time and payment wasn’t required.

Best time to visit – This is one of those hikes where you really want to be at the top for sunrise. It was simply magical to watch the sun light up the valley below. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your headlamp with you if you embark on this adventure in the dark.

Season – June until the end of October depending on the snowfall.

The Gran Cir Via Ferrata has to be one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites due to the spectacular views you get to witness when you reach the top.

For those of you who have never done a via ferrata don’t be discouraged. It’s only a very short part of the hike where you need the help of a chain to climb up the mountain and you don’t need any gear to complete this hike. It is however a very steep hike so if you have trekking poles, definitely bring them with you for this one. I didn’t and I regretted it the entire way up.

Even though that it’s a rather short hike you really shouldn’t underestimate it. The climb up is pretty brutal and in all honesty I didn’t even make it all the way up. Like I said before I didn’t bring my trekking poles and my backpack was way too heavy from all of the camera gear that I was dragging with me. But along the way up I found this amazing spot from where I could admire the sunrise as well.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Boutique Hotel Nives for an unforgettable stay right next to Passo Gardena or enjoy this luxurious adults only hotel Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

📖 READ MORE – HIKING THE GRAN CIR VIA FERRATA

12. Lago di Federa Hike

Distance – 9,5km

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 3 hours

Level – Moderate

Elevation – 750m (2460 feet)

Parking Lot – Ponte de Ru Curto

Best time to visit – The best time for this hike is during sunrise in October

Season – June until the end of October

A visit to Lago di Federa might not immediately be on your radar when planning a tip to the Dolomites, but it should be! Lago di Federa is a crystal clear lake high up in the mountains near Val Gardena. It’s surrounded by tons of larches which make for the most magical backdrop during Fall season.

The hike to Lago di Federa is actually part of the Croda do Lago hike! If you have enough time make sure to complete the entire loop circuit which takes around 7 to 8 hours. It’s also possible to simply follow the hiking trail up to Lago di Federa and then turn back towards the car.

READ MORE – How To Visit Lago Federa – A Beautiful Day Hike in The Dolomites

🏨 WHERE TO STAY NEAR LAGO FEDERA – Rosapetra SPA Resort for a luxurious stay in the heart of Cortina D’Ampenzo or Hotel Europa for a stylish stay in the heart of the Dolomites.

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Madeira

Did you know that there are over 450 different hikes in Madeira? This means that there is over 3000km of hiking fun scattered throughout the entire island. It’s safe to say that it won’t be possible to do all of them on your trip. I think that would be just a little too much, even for the most experienced hiker out there.

This little Portuguese island is home to some of the most impressive hiking trails in Europe! If you are planning a visit to Madeira make sure to read my road trip guide and my full hiking guide!

13. Vereda do Pico do Arieiro – PR1

Distance – 15km

Average time – 8 hours

Starting point – Pico do Arieiro. The restaurant and shop opens at 9am and closes at 6pm.

End point – Pico do Arieiro

Difficulty Level – Moderate to Hard. It is a well marked pathway but what makes it so hard are the many steep inclines. Especially since this isn’t a loop and you have the hike the entire way back up.

Advised starting time – 30 minutes before sunrise

What to bring with you – Sunscreen, water, camera, protein bar and a piece of fruit. I did the hike without trekking poles but can imagine they would really come in handy here.

What to wear – Make sure to wear enough layers. In the morning it can be very cold and windy but once the sun rises you’ll be happy to continue the hike in a t-shirt. This hike requires good hiking shoes.

Distance from Funchal – 45 minutes driving

This hike connects the two highest peaks on the island: Pico do Arieiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m)

After you’ve parked your car go up the stairs and follow the arrow that says PR1 Pico Ruivo. As soon as you start your hike you’ll realiZe why I have kicked you out of bed this early. Not only will you be one of the only people here but you will get to witness the sunrise in all it’s glory. Imagine a pastel coloured sky, cloud inversions, the moon on one side and the sun rising through the clouds on the other side.

Your first stop on this hike will be Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, also known as the birds nest. Make sure to take out your camera and snap some photos.

After this simply continue along the PR1 trail. On the way you’ll come across stairs, tunnels and insane panorama views. The reason why this trail is pretty tough is that you go almost entirely up and down the mountain. To add to that, the PR1 is not a loop trail. There are two ways to get back to your car at Pico do Arieiro:

• Hike the PR1 back from Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro
• Hike the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo. This is a 2.8km hike that will take you to Achada do Teixeira in Santana. If you wish to do this you have to ask the guy at the refugio at Pico Ruivo to call a taxi for you. Do know that the drive from Santana back to your car at Pico do Arieiro can take up to 1 hour and will cost you minimum €60.

📖 READ MORE – Pico Do Arieiro To Pico Ruivo Hike – PR1 On Madeira

14. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço – PR8

Distance – 7km

Average time – 2 hours

Starting point – Ponta de São Lourenço

End point – Ponta de São Lourenço

Difficulty Level – Easy to moderate

Advised starting time – Sunrise or 2,5 hours before sunset

What to bring with you – Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water, snack

What to wear – For this hike you can wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Make sure to dress in layers. There is no cover during this hike so you might want to bring a cap with you to protect you from the sun. Just make sure to choose something that sits tight on your head cause it can get very windy on this peninsula.

Distance from Funchal – 40 minutes driving

This hiking trail is located on the Eastern part of the island and offers incredible panoramic views! During the hike you’ll walk along the entire peninsula.

After you’ve parked your car simply follow the arrow saying PR8. This trail is pretty straight forward and isn’t too difficult. There is some elevation involved but nothing you can’t handle ;).

💡 TIP – After the hike make sure to do a pit stop at Ponta do Rosto for another spectacular viewpoint!

📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Ponta de São Lourenço Hike – PR8 In Madeira

15. Vereda do Larano

Hiking Distance – 13km

Average time – 4 hours

Inclination – 241m

Route Type – Point to point hike. This means that if you want to end up at your car you’ll need to walk the entire trail back, take a taxi, have a second car waiting or you cut the trail in half like we did. We started our hike in Porto da Cruz and followed the trail until the Boca do Risco viewpoint. After relaxing a little and taking in the views we turned around and hiked back to our car. This way the total hiking distance was also 13km.

Difficulty Level – Easy to moderate. There’s almost no elevation gain on the entire trail. The only thing you need to know is that the hiking trail can be narrow at times and you’re walking alongside the cliff. At times there’s a railing to hold onto. But the trail is well maintained and at no time did I ever feel unsafe.

Parking Lot – Teleférico da Fajã do Larano

The Vereda do Larano Coastal Trail in Madeira is a stunning hike that offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline. This trail, often described as one of the most scenic in Madeira.

It’s known for its narrow paths and some vertiginous sections, making it exhilarating for those with a good head for heights. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the lush vegetation, endemic plants, and occasional sightings of local wildlife.

📖 READ MORE – Vereda Do Larano Coastal Trail In Madeira

16. Levada do Caldeirão Verde – PR9

Hiking Distance – 12km

Average Time – 4 hours

Inclination – 100m

Route Type – Out & Back

Difficulty – Easy

Parking Lot – Parque Florestal das Queimadas. It’s a paid parking lot. For a full day you will pay €3.

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde was one of my favorite levada trails on Madeira. I absolutely loved the immense variety throughout the trail and I highly recommend that if you only have time to do one levada that you do this one!

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde will take you through the lush jungles of Madeira, past several waterfalls and will even have you walk through tunnels!

💡 TIP – During the summer months a lot of the waterfalls on Madeira tend to dry up. So if your main focus of you holiday is to spot as many waterfalls as possible I would advise you to go during the rainy season.

📖 READ MORE – Hiking The Levada do Caldeirão Verde – PR9 On Madeira

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Germany

Germany isn’t just home to fairytale castles and cute towns, here you’ll also find some incredible mountain ranges! The area around Berchtesgaden is one of my absolute favorites and is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails in Europe.

17. Rabenwand Hiking Trail

Distance – 5 km

Elevation – 170 meters

Difficulty – Easy

Starting Point – Bayerische Seenschifffahrt Königssee

Ending Point – Königssee Parkplatz

What to bring – Water and your camera

When traveling to Berchtesgaden a visit to the famous Königssee has to be on your list! But did you know that you can also hike alongside the stunning lake? Simply walk to the boathouse and turn left to walk behind them. From here you first follow the hiking trail that says Malerwinkel to reach the first viewpoint. This one is already nice but not nearly as beautiful as Rabenwand!

 🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay in Berchtesgaden or Ramsau for the best experience.

18. Schrecksee Hike

Distance – 10.1km

Elevation – 987m

Duration – 6 hours

Starting Point – Auele Wasserkraftwerk

End Point – Auele Wasserkraftwerk

Route – Auele Wasserkraftwerk – Stausee des Wasserkraftwerks – Lake Schrecksee – Stausee des Wasserkraftwerks – Auele Wasserkraftwerk

Parking – Parking “Auf der Höh”

Level – Hard due to the pretty much never ending elevation gain and often technical terrain: slick rock, big rocks, slippery roots. PS.: I’m writing this article two days after completing this hike and my knees still hurt :p.

Best time to visit – June until the arrival of snow. We hiked the trail to Schrecksee at the start of november and had beautiful autumn weather the entire time.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Ferienwohnungen Scholl – A stunning appartement with two bedrooms and bathrooms, perfect for a small family. Oh and it comes with its very own sauna! Perfect to relax those muscles after a full day of exploring or running after your kids!

📖 READ MORE – Schrecksee Hiking Guide – Hike to Germany’s Highest Alpine Lake

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Norway

One of my main goals for this trip to Norway was to do as many hikes as possible. And while doing my research I found a ton of articles but they all pretty much mentioned the same hiking trails over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a good classic but I also wanted to discover some hidden gems.

And that’s exactly what we did! We completed some of the most famous hikes in Southern Norway but also discovered some lesser known hiking trails that will completely blow your mind!

19. Trolltunga Hiking Trail

Distance – 20.2km (12.5 miles) if you start from P3. Otherwise the total hiking distance is 28km.

Elevation – 400m

Route Type – Out & back

Duration – 8 to 11 hours (depending on where you start the hike)

Level – Moderate to hard, depending on where you start the hike

Parking lot – P3 Mågelitopp

When to go – The earlier you start this hike the better!

Season – June 1 to September 30 (without a guide). At all other times of the year you must hike with a guide.

I don’t think there’s any spot in Norway that’s more iconic than the Trolltunga! But it’s also one of the most photographed places in the country. And because of that you can expect an actual waiting line here to take this special photograph.

During high season waiting times can become as long as 2 hours. Fortunately there are also a couple of ways to avoid the big crowds and still have an amazing time on this trail.

A couple of tips for avoiding the big crowds:

• Hike during off season: September is the way to go!
• Start your hike before sunrise from P3 at Mågelitopp. This will take out the most strenuous part of the hike and is only accessible through a toll road. There are 30 parking spots available so make sure. to book your spot from before.
• Stay overnight, there’s a ton of places where you can go wild camping near Trolltunga

📖 READ MORE – Trolltunga Hike – Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Norway’s Most Famous Trail

20. Mount Saksa Hike

Distance – 6km (3.7 miles)

Elevation – 931m

Route Type – Out & back

Duration – 4 hours

Level – Moderate to hard

Parking lot – Saksa parking lot. There’s no parking fee.

When to go – I advise you to leave early in the morning. It’s one of the busiest trails in the Sunmøre Alps and you really want to enjoy the view on the top alone, at least for a little while.

Season – June until October

If there’s one place that you can’t miss if you absolutely love hiking it’s the Sunmøre Alps in Western Norway. And you want to know the best part? This area in Norway is still relatively unknown!

Most people all flock to the nearby Geiranger fjord. And trust me, I’ve seen both places and the Sunmøre Alps are a lot more worth your time! They’re a lot less touristic and I could have easily spend 5 days here if the weather would have allowed it!

I think if I had to choose my favorite place in Norway out of all of the ones I’ve seen on this road trip it would be this one!

Mount Saks is one of the most popular hikes in the Sunmøre Alps and after a very hard and tiring climb you’ll be rewarded by 360° views over the fjords.

📖 READ MORE – Mount Saksa Hike In The Sunmøre Alps – A Spectacular Hiking Trail in Norway

21. Besseggen Ridge Hike

Distance – 14.5km (9 miles)

Elevation – 1073m

Route Type – Point to point hike

Duration – 6 hours

Level – Moderate to hard. At one point the ridge is exposed on both sides and you’ll have to climb up over rocks using both your hands and feet.

Parking Lot –  Boat terminal in Gjendesheim. The parking fee for a car is 150 NOK.

When to go – During high season you want to be on the first ferry out and there will be a lot of other people on the trail as well.

Season – June until October

The Besseggen Hike is considered one of the must-complete hikes by Norwegians and it is said that once you conquer this ridge you can call yourself a ‘serious hiker’. An estimated 60.000 people walk the Besseggen ridge every year.

The Besseggen Hiking Trail is a point to point hike which starts in Memurubu and ends in Gjendesheim. But to get to Memurubu you’ll first need to take a ferry from Gjendesheim.

📖 READ MORE – Besseggen Ridge Hike Guide – The Best Hiking Trail In Jotunheimen National Park

The Most Beautiful Hikes in Iceland

The official hiking season in Iceland usually starts halfway through June and lasts until September. But it’s a little different for each hiking trail since some of them are located close to the Ring Road and are always accessible and others are in the Icelandic Highlands and only reachable during the summer months.

The two best months to go hiking in Iceland are July and August. During this time you’ll be able to complete every single hike on this list. Some trails may be a little more crowded compared to a visit in the shoulder season. But if you time it right you’ll still be one of the only ones on the hiking trails. And yes, I will include all of this information for every single hike!

22. Mount Blahnukur Trail – One of the best day hikes in Europe

Distance – 6.1km (3.8 miles)

Elevation – 350m

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 2,5 to 4 hours

Level – Medium. The first part of the hike is a very steep incline but after that the worst is over and all that’s left to do is enjoy the incredible views.

When to visit – If you start this hike in the early morning you’ll be the only one on the trail. Most people only start hiking around 10am in the area of Landmannalaugar.

Season – The hiking trails in Landmannalaugar are only accessible during the summer months. Before June and after September the roads to the Highlands get closed off due to heavy snowfall.

The Mount Blahnukur hiking trail is located in Landmannalaugar, one of the most stunning places in the Icelandic Highlands. Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling color. Shades of red, pink, green, blue and golden yellow make for an ethereal location.

The colorful region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477.

Landmannalaugar is located in the heart of Icelandic Highlands which means you can only get there with a proper 4×4 vehicle. The Highlands are interconnected by the so called F-roads and it’s strictly forbidden to drive on these with a regular car.

The Mount Blahnukur hiking trail is one of my favorite hikes in entire Iceland so make sure to add it to your itinerary.

📖 READ MORE – The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar – The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail

23. Remundargil Hike

Distance – 12.5km (7.7 miles)

Elevation – 250m

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 3 to 5 hours

Level – Medium to Hard. The start of the hike is a very steep incline with a lot of switchbacks followed by a very steep decline. If you have trekking poles with you I highly recommend using them here.

When to visit – Start your hike in the morning to have the best experience.

Season – Thakgil is one of those regions in Iceland that you have to explore during the summer months. The Thakgil campsite opens annually from June 1st and closes down on the 15th of September. Outside this period of time you can still check if the hiking trails are accessible but chances are high they’l be covered in snow.

Thakgil is a hidden gem in Southern Iceland close to the famous tourist attractions of Vik and Reynisfara. It’s a short 30 minute detour from the Ring Road but if you have the time I highly recommend spending at least 1 day here.

Typical for Thakgil are the steep, mossy walls and the many canyons. And compared to the immensely popular Fjadragljufur canyon you can actually roam around freely here. The Remundargil loop is one of the best hikes in Iceland so make sure to add it to your itinerary!

📖 READ MORE – The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail – Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite

24. Hveradalir Hiking Trail in Kerlingarfjöll

Distance – 2km (+ as much as you want)

Elevation – 50m

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 2 hours

Level – Easy to Medium

When to visit – Most day tourists arrive around 12 so either go before that or in the evening.

Season – The summer season at Kerlingarfjöll is from mid June to early September. This is the best time to visit the Icelandic Highlands and also the only time when you can go hiking in Kerlingarfjöll.

Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most precious natural attractions in Iceland and is located in the central Highlands. It’s part of an active volcanic system and is home to one of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal areas.

The Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range was created by a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago. Before that, the area was entirely covered by a glacier from the last Ice Age. The remnants of that period can still be seen in the area with snow capped mountain tops adding a magical vibe.

📖 READ MORE – How To Visit Kerlingarfjöll And The Hveradalir Geothermal Area In One Day

The Most Beautiful Hikes In The Canary Islands

25. Roques de Garcia Trail  – Tenerife

Hiking distance – 3.5km

Elevation – 175m

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 1.5 hour

Level – Easy. A big part of the trail is paved and accessible to prams and wheelchairs. Halfway through the terrain becomes rockier and is only suitable when wearing proper hiking boots

Parking Lot – There’s a pretty spacious parking lot at the start of the trail.

Best time to visit – In my dream scenario we would have completed this hike during sunset. The crowds have faded away and the light up in Teide National Park is spectacular. But since we were hiking with our 3 month old baby we arrived at around 10am.

This relatively easy and accessible trail, located in the heart of Teide National Park, offers some of the most iconic views of Tenerife, including the famous Roque Cinchado and the imposing Mount Teide.

The looped trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and takes around an hour and a half to complete, making it a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous hike.

📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roques de Garcia Hike In Tenerife

26. Roque de Taborno Hike – Tenerife

Hiking distance – 3.9km

Elevation – 220m

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 1.5 hour

Level – Easy

Parking Lot – You’ll have to park your car in the small town of Taborno. There’s very little parking space so make sure to arrive on time.

Best time to visit – Early in the morning, otherwise it will be absolute mayhem to find a parking spot.

Known as the ‘Matterhorn of Tenerife‘, Roque de Taborno is a striking rock formation located in the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its ancient laurel forests and rugged terrain.

The hike to Roque de Taborno offers a moderate challenge, suitable for hikers with some experience. It weaves through the lush greenery of the Anaga mountains, providing hikers with stunning views of the rugged coastline and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.

📖 READ MORE – The Spectacular Roque de Taborno Hike In Tenerife

27. Roque Nublo  Hiking Trail – Gran Canaria

Hiking Distance – 3.1km

Elevation – 187m

Route Type – Out & Back

Duration – 1.5 hour

Level – Easy

Parking Lot – There’s a parking lot right across from the start of the hiking trail towards Roque Nublo.

Best time to visit – Roque Nublo is one of the most famous hiking trails in Gran Canaria and while there is an actual parking lot it’s definitely not big enough for the amount of visitors during the day. We arrived around 10am and scored one of the last spots.

Toddler proof? – Yes! We saw a ton of young children along the trail. Just make sure to keep an eye on them around the rock formation itself.

Hiking to Roque Nublo is a must-do for anyone visiting Gran Canaria. This iconic rock formation stands majestically in the heart of the island, offering panoramic views that are simply breathtaking.

The trail to the top is well-marked and manageable for most fitness levels, winding through pine forests and rugged landscapes that capture the essence of Gran Canaria’s natural beauty.

Reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of the island, from the vast Atlantic Ocean to the distant peaks of Tenerife’s Mount Teide on a clear day.

📖 READ MORE – The Stunning Roque Nublo Hike In Gran Canaria

28. Valley of Silence Trail – Lanzarote

Hiking Distance – 9km

Elevation – 50m

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 3 hours

Level – Easy

Parking Lot – We joined an official guide for this hike and I highly recommend it! This wasn’t a sponsored activity but one that we paid for ourselves and as you can see, this hike made it to number one 1 on the list!

Best time to visit – Lanzarote is a year round hiking destination

This hike leads you through the heart of Los Volcanes Natural Park and according to our guide it will soon only be possible to visit this trail with an official guide. The locals really want to preserve the nature of Lanzarote and I totally understand where they’re coming from after seeing some of the tourists behaving on the trails.

This particular hike in Lanzarote let’s you discover the many eruptions of the Timanfaya mountains that took place during the period from 1730-1736. This lead to the creation of all the varied volcanic geoforms that you can discover during this hike.

From walking next to a wall of lava, to climbing a volcano and hiking on a caldera. This hike really has it all and I was so happy that we booked it!

They’re only allowed to take a maximum of 10 people per tour and our guide, Ula, gave us plenty of time to take photos, besides providing excellent knowledge about the Los Volcanes Natural Park and its history!

The Most Beautiful Hikes In Corsica

29. Capo Rosso Hike

Hiking Distance – 6.9km (4.2 miles)

Elevation – 457m (1499 feet)

Route Type – Loop

Duration – 3 hours

Level – Moderate. The Capo Rosso hiking trail is very well marked but does involve a lot of inclination in both directions.

Parking Lot – Départ randonnée Capo Rosso

Best time to visit – The best time would be to start your hike in the late evening so you can admire the sunset from the Genoese tower. If you plan on doing so make sure to bring a headlamp with you if it gets too dark on your way back to your car.

Season – April until the end of September

The Capo Rosso hiking trail starts close to Piana, a small town chosen among the most beautiful villages in France. Pretty much the entire hiking trail is exposed so make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water with you!

The hike passes by the Genoese tower of Turghiu, one of the tallest towers on the Corsican coast, whose summit offers stunning views of the Gulf of Porto, the Gulf of Sagone and the Scandola Reserve.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Le Bella Vista for a 2 bedroom apartment that offers incredible panoramic views.

📖 READ MORE – Capo Rosso Hike In Corsica (Including Tips)

MAP of the best hiking trails in Europe

🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Charlotte

Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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