10 of Europe's best hiking destinations

10 of Europe's 10 OF EUROPE'S BEST HIKING DESTINATIONS

Whether it’s a day hike, weekend walk or a longer excursion, we’re always looking for new routes and adventures. Hiking boosts physical and mental wellbeing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Whatever your level of experience, there’s a trail for you.

In this guide, we explore some of the best hiking destinations in Europe, providing inspiration for your next trip. Covering different durations, levels of difficulty and categories of walk, you’ll find something for your next adventure.

The North Face has been equipping outdoor explorers for over 50 years. Whether it’s a rocky mountain path or a sandy shoreline stroll, we’ve got the gear you need so that you can enjoy the journey.

Our top ten are listed below. Continue reading for more detail on each of our recommendations, along with a few more honourable mentions:

Tour de Mont Blanc, France

Matterhorn Base Camp, Switzerland

Camino de Santiago, Spain

West Highland Way, Scotland

Seven Hanging Valley Trail, Portugal

Helvellyn, England

Cinque Terre, Italy

Norwegian Fjords

Laugavegur, Iceland

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

BEST HIKES IN EUROPE

The best hikes in Europe depend on key features such as length, difficulty, type of route and how far you are willing to travel. From the breathtaking, long-distance Tour de Mont Blanc to the beauty of the Portuguese coast, look for something that suits your particular needs.

Our list of best hiking trails is full of diverse inspiration for experienced and new walkers. We’ve included famous routes alongside some lesser-known gems.

BEST MOUNTAIN HIKES

MONT BLANC, FRANCE

170km

10-11 days

challenging

The Tour du Mont Blanc is arguably the most famous hiking route in Europe, circumnavigating the highest peak in the Alps. On this long-distance hike, you will encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Expect daily ascents and descents, so a good level of fitness is required, although climbing experience is not necessary. Trekking through France, Switzerland and Italy, the TMB is best tackled during the summer to avoid snow.

MATTERHORN BASE CAMP, SWITZERLAND

17km

1 day

moderate difficulty

Dramatic views await on the Hornlihutte trail, which takes hikers on a winding route along the side of the Matterhorn. Covering rocky terrain at a modest gradient, the Base Camp can be reached in a few hours. To reach the summit, you will need climbing gear and an overnight stay. Alternatively, follow the glacier trail back down from the base camp. Bring your binoculars to view climbers on the northeast ridge of the Matterhorn.

Alternatively, join our two recommendations together by taking the Haute Route, which spans the 180km between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The original high-level route is a 12-day technical route at high altitudes, while the alternative walker’s Haute Route stays below 3000m on well-marked paths that do not require any specialist equipment.

Also worth checking out:

Julian Alps – A stunning mountain range stretching from Northeastern Italy to Slovenia through the Mount Triglav National Park.

Trolltunga, Norway – A rock formation extending into space 700m above the Ringedalsvatnet lake, Trolltunga provides views that have to be seen to be believed. The 8-12 hour hike covers 28km high-mountain terrain.

The right footwear is essential for mountain hikes or rocky trails. Walking boots are made to provide stability on uneven terrain. Thick, rigid soles maximise traction, with high ankles for support and protection. Hiking boots are constructed from durable materials.

The Men’s Vectiv™ Fastpack Futurelight™ Mid Boots have The North Face signature combination of functionality and innovation. The Surface Control rubber soles are optimised for grip on rough ground and loose rock. The Futurelight membrane offers breathable, waterproof protection without weighing you down.

Related: What To Look For In Walking Boots

Walking shoes are useful for less demanding ground and are more lightweight. Flexible soles and a low-cut ankle reduce bulk and weight while still providing foot support.

The Women’s Vectiv™ Futurelight™ Enduris Shoes offer a light, low cut yet rugged shoe to maximise performance on the trail. The North Face Vectiv technology combines a 3D plate and rocker midsole to turn energy into momentum for forward propulsion, optimising your output on long hikes.

You should try on your boots before you buy, checking for a close fit so that your foot does not move around inside the shoe as you walk. This reduces discomfort on the trail. Break-in your new boots by wearing them around the house or on shorter walks before heading out on long trails. The North Face footwear finder will help focus your search based on your specific needs.

Related: What To Look For In Walking Boots

Walking shoes are useful for less demanding ground and are more lightweight. Flexible soles and a low-cut ankle reduce bulk and weight while still providing foot support.

BEST LONG HIKES IN EUROPE

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO, SPAIN

100-780km

up to 30 days!

moderate to challenging depending on the route

The ancient Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) encompasses multiple routes that have been walked by hundreds of thousands of people on a pilgrimage across France, Spain and Portugal. The most popular route is the Camino Frances which stretches nearly 500 miles. Alternative routes from Spain and Portugal all head to the same destination in Santiago. The hiking is mainly along flat paths, but the difficulty arises from walking long distances day after day. A true bucket-list trek, find a route that suits you and start training.

WEST HIGHLAND WAY, SCOTLAND

154km

5-8 days

moderate difficulty

The Scottish highlands are an iconic walking destination. The West Highland Way deserves a place in any conversation about the best multi-day hikes in the world. Beginning near Glasgow, you’ll pass the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis, and walk the famous banks of Loch Lomond. Hotels and cabins offer accommodation options along the journey, although many walkers camp along the route in the summer months.

Also worth checking out:

Alta Via – A high-level mountain trail in Italy. This 150km hike offers jaw-dropping scenery as you pass through the eastern Dolomites.

Kamnik-Savinja, Slovenia – Hike hut-to-hut along the Slovenian Mountain Trail. The full trail takes 28 days to complete, but shorter sections can be selected based on difficulty and length of trip.

GR20, Corsica – A rugged 180km trail that winds along the mountainous spine of Corsica, The GR20 takes between 7-14 days depending on speed. The well-marked route starts in Calenzana. Camp or stay in mountain huts along the route.

Kungsleden, Sweden – Sweden’s most famous hiking trail, The King’s Trail takes a month to walk in its entirety but is easy to break into sections. Low altitude and flat ground make this an accessible route for all abilities. The most popular part of the trail is a 105km path connecting Abisko and Nikkaluokta. Allow 10-12 days for this hike, which has regular mountain hut accommodation set among the stunning scenery.

When planning a multi-day hike, your choice of clothing is essential. You need to be prepared for changeable conditions without weighing yourself down with unnecessary equipment. Choose clothing in combinations that work well together so that you can add or remove layers depending on the conditions. Choose lightweight, technical fabrics that will keep you dry when you start to sweat but keep you warm when the temperature starts to drop. From choosing baselayers to combination tri-climate jackets, the North face can help you create a layering system that works for you.

Related: The North Face layering system

BEST DAY HIKES IN EUROPE

SEVEN HANGING VALLEY TRAIL, PORTUGAL

11km

5-6 hours

easy

One of the most beautiful hikes in Europe, the Seven Hanging Valley Trail is an unforgettable route along the coast of the Algarve. Accessible to walkers of all abilities, the trail will take in spectacular views of dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, offset against the vibrant turquoise ocean.

HELVELLYN, ENGLAND

1.5-14km

3-6 hours

challenging

Situated in the Lake District, the hike up Helvellyn regularly tops the charts of best walks in England. With five ridges, there are multiple routes up to the peak, which offers unrivalled views over the surrounding area. For experienced climbers, take the 1.5km steep ridge walk across Striding Edge with the payoff of spectacular views. Alternatively, the 11.5km path from Patterdale up the south ridge of Helvellyn offers a safer and easier route to the summit, though be prepared for some scrambling whatever route you choose.

CINQUE TERRE, ITALY

11km

5-6 hours

easy to moderate

The most picturesque trail in Italy, this hiking route connects the five fishing villages which comprise the Cinque Terre. With pastel buildings stacked above the Mediterranean coast, you’ll want to allow extra time to explore each village as you pass through. Connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso, the easier paths are at the Riomaggiore end of the trail. Decide whether you want to hit the more rugged sections at the beginning or end of your trip to choose your starting point.

Also worth checking out:

Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland – Also known as the Fimm hike, this trail allows you to combine the best of Icelandic scenery in a full-day hike. Passing 26 waterfalls, two volcanoes and ascending some of the youngest mountains in the world, this is an awe-inspiring, challenging hike.

Samaria Gorge, Crete – Cutting 10 miles through the White Mountains of Crete, Europe’s second-largest canyon, is a spectacular hike. Accessible during spring and summer.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira – A varied day hike along narrow paths, rugged staircases and tunnel chambers. The 11km round trip can be completed in a day along this challenging but safe route.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop, Italy – A 10km circular route around 3 iconic Dolomite peaks; Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo and Rifugio Locatelli. An easy route, this is a popular hike for families.

For day hikes, you’ll need a backpack that can carry water, food and additional clothing layers such as a waterproof rain jacket. Backpacks with a capacity under 30 litres are usually referred to as daypacks and are ideal for this length of these hikes. The classic Borealis backpack from The North Face is an ideal 28-lite capacity daypack. With a roomy main compartment, organisation panel and two external water bottle pockets, you have easy access to everything you need. The moulded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel are made for comfort on the trail. The outer construction includes an external bungee system for carrying additional equipment.

Related: What’s a good backpack for travelling?

BEST WINTER HIKES IN EUROPE

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

Nestled in a broad valley between high, snow-covered mountain peaks, the flight into Innsbruck airport is spectacular. Once on the ground, there are many varied trails on offer for hikers exploring the area around this vibrant, winter-sports city. There are plenty of opportunities to try snowshoeing – adding a wide frame to your walking shoes or boots to allow easier trekking across the snow on high alpine trails.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS

The fjords of Norway offer thousands of variations for walkers of all interests and abilities. From dense forests to vast glaciers, the range of scenery is stunning. A fjord is a deep, narrow inlet of water from the sea. Forged by glaciers, slowly scraping through the landscape, there are over 1000 fjords around Norway. Popular all year round, a winter visit offers the chance to glimpse the Northern Lights – just make sure you pack clothing to keep you warm.

When hiking in low temperatures, you need to stay warm without compromising mobility. For effective insulation, your clothing needs to reduce heat loss, guard against wind chill and allow ease of movement. High levels of insulation can cause clothing to become bulky, and thick jackets are not ideal for outdoor activities and sports. To maintain performance, you need efficient insulation that does not reduce comfort or flexibility.

Related: All you need to know about insulation

How cold you feel is a combination of air temperature and wind chill. Thermal energy is transferred from your body to the surroundings, which makes you feel cold. Wind moves air at a greater rate, speeding up the cooling process. Wind chill makes you feel colder than the ambient temperature may suggest. An effective winter coat uses insulating materials to trap body heat close to the skin and slow down the heat transfer.

The North Face Women’s Stretch Down Hooded Jacket is engineered to keep you warm on the trail. Utilising 700-fill goose down to achieve superior insulation, the stretch fabric adds flexibility for ease of motion. If you expect to encounter wet weather, when down can become less effective, The North Face Thermoball™ technology has been designed to maintain insulating properties even when wet.

Thermoball technology has been utilised in the Women’s Thermoball™ Eco Jacket to handle variable conditions in alpine environments. The synthetic fill is highly compressible, and the jacket can be packed into a compact, lightweight pocket. The insulation and the outer fabric are made entirely from recycled polyester and continue to insulate when wet.

Thermal clothing works by trapping air close to the skin to create a warm microclimate around your body. For your legs, thermal tights (sometimes known as long johns) help to maintain a comfortable temperature. The North Face Men’s Warm Tights are made as an effective base for outdoor activities in low temperatures.

Related: How to layer up and keep warm for winter

BEST HIKING VACATIONS IN EUROPE

LAUGAVEGUR, ICELAND

55km

4-5 days

challenging

Also known as Laugavegurinn, this is one of the most varied walking routes in Europe. You’ll feel like you’re in a different world as you encounter hot springs, glaciers, vibrantly coloured hills and valleys and black volcanic rock. A shorter loop can be completed in a single day to give you a taste of the region. The 55km main trail takes 4-5 days to complete over challenging terrain. An optional two-day extension to Skogar takes you between two immense glaciers for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS, GEORGIA

An under-the-radar destination, the arid Caucasus mountain range in Georgia offers a range of mesmerising hikes through the peaks. Hikers can observe the medieval villages of the Upper Svaneti region alongside a wide variety of wildlife. With less tourist infrastructure around hiking in the area, this offers a real chance to experience something new. Late spring into early summer is the ideal time to visit in between the snow and the mid-summer heat. Start by checking out the Mestia to Ushguli route.

Also worth checking out:

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia – This UNESCO World Heritage area has 16 interconnected lakes across 300 square kilometres, including stunning waterfalls, wildlife and rare birds. Choose from a variety of trails that traverse the park.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro – A popular ski resort in the winter, the canyons, limestone peaks and glacial lakes are popular hikes during the summer months.

The right backpack is essential for any hiking trip. Consider the clothing you’ll need to pack, the length of your trip and the weather you expect to encounter. Select the capacity of your bag based on the clothing, food, water and additional equipment you will need on the trail.

Backpacks between 30 and 50 litres are usually suitable for multi-day trips. However, a single night in cold weather may require a greater capacity than three nights in the summer. Extra climbing or camping equipment will also affect the size of the bag needed. For longer trips, especially involving camping or winter adventures, you will need a high-capacity backpack. When you pack a bigger bag, think carefully about the items you need. Take lightweight, versatile clothing that is useful without taking up unnecessary space.

Pack your backpack to spread weight evenly, with frequently accessed items at the top. Carrying a well-fitting bag is important for heavier loads. Backpacks with hip belts, additional shoulder padding and load-lifter straps will increase comfort and reduce the chance of injury. The North Face AMK Spectre 55 litre backpack is a versatile, lightweight bag that is designed to fit the needs of your trip. With removable lid and hip belt, Spectra Grid Mesh construction and integrated tool carrying system, you’ll be able to carry everything you need.

The North Face backpack finder will help you select the ideal backpack by quickly assessing your needs in terms of use, features and fit.

Related: What kind of bag is best for a weekend hiking trip?

The best hike is the one you go on! After soaking up the inspiration of our suggestions, grab your boots and get outside. Whatever your level of experience, The North Face has got you covered, giving you the confidence to focus on enjoying the adventure.