Europe offers a breathtaking variety for hikers, with volcanic plateaus, dramatic alpine ridges, deep fjords, and lush river valleys spread across the continent.
Opportunities range from clearly marked day hikes to demanding multi-day treks that stretch across remote terrain.
Well-maintained paths, reliable signage, and unforgettable natural scenery make many European routes accessible to both casual walkers and experienced backpackers.
Standout destinations below combine clearly defined trails with wild scenery and memorable features that reward every step.
Let us check them out.
1. Iceland – Landmannalaugar and Laugavegur Trail
The Icelandic Highlands around Landmannalaugar are known for rhyolite mountains glowing in shades of red, orange, and green.
Lava fields, geothermal vents, and steaming hot springs create an otherworldly setting shaped by constant volcanic activity.
Glaciers appear on distant horizons, while wide valleys carved by ice and water stretch across stark terrain.
Classic Laugavegur Trail stretches roughly 54 kilometers and is often completed in four days.
The route connects Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, crossing volcanic deserts, obsidian fields, colorful valleys, and glacial rivers.
Constant changes in terrain keep each day visually engaging and physically varied.
Multi-day structure typically follows a hut-to-hut pattern with key stopping points that include:
Summer offers the safest access, as snow and harsh weather limit travel during other seasons.
Path can feel rugged underfoot, especially across lava rock and sandy volcanic soil, yet it remains well defined. Mountain huts and designated campsites provide reliable overnight options.
Hikers with limited time can complete the first 24 kilometers to Hrafntinnusker or choose shorter loop routes close to Landmannalaugar.
2. Greece – Vikos Gorge and Optional Peaks of the Balkans
Vikos Gorge in northern Greece ranks among the deepest canyons in the world.
Sheer cliff walls rise dramatically above a green valley floor carved by the Voidomatis River.
Stone villages perched along the rim add cultural character to the surrounding mountains.
Several measurable features make the gorge particularly impressive:
Popular day hike runs between Monodendri and Agia Paraskevi monastery. Stone paths and dirt trails lead to lookout points that reveal sweeping views across the canyon.
Agia Paraskevi monastery sits dramatically on the edge of the cliff, offering one of the most striking vantage points in the region.
Less marked routes continue past the monastery for hikers seeking more rugged terrain. Rocky sections and steeper paths require careful footing.
The nearby Peaks of the Balkans network expands possibilities for multi-day hiking across remote mountain regions shared by Greece and neighboring countries.
Extended routes introduce high passes, alpine meadows, and traditional shepherd settlements.
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3. Norway – Aurlandsdalen and Fjord Region
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Aurlandsdalen Valley has earned the nickname Grand Canyon of Norway due to its deep gorges, steep cliffs, and dramatic waterfalls.
The river cuts through varied terrain that shifts between high mountain plateaus and fertile valley floors.
Distant peaks frame much of the route, reinforcing the scale of the surroundings.
Main route between Østerbø and Vassbygdi covers about 20 kilometers and typically takes around six hours.
Trail includes gradual descents along with steeper rocky sections that demand attention.
Wooden bridges cross streams, and old farmsteads appear along the way.
Access remains straightforward thanks to public transportation and taxi options connecting to trailheads.
Hike delivers continuous mountain views and close contact with rivers and cliffs, offering a strong sense of openness and vertical scale.
4. Sweden – Kungsleden and Drottningleden
Kungsleden, known as the King’s Trail, extends roughly 440 kilometers across Swedish Lapland.
Long distance route crosses Arctic tundra, rolling mountains, and birch forests. Hikers often choose specific segments, especially in the Abisko and Kebnekaise areas, to experience shorter sections.
Open terrain allows wide views across northern Scandinavia.
Reindeer frequently graze near the trail, and Sami cultural presence adds depth to the region.
Midnight sun during summer months provides extended daylight for hiking, while autumn brings vivid colors across tundra vegetation.
Drottningleden offers a shorter alternative at about 8 kilometers within Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve. Ridge trail delivers panoramic mountain views and a strong sense of elevation.
Clear markings and defined footing make it suitable for a focused day hike, while sightings of reindeer enhance the alpine atmosphere.
5. Scotland – Lost Valley and Highlands Trails
@zo.xplore Hard to believe somewhere this beautiful holds such a dark past. The Lost Valley of Glencoe — would you hike it? 👣 #glencoe #lostvalley #scotland #visitscotand #scottishhighlands ♬ original sound – zo.xplore
Scottish Highlands feature rugged peaks, broad glens, and weather that can shift rapidly within hours.
Rocky slopes and grassy valleys create dramatic contrasts across the region.
Lost Valley hike near Glencoe covers about 4.5 kilometers round trip.
Steep ascent over uneven ground leads into a concealed valley historically used to hide livestock.
Surrounding mountains enclose the valley, creating a striking sense of seclusion.
Footing can be uneven and occasionally muddy. Proper hiking boots and waterproof layers are essential due to unpredictable rain and wind.
Conditions may shift quickly, increasing the challenge even on shorter routes.
6. Italy – Dolomites, Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Alta Via Routes
Dolomites present dramatic limestone spires that dominate northern Italy’s alpine region.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also called Drei Zinnen, rises sharply above grassy meadows and rocky trails.
Classic loop around Tre Cime measures about 11 kilometers and circles the iconic peaks at a moderate elevation.
Well maintained path and frequent signposts make navigation simple during summer months.
Views remain constant, with towering rock faces changing angle as hikers progress around the loop.
Alta Via routes extend across the Dolomites for multi-day trekking on marked alpine trails.
Two of the most popular long routes include:
Refugios positioned along these routes provide meals, beds, and shelter. Reliable infrastructure supports hikers planning extended stays in high mountain terrain.
7. Spain – Ruta de los Volcanos and Canary Islands
Island of La Palma in the Canary Islands features Ruta de los Volcanos along the Cumbre Vieja ridge.
Trail traces a chain of volcanic cones and dark ash fields, with ocean visible on clear days.
The route spans about 18 kilometers and often takes around six hours to complete. Steady ascents and exposed ridgelines create a demanding day hike.
Surface consists largely of volcanic gravel and compacted ash, which can feel unstable underfoot.
Careful planning is necessary due to changing weather. Clear conditions may reveal the neighboring Canary Islands across the Atlantic, adding a dramatic backdrop to the hike.
8. Slovenia – Soča Valley Trails
Soča Valley is known for its bright blue river winding through forested slopes and alpine surroundings.
Waterfalls, wooden suspension bridges, and rocky gorges appear frequently along marked paths.
The trail network offers varied experiences that include:
Clear signage and maintained tracks make navigation straightforward.
River color shifts between turquoise and deep blue depending on light and depth, creating constant visual contrast against green forests and gray rock.
Combination of flowing water and mountain backdrops creates a compelling setting for hikers seeking defined trails and striking natural features.
The Bottom Line
Europe offers remarkable hiking opportunities across volcanic plateaus, glacial valleys, deep gorges, and alpine peaks.
Day hikes and multi-day treks are both widely available, supported by established paths and reliable infrastructure.
Any fitness level can find a rewarding route that connects people with nature and delivers unforgettable views.
I’m Annabel, and traveling has always been my passion. My idea of fun? A lot of biking and hiking. From the Himalayas to the local hills, if there’s a path (or not), I’ve probably been there or it’s on my list.
