Best Hiking Trails in Europe

Here’s a list of some of the best hiking trails across the continent, including both famous treks and lesser-known gems—with a special focus on the Balkans and Albania’s wild landscapes.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

A must-do for those who love volcanic landscapes, the Laugavegur Trail takes hikers through a surreal world of colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, glaciers, and black sand deserts. The 55-kilometer route can be done in four to five days, with mountain huts available along the way.

Kungsleden Trail, Sweden

Sweden’s legendary Kungsleden ("King’s Trail") runs 440 kilometers through Swedish Lapland. While the full trek is a serious adventure, shorter sections—like the Abisko to Nikkaluokta stretch—offer a great introduction to Arctic hiking, with rolling hills, rivers, and a chance to see the Northern Lights in late summer.

Blue Trail, Italy (Cinque Terre)

One of the most scenic coastal hikes in the world, the Blue Trail links the five villages of Cinque Terre, hugging the dramatic cliffs of Italy’s Ligurian coast. This 12-kilometer route is short but offers unbeatable views of the sea and colorful villages.

Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria-Slovenia-Italy

This long-distance trail (750 kilometers, 43 stages) connects Austria’s Alps, Slovenia’s forests, and Italy’s vineyards. The route is well-marked and designed for a relaxed pace, making it perfect for those who want to combine hiking with cultural stops and great food.

Alta Via 1, Italy

This 120-kilometer high-altitude trail in the Dolomites is perfect for those who love dramatic limestone peaks, alpine lakes, and well-maintained mountain huts. It’s a less crowded alternative to the Alps but just as breathtaking.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

One of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world, the Camino de Santiago is less about the physical challenge and more about the journey and cultural experience. The most popular route, the Camino Francés (800 kilometers), takes about a month to complete, but many people do shorter sections.

Quiraing Walk, Scotland

The Quiraing Walk on Scotland’s Isle of Skye looks like something out of a fantasy movie. This 7-kilometer loop features towering cliffs, surreal rock formations, and panoramic views of the sea, making it one of the most scenic short hikes in Europe.

Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Faroe Islands

One of the most remote and dramatic hikes in the Faroe Islands, this steep 6-kilometer climb takes you to one of the highest points on Viðoy Island, offering stunning views of rugged sea cliffs and surrounding islands.

Samaria Gorge Hike, Greece

The Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most famous hikes, cutting through 16 kilometers of sheer rock walls and pine forests before reaching the sea. Best done in spring or early autumn to avoid the heat.

GR 20, France (Corsica)

Widely considered one of the toughest hikes in Europe, the GR 20 crosses Corsica from north to south over 180 kilometers, featuring steep climbs, rock scrambles, and exposed ridgelines—but also some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Mediterranean.

Tour du Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland

This 170-kilometer loop around Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in the world. Passing through three countries, it offers a mix of glacier views, alpine meadows, and charming mountain huts.

The Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland

A more challenging alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Walker’s Haute Route runs 200 kilometers from Chamonix to Zermatt, crossing 11 high passes and offering nonstop glacier views.

Trolltunga, Norway

One of the most Instagram-famous hikes in Europe, Trolltunga ("Troll’s Tongue") is a 28-kilometer round trip leading to a jaw-dropping rock ledge overlooking a fjord. A challenging but rewarding hike best done in summer.

Theth to Valbona, Albania

One of the most beautiful and well-known hikes in the Balkans, this 17-kilometer trail connects the remote mountain villages of Theth and Valbona. The route takes hikers through high mountain passes, deep valleys, and traditional Albanian landscapes.

Peaks of the Balkans (Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo)

This 192-kilometer loop crosses Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, taking hikers through some of the most untouched and dramatic mountain scenery in Europe. The trail passes through traditional villages, glacial lakes, and high alpine meadows.

Lukomir Village Hike, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This trail takes you to Lukomir, the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia, where locals still follow traditional ways of life. The hike offers stunning views of the Rakitnica Canyon and a chance to experience authentic Balkan mountain culture.

Find Your Next Hike

Europe is full of incredible hiking trails, from high-altitude treks in the Alps and Dolomites to hidden gems in the Balkans and remote Nordic landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a long-distance trek, a cultural journey, or a scenic day hike, there’s an adventure waiting for you.

Looking for more ways to track your hikes, connect with other hikers, and find new challenges? Check out Hike List for community-driven trail recommendations and challenge tracking. Start planning your next trek today at HikeList.io.