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5 Epic Hiking Trails to Try in Europe

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If you are one of those people who think that Europe is just about the rich history and beautiful cities, let this post prove you wrong. There is much more to discover than simple sightseeing and pretty historic buildings.

Although it might be difficult to find as many mountains and hiking trails as you would in South and North America or Asia, there are some great hiking trails in Europe. So, if you are a hiking and camping adventurer, this continent offers everything you’ll want. Below are five of the most epic trails one could ever want, and they are all in Europe.

5 Hiking Trails in Europe You Should Try

Cinque Terre, Italy

Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy

Manarola in Cinque Terre, Italy

This 6.8-mile (11-kilometer) coastal route connects five beautiful towns in northwestern Italy (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). All five towns are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. They are truly amazing and picturesque. All hiking routes are easily accessed and can be walked in six hours. However, many walkers decide to enjoy them a bit longer and stay in each town. This allows them to explore the views of the Mediterranean Sea and gorgeous architecture. Definitely also try some delicious Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

If you plan on hiking in Cinque Terre National Park, you better come prepared. From knowing the route’s difficulties and the best time of the year to go, to packing the essential things you might need such as a sleeping bag, a tent, comfy shoes, the best rechargeable flashlight, and hydration. After all, it’s still a hike and it’s best to be prepared.

If you’re attracted to this route, we suggest you hike in September and October or April and May as the temperatures are much more appropriate for hiking.

Eagles Walk, Austria

Mountain landscape in Tirol, Austria

Mountain landscape in Tirol, Austria

If you’re planning a multi-day hike or a one-day trip, you’ll find many opportunities for all levels of hiker adventurists on the Eagles Trail in Austria. Covering 256 miles (412 km), the Eagles Trail has 33 stages in total, so you can choose a section per your preferences. What is great about these trails is that routes can be easily accessed from many regions across Tirol. This is why this is one of the absolute best hiking trails in Europe.

Top-notch huts are pretty strange to European, especially British, hikers, and there are more than a thousand of them just in Austria. Considering the fact that access to the huts is only via mountain routes, they are only open from June to October. What is strange to most hikers is that these “huts” are not what their name suggests, small and cozy. Some of them are pretty luxurious with double rooms and Wi-Fi. It’s like they’re an entire tourism industry, which is not that strange knowing that Austria is doing a lot to expand their tourist offers and attractions.

No matter if you prefer picking out some easy day trip routes or challenge yourself at the main route, with the Eagle Walk the old and young, the not so fit and fit can enjoy hiking as a healthy and joyful activity.

SPP (The Slovenian Mountain Trail), Slovenia

Julian Alps in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Julian Alps in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

The Slovenian Mountain Trail is a remarkable hiking route that covers all the Alpine ranges in Slovenia from Karavanke and Kamnik Alps to the Julian Alps. You can start your hike across the Pohorje mountain, over the Dinaric ridges, cross the stunning Karst Edge starting with a hike and end your hike right on the Ankaran coast. If you think that walking this route won’t satisfy your needs, just keep in mind that Slovenia has one of the highest peaks in Europe, Mount Triglav in amazing Triglav National Park.

Slovenia is full of interesting features, beautiful towns, adventures, special attractions, cultural events and natural beauty. Although one of the smallest countries in Europe, it has a lot to offer.

Mont Blanc Tour, Italy, France and Switzerland

Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the best hiking trails in Europe

Tour du Mont Blanc

Usually called the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), this route is one of the most popular and best hiking trails in Europe. It covers 110 miles (170 km) and passes through some of the most stunning countries in Europe – Italy, France and Switzerland. In order to finish the entire route around the Mont Blanc in the Western Alps, you’ll have to pass through all three countries. The traditional walking route usually takes 11 days. However, with such an extraordinary attractive journey, there is no way you will be able to resist exploring and sightseeing the nearby cities as well.

Mountain huts are mostly open from June until the mid-September. We advise making a reservation sooner, especially if you plan on hiking in mid-July to mid-August. If you plan to go early in the season, you’ll find the most beauty and quietness. Just be careful of old snow on higher routes and paths, which could be dangerous and icy. In this case, pack an ice ax.

Kungsleden, Sweden

Kungsleden, Sweden

Kungsleden, Sweden

The King’s Trail in English, this 270-mile (440-kilometer) route crosses one of the most beautiful reserves in Sweden, Vindelfjällens Nature Reserve, which is one of the most protected places in Europe. Most hikers who start their journey only manage to do only a section of it. There are few who actually finish and walk the entire route.

The place is usually a cross-country ski trail in winter and a hiking trail in summer with many mountain huts you’ll find on your journey along the Kungsleden. Swedish mountain huts are cozy, welcoming and comfortable places where you can relax after an exhausting day of walking. Here you’ll find a true spirit of wild, untouched nature and other fellow hikers with whom you can cook and spend relaxing nights exchanging hiking experiences.

The landscape you’ll enjoy along the way is continuously changing. It’s always spectacular and becomes more stunning as you hike through the raw natural scenery that lines this trail. Kungsleden is Sweden’s best long-distance hiking route and the beauty of this open and wild and landscape provides a truly unique hiking adventure.

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5 Awesome Hiking Trails in Europe - Cinque Terre, Kungsleden, Tour du Mont Blanc, Eagles Walk and Slovenian Mountain Trail

5 Awesome Hiking Trails in Europe


Guest Author Bio

Rebecca lives in the USA, but loves hiking all over the world. In addition to these hiking trails in Europe, her favorite is the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. It usually takes 16 days, but she likes to slow down, enjoy mountains, company of other adventurers and take pictures. So, it took her 28 days last time. Another of her passions is the ocean, so all short and long hikes along the ocean shore bring a lot of joy. She also writes for hikingmastery.com/.