In Europe
Prepare your most beautiful walking routes in Europe
From the blue of Alpine lakes to the rugged Atlantic coastline, Europe caters to every hiking desire. To explore its trails safely and with pleasure, it’s essential to be well-equipped: detailed guides and topographical maps. On this page, you’ll find a selection of essential resources to prepare your hikes through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes.
Hiking in Europe
Hiking in Europe is an invitation to travel through remarkably diverse landscapes. Each country has its own iconic trails, from the highest hike in Europe in the Alps to the coastal paths of Portugal and Croatia. Topographic maps, specialized guides, GPS apps: equipping yourself with the right tools remains essential to fully enjoy each stage.
Europe is an exceptional playground for hikers of all levels.In Germany, the trails of the Black Forest and Harz National Parks offer dense forests, waterfalls, and glacial lakes.
- In Spain, hiking in Europe takes a spiritual turn on the Camino de Santiago, or a wilder one in the Picos de Europa.
- Portugal enchants with its coastal trails like the Rota Vicentina or the Serra da Estrela mountains.
- In Italy, the Dolomites are a must-see with their dizzying walls and via ferrata.
- In Norway andIceland, nature reigns supreme: fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, and lava deserts create an adventurous setting.
- In Sweden and Finland, lakes and boreal forests stretch as far as the eye can see, crossed by great Nordic routes like the Kungsleden.
- Croatia offers a very picturesque coastal hike between the Adriatic Sea and the Velebit Mountains.
- Switzerland and Austria are renowned for their well-equipped mountain huts and extensive network of marked trails.
- Denmark and the Netherlands appeal to hikers looking for accessible European hiking, with dunes, beaches, and peaceful countryside.
- Ireland and the United Kingdom excel with their coastal routes such as the Kerry Way, the South West Coast Path, and the Highlands Trails.
- In Malta, hike in the sunshine through limestone cliffs and small hilltop villages.
And if you’re looking for the highest hike in Europe, head to the Tour du Mont-Blanc (France, Switzerland, Italy) which reaches an altitude of over 2,500 m, while remaining accessible to good, well-prepared walkers.
The most beautiful hikes in Europe
Here is a selection of essential routes for an unforgettable European hike:
- GR® 20 – Corsica (France): demanding but spectacular, between sea and peaks.
- Tour du Mont-Blanc (France – Switzerland – Italy): one of the continent’s most legendary multi-day trails.
- Kungsleden – Sweden: 440 km of Arctic nature, in the heart of Swedish Lapland.
- Rota Vicentina – Portugal: along the Atlantic Ocean, through the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park.
- Camino de Santiago – Spain: cultural, spiritual, and athletic pilgrimage across the country.
- Traseu Fagaras – Romania: a spectacular crossing of the Carpathian Mountains.
- West Highland Way – Scotland: 154 km between lochs and Scottish mountains.
- Alta Via 1 – Dolomites (Italy): panoramic high-altitude trail, hut after hut.
Our 3 essential products for your hikes in Europe
Here is a selection of practical guides and maps to help you plan your hikes:
- The most beautiful hikes in Europe – to escape to nature: discover Europe in a different way with this Lonely Planet travel guide, which brings together 45 exceptional destinations for hiking in complete freedom.
- Kompass Map – Tour du Mont-Blanc: ideal for tracking variants and planning mountain huts, stops, and alpine passages.
- Portugal on Foot – Le Routard: a must-see when you travel to Portugal; this is a practical guide to visiting Portugal’s must-see attractions.
A European network in full structuring
For several decades, Europe has been developing a transnational network of long-distance hiking trails. Each country has its own organization:
- In France, the GR trails are marked by the FFRandonnée (French Hiking Federation).
- In Switzerland and Germany, the trails are integrated into public transportation.
- In Norway, mountain huts are accessible without reservation in summer.
- In Spain and Portugal, regional initiatives are developing well-marked trails.
Whether you dream of cycling along the Norwegian fjords, crossing the Alps, or following the Danube, Europe offers you its cycle paths. With the right tools—a European cycling map, a European cycling guide, and a little boldness adventure is within pedaling distance!
Europe is gradually becoming a continent of long-distance walking, with safe routes, accessible accommodation, and an increasing number of digital and paper resources for orientation.