Best Hikes In Europe – The Definitive Guide

Updated: December 11, 2023
best-hikes-in-europe

Looking for the Best Hikes in Europe? Look no further!

Regardless of your motivations, we hope you find a European hike below that will inspire you to come back to Europe over and over again.  Each time in search of ever more challenging endeavours.

Long-distance hiking is believed to have originated in Europe - Germany, to be precise - over a century ago. Despite the continent being relatively overpopulated, there are many diverse and pristine areas.

Views of idyllic landscapes, snow-covered mountain spires, grassy fields and hospitable villages, make hikes in Europe ever more rewarding!

Some are relics of the old Roman ways or Christian pilgrimages, while others mark historical battlefields or link strategically important locations for many centuries of European military, economic, political and cultural history.

Top Hikes in Europe

1. Tour du Mont Blanc

tour-du-mont-blanc-main
  • Distance: 110 miles (170 km)
  • Countries Visited: France, Italy and Switzerland
  • Number of days: 11 
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (depending on the level of fitness)
  • Accommodation: Resorts, Hostels, Mountain Huts

Flowing over the peaks and valleys of the Western Alps through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy and Switzerland, The Tour du Mont Blanc definitely deserves the crown as one the best hikes in Europe and in the world.

And not only because it provides the finest views of the tallest mountain in the region!

Although physically challenging, it allows you to experience the most picturesque parts of the continent in less than 2 weeks. The hike will take you all the way from Chamonix in southeastern France, and through several famous villages like Courmayeur in Northern Italy.

However, the hike’s 11-day duration allows for route customisation – usually an anti-clockwise trek around the whole Mount Blanc Massif, it provides plenty of route variations to satisfy even the pickiest hikers.

And as if this wasn’t enough, the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a treat with its accommodation options, varying from boutique hostels and luxury ski resorts to rustic mountain huts.

Ready to book a trip? Check prices and availability for the Tour du Mont Blanc or other hikes in Switzerland.

tmb hike

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2. Walker's Haute Route

walkers-haute-route-zermatt-matterhorn
  • Distance: 112 miles (180 km)
  • Countries Visited: France and Switzerland
  • Number of days: 14
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Accommodation: Mountain Huts, Hostels, Hotels

With its contrast landscapes and passing a few 4,000-meter glaciers along the way, the Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, also known as Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn or La Haute Route, astounds everybody embarking on this two-week journey.

Peppering France and Switzerland, the snow peaks, lush green valleys and European villages lifted straight from the fairy tails, offer constant eye rest on this very demanding and challenging hike.

A real mountaineering crew from England initially walked and skied the route in mid-19th century, creating the path for the modern-day challenge, best undertaken in summer.

Study our route variations well, to select the right one for your level of hiking experience and physical fitness.

3. Tour de Monte Rosa

monte rosa
  • Distance: 101 miles (163 km)
  • Countries Visited: Italy and Switzerland
  • Number of days: 9
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Accommodation: Mountain Huts

And the last Alps’ trail on our top 20 list is Tour de Monte Rosa. As the other two hikes, it takes you through unforgettable scenery of the most popular European mountain range.

Taking you up and down the Renaissance paths, it provides the best views of the magnifico 4-thousanders.

Concurred in early 1500s by none the other but Leonardo da Vinci himself, the Monte Rosa (meaning ‘Glacier’) provides an unforgettable backdrop to the hike.

It truly is a hike across a magical Snow Kingdom, which is safer to admire in summer, preferably not earlier than in July.

matterhorn highlights

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4. West Highland Way

west highland way
  • Distance: 100 miles (151 km)
  • Countries Visited: Scotland, United Kingdom
  • Number of days: 7
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (depending on the weather)
  • Accommodation: Campsites, Hostels, B&Bs

Set in the powerful and scenic Scottish Highlands, the West Highland Way Hike seems to be getting even trendier than before. It is fast becoming one of the best thru-hikes in the world.

Connecting Milngavie outside Glasgow and Fort William - home to the highest mountain in Britain, the infamous Ben Nevis - the trail offers some of the harshest and refreshing views.

You will be treated to the Scotland’s best natural beauties – mysterious lochs (like Loch Lomond), sumptuous heights and glens, serene moors and magnificent woodlands.

Highlights worth researching in advance include: Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and Glen Nevis.

Since you are hiking towards a fort, don’t forget to read up on the 18th century military history of the region, as most of the roads around the area will be a real testament to some great historical events.

At the end of the path you will be in for a delightful ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, nicknamed the Hogwarts Express after featuring in the Harry Potter movies.

It’s no secret that this part of the country gets rather wet and hostile around fall and winter time, so it is advisable to embark on the journey between May and October. Avoid mid-summer also due to awfully annoying and blood-thirsty midges!

Not ready for this hike? Why not try the 3 Peaks Challenge instead or even this awesome canoeing trip in Scotland.

5. Kungsleden Trail

Kungslegen-Trail-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-In-Europe
  • Distance: 270 miles – divided into 4 trails of 110 km each
  • Countries Visited: Sweden
  • Number of days: 7-14
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (depending on the level of fitness)
  • Accommodation: Campsites, Rustic Huts

If you are after the untouched truly Nordic natural beauty with barren tundra plains and local mountains, harsh Artic summers, miniature dwarf pine trees, birch forests and endless valleys, rivers, lakes and ponds accompanied by massive glaciers, than the Kungsleden Trail is definitely for you.

If you aren’t as keen on the northern winds and Lapland sceneries during virtually non-existent summers, you might still find the experience rewarding and manageable.

Although the only true wilderness of the Western Europe, the trail offers some camping comforts in many rustic huts along all of the four 110km hikes.

One of which takes you from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, providing a view of the highest peak in Sweden, the stark Mount Kebnekaise.

We recommend choosing your hike according to climate zones you’d like to explore, or based on your preferences of nature reserves, of which there will be four on the entire journey, with Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, peppered with several Scandinavian Mountains, being one the most popular and definitely the largest.

The best time to visit is either during the popular summer season – from June to early September, or mid-September, when most European hikers are gone and mosquitoes have died out.

6. Camino De Santiago Trail

Camino-de-Santiago-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-In-Europe
  • Distance: 500 miles (can be dived into 8 sections of about 80-100km each)
  • Countries Visited: Spain, France
  • Number of days: 7-10 days per section (full route – 30 days)
  • Difficulty: Moderately Difficult, requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Camping, Rustic Huts, Hostels, Guest Houses

The Camino De Santiago trails take you through the majestic Pyrenees, short but unforgettable mountain range dividing Northern Spain and France with a tiny country of Andorra in-between. 

Originally the most famous route for Catholic pilgrims, it is today a well-mapped trail for any culture-driven hiker.

The most picturesque route of Camino de Santiago Trail, meaning the Way of Saint James, is called The French Way. It takes your across the valleys with powerful rivers, roaring alongside majestic summits. 

Thanks to its heritage, the trail is packed with major cultural sites of the region, including a very impressive Cathedral at Santiago built in infamous Gothic Baroque style.

If you were to take the route from St Jean Pied de Port and walk through a legendary town of Pampolona in July, you’d be greeted by the fearless Running of the Bulls Festival, which worthy of a pilgrimage on its own! 

From here you can take a trip to the coast, but this could add another 3 days to the trek.

Hike the Pyrenees

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7. GR20

GR20-Corsica-France-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 112 miles (180 km)
  • Countries Visited: Corsica, France
  • Number of days: 14
  • Difficulty: Difficult 
  • Accommodation: Refuges, Campsites, Basic Hostels, Rustic Huts

If you are ready to test your mountain hiking skills, fly out to Corsica for the epic GR20 Hike.

From Calenzana (near Calvi to Conca) the route is a chain of seemingly never-ending climbs up and down very steep and spiky footpaths.

You might find it a relief to learn that the start of the trek – Northern part of the island – will pack your hardest days, and it gets a bit less gruelling as the days progress.

Although, be prepared for a toughest section where you will have to rely on bolted chains to climb over.

But it all becomes worth it! Winding from North to South of Corsica, this covered in pine trees hike penetrates the very spine of the island – its single mountain range.

It provides the best views of the rocky walls protecting the warm valleys, lush meadows and sparking lakes.

As the heat can add even more pain to the journey, try hiking either in June, September or even October, to save yourself from a pounding sun.

8. GR10

GR10-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 538 miles (divided into smaller sections)
  • Countries Visited: France
  • Number of days: 8-15 (per section)
  • Difficulty: Difficult, requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Hostels, Campsites, Rustic Huts

The entire classic GR10 Hike through the French Pyrenean Mountains would take two months to walk, but it is conveniently broken down into many varied routes, which you can do in one or two weeks.

The difficulty of the hike is determined by its tiresome and continuous accent, so if you are not prepared to be climbing for days on end, then select a shorter version with more rest days for your comfort.

While hiking in the Central Pyrenees, you will discover some landscape landmarks like the Gaube Lake, Cirque de Gavarnie (UNESCO Heritage Site) and the Vignemale (highest peak in the area).

With breathtaking valleys and fascinating peaks, the views on the trek are simply unbeatable. But unlike many other hikes in Europe, this section of GR10 also offers some bird watching and wildlife spotting opportunities.

But as you are taking pictures of brown vultures and griffons beware of being spotted by the golden eagle from above!

If you would like to see these majestic kings of the sky, make sure to walk through the Néouvielle National Reserve.

Additionally, one of the central routes will take you through spa towns – Cauterets and Bagnères-de-Luchon – to give you time to rejuvenate your aching muscles.

9. El Caminito Del Rey

El-Caminito-Del-Rey-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Countries Visited: Spain
  • Number of days: 0.5
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Accommodation: N/A

The El Caminito del Rey hike will offer a glimpse into the region of Spain called Andalucía. It is a land of mounting summits, enormous basilicas, whitewashed villages, blooming orchids and ancient mountain towns that outlived the rises and falls of the three major European and Eastern empires.

Considered the most dangerous hike in the world, it requires mental stoicism and some bravery. Due to landfalls the path was closed and only reopened recently, so safety is definitely a number one priority.

However, don't forget to look around and take in the views of the canyon, the gorge and the quite sublime river running only 100 metres below the path, curving the sides of the gorge.

It is likely you will never see this kind of beauty again!

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10. Rota Vicentina

Rota-Vicentina-the-Fishermen’s-Trail-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 46 miles (75km; full length is 250 miles)
  • Countries Visited: Portugal
  • Number of days: 4-5
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Accommodation: Camping, Rustic Huts, Hostels, Guest Houses

Although the entire Rota Vicentina Trail is hefty 250-miles long, it is divided into chewable sections, with the Fishermen’s Trail on top of the list.

Considered one of the best coastal trails in Europe, it takes you through some of the wildest southwest areas of Portugal.

It starts in Santiago do Cacem and ends at the most southwestern point of continental Europe, the Cabo San Vicente.

The trail consists of two parts, the Fisherman Trail and the Historic Trail, which runs a bit further inland and takes hikers along remote farm lands and small villages.

11. Laugavegur or Laugavegurinn

Laugavegur-Hiking-Trail-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 34 miles (54 km)
  • Countries Visited: Iceland
  • Number of days: 3-5
  • Difficulty: Easy (but depends on the weather)
  • Accommodation: Camping, Rustic Huts

Mostly known for a variety of unforgettable and even frightening landscapes spiced up with volcanoes, multi-coloured mountains, ice caves, lava fields, canyons and black arctic deserts the Laugavegur Hiking Trail is made for those who prefer to see all the planet Earth has on offer.

And the views could be completely out of this world!

Walking from North to South, through the South-West of Iceland, you will also be treated to some hot springs in Landmannalaugar, before enjoying the fascinating beauty of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve (Thórsmörk) and it its glacial valley. 

The Hot Spring Route (translation) takes you through the scenery fit for fairy tails and fantasy movies.

Don’t be afraid of hoping for some magic, and perhaps you’d be rewarded with the fascinated light show that is the Northern Lights.

Being one of the most popular trail's in Iceland, it is better undertaken at the beginning or end of the summer months.

12. Westweg in Black Forest

Westweg-in-Black-Forest-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
  • Countries Visited: Germany
  • Number of days: 5-15 (depending on the route)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Accommodation: Camping, Hostels, Guest Houses

The Westweg, or the West Way, is the most famous trail in Germany. Running all the way from Pforzheim to Basel, it is practically the birthplace of the entire concept of hiking itself.

Established in 1900, it is still frequented by Germans and the international hikers alike.

It runs from North to South of the country, but if you are familiar with the Nordic European forests you might find the North section a bit tiresome on the eye, so it could be better to start the hike in Schonach, a small idyllic village.

Continue in the Southern parts of the trail, you will pass primordial forests, emerald seas of meadows, lakes, and be happily reminded of the majestic spikes of the Alps and the peaks of the Black Forest Mountains on the way.

The area is packed with trails running through the dark forests that inspired brothers Grimm, across muttering creeks and through rolling pastures surrounding.

Small guest houses that serve local cuisine are dotted all around, so you will score some traditionally German food. 

13. Alta Via 1

Alta-Via-1-Dolomites-Hike-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 93 miles (150 km)
  • Countries Visited: Italy
  • Number of days: 8
  • Difficulty: Moderate (depending on the level of fitness)
  • Accommodation: Rustic Huts, Hostels

If you have long been trying to convince somebody to get into hiking with you, the Alta Via 1  is a great trek to start.

And not only because by being in Italy it allows room for a more relaxing cultural or even a beach holiday afterwards!

The ragged summits with their grand splendour of the Dolomite Mountains can inspire the least outdoorsy hikers. To make it awe-inspiring, you could choose any of the trails that connect various local villages and pearls of nature.

Interlacing through North East of Italy, it will take you past limestone cliffs, various 3-thousanders, generous meadows dotted with sheep, unspoiled lakes and even the historical World War I battlegrounds located at high altitude.

Although these mountains are usually outshone by the Alps in terms of tourist popularity, we believe them to be the most dramatic and compelling on the continent, or at least in the West of Europe.

With their pictorial rock formations and quite distinctive geology, it’s no wonder the UNESCO listed them as its World Heritage Site.

Although the trail might pose some physical challenges, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the homemade food and tidiness of the beds in the huts along the way. More experienced hikers would know that that is a very-very rare treat on a remote trail. 

The best time to hike is from late June to September, as the summer should save you from dealing with the snow.

But whatever you do, avoid hiking in August, as during this time, it seems, you are likely to meet all hikers in Italy taking on the challenge.

Another hike in Italy to check out: Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek

14. Dingle Way

Dingle-Way-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 111 miles (179km)
  • Countries Visited: Ireland
  • Number of days: 9-14
  • Difficulty: Moderate (depending on the weather) 
  • Accommodation: Hostels, B&Bs, Campsites

A hike on the Edge of Europe could well be the Dingle Way’s nickname, had Iceland not been halfway between you and the North American continent. 

The trail is definitely one of the best hikes in Europe because of its remarkable sceneries and enriching exposure to the Irish culture along the way.

Around almost every turning point on the hike, you will be mesmerised by gorgeous slopes, lavish countryside and sandy shorelines, and of course the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

A circuit route around the picturesque Dingle Peninsula – from Kerry back to Kerry – the hike comprises 30 Irish long-distance walking trails in the South West of the country.

Famous around the world idyllic Irish pubs with their fresh beer, seafood and traditional local County Kerry cuisine will not let you to get too bored or tired on your hike.

15. North Cape

North Cape Norway

Photo by mimirandas

  • Distance: Varied 
  • Countries Visited: Norway
  • Number of days: 1-5
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Accommodation: Hostels, Cabins, Hotel,  Staffed Lodges

Although a very popular hike in Norway, with thousands of people visiting the area every year, we couldn’t ignore the North Cape's (or Nordkapp's) Arctic beauty and, unlike many other destinations, its popularity actually translates into its worth. 

Mid-hike you will see the two mighty bodies of water – the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Sea – fearlessly collide in front of you.

Although most hikers would only attempt the trail in the slightly less wet summer months, if you brave it out in winter you'd be able to ski over instead.

But at the end you can experience the North, as it should be experienced - with a number of wonderful winter activities, including dog sledding, and visiting the colourful fishing villages like Skarsvåg, which is the world’s northernmost fishing village, and Gjesvær with its amazing views of the Gjesværstappan Archipelago.

And if you are up for it, you could extend the hike to the Cape Knivskjellodden on Magerøya, which is a more challenging trek and is the actual most northern point of Europe.

Its name is a quite obscure and unpronounceable, and perhaps is to blame for the fact that tourists overlooked the place for years, regardless of the wide understanding that this is, in fact, the true north of Europe. So to make it stick - try to remember it by its rough but powerful translation as the Knife Shield.

Here you will enjoy the cliff face of the North Cape Plateau – the most iconic of them all. It’s a good idea to camp in Knivskjellodden overnight to amplify your experience of this iconic place, before walking back the next morning.

Pulpit Rock hike

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16. Slovenian Mountain Trail

Slovenian-Mountain-Trail-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 310 miles (divided into sections)
  • Countries Visited: Slovenian
  • Number of days: From 3 to 30
  • Difficulty: Moderate but requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Camping, Rustic Huts

Although not very famous among hikes outside Europe, Slovenia is a paradise of hiking.

The renowned Slovenian Mountain Trail also known as Transverzala will take you to and from some of the best natural pearls.

With mountains like Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Julian Alps, some of the sharpest climbs characterise the trail, so you’d need to do some preparation before the trip.

Along the Kamnik-Savinja trail, you’ll see simple examples of traditional alpine architecture in a shape of chapels made of wood and huts nestled in the scrumptiously green meadows cuddled by some dense pine forests.

The Logarska Dolina is a glacier formed valley, notable for its numerous waterfalls cascading down the mountains.

All the way, you will be hiking past 2-thousanders, while enjoying the welcoming chirping of the meadows and forests.

The most notorious mountain passes in the north of Slovenia include the Jezersko Sedlo between Carinthia in Austria and the Jezersko in Slovenia, and the Pavlič Pass.

Another Slovenia hike for your radar: Hike Mt Triglav (2,863m) - the Highest Point in Slovenia

17. Caucasian Mountains

Mestia-to-Ushguli-Caucasian-Mountains-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 500 miles (can be dived into 8 sections of about 80-100km each)
  • Countries Visited: Georgia 
  • Number of days: 4-14
  • Difficulty: Moderate, requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Guest Houses (serving food), Camping, Huts

On the intersection between Europe and Asia, high in the Caucasus Mountains, you will most likely be left alone for most part of your trekking adventure.

The Mestia to Ushguli is a perfect trail if you would like to experience a country not popular with the Western tourists.

Surrounded by the verdant valleys, impressive glaciers covering pointy peaks and aquamarine lakes, you will most certainly immerse in nature at its purest.

The beauty of the hike is that it takes you from one ancient stone village to another (called Savan), some of which are famous for their UNESCO World Heritage guard towers.

Unlike anywhere else in Europe, people still travel by horse and keep the traditional mountain lifestyle here.

Svaneti is a very easily trekked area, so you can extend your trail from 4 to 7 or even 14 days if you continue to wonder around the region.

Attempt to plan a hike from the beginning of June till late September, but avoid the busiest months of July and August, as it is more difficult to find a place in the guest houses.

18. Transylvanian Mountain Trail

Carpathian-Mountains-Transylvanian-Alps-Tail-MountainIQ-Best-Hikes-in-Europe
  • Distance: 50-80 miles (80-130 km)
  • Countries Visited: Romania
  • Number of days: 7-10
  • Difficulty: Moderately Difficult, requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Rustic Huts, Campsites, Basic Hostels, some Chalets

Famous for their abrupt limestone walls, the Carpathian Mountains, also known as the Transylvanian Alps, offer some of the truly of-the-beaten-path hiking experiences.

Although they are popular with European hikers, Americans are rarely seen around for miles.

Many take on the challenge of hiking the Transylvanian Alps Trail to see the notorious Bran Castle suspended on a rocky cliff.

Built in the 14th century, it has been widely associated with infamous Dracula, although it is unclear why, since an inspiration for the book, Wallachian prince Vlad Tepeş, isn’t directly affiliated with the place, as long as we know.

You will most likely take the trail that leads along the main range of the Făgăraş Mountains and climb over the three of Romania's highest peaks.

On the way you can visit one of the medieval towns called Sighisoara and see a few monasteries and fortified Saxon churches and local castles.

With the largest number of glacier lakes and streams, the Retezat National Park is another treasure not to be missed.

The best time to hike is from May to October, but note that accommodation on the trail is very basic, so it is safer to bring a good sleeping bag with you.

19. Eagle Walk

  • Distance: 256 miles (412 km divided into routes)
  • Countries Visited: Austria
  • Number of days: 1-10
  • Difficulty: Moderately Difficult, requires physical fitness 
  • Accommodation: Camping, Rustic Huts, Hostels, Guest Houses

The name of the Eagle Walk says it all – the hike gives you not less and not more than a view of the most popular and familiar regal Alpine scenery.

Just as the eagle, the trail travels through Tirol – from east to west, the whole length of Austria. Viewing the map you will realize that the walk symbolizes a proud eagle spreading its wings all over Tirol.

Divided into multiple sections between Kaiser Mountain Range and Arlberg, it comprises 9 stages between Venediger and Grossglockner Mountains in East Tirol.

Any of the routes on the Eagle Walk offer superb opportunity to explore the nature. From simple walks through stunning scenery to vigorous hikes over various summits, we are sure you’ll find a hike that is just right for you.

20. Cinque Terre Mountain Trail

Cinque-Terre-Mountain-Trail-MountainIQ-Best-hikes-in-Europe-italy
  • Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
  • Countries Visited: Italy
  • Number of days: 2-5
  • Difficulty: Moderately difficult (depending on your hiking experience)
  • Accommodation: Hotels, Guest Houses, B&Bs

There is probably no person online who hasn’t seen the iconic images of the rugged Italian Riviera coastline - Cinque Terre (or 5 Earths) - hanging off the cliffs above the turquoise waters glistening in the sun.

But such postcard images of the five towns the area in coastal Italy connects aren’t everything.

To avoid the crowds, ignore the most popular Trail 2 (the Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail), which you can do later by train or by bus, and ask your guide to take you on the more challenging Trails 1, 4, 6, 9 and 10.

The guide is a good idea as these hikes have little room for purchasing water, so you need a local with you to make sure you don’t inadvertently compromise your safety and ruin your entire experience.

Trail 1 is called the High Path of the Cinque Terre Moutain Trail, taking your from the charming Portovenere and to the luxurious area of Levanto alongside the beautiful coastline.

There are two major benefits to this trail: it’s less frequented by the tourists and takes you through all five towns of the Cinque Terre.

See more mountain and hiking guides including:

Best-hikes-in-Europe-by-MountainIQ

About the author 

Mila Whitman

Mila has been to 5 continents, visited over 40 countries and hiked across some of the most famous mountain ranges including the Andes and the Atlas Mountains. As an AMS sufferer she learned a few techniques to reduce the symptoms and the effects on her hiking adventures.

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  1. Is it possible that I want to do the hiking in solo, is there any problem to find huts or whatever sleeping places for the night along the route. If I decide to choose, say Alta Via 1 in Italy in this mid September. Thanks,

    Joseph Lam

    1. Hi Joseph, finding hut accomodation is usually not a problem, but I recommend booking in advance as huts get booked out frequently.

    2. Hi Joseph:
      Most huts will still be open in mid Sept., but by 25th some of the more remote ones will be closing or already closed. You should be fine at least as far as Rifugio Lagazuoi, but after that you should definitely call ahead. There should still be enough of them open to finish the trek, but you may have to do a longer (or shorter) day than you would have planned on doing. Also, even if your guidebook gives a closing date, don’t rely too much on it as they may close a few days early. Huts that are easily accessible from the lowlands will be busy at weekends even in late Sept, so be sure to book ahead then. Lastly, be aware that there will be a greater chance of snowfall that late in the season.

  2. You talk about Best Hikes in Europe, I have read this post very carefully. I want to visit the Tour du Mont Blanc. Can I use the motorcycle for riding? Thanks for sharing this post.

  3. hi there,

    After checking the internet over the last days I still can’t find where I am looking for. I am planning a hike trip mid Oktober to iceland. Although I know this is shoulder season I am wondering the the Nupstaðaskogar to Skaftafell (not listed here), South Iceland is accessible for a solo hiker? Also, i am wondering if the trails are well marked and you don’t have to take special equipment with you. And do you have any idea how cold it can be during the nights in the mountains? Hopefully you can help me making this final decision 😉

    Thanks a lot in advance.

    Cheers,

    Guido

  4. Hey, thanks for putting together all these great Infos. However the part about the Rota Vicentina is a bit misleading. We did the trail this spring and we never passed a “Porto Novo”. it does not start in Odeceixe, Odeceixe is pretty much halfway. It starts in Santiago do Cacem and ends at the most southwestern point of continental Europe, the Cabo San Vicente. The trail consists of two parts, the fisherman trail (the one by the coast) and the historic trail, which runs a bit further inside and leads you along remote farm lands and small villages. Everything taken in total might be around 200 miles but in most cases you have to chose whether you want to do the fisherman or the historic trail, thus you will probably end up with something like 100 miles. It is a stunning trail and very well taken care of. I would strongly recommend it to anyone, which is why you might want to update your information. Enjoy your hike!

    1. hi, The Fishermans way starts in Porto Covo and follows the coast to Odeceixe in about 4 days, you can then join the Historical way down to Cabo san Vincente

  5. Hello – I have 4-5 days off around this coming Easter. And I am desparately want to go hiking in Europe but am a bit hesitant/afraid to go solo. I am open to going anywhere in Europe. Is anyone looking for a hiking partner? Also, any recommendations on where to go?

    Mohammad S

  6. Hello, really nice informative guide! I’m thinking about to take Camino De Santiago Trail in Autumn. How busy it could be in October? Is the climate still mild in the middle of Autumn? How about rain? I prefer more walking alone, so I’m looking for a right time of the year to make it. Thanks!

  7. I want to hike the Transylvanian Mountain Trail this June, but the information on this trial is difficult to find. Do you have any information about this trail / a general route or some place I can find most information?
    Is there a ‘normal route’ like for example the GR20 on Corsica?

  8. Cool hikes but just wondering why you have a picture of Oeschinensee in Switzerland as no.19 for your point on Austria’s Eagle Walk? Not a very reliable source…

  9. How many years did it take you to do all of these hikes. How many can you do in one year? thanks

    1. Hi Russell, I haven’t personally completed all of these treks, but I suspect it would take many years and quite a lot of money, unless of course you were doing this full time. Assuming you could take 2 months off every year I think you could complete most of these treks in a few years. Hikes like the Camino de Santiago and GR20 ect, take many weeks to complete.

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