Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

Our top 10 trails in europe

A short hike in Switzerland, or a trek in Lapland? Discover some of the most beautiful spots on the old continent.

There is no need to travel to the end of the world for a complete change of scenery (OK, so it does take quite some time reach Lapland by sledge). We have chosen a selection of 10 breathtaking spots, that will take you from Scotland to Bulgaria. Who knows? Maybe they will whet your appetite for some adventure?

And since it is always difficult to imagine how a long trip will actually turn out, we have selected two articles by trekkers who have hiked their way through the natural beauty of France: the mythical GR20 trail in Corsica and the sublime hiking trails on Reunion Island.

Read their stories and discover the adventures that these extraordinary and inspiring trails have to offer.

With its impressive and highly diversified natural heritage, Europe offers a wealth of treasures that walkers can admire all year round. The vast woodlands or ice-capped mountain tops of Europe's famous hiking trails inspire wonder and admiration. Irrespective of your goal, whether you want to set off on your first trek, follow some more unusual trails or admire some of the most beautiful spots in Europe, the old continent offers countless horizons to be explored.

Where to go hiking in europe




our top 10 spots:

1. Le teide: hiking in the paradise of the canary islands, spain

Set off to discover the national park around the famous Le Tiede volcano, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Located in the centre of the Canary Islands, the lunar landscape of the summit climbs to an altitude of 3,718 m. The caves, volcanic lava flows and the diversity of the landscape offer a totally unique experience. Not to mention the magnificent views of the four islands in the archipelago:  Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. Book a ride in the cable car that will take you up to the island's most spectacular viewpoint. But that's not all. You can also take a short but strenuous 40-minute walk to the edge of the Le Teide crater, which is the highest mountain top in Spain.

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

2. The lakes of connemara: a trek in ireland

Nature at its wildest, green meadows speckled with sheep and the beauty of its lakes: Ireland has a lot to attract hikers, even in the rain.
We propose a trekking circuit in Connemara. Set off from Galway on a six-day trek through a landscape made up of mountains, lakes and forests arriving in Dublin, the capital city of the Emerald Isle.

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

3. The gr20 in corsica: a challenging hiking trail for two female beginners

Whoever said that the GR20 was only for the most experienced hikers? Without any experience, Elisabeth and Manon were not afraid to take up the challenge of hiking the 180-km trail with a total of 12,000 m of changes of elevation, that crosses the Isle of Beauty.
Between Calanzana and Conca, our two adventurers discovered the joys of high-intensity trekking. The difficulties encountered on this famous hiking trail really put our two proud trekkers to the test. Every stage features its own challenges, with technical passages, some rock climbing, foul weather and legs that often feel tired. But they also describe all the more restful moments, the interesting people they met in the refuges and the comfort of a good meal. Their adventure was supposed to last 11 days, but the beauty of the Corsican landscapes more than matches the challenges that nature has to offer. Read their story and their tips on how to successfully rise to this daunting challenge:

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

4. The kungsleden, sweden

This exceptional 400-km trail for hikers, the king of all trails, is located in Lapland. The untamed nature offers an enchanting spectacle of mountains, forests and boiling rivers. During the more clement weather at the end of the summer, you can also enjoy the Northern Lights, or a sauna in one of the stage refuges that are so popular in Scandinavia. And if you are tempted to set off on a hike in winter, then try hiking on ice skates, with the help of a professional guide.

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

5. From istanbul to cappadocia: hiking trails in turkey

OK, so Turkey is not really in Europe, but this hike starts in Istanbul, and a part of Istanbul is European... But let's not worry about complicated geopolitics.
This 18-km circuit, which is well suited to beginners, starts by passing through the most modern part of Istanbul. The trail continues with a long hike through the beautiful Cappadocia region and then returns to old Istanbul, where it ends. We recommend that you add a very special touch to your stay by enjoying a flight in a hot air balloon at sunrise.

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

6. A hike for all the family in saas-fee, switzerland

With its flower-covered footpaths, lakes and mountain ranges on the horizon, the Saas-Fee valley offers some breathtaking views for the whole family to enjoy.
Saas-Fee boasts a number of attractions: you can enjoy the adventure of an exploratory hike or set off on an excursion on the glaciers. Hiking families can stay in the Saas cabanes as they walk their way along the trail. This three-day hike features play areas, self-service barbecues and lakes as far as the eye can see. It takes five hours to complete this 13-km hike, so you have plenty of time to enjoy every viewpoint. The added bonus? If you are not scared of heights, this circuit includes two suspension bridges at heights of 60 m and 45 m!

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

7. The tre cime di lavaredo, italy

At an altitude of 2,999 m, the emblematic Tre Cime are certainly the most famous peaks in the Dolomites. Even less experienced hikers will just love the climb up to the summit of the Italian Alps that takes one day.

7. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy

8. The balkan range, bulgaria

Hikers rarely mention Bulgaria, but it is one of the most mountainous regions in Eastern Europe. The mountains, lakes, monasteries and bucolic forests form a breathtaking panorama.

Check out these five ideas for a trip to Bulgaria:

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

9. The west highland way, scotland

This emblematic hiking trail in Scotland is accessible to all hikers. It's up to you to choose your own itinerary! Most of the circuits take between two and seven days. You can compose just the right circuit for you. The long pathways pass through national parks and villages where you will find plenty of refreshments. Not to mention the mythical lakes and enchanted forests that form Scotland's unique heritage.

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

10. The gr r2, reunion island

Reunion Island is a French overseas region that belongs to the European Union. This hiker's paradise is home to 140 km of hiking trails and the exceptional diversity of the Cirque de Mafate. The finest hikes in the region include: the Sentier Scout, the Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle, from Cilaos to Marla. You will discover some awe-inspiring scenery and a breathtaking view of the cirque and the villages in a landscape outside time.

Emilie's dream comes true! She tells us all about her 12-day walk across Reunion Island on the GR R2. And the best bit? The Cirque de Mafate, of course!

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

We can already hear you shouting at your screens. "But what about Greece, Iceland or the tour around Mont Blanc?". We would have preferred to include many more places, like Belgium, Finland or the Pyrenees. But we had to make some difficult choices. We also enjoy (re)discovering certain trails and highlighting others that are less well known (did you realise that the Balkans were so beautiful?).

Our Top 10 Trails in Europe

Elise

Writer

More than just a hiker, I also feel passionately about people who are passionate!

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