The Best Hiking Spots In Europe You Need To Know About
The great outdoors are never too far away in, and around Europe. Embark on these amazing hiking routes and destinations to satisfy your hike cravings, with a selection of easy and intermediate to the more challenging hikes. These hiking spots in Europe make are the perfect destinations for the city slickers yearning for adventure or the hiking heroes who just can’t get enough! The routes listed below are nothing short of fantastic scenery and a good workout! Starting in the west of Europe we’ll make our way eastward toward the perfect hiking adventures!
Pico Do Ariero, Madeira
This is one of the more challenging hiking spots in Europe. The hiking route on the Pico Do Ariero mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Madeira, as it is one of the highest peaks of the island stretching at 1,818 metres high. This trek is one for the more experienced hikers out there. Nevertheless, it is worth every step of the journey.
Laugavegur, Iceland
The Laugavegur is considered the most popular hiking trail in Iceland. It’s a smaller trail at a mere 34 mile stretch, so beginner hikers can have a field day with this route. This is not to say that it offers any less eye-popping views, as one of the most beautiful treks in the world according to the National Geographic. The trail sits between hot springs, a highland valley and a volcanic wasteland. You experience three different aspects of nature in one, what more could you ask for!?
West Highland Way, Scotland
If you want extreme thrills, it’s worth taking a trip up to the highlands in Scotland as any dedicated trekker will know. The highlands of Scotland offer a truly magnificent and vast outdoor experience of subtle beauty (that’s when the rough weather decides not to make an appearance!). The west highland way route offers a chance to trek past the highest mountain of the British isles, Ben Nevis and the plush serene valleys of Glencoe. This destination also features on the National Geographic’s ‘World Best Hikes‘ as one of the best hiking spots in Europe.
Lac Blanc, France
The Lac Blanc of France is not one to miss. Another top hiking spot on the list is the infamous French Alps. An easier hike that can be tackled in a day taking about 4-5 hours, Lac Blanc (White Lake) in the Chamonix region sports sights of ethereal beauty with its duo of lakes and high mountains. Lac Blanc is an ideal summer hiking adventure.
Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic
This picturesque geopark is not your typical hiking destination, but a well-known set of trails nonetheless. It’s a protected landscape just north of the capital Prague made up of a labyrinth of rock formations; forests; meadows; mountain trails and castles; and provides numerous hiking routes. This is one of the best hiking spots in Europe for a unique trekking experience in what can only be described as a magical region of the country.
Tara Mountain, Serbia
Located in Tara National Park, Tara mountain is a place of inspiration in Western Serbia. Boasting at an altitude of 1,591 metres, it is a paradise for hikers the world over. The climb on this mountain is favoured any time of year and is made of many trails to wander along. This hiking spot provides generous views of canyons and fields and is a precious opportunity to bask in nature.
Samaria Gorge Trail, Crete
Greece itself is a hiking paradise with plenty of hills and mountains to meet the eye. Aside from the popular Mount Olympus (Greece’s highest mountain), climbing the Samaria George Trail on the island of Crete is a must-do adventure for visitors of the island. This is one of the most epic hiking spots in Europe to say the least as well as being the longest gorge in Europe; it stretches to somewhere between 13 and 16 kilometres in length. The path takes you through Byzantine ruins and picturesque views of nature. It’s Europe’s grand canyon!
Which are your favourite hiking spots in Europe? Comment below!
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Lauren is a freelance writer who aspires to be an editor-in-chief of her own publication. Her interests lie in culture, people and behaviour. Her favourite exercise routine is laughing (it really works the abs!).