Ready to take on the best hikes to do this year? We’ve made a list of TOP 14 trails across Europe – the Alps and beyond – so you can experience the beauty of nature in all its glory throughout the year!
Whether you’re seeking to avoid the summer crowds, embrace the awakening of spring, enjoy cultural events along the way, or soak in the autumn hues – these hikes have you covered.
So, where to go?
SPRING
While some high-altitude trails are still blanketed in snow, don’t let that stop you – there are other epic adventures waiting for you.
April and May are perfect for catching nature’s grand awakening and to enjoy the best of spring.
Our top spring treks are:
Camino Frances, Spain (April)
April is the perfect time to experience the Camino Frances, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages.
Mild weather makes it ideal for walking long distances, especially before the summer heat sets in. The Camino is all about the journey, the camaraderie with fellow pilgrims, and the sense of reflection as you make your way across Spain.
If you hike in April, you’ll also experience the spirit of Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of Spain’s most famous traditional celebrations, making it a spiritual journey unlike any other.
Don’t have time to complete the full 34 days – no worries! You can still get the full Camino experience on the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which only takes about 8 days to complete.
Cyprus Mythic Trail, Cyprus (April)
The Cyprus Mythic Trail offers a unique hiking experience, taking you through the most iconic landscapes of Cyprus.
Based in the UNESCO-listed town of Paphos, you’ll embark on a different trail each day, exploring the island’s rich history and diverse natural beauty.
Among others, you’ll get to hike the famous Aphrodite Trail, discover the stunning Avakas Gorge, and walk the Artemis Trail through the scenic Troodos Mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse flora, ancient ruins, and picturesque coastal views.
Although the trails are accessible year-round, spring months are the perfect time to dive into this adventure, with cool temperatures before the summer heat kicks in.
Menalon Trail, Greece (May)
Looking for a spring adventure that’s off the beaten path, bursting with history, and absolutely breathtaking? The Menalon Trail in Greece is the one!
Certified as one of Europe’s top-quality routes, this trek takes you through the stunning Lousios Gorge, where dramatic cliffs, ancient stone bridges, and historic watermills create a scene straight out of a storybook. And just wait until you reach the Prodromos Monastery, perched impossibly on the rock face—it’s a sight you’ll never forget!
May is the time to go! With perfect hiking temperatures, wildflowers in full bloom, and no summer crowds, you’ll experience Greece’s mountains at their finest.
West Highland Way, Scotland, UK (May)
The West Highland Way is one of the world’s most celebrated trails, and for good reason. It takes you through Scotland’s most spectacular landscape and one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas.
You’ll trek through Trossachs National Park, across vast moorlands, past crystal-clear lochs, and reach the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. Along the way, iconic highland cattle and rolling hills will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
May is the ideal time to experience this trail. The weather is crisp, the crowds are still low, and the natural beauty is at its peak. And best of all, the Scottish vicious midges aren’t out yet, so you can hike without the company of these annoying bugs! 🙂
If you are short on time, you can also opt for a short 5-day West Highland Getaway trek.
SUMMER
Summer is here, offering the perfect conditions to hike in the higher altitudes, with crisp alpine air and spectacular panoramic views. While some trails can get busy, don’t worry – we’ve handpicked the ones where you’ll still enjoy the full glory of nature.
Where to hike this summer?
Picos de Europa Loop, Spain (June)
If you’re craving an iconic summer trek, the Picos de Europa Hut-to-Hut Loop is Spain’s ultimate high-altitude adventure!
This rugged national park offers jaw-dropping limestone peaks, deep gorges, and some of the country’s most spectacular lookout points.
While much of Spain begins to sizzle in the summer heat, the Picos de Europa offers a refreshing escape with crisp mountain air and epic high-altitude scenery.
Seiser Alm Highlights, Dolomites, Italy (June)
You have to see Seiser Alm in June and early summer! As the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe, it’s a stunning stretch of rolling green pastures and cozy traditional huts, all framed by the towering peaks of the Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage site and Italy’s #1 outdoor destination. Trust us, you’ll want to get ahead of the summer crowds and hit the trails early! 🙂
Trekking in the Dolomites isn’t just about the views; it’s also a deep dive into the unique Ladin culture, where centuries-old traditions, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality make this place unforgettable.
The Stubai High Trail, Austria (July)
If you’re looking for a challenge with jaw-dropping views and experience the Alps in their full glory, the Stubai High Trail is the one!
This trail weaves through the heart of the Stubai Alps, where towering granite peaks dominate the horizon and alpine meadows stretch beneath them.
Summer brings perfect hiking weather, as the cool mountain air brings a welcome break from the summer heat in the valley. The rivers, fed by snowmelt, are in full force, creating stunning waterways that add to the beauty of your journey. You’ll even get to witness the Grawa Waterfall up close!
And don’t forget the authentic Tyrolean culture, with cozy mountain huts serving up hearty local delicacies.
Wish a shorter hiking journey? You can opt for a 5-day trek and still experience all the Stubai High Trail Highlights.
The Jotunheimen Trek, Norway (July)
Looking for a trek beyond the Alps? Follow the trails in the Home of the Giants?
The Jotunheimen Trek is a wild loop trail through Norway’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll conquer two of the highest peaks in Norway and trek the iconic Besseggen Ridge, with its jaw-dropping views of emerald lakes and steep cliffs.
This remote trek offers a true sense of adventure, with stays in unique Norwegian huts that add a cozy, traditional touch to your journey. If you’re looking for a challenge with one-of-a-kind scenery, this is the trek for you!
Carros de Foc Trail, Spanish Pyrenees (August)
Dreaming of an epic alpine trek without the crowds? The Carros de Foc in Catalonia’s Pyrenees is a hidden gem, offering jaw-dropping scenery and a true wilderness feel—a perfect escape from the busy Alps!
This family-friendly loop takes you past crystal-clear mountain lakes, rugged peaks, and charming high-altitude refuges. The ultimate challenge? Conquering Coll de Contraix (2,748m), the highest point of the route, where the panoramic views will leave you speechless.
If you’re looking for untouched beauty, adventure, and solitude, this Pyrenean classic should make it to the top of your bucket list!
The Kungsleden Trail, Sweden (August)
This is the ultimate trek for adventurous hikers looking to explore the remote beauty of the Arctic wilderness.
Stretching through Abisko National Park, this iconic trail takes you through breathtaking landscapes, with dramatic mountain vistas, serene rivers, and crystal-clear lakes.
August offers the perfect conditions for this challenge, with warmer temperatures and long days to explore the stunning surroundings. Along the way, you’ll stay in remote mountain huts, immersing yourself in the tranquility of Sweden’s wildest landscapes.
This trek is for those with a true sense of adventure, ready to conquer the rugged beauty of one of Europe’s most remote and stunning hiking routes.
AUTUMN
Autumn is the perfect time to hit the trails! Enjoy cooler temperatures, clear skies, and the magic of Indian Summer, with no crowds and nature bursting in vibrant colors. The high peaks may be dusted with snow by October, but there’s so much more left to explore!
Here are the best trails to crown your hiking season with before winter takes over:
Slovenian Mountain Trail, Slovenia (September)
September is the ultimate time to hike through Slovenia’s wild beauty, exploring two stunning mountain ranges – the Julian Alps and the Karawanks – in almost complete solitude.
You’ll wander through Triglav National Park, past the crystal-clear Triglav Lakes Valley, and even visit the famous Bled & Bohinj lakes without the summer tourist rush.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, autumn paints the mountains in golden-yellow hues, as the larch trees transform the valleys into a breathtaking masterpiece.
Epic peaks, crisp air, and trails nearly to yourself – can you even ask for fore?
Via Alpina: Bear Trek, Switzerland (September)
Hike through a Swiss postcard! The Bear Trek takes you along the famous Via Alpina through the breathtaking Bernese Oberland—and trust us, adventure awaits at every turn!
You’ll hike past legendary peaks like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, cross lush valleys, and pass stunning waterfalls, including the famous Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock Holmes met his fate. And the cherry on top? The breathtaking turquoise lakes, including Lake Oeschinen, framed by towering cliffs. Wow!
This trek perfectly balances wild beauty and Swiss comfort, with overnights in cozy hotels, inns, and mountain huts.
Tatra Mountains Highlights, Poland (October)
Last, but (definitely!) not the least! Tatra mountains are Europe’s best-kept secret! They are the smallest alpine range in the world, but don’t let that fool you—this area is packed with stunning natural wonders. From the iconic Morskie Oko Lake to the breathtaking Valley of Five Lakes, this UNESCO-protected park will leave you speechless.
This 4-day loop trail will take you through dramatic landscapes, past Wielka Siklawa, the highest waterfall in the Polish Tatras, and Morskie Oko, the largest lake in the region. Expect jaw-dropping views, pristine alpine lakes, and a serene hiking experience in one of Europe’s hidden gems.
Azores: Best of the Green Island, Portugal (October)
October in the Azores? Yes, please! While much of Europe cools down, São Miguel Island in Portugal’s Azores stays a lush, subtropical paradise—perfect for an autumn escape.
This unforgettable trek loops around the island, leading you through volcanic craters, shimmering emerald lakes, and steaming hot springs. Hike hydrangea-lined trails, past hissing fumaroles, and along dramatic coastal cliffs with jaw-dropping Atlantic views.
Along the way, visit Europe’s only tea plantations, soak in geothermal pools, and experience the untamed beauty of this Atlantic gem.
Are you getting excited about your next adventure yet? We sure are!
No matter the season, Europe serves up some of the most awe-inspiring and diverse hiking experiences on the planet. From jaw-dropping alpine landscapes to remote, tranquil trails, each destination promises something unforgettable.
If you have any questions or need help choosing the trail that fits your travel and hiking style, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you find the best adventure for your next journey!
