7 Best Hikes in Europe for Every Adventure Junkie
Europe is filled with great hikes for every kind of trek that you could possibly want to take on. There are small-scale hikes for the easy-going adventurer as well as massive week-long excursions that require a pro’s hiking gear. No matter what the difficulty is, there will definitely be an adventure tailored for any adventure junkie out there.
Feed your wanderlust and explore the great outdoors by visiting these 7 amazing hiking spots in Europe that are bucket-list worthy.
7 Best Hikes in Europe Every Adventurer Should Try
Tough Terrains Perfect for the Pros
Looking for a challenge? These European hikes fall on the scale of high difficulty fit for the adventurous and experienced hikers.
1. The High Tatras, Poland & Slovakia
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This mountain range stretches across Poland and Slovakia with tons of trails to choose from. You get to pass mountain lakes, go through rocky paths, and see beautiful wildflower that grows along paths. There are 18 peaks, with Gerlachovský štít being the highest peak. You get to choose from 8 possible trails, all of which have something worth seeing.
- Distance (Average): 57 km
- Challenges along the way: Rocky Pathways, going up and down high ladders, cross deep lakes through narrow pathways
- Estimated overall duration: 3 days or more if you want to explore all the trails
- Starting point: Slovakia
2. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to explore the unique terrains that the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer, then the trail of Laugavegur is perfect for you. The Icelandic Highlands is absolutely mesmerizing, but it is a tough trek. But passing through both volcanic deserts, glaciers, and rainbow-colored mountain ranges make it worth it. Plus, you can stop by Landmannalaugar where you can bathe in the hot springs.
- Distance: 55 km
- Challenges along the way: Rocky Pathways, rapid change of weather, crossing through cold rivers
- Estimated overall duration: 3-4 days
- Starting point: Reykjavic, Iceland
3. Mont Blanc, France, Italy & Switzerland
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mont Blanc translates as “white mountain,” which got its name because of its icy nature. This mountain massif stretches across three countries in Europe and is filled with massive glaciers. It boasts the highest peak in Europe at 4,807 m high. If you can handle the cold, this will definitely excite the inner adventurer in you. It may be shorter in distance compared to the options above, but the difficulty in climbing this massive massif is definitely higher.
- Distance: 40 km
- Challenges along the way: Extremely cold weather, high altitudes, trekking through jagged peaks, sheer cliffs, and fractured glaciers
- Estimated overall duration: 3 days
- Starting point: Les Houches, France
4. Monte Rosa, Italy & Switzerland
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Monte Rosa is the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps with a height of 4,634 m and is the second-highest mountain in Italy. It has about ten peaks higher than 4,000 m. This climb requires proper climbing gear and a good fitness level to endure the trek up the snowy mountain peaks. There are several huts you can find near the routes and trails that hikers often pass by, with the popular being the Margherita hut, which you can find on the summit of Punta Gnifetti.
- Distance: 162 km
- Challenges along the way: Extremely cold weather, high altitudes, rock climbing, glacier climbing, routes with different levels of difficulty.
- Estimated overall duration: 5–6 days
- Starting point: Cervinia, Italy
Easy Trails for Families and Laid-Back Hikers
There are several hiking trails across Europe that aren’t too long and risky or require years of hiking experience. Here are locations that offer an easy-going experience that’s great for families with small children or people just looking for a casual stroll across the beautiful European trails.
5. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The island of Gran Canaria is well known for its hiking trails, with multiple of them stretching across different types of terrains that it’s almost impossible to choose. With trails like the Montaña del Viso, Camino de Santiago, and Valle de Agaete to choose from, your only worry is to protect yourself from the scorching heat.
- Distance: 10 km each trail
- Estimated overall duration: 3-4 hours per trail
6. Dalsnuten, Norway
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A stroll through Dalsnuten is a breathtaking trek that you wouldn’t want to miss out in Norway. This mountain range is a hike that won’t take long unless you decide to stop over to admire the beautiful landscapes by rocks or lakes. This trail is most beautiful in autumn where the greenery turns a beautiful autumn red color. Some paths will be jagged along the way, but other than that there is no perceivable challenge hiking here.
- Distance: 3-8 km depending on the trail
- Estimated overall duration: 2 hours
7. Gyadai Tanösvény (Gyada Meadow), Hungary
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This family-friendly hiking trail is a trek filled with exciting features to go through, especially since it boasts features like the hanging bridge. You go through forests, meadows, and boardwalks which kids of all ages will be able to handle.
- Distance: 5 km
- Estimated overall duration: 2-3 hours
Whether you’re a novice hiker or have been hiking for years, you will definitely enjoy trekking across the breathtaking scenery of Europe. So book those tickets now and explore what the alps of these countries have to offer. And if you’re in the mood to challenge yourself by going on the more extreme hikes, make sure you have the right gear and are accompanied by guides that can help you with your journey.
ALSO READ: Five Places You Can’t Miss in Lisbon
These hiking alps and trails won’t go away in a flash, so don’t worry if you can’t plan a hiking excursion any time soon. But if you happen to find room in your schedule by 2021, then you’re going to need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, an authorization that was made to strengthen security measures in European borders.
Etiaseurope.ca is an independent platform that provides all the updates on ETIAS and will assist travellers when the time comes. But as of now, this visa assistance company can take care of the requirements needed to enter Europe for you to have a hassle-free travel. Contact Us now to avail of our services.
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