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Top 10 Best Hiking Trails in Europe

September 18, 2025 |
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Trail hiking is a great solo or group activity. It gives you the chance to reconnect with the wild, reset your mind and feel the thrill of something bigger. Often described as both a physical and emotional journey, hiking has a way of unlocking your energy, focus, and sense of wonder. The benefits to going for a run or walk on the trails are countless and you can read more about them. We want to make sure that you’re covered at every step of the way. With our guide, you can find out more about trail running and the best shoes needed. Or even, find out more from our trail running athletes.

The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Europe

What’s great about trail running, or walking, is that there is a trail for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle trails or coastal walks, or a more advanced trail runner, looking for adventure, Europe has a whole host of trails perfect to explore. And we have you prepared. Check out how we prepare our athletes in the alps.

  1. Plitvice Lakes Circular Trails, Croatia
  2. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy
  3. West Highland Way, Scotland
  4. Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast, Italy
  5. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
  6. Triglav National Park Summit Trail, Slovenia
  7. The Lycian Way, Turkey (Southwest Coast)
  8. Tatra Mountains Trails, Poland/Slovakia
  9. Tour du Mont Blank, France/Italy/Switzerland
  10. GR20, Corsica, France

1. Plitvice Lakes Circular Trails (Croatia)

Hiking the Plitvice Lakes National Park contains several circular hiking routes, all varied in duration. You could even do a full hike around the whole park in a day. The park is accessible and family friendly, and gives options for all skillsets, depending on how much you want to hike. The park itself is beautiful, and you’ll be met with waterfalls, turquoise lakes and wooden boardwalks, giving the hike a magical feel.

Distance: Up to 18km, 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Visit in: April – October

2. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail (Italy)

No doubt you’ll have heard of the beautiful Cinque Terre, consisting of 5 towns in the Northwest of Italy. The hiking trail consists of 4 parts, as you hike between the towns, with a coastal view throughout. On your way, you’ll see terraced vineyards, cliffside sea views and pastel fishing villages. This is a moderate hike that won’t take long. Opt to stay a night in each town to make it a great intro into multiday hiking, and experience all the culture has to offer. If you’re a beginner to trails, this is a great one to get you started. Paired with the Divide shoes, you know you’ll be well prepared no matter the terrain, with its sticky traction and protective rock plate

Distance: ~12km (can hike between 5 colourful towns)

Difficulty: Moderate

Visit in: April – June; September – October

3. The West Highland Way (Scotland)

Fairly moderate, the West Highland Way in Scotland is a classic trail, filled with wild beauty, history and plenty of whisky at the end. It spans from Milngabie, on the edge of Glasgow and takes you to Fort William, just at the foot of Ben Nevis. Highlights on the way include seeing lochs, moors, mountains and you might even spot the occasional highland cow. This gives you a great taste of the hikes that Scotland has to offer, and will keep you coming back for more, or tag on a trip to hike Ben Nevis at the end!

Distance: ~154km (96 miles), 6–8 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Visit in: May – September

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4. The Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast (Italy)

The Path of the Gods hike, on the Amalfi Coast is a moderate hike, but one that requires planning and preparation. This iconic cliffside trail offers postcard-worthy panoramas and a touch of mythology, said to be the route the gods themselves once walked. It is a rugged walk that can get tough at times, especially the near 2,000 stairs! But don’t let that put you off. You’ll come across dramatic coastal cliffs, Mediterranean views, and charming hillside towns, making this hike very much worth it. The Cascadia shoe will serve you well here. It is a durable shoes that will protect your feet from any terrain. And the stability will allow you to adapt as soon as the terrain changes.

Distance: ~8km one-way, 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Visit in: April – June; September – October

5. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)

The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is a moderate trail but is well known for the diverse landscape you’ll see on the way. The 3-to-4-day hike will have you seeing colourful rainbow mountains, black lava fields and even hot springs. You’ll feel like you’ve transported into another planet as you hike through the dramatic landscape of the raw wilderness.

Distance: ~55km (34 miles), 3–4 days

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Visit in: Late June – Early September

6. Triglav National Park Summit Trail (Slovenia)

Now the list starts getting challenging, testing your endurance. The Triglav National Park Summit Trail is tough, but you won’t regret it. You’ll climb Slovenia’s highest peaks, while enjoying stunning valleys, clear glacial lakes, while experiencing the beauty of the Alps. This is quite a demanding hike, so make sure you are prepared mentally and physically, and you’ll also have the option to get a guide. There are exposed via ferrata sections, making this hike a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and adventure, but also one with great views as a reward. For the more challenging trails, try the Caldera range. It is designed for long-distance comfort thanks to its surefooted grip, making them ideal for ideal for steep climbs, rolling descents, and the ever-changing conditions of Europe’s most iconic hikes.

Distance: ~20–40km options, 2 days

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Visit in: July – September

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7. The Lycian Way (Turkey)

The Lycian Way in Tukey is one of the longest on it list and offers a challenging hike. While you can hike the full route in around a month, the route is also broken up into shorter segments if you want to hike just part of it. It is a history-rich hike through ancient trade routes and untouched beauty, often cited as one of the world’s most stunning long-distance trails. Throughout the hike you’ll see ancient Lycian ruins, turquoise coastline and pine forests.

Distance: ~540km, broken into sections (3–5 week thru-hike or short segments)

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Visit in: March – May; September – November

8. Tatra Mountains Trails (Poland/Slovakia)

The Tatra Mountains offers many different hiking trails, depending on what you’re after. So, whether you want a short family friendly path, or a more challenging multi-day hike, there’s something for you. There are a range of quite difficult hikes, where you’ll come across jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and some of Eastern Europe’s finest views. The Tatra mountains are less touristy than the Alps but just as jaw-dropping, especially in autumn.

Distance: Varies by route

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Visit in: June – October

9. Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)

The Tour de Month Blanc is one of the toughest trails on this list, but also one of the most rewarding. You’ll be met with magnificent views of glaciers, valleys and alpine villages. It is a quintessential European trek, which is dramatic, diverse and unforgettable. You’ll cross through France, Italy and Switzerland, making this an iconic trek that you won’t forget.

Distance: ~170km (105 miles), 10–12 days

Difficulty: Hard

Visit in: June – September

10. GR20 (Corsica, France)

The GR20, in France is arguably Europe’s toughest hike, that is a raw, rugged test for experienced trekkers. This challenging hike can take 2 weeks to complete and is filled with steep ascents/descents, scrambling, rope sections and remote refuges. This is a very challenging hike and one that requires both strong physical fitness and also previous experience in mountain trekking.

Distance: ~180km (112 miles), 15+ days

Difficulty: Very Hard

Visit in: Late June – Early October

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What to Pack for Hiking in Europe

Now that you know about the more exciting hikes to try, you need to make sure you’re ready. Preparation doesn’t just help you feel safe: it helps you stay present. Whether you're hiking through alpine passes or along coastal cliffs, the right kit makes all the difference.

Layered clothing: weather on the trails can be unpredictable, so even though it might be bright and sunny when you set off, the likelihood for wind and rain is high. That’s why carrying a lightweight or waterproof jacket is a good idea, keeping you ready for any weather. Or find additional mid layers and other trail running gear.

Protection and smart extras: additional protections such as a lightweight hat, SPF, and sunglasses (yes, even in the mountains) are all useful to have on hand. Also having first aid basics, hiking poles with come in handy if you’re going far.

Navigation that doesn’t rely on signal: Getting signal can often be tough when on a trail, especially if you’re quite remote. Make sure to download any maps, apps, or have a printed trail guide just in case.

Fuel for the trail: especially if you’re out for a long trail, having food and water will help to keep your legs (and head) strong. Bring energy bars, nuts, dried fruit and gels for extra energy on the go.

Don’t forget to bring a comfortable backpack to put everything in.

Find out more about the gear you’ll need.

And, of course, you’ll need the best trail shoes.

The best trail hiking shoes

Whether it’s a multi-day trek in the alps, or a casual stroll through the trails of Cinque Terre, the right trail running or walking shoes are the most important thing to add to your packing list.

At Brooks, we have trail shoes for those light walks to the more intense trail running shoes. built for versatility, keeping you cool, dry, and supported even as conditions shift. Whether it’s alpine mist or coastal heat, the right kit lets you focus on the experience, not the forecast.

Find out more about the best running shoes for trail running. 

A bit of planning goes a long way toward a safer, smoother adventure, so try to be as prepared as possible with our trail running tips.