Top 11 Extraordinary Long Distance Hikes in Europe

In 2025, don’t be deterred by the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the United Kingdom: Europe is still very much accessible to the masses!

The continent isn’t just about its historic cities, culinary delights, and artistic heritage; it’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Crisscrossed by an array of long-distance cycling routes and hiking trails, the continent offers numerous opportunities to immerse oneself in nature. For those who crave the thrill of long-distance hikes during their holidays, here are eleven remarkable trails that showcase Europe’s stunning natural beauty!

Also read: Travellers Going to Europe Will Need to Pay for ETIAS Visa Waiver in 2025

1. Slovenian Mountain Trail, Slovenia

This challenging 500km hike connects the major mountain ranges in Slovenia-Pohorje, the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Karavanke, with the sun-soaked Adriatic coast. It takes in Mount Triglav, the symbol of and tallest mountain in the country. This superb trail starts in Maribor, a town in the Alps, and takes in mountain ridges, valleys, plateaus, farmlands and vineyards before ending in Ankara, a town on the Adriatic Sea coast. This is a well-signed and well-maintained trail, featuring more than 50 huts and almost 80 checkpoints.

2. Müllerthal Trail, Luxembourg

Maybe not the most well-known long distance hiking trail in Europe, but absolutely a recommend one is the 112km Müllerthal Trail in Luxembourg. This well-marked six-day hike takes hikers past the stunning rock formations, castles, farmlands and forests that characterise the beautiful Little Switzerland region in Luxembourg.

3. Laugavegur Trek, Iceland

Also known as Laugavegurinn or the Hot Spring Route, the Laugavegur Trek in Iceland is not that long of a hike with its length of 54km, but it does require hikers to spend a few nights on the trail. This is arguably the most exceptional long distance hike in Europe because hikers will traverse volcanoes, glaciers, valleys and multi-coloured mountains. It’s this sheer variety of landscapes that makes this hike so unique.

4. Alta Via 1, Italy

The 150km long Alta Via 1, or High Route in English, snakes its way across the magnificent Dolomites in northern Italy. Although these mountains stand in the shadow, literally and figuratively, of the Alps, they are considered to be the most striking in Europe. They’re made up of incredibly sharp peaks, rock formations, photogenic alpine lakes and expansive alpine meadows. It’s a downright extraordinary trail. To top it off, the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Kungsleden, Sweden

Sweden’s Kungsleden, or King’s Trail in English, runs for no fewer than 440km across the vast plains of Swedish Lapland. It crosses one of the largest remaining wildernesses in Europe, taking in huge areas of tundra, birch woods, glaciers and mountains. This challenging trail (there are few facilities on the way) is typically done in four one-week-long sections. The trail is also opened in winter, when it’s a popular cross-country ski trail.

6. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in western Europe, rising 4,810m to the sky. The Tour du Mont Blanc circumvents the entire base of this mountain, crossing three country borders on its way. The trail is 169km long and runs underneath towering mountain peaks and across scenic valleys and meadows. Hikers generally start and end in Chamonix, France, and sleep in the many huts that line the trail.

7. Lycian Way, Turkey

This is without question one of the greatest historic long distance hikes in Europe. Running for about 540km along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, from Fethiye to Antalya, the Lycian Way is an extraordinary trail that combines several shorter ancient trails. Attractions on the way range from rocky coastlines and beaches backed by pine forests to ancient ruins and historic coastal towns.

8. Hadrian’s Wall Path, England

The 135km Hadrian’s Wall Path follows what used to be the northernmost border of the Roman Empire. Running from the North Sea coast to the Irish Sea coast across northern England, this epic trail is lined with Roman ruins, including many sections of UNESCO World Heritage Listed Hadrian’s Wall, and crosses spectacular rural landscapes. It doesn’t take longer than six days to finish the walk.

9. West Highland Way, Scotland

The spectacular West Highland Way is Scotland’s greatest long distance hiking trail. This 154 kilometre trail begins just north of Glasgow and, after following a 1700s military road through forests, across the highlands and past mysterious lochs, ends at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. This breathtaking hike through some of the wildest landscapes of Western Europe takes approximately a week to finish.

10. Camino de Santiago, Spain

Undoubtedly the most famous hiking trail in Europe, the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James in English, is made up of numerous different trails, all of which end at the old pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The most popular route begins in St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port just across the French border in the Pyrenees and measures about 800km. It takes more than a month to complete this iconic trail.

11. GR20, Corsica, France

Dubbed one of the most challenging hikes in Europe, the GR20 in Corsica spans approximately 180km from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south. This trail is renowned for its rugged terrain, dramatic mountain scenery, and the sense of accomplishment it offers to those who complete it. The GR20 requires a high level of fitness and determination, but the rewards include breathtaking views, encounters with unique wildlife, and a deep connection with Corsica’s unspoiled wilderness.

As we navigate through 2025, the allure of outdoor adventures remains as strong as ever, with Europe’s long-distance hiking trails providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you seek the tranquillity of the Swedish Lapland, the historical allure of Hadrian’s Wall, or the rugged challenges of the GR20 in Corsica, these trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and explore the diverse landscapes of Europe.

Also read: Singapore to Europe by Land: It Took Me 7 Weeks & S$3,000

So lace up your hiking boots, embrace the call of the wild, and set out on an unforgettable adventure across some of the continent’s most spectacular routes. Happy hiking!