5 European Hikes For A Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip
Looking for an action-packed walking adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you’re looking for your first multi-day trek, we’ve handpicked five brilliant European hikes worth trying at least once. From peaceful coastal walks to high-intensity trails, read on to get inspired.
Camino Portugués Coastal Way
The Camino de Santiago – or, the Way of St. James – is one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, it sees thousands of pilgrims travel to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain every year. There are various routes to choose between depending on what you’re looking to gain from your experience, but for a two-week break, the Camino Portugués Coastal Way, from Porto to Santiago, is one of the most picturesque and peaceful.
A great alternative to the most popular Camino Frances pilgrimage, this route hugs the coast from Porto and sees you pass through idyllic, historical villages, towns and countryside across Portugal and Northern Spain. A Camino pilgrimage is a very spiritual journey and on this popular trek, there is an optional detour – the Variante Espiritual or Spiritual Variant. Beginning in Pontevedra, it’ll see you enjoying two days of walking and ends with a boat ride before you join the official route again for the final stage of the Camino.
It’s a relatively flat route so it’s a good option for those on their first multi-day hike and there’s the option to swap into the Portugués Central route too if you fancy trading the coastal scenery for the countryside.
Length: 265 kilometres / 165 miles
Average Time To Complete: 12-14 days
Best For: Beginner-intermediate hikers
Find out more at caminoways.com
Tour du Mont Blanc
If you’re an experienced hiker looking for your next adventure, the Tour du Mont Blanc is well worth the trip just for the views alone. Hikers will journey through three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland – and take in some of the prettiest mountain stretches found in Europe.
Coming in at around 170 kilometres, this circular route is a high-intensity trail with long stretches of ascent and descent. There are a few route options available – the classic route is anti-clockwise, beginning in Les Houches.
It’s one of the world’s most popular multi-day hiking routes so planning and booking hostels in advance is advised, as well as training to prepare yourself for the epic uphill and downhill stretches. You’ll be rewarded with some of the best mountain views on offer.
Length: 170 kilometres / 105 miles
Average Time To Complete: 11 days
Best For: Experienced hikers
Find out more at autourdumontblanc.com
Malerweg Hiking Trail
Another option for beginner to intermediate hikers is the Malerweg Hiking Trail. Located in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, this is a picturesque trail that takes around eight days to complete.
The epic route begins in Liebethal and will see you hiking through the beautiful Elbe sandstone mountains, before finishing up in Pirna. Expect plenty of breathtaking viewing points, from expansive green spaces and scenic valleys to historical towns and villages. Be weary that some areas on this trail are hilly, with steps and ladders.
Length: 116 kilometres / 72 miles
Average Time To Complete: 8 days
Best For: Beginner-intermediate hikers
Find out more at saechsische-schweiz.de
West Highland Way
If you’re looking to embark on your first multi-faceted journey, Scotland’s West Highland Way is a great beginner journey.
Coming in at 153 kilometres (96 miles), the route usually begins from south to north. You’ll be traversing from Milngavie to Fort William, soaking up the best of the country’s soaring landscapes. The beginning section is on the easier side, with some demanding areas as you head north so some preparations and training are needed before setting off. But you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery, from lochs to moorlands and mountains.
Length: 153 kilometres / 96 miles
Average Time To Complete: 6-8 days
Best For: Beginner hikers with preparations
Find out more at westhighlandway.org
GR20 Corsica
One for seasoned hikers, the GR20 is a once-in-a-lifetime trip through the alluring island of Corsica. Coming in at around 180 kilometres, you’ll journey from Calenzana in the north of the island and finish in Conca in the south.
Training and preparation are essential for this route as you’ll follow the granite mountains that divide the island in two, with some ascents reaching 1000m. The views are absolutely worth it though, home to majestic waterfalls, rocky terrains and soaring mountains.
Length: 180 kilometres / 112 miles
Average Time To Complete: 10 – 15 days
Best For: Experienced hikers
Find out more at le-gr20.fr
Disclaimer: While some of these are labelled as beginner trails, it is always worth researching and training before undertaking any multi-day hike.
Looking for something closer to home? Check out these walks around London
