Hiking is not just a grand way to spend time with friends and family or to stay healthy, but it is an amazing way to see those places which aren't easily reachable any other way. If you were to drive in a car and admire the scenery, your outlook would be different than if you were to walk. Travelling on foot definitely lets you take in those sights and sounds which get missed otherwise.
Thrilling heights, overwhelming scenery, exigent landscapes—the world’s best hiking trails have something for everyone. And there’s no improved collection of trails than those that wend their approach through Europe, tracing practically every type of topography imaginable, from the fjords of Scandinavia to the peaks of the Alps. While many trails on the Continent are praiseworthy, this list contains only the most iconic, impressive, and attractive hikes. None of these routes are essentially easy to undertake, but the challenge is part of the fun.
Hiking is famous all over Europe. For people who love adventure, it may seem that the world is too small for them to surmount. Hiking is one of the most loved activities that a lot of people take pleasure in. Some people trek to lose weight. For others, it is their favourite pastime. For no matter why you engage in hiking, it may be favourable for you to know where to find some of the best hiking places in the world. There are many places that are adventure packed and from these places you would certainly appreciate the natural beauty of the world.
Hiking is not only one of the stress busters; it is also a great way to meet other people as well. The place where you want to hike depends on your budget and preference. If you have enough money to travel to other countries and try some of the great hiking sites then you may choose a place as per your preference. There are people who do not only focus on the activity while hiking but pay attention to the details around. For them, it is a worthwhile experience that comes after a long journey.
If you are a specialized climber or a fervent hiker, here are ten spots to consider. Some may not be as challenging as others, but all of them give the same breathtaking view.
5 Best Hiking Trails in Europe:
- AMALFI COASTAL TRAIL, ITALY
Far above the ground on the ridge-line about the steep cliffs multiple trails run the length of the peninsula. Weaving through the spectacular Dolomites mountain range, Alta Via 1 is like a "greatest hits". Enjoy the nature tour.
- PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK, CROATIA
With 16 lakes in order in a cascading waterfall, it’s no surprise that this park has become world-famous. The colours of the lakes change constantly from vibrant blues to deep green; based on the minerals and organisms in the water. Dozens of trails run all through the park..
- CAMINO DE SANTIAGO PILGRIMAGE, SPAIN
Running the length of northern Spain, this trail winds its way through villages and gently sloping Spanish countryside. There are numerous guest houses and roadside wine stands in the route. El Camino del Rey is Spain's most well-known long-distance hiking trail. There are quite a lot of starting points, but the last point is always Santiago de Compostela. This is a cathedral in northern Spain supposed to hold the remains of St. James. The most picturesque route, dubbed The French Way, begins in France, at the river town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port situated five miles from the Spanish boundary, and crosses through the forceful Pyrenees into the hilly Galician countryside. With sufficient accommodations, villages, and restaurants, hikers don't need to carry much more than a daypack..
- JUNGFRAU, SWITZERLAND
Snowy peaks and bright green paddock, the Bernese Overland is packed with the whole lot from day hikes to multi-week adventures. The trails pass through the vibrant green foothills of the Swiss Alps, encompassing the desolate granite peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Look forward to seeing waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and glacier-carved mountains. Hikers base out of one of the region's relaxing alpine villages, like Mürren and Grindelwald. Enjoy your multi-day expeditions!.
- PREIKESTOLEN, NORWAY
The immensely admired site is a Scandinavian. The two-hour hike is a puff of air compared to the dizzying 2,000 foot drop from the plateau at the top. It's not the length of this hike that makes it epic, or even the terrain. It's the seclusion—and the fact that you're walking to the northernmost point of mainland Europe. North Cape (Nordkapp) is mistakenly attributed that honor, but there's a remote, rocky trail to the west that goes 5.6 miles further to Cape Knivskjellodden, the actual northernmost point. Bring camping gear and plan to spend the night at Knivskjellodden to maximize your time at this iconic destination. Then walk back the next morning.
Besides there are Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany, Alsace Wine Route, France and many more. Explore 230 kilometers of hiking trails or ride a mountain bike and enjoy the Berchtesgaden National Park. It doesn't require any exhausting hiking. The landscape is largely characterized by large areas of rocks and detritus, alpine pastures and wooded areas covered with dwarf pines and alders.
Keen on exploring the beauty of Europe? Experience the attractiveness of beaches and caves, sunrise and sunsets, hidden coves as well as anomalous shaped cliffs.
How to plan your trekking?
- Choose your starting point
- Choose the direction you will trek
- Keep a book and map to plan each day
- Inform refuges prior of any dietary preferences
- Reserve or not to reserve refuges
If you are a practised hiker, then these hiking trails should be on your list. Not only the tallest point on the continent attracts, but there are fairly easy mountains to scale. The excellent news is that on most of the hiking trails, you will not require any special equipment for the hike. You should, however, be careful about the altitude sickness that many people face can and which may even cause death. The most amazing part about a hike is that it takes you to reach the summit and as you walk; you come across the loveliness of different climatic zones such as grasslands, moderate forests and even glacial valleys.
Europe is diverse and rich in history, culture, outdoor activities and dazzling landscapes. Adventure opportunities can be found all through the continent. Today more and more people, particularly in Europe, are adopting hiking and trekking as a chief outdoor event.
The standard route undoubtedly has many variations, decide the one depending on your fitness level and sightseeing interests.
While a lot of sports activities and games need a special kit or training to get started, the hiking is comparatively much simpler and more useful than any other exercise. Anyone can put on a pair of shoes along with few essential gears and start moving into the woods for a little fresh air. This is what is called hiking. The surroundings, user-friendliness and diverse nature of hiking trails make this heart-healthy leisure; attractive for people of all ages, fitness levels and earnings. Furthermore, apart from few points, hiking and trekking don't require any special proficiency and skills.
Hiking or trekking maintains our body in good working condition as walking is really a good exercise. It enhances physical as well as mental health. The list of benefits from hiking and trekking is endless. Hiking is basically walking that is measured to be one of the ideal forms of exercise for your body. You can get an opening to spend some quality time together with the Mother Nature. It provides a mental health remedy as well.
Maybe you enjoy the excitement of great heights, perhaps it’s the stunning views or even the challenge of an arduous hike; whatever is the cause for your love of walking, Europe offers unbelievable opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and a change of scenery. Mountain lodges help you to prolong your stay.
Wherever you choose to hike, you would definitely make a ton of memories and meet tons of other travellers, hikers, and interesting locals along the routes. Hill-walking is a great way to get out into the “real” sensation of a country during your vacation, rather than sternly sightseeing in cities. Travel to see the world; explore and enjoy. Do it! Enjoy most of it!