Best Hikes In Europe 

If you’re looking for walking tours in Europe, here are some of our favourite self-guided walks.

Hiking in Europe is an incredible way to visit and view new parts of the world. With ancient paths mapping the landscape, you can retrace the steps of historical figures or discover your own secluded route. Easily walk from one town or city to the next in just a few hours so that you can enjoy a day of nature bookended by delicious meals, hot showers, and a good night’s sleep in a warm, comfy bed.

If you’re looking for your next adventure, here are some of the best walking holidays in Europe to consider.

Where to Go Walking in Europe: The Ultimate Guide for Active Travellers

Best Hikes in the UK

The UK offers countless trails for walkers of any level. Whether you prefer a stroll through England’s whimsical countryside or seeking a personal challenge to summit Snowden in Wales, there’s something for everyone. And then there’s the vibrant greens and azure blues accompanying Northern Ireland’s best hikes and the must-see theatrics of Scotland’s woodlands on the Speyside Way and mystical lakes, home to mythical legends! 

Best Hikes in Ireland

Ireland offers lush walking over grassy hills and along dramatic cliffs. We recommend checking out the Kerry Way for a tour of Ireland’s tallest mountains, the Dingle Way for dramatic seaside hiking with plenty of castle ruins, and the Wicklow Way for forest walking through the “Ancient East” near Dublin.

Best Hikes in Scotland

Scotland’s rugged highlands and Hebridean islands offer some of the best walking in the UK. The West Highland Way is the country’s most famous long trail — and the first trip Macs ever offered! — with pebble-filled streams and “bonnie banks” for walkers to explore. You could opt for the turquoise waters of Outer Hebrides, while the Isle of Skye offers dramatic hilltops and great views for keen photographers. Looking for something more mystical? Discover the natural wonders of Scotland and head along the Great Glen Way. Starting from Fort William and finishing in Inverness, you wander through the fairy-tale forests of Glen Nevis and meander your way along Loch Ness - be sure to look out for the monster! 

Best Hikes in Wales

The most well-known walk in Wales is Snowdonia National Park. This is a great introduction to Wales’ natural beauty and to challenge yourself by reaching the top of Snowdon. But there are other equally stunning hikes in Wales, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast national trail in the south, where you can enjoy wild and rugged terrains against quaint fisher towns and tranquil coastal views. If you’re looking to see as much as Wales in one hike, check out the Offa’s Dyke Path. Stretching from north to south Wales, you’ll discover historic castles and hillforts, as well as scenic views along the Black Mountain ridges. 

Best Hikes in England

You are spoilt for choice with walks in England. From coastal paths along St Oswald’s Way, retracing history at Hadrian’s Wall and strolling through fairy-tale villages of the Cotswold to the dramatic waters of The Lake District, classic national trails to tick off your must-see, and walking adventures on the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands. Hikes in England are packed with gorgeous scenery where you can step into ancient tales and hearty meals, no matter which walking holiday you choose first. 

Best Hikes in Switzerland

Switzerland easily offers some of the best walking and hiking in Europe. On the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, you’ll cross 11 famous mountain passes and see stunning, panoramic views of the Alps’ most epic peaks, standing above 12,000 feet. Our 49-mile Grindelwald Trail tour takes you through the Bernese Oberland in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, with plenty of traditional local food in the towns along the way.

Best Hikes in Portugal

On a Peneda-Gerês National Park trip, you can experience the full range of what Portugal offers, from the bustling city of Porto and the most delicious gelato you’ve tasted to the medieval town of Viana de Castelo and the historical architecture of palaces, churches and monasteries. The Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo coast offers unspoiled beach walking, while the trails on the island of Madeira weave through lush, green forests bursting with colourful flora.

Best Hikes in Spain

Spain is an iconic place for famous pilgrimages, including the Camino de Santiago where you can join fellow pilgrims pursuing their own journey of discovery. Or you could experience the dramatic views and expansive farmland of the Camino Frances. On the Catalan Coast, our routes guide you from mountainous villages with sunken valleys to rocky coastlines with hidden coves and bustling towns — a great place to stop and tuck into the local cuisine and the freshest seafood paella. 

Best Hikes in Norway

Do three of Norway’s most iconic walks, including Trolltunga, on our Stavanger to Bergen Drive & Hike tour through the country’s southwest fjords. For more of a challenge, consider the Hardangerfjord, where you’ll hike to 4 stunning waterfalls and climb 616 stone steps at the historical ‘Monk Steps’. On our Classic Norway tour, you can enjoy the best of city life in Oslo and famous walks like Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen National Park, where your hike will offer panoramic views of glistening lakes, lush valleys and the King of the Gjende Alps itself, Knutsholdtind.  

Best Hikes in Sweden

Named one of the "World's Best Hikes" by National Geographic, The Kungsleden is often found near the top of hiker’s bucket lists - and we can see why! Taking you through the Arctic Circle, this is one for fauna and flora enthusiasts as you see glacier valleys, Birch forests, and alpine wildlife like elk and golden eagles. Sweden is also home to peaceful coastal hikes along The Österlen Way. Take some time to yourself as you walk along sandy beaches and breathe in the fresh Baltic Sea air. Or, for something a little livelier, head into the thriving town to taste their traditional seafood dishes. 

Best Hikes in Italy

Italy has an incredibly diverse array of walking environments. From the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites on the Alta Via 1 to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello in Puglia. For a Slower Adventure, head to the dreamy Amalfi Coast and walk the Path of the Gods through vineyards, seaside towns, and pretty coastlines. You’ll probably have to make more than one trip to fully experience walking possibilities in Italy.

Best Hikes in Iceland

Iceland is one of the world’s most famous road trip destinations for good reason: the countryside is overflowing with waterfalls and natural hot springs, and as soon as you get an hour or two out of Reykjavik, the crowds start to thin. We recommend the Laugavegur Trail and the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, which you can do on our Iceland Explorer: Drive & Hike Tour. Hoping to get closer to the largest glacier mass in Europe? Book onto Iceland’s Scenic South Coast: Drive & Hike tour, where you’ll feel the earth’s crust beneath your feet and the ice-cold spray off some of the mightiest waterfalls.

Best Hikes in Germany

The Black Forest and Bavarian Alps are the legendary origins of many familiar fairytales. Here, you’ll find some of Europe’s most picturesque woodlands and charming towns. The King Ludwig Way is one in particular — a 7-day trek which includes reaching the summit of the Hoher Peissenberg — the highest northern point of the Alps — and ending at the magical Neuschwanstein Castle. To experience some of the wildest landscapes in Germany, we recommend the Berchtesgaden National Park on the Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail for some of the best walking in Germany.

Best Hikes in Austria

Walking through Austria offers adventurers beautiful views of rolling hills, momentous mountains and glistening lakes. The E5 Alpine Crossing is an awe-inspiring and must-do trail for eager hikers - taking you through three countries and countless summits! Travellers looking for something special follow in the footsteps of iceman, Otzi, and cross the impressive suspension bridge between the mountains in Otztal. And for those seeking a slower hike, the Salzburg Lakes won’t disappoint. A popular destination for Sound of Music fans, this trip includes shorter distances so you can spend more time immersing yourself in Austria’s cuisine and culture. 

Best Hikes in Greece

Walking in Greece is a great way to have it all: ancient history, incredible food, mountain views, and rest stops on the beach. On our Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos tour, you can ferry-hop between islands and walk between classic, whitewashed villages. Alternatively, you can walk through olive groves and traditional villages while walking Crete from coast to coast on our Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos to—a major highlight: the Imbros Gorge.

Best Hikes in France

Mont Blanc is the birthplace of mountaineering, and you’ll see why if you travel to France to hike all or part of the Tour du Mont Blanc. You can do as little or as much as you’d like, trekking through three countries along the way: France, Italy, and Switzerland. For something a little more remote, check out the GR20 in Corsica. On our tour, you’ll pass through the Calanches de Piana UNESCO World Heritage Site and have the option to experience part of one of Europe’s most gruelling—and rewarding—trails.

Best Hikes in Slovenia

One of the most spectacular spots in Europe is found in Slovenia. Lake Bled attracts travellers from all over the world for its turquoise lake and serene surroundings. Our High Trails trip leads you through the heart of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park, as well as the peaceful waters of Lake Bohinj. For travellers seeking more of Slovenia’s natural beauty, our Mountains and Lakes of The Julian Alps offer it all - wildflower meadows, snow-capped mountains, and alpine villages filled with Slovenia’s sweetest treats.

The Best Month to Walk in Europe

The best month to walk in Europe varies by region. Generally, May, June, September, and October offer the most temperate weather and best walking days. July and August can be hot in southern Europe. In Scandinavian countries, however, you’ll enjoy nearly endless days and cool, comfortable walking weather all summer long.

The good news is, no matter when you choose to walk or hike, on the days you’ll be stepping out on the trail, all you’ll need is a backpack with a few essentials. With a Macs walking holiday, we’ll organise your luggage transfers between accommodation. So, you can pack a few extra layers for any type of weather without having to carry it all on your back. 

Unsure what to pack for your European walking holiday? Our adventure experts have you covered with our essential packing checklist for your next self-guided walking tour.

How to Book Your Next Walking Holiday in Europe

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk between seaside towns or an exhilarating alpine adventure, Europe offers an incredibly diverse array of walking trips. You can find all of our self-guided European trips here.