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We love to travel here at Terradrift. And we’ve spent enough time exploring Europe now to definitely have our favorite spots for outdoor adventure. So if you’re headed to (or located in) mainland Europe, definitely check out these trails, which might just be some of the best hikes in Europe (they’re at least some of our faves so far).
The 5 Best Hikes in Europe
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Widely regarded as the most beautiful park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes is a stunner full of green moss and unlimited waterfalls. No joke: over the 5.5 miles of the H route, you’re never out of earshot. You’ll stroll along boardwalks and soft earth, and around every corner there’s more water cascading over rocks large and small. It’s truly a magical place and a marvel and shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the country (or even near it). We do recommend visiting on weekdays or shoulder season, though, when the park is less busy (and it can get VERY busy). Rainy days are also a good option and, as you can see by the photos (it was rainy when we were there), don’t diminish the experience at all.
Black Forest, Germany
There’s something alluring about southwest Germany and the Black Forest region. Equal parts spooky, full of culture, and absolutely stunning, it’s an ideal place to head for forested trails beneath massive trees. Our favorite hike in the area was the Rötenbachschlücht route. Here, green covers everything in the summer, the river keeps you company as you wander, you’ll find fairy houses and foot bridges, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to stop and enjoy your surroundings. You can wander for 7 miles or more in wooded serenity. Start early and you’ll have the trail all to yourself.
Arlberg Trail, Austria
Want a truly unique adventure? Head to the Vorarlberg region of Austria (just a couple hours from Zurich, Switzerland and accessible by train) and tackle the 3-day Arlberg Trail. We wrote a whole post on the experience here, but suffice it to say the climbs are challenging, the towns you pass through inviting, and the panoramas world-class. Seriously. What’s more, you can arrange to stay in a nice hotel every night or grab a bunk in one of the huts along the way. Dealer’s choice. This multi-day trail offers a magical experience in the mountains and is one of our favorite hikes in Europe, sure, but also ever.
Celerina, Switzerland
Looking for a delightful, under-crowded experience in the Swiss Alps? Head to Celerina in the Engadin region of Switzerland. It’s just a couple hours outside Zurich, you can reach it by train, it’s near the bustling tourist destination of St. Moritz, and it has a plethora of trails to explore. Our favorite: The Panorama Trail. You can take a funicular up the mountain at the beginning and a lift down at the end (and a bus back to the start), and along the way you’ll get big views of massive mountains, alpine lakes, and wildflowers guaranteed to take your breath away.
Lapta Trail, Cyprus
Cyprus isn’t exactly a well-regarded tourist destination, at least in the U.S. But it should be, at least for those who prefer to hit the trail instead of take selfies by the hotel pool (though we don’t hate a healthy balance of both from time to time). And yes, Cyprus is geographically located in Western Asia, but much of the island is largely European, so we’re counting it. Northern Cyprus in particular is riddled with trails in the Kyrenia Mountains and the views of the coast from up there are stunning. If you want, you can even take a week or two and thru-hike the entire 161-mile Beşparmak Trail. But one of our favorite hikes in Cyprus may be the Lapta Trail, which is full of ups and downs, forest and sunshine, ocean views, historical artifacts, and so much more.
Bottom Line
Obviously there are a million places to hike and explore in Europe and saying these are the best hikes in Europe is a wild exaggeration (forgive us for pandering to the SEO gods), but they are some of our favorites and we simply want to recommend them to adventurous travelers headed to the continent! We’ve barely scratched the surface, of course, so tell us where in Europe you think has the most epic hiking adventures. We’d love to hear where you think we should go next and if you’ve hiked in these places and agree or disagree! Whatever you do, get outside and wander on.
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com