Part of our Europe guide.
Europe offers hiking from the Bavarian Alps to Crete’s gorges, with routes for all levels. This page gathers nine places and guides from our Europe coverage.
Related travel guides: Norway Road Trip Itinerary: Travel Guide For 1st-Time Visitors, Oslo Travel Guide, Hiking And The Outdoors In Norway, and Visiting Kon Tiki, The Raft That Crossed An Ocean.
Hiking The Watzmann Traverse – A Bavarian Classic
The Watzmann Traverse is a legendary hiking route through the Bavarian Alps in Germany. The Watzmann, standing at 2,713 meters (8,901 feet), is the third-highest mountain in Germany and serves as the centerpiece of this trek. The journey crosses rocky paths, narrow ridges, and fascinating plateaus.
End Of The Line: 5 Hiking Trails On The Oslo Metro
Oslo, the capital of Norway, stands out for its unique blend of urban charm and stunning natural beauty. Among the many European destinations that offer exceptional hiking opportunities, Oslo’s metro system gives direct access to trails through forests and along fjords. Five routes let you ride to the trailhead and hike back toward the city.
Hiking In Latvia: Where To Find The Best Trails
Latvia, in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, may not be the first country that comes to mind for hiking. Yet its vast network of trails leads through picturesque landscapes, tranquil forests, and untouched wilderness. The Gauja National Park, the largest in the country, offers well-marked paths along river valleys and sandstone cliffs. For coastal scenery, the Baltic Sea shore near Cape Kolka provides flat walks through dunes and pine woods. Latvia’s trails suit all levels, from short loops to multi-day routes linking old manor houses and castle ruins.
Visiting Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia And Herzegovina: All You Need To Know
The Kravice Waterfalls, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are a natural wonder with crystal-clear turquoise waters flowing over vibrant green cliffs. The sheer force of the water plunges into a scenic pool below, surrounded by lush vegetation. The falls are part of Kravice Nature Park, where you can explore diverse flora and fauna. Entry costs around 10 BAM (about 5 EUR) per person. The park has picnic areas and wooden platforms for viewing the main cascade, which drops about 25 meters. Summer weekends can be busy; arrive early for a quieter experience.
20 Best National Parks You Must Visit In Europe
This guide to the best national parks in Europe brings you from the wild valleys of the Carpathians, through Arctic tundra, and down to the stunning Alps of Austria and beyond. Along the way, you’ll encounter chamois and elk, see crashing waterfalls and more. There’s oodles of adventure in the biggest national park choices – think glacier climbing and skiing. Even the smaller picks come with something to excite the wanderlust. Prepare to hear about gorgeous spa towns in the national parks in Germany. For European travel inspiration, these protected areas showcase the continent’s biodiversity, from the vibrant colors of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes to the rugged charm of Scotland’s Cairngorms.
Wild Continent: The Best National Parks In Europe
Europe’s national parks protect towering mountains, pristine lakes, and rich biodiversity. Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park features terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, while Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park offers heather moorlands and ancient pine forests. Many parks provide marked trails, visitor centers, and seasonal ranger programs. In the Alps, parks such as Switzerland’s Swiss National Park and Italy’s Gran Paradiso allow hiking above treeline with views of glaciers and ibex. For coastal scenery, Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park combines granite peaks with Roman roads and medieval villages.
Durmitor National Park Montenegro
Durmitor National Park in Montenegro offers stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. The park’s diverse wildlife and rich history add to its allure. Walking through dense forests, crossing ancient bridges, and discovering hidden waterfalls are part of the experience. The Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe, runs along the park’s edge and is popular for rafting. Hiking trails range from short walks around Black Lake to multi-day treks linking mountain huts. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its glacial lakes and limestone peaks.
Climbing Galdhøpiggen In Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Jotunheimen National Park in Norway is home to Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Norway and Northern Europe at 2,469 meters (8,100 feet). The ascent is a challenging endeavor that rewards climbers with views of pristine glaciers, deep valleys, and countless other peaks. The most common route starts from the Juvasshytta mountain lodge, crossing the Styggebreen glacier – a guided crossing is recommended. The hike takes about five to six hours round trip, with a vertical gain of roughly 700 meters. In summer, the trail is usually snow-free by late June, but weather can change quickly; bring layers and sturdy boots.
Samaria Gorge Hiking Adventure
Samaria Gorge in Crete offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This trek takes you through stunning landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush forests. Along the way, you might spot rare wildlife like the Cretan wild goat, known as the kri-kri. The hike starts at Xyloskalo and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax by the Libyan Sea. The gorge is part of the Samaria National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trail descends about 1,200 meters over the course of the walk. Entry costs 5 EUR per person. The park is open from May to October, weather permitting. After the hike, ferries from Agia Roumeli connect to Chora Sfakion and Sougia, making it easy to combine with other highlights and city breaks in England or Greek island hopping.
