Top 10 Pick of Hiking Routes in Europe

Europe is home to some fantastic hiking routes. At Trekwear outdoor clothing, we’ve picked ten favorites to inspire you for your next walking holiday.

Autumn is the perfect time to plan a walking holiday in Europe, as the weather is often relatively dry and warm without being too hot or cold. Here at Trekwear, we’re always looking for our next outdoor adventure, and the following are ten of our favorite walking routes in Europe.

If you’ll be jetting off to any of these spots – or anywhere else – let us know how you get on #TrekInspired.

Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous long-distance hiking routes, not only in Europe. The best-known section of this ancient pilgrimage trail runs through northern Spain, ending at the impressive Santiago de Compostela.

Centuries ago, the faithful would walk thousands of miles across Europe to reach this holy site, which means numerous trails are coming from France, Italy, Portugal, and even further afield. Nowadays, most hikers choose to tackle the final section of the Way of St James, winding up outside the stunning cathedral.

Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most challenging and breathtaking hikes, running as it does through the Alps and within view of the eponymous Mont Blanc. It typically takes around ten days to complete, although many walkers allow a little longer so that they can take their time and really soak up the scenery.

On the trek, you’ll pass through France, Switzerland, and Italy, crossing several high mountain passes as you do so. As you make your way around, the views are truly spectacular, with the Mont Blanc massif ever-present. There are various start points for the Tour du Mont Blanc, including Les Houches, Chamonix, Courmayeur, St Gervais, and Chapieux.

Kungsleden

In Sweden, Kungsleden – or the King’s Trail – is a fantastic long-distance trekking route in Scandinavia. While many people head here in August, September is still a tremendous month to travel as the hiking routes are quieter, and the weather’s still good.

Covering some 275 miles, the trek takes you through wild mountain landscapes, past pine forests, and close to incredible glaciers. It is an opportunity to discover one of Europe’s last wilderness areas. At the same time, the number of huts operated by the Swedish Tourist Association means you’re always close to a shelter or a helping hand should you need one.

GR 10

We’re returning to France for our next choice – the GR 10, a mammoth hiking trail that runs the entire length of the Pyrenees, crossing from France’s Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic. It spans nearly 540 miles, but there are various sections you can tackle if you don’t have the time to do the whole thing in one go.

There are plenty of places to stay along the route, so you don’t need to camp (unless you want to). Pack appropriate trekking gear for your hike – layers are key, and you must carry enough water to prevent dehydration.

Corfu Trail

For something altogether different, head to Greece and the island of Corfu. Here you will find a long-distance walking route that runs the island’s entire length. The wonderful thing about the Corfu Trail is that it takes you away from the touristy areas on the coast and introduces you to the rustic interior of the island.

Think olive groves, heathland, hidden monasteries, traditional villages, and dramatic coastal scenery – as, with our other suggestions, you can tackle the entire thing or dip in and out.

Laugavegurinn Trail

The Laugavegurinn hiking trail is one of the most popular routes for walkers in Iceland and presents an unrivaled opportunity to appreciate the country’s spectacular scenery. Covering some 55 km, it encompasses many of the most notable aspects of Iceland’s landscapes, such as mountains, glaciers, hot springs, clear rivers, and vast lakes.

It typically takes four days to complete the trail, although you do need to keep a close eye on weather conditions no matter what time of year you’re traveling, as things can change quickly on the ground.

Alsace Wine Trail

For something at a more leisurely pace, head to the Alsace region in France to follow its wine trail. As its name suggests, this route winds its way between various vineyards, allowing you to appreciate the verdant valleys filled with grape vines and sample some of the local tipples.

It covers 170 kilometers and takes in 70 wine-growing villages along the way, providing plenty of variety and making it easy to tackle short sections of the trail rather than following it.

Cotswold Way

Not all of Europe’s top walking trails are on the continent – we’ve got plenty right on our doorstep, of which the Cotswold Way is just one. Running for more than 100 miles, this route passes through some of the most quintessentially English countryside imaginable.

A patchwork of rolling green fields covers the hillsides, streams flow through gentle valleys, charming villages are dotted all around, and there are plenty of historical sites to visit. The trail begins in Chipping Campden and ends in Bath, although you can easily walk along just one section.

West Highland Way

Of course, Scotland is home to some of the best trekking routes in the UK, and the West Highland Way certainly ranks among them. This trail is just under 100 miles long and passes some of the region’s most famous natural attractions, including Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, BuachailleEtiveMor, Glencoe, and Glen Nevis.

There’s ample accommodation along the way, or you can camp, not to mention plenty to see and do once you’ve finished hiking.

GR 132

GR 132 is a circular route around the edge of La Gomera, one of the most beautiful Canary Islands. Sunshine is practically guaranteed no matter what time of year you decide to travel, and the route takes you over several impressive barrancas.

There are some steep ascents out of the barracks – or valleys – and this track gives you a different perspective on the island’s stunning landscapes.

Whether you are heading to any of these hiking routes or others worldwide, check out our walking range to ensure you have everything you need, and don’t forget to let us know how you got on.