Europe is a bucket list travel destination and a great place to go hiking. Indeed, some hikers and travel bloggers say that hiking is the best way to truly explore the numerous, distinctive, dramatic landscapes located there. Whether it’s the snow-topped Alps, the rugged coastal trails, or even Iceland’s volcanic interior. In order to assist you in narrowing down your day hike choices, here are the 20 best day hikes in Europe.
20 Best Day Hikes in Europe
1. The Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike, Italy
The Dolomites are said to be a spectacular spot for hiking. Hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails can be found there crisscrossing this mountainous area. Here you can complete easy, short hikes, multi-day adventures, and everything in between.
During the summer months, it’s a regular hiker’s playground in the summer. This specific popular day hike is 17 kilometers in length. It is rated moderately difficult.
You will experience an elevation gain of 850 meters during your scent and 1500 meters when you descend. You will need between six and nine hours for this hike. This hiking trail actually runs next to some of the Dolomites’ highest majestic peaks. There is a convenient chairlift that cuts nearly 700 meters off the first climb, so you can take in some great views with no effort.
2. Hike Kjeragbolten, Norway
This is a 12-kilometer out-and-back hike. It is rated strenuous and has an elevation gain of 570 meters. Allow yourself between six and eight hours to complete it.
For those not in the know, Kjeragbolten is an enormous boulder wedged between a pair of cliffs. Many people favor it because this adventure allows you the opportunity to do something really wild. You get a chance to actually step out onto the huge boulder.
You will also climb up sheer granite faces using chains, hike down into verdant valleys where sheep live, and see some of the country’s most incredible scenery. Will you be brave and step out onto this famous boulder that is 1000 meters above the ground?
3. The Eiger Trail, Switzerland
Travel to the Jungfrau Region to complete this 7.25-kilometer point-to-point hike. Rated easy to moderate, it has an elevation gain of 140 meters as you ascend and 800 meters as you descend. You will need at least two if not three hours for this hike.
Some hikers say this is one of their favorite short hikes on the continent. The trail follows Eiger Mountain’s north face. Enjoy the incredible views all the way ‘cross the lush Lauterbrunnen Valley to Grindelwald and Mürren.
Most of this hike is actually downhill so that will help beginners and anyone who is not exactly super fit as well. You can even do this hike when you visit Jungfraujoch.
4. The Mt. Blahnúkúr Mt. Brennisteinsalda Loop, Iceland
Visit Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s top hiking destinations, and take this 9.7-kilometer loop hike. It is rated strenuous and has an ascending gain of 610 meters. You will need between four and six hours.
While there are a number of different day hikes to do here, this loop hike actually combines two hikes into one noteworthy day hike. See the colorful rhyolite mountains, the warm, welcoming geothermal hot springs, the popular lava fields, and, of course, the distinctive hiking trails.
Adventurous travelers are drawn to this place all summer long. You begin at Blue Peak or Mt. Blahnúkúr. In the end, you are able to see some of the very best views of local Landmannalaugar.
5. Hike The Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
One of Croatia’s most unique places to see is Plitvice Lakes. Here you will find suspended boardwalks over aqua-blue water, easy walking trails, photogenic waterfalls, and memorable viewpoints. It is a family-friendly place.
Thus, the length of this hike is between eight and 11 kilometers depending on your choices. Your choices also determine if this is an easy or moderate-rated hike. You will need between four and eight hours for this one.
While there is a network of numerous connected hiking trails and boardwalks here, there are also boats and shuttle buses, so, again you have options. In fact, there are also several different programs available here that focus on energy level, starting points, and available time.
6. Hike To Ryten, Norway
Travel to the lovely Lofoten Islands. Here you can enjoy an out-and-back hike that some say is perfect. It is just under 9 kilometers in total and is rated easy to moderate.
The total ascent is 680 meters and you should plan on it taking three to five hours. In that time you will be privy to pretty views of fjords and mountains and a pristine white beach as you hike to a truly majestic mountain peak. Veteran visitors say that the icing on this cake is what is known as a “mini Trolltunga,” or a rugged rock outcropping that is Instagram-ready. Other hikers suggest that your real motivation to complete this hike is to take in the stunning view from atop of Ryten.
7. Climb The Ladder of Kotor, Montenegro
Hiking the Ladder of Kotor provides incredible views of the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Ah, but be aware that this is an almost 13-kilometer hike in total and it is rated as strenuous. You will need between three and six hours.
The trailhead is right next to the popular Old Town of Kotor and immediately becomes an uphill climb. There are more than 70 switchbacks but experienced hikers suggest not counting them. Best to focus on the fact that the higher you hike, the more striking the view. Once you reach the top, you can go back the way you came or hike the Kotor castle walls back to the bottom.
8. Hike Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First, Switzerland
You will need to visit the Jungfrau Region to complete this beautiful 16-kilometer point-to-point hike. Mind you, while some hikers and travel writers consider this a favorite trek to take, it is rated as strenuous, has an ascent of 860 meters, and has a descent of 690 meters. Give yourself a good six hours to complete this worthy challenge.
Start this big hike with a scenic ride up into the massive mountains on a comfy cogwheel train. Once you disembark, you will be hiking by alpine lakes, belled cows, snow-dusted trails, rugged mountain huts, and enjoying some of the best views of the famous Swiss Alps you could ever see. It’s one of the best longer day hikes here.
9. Hike Montserrat, Spain
For those not in the know, Montserrat is a rugged mountain range located in Catalonia. In fact, the word “Montserrat” is roughly “saw mountain” in Catalan. It is thus named because the range has a sawtooth-like appearance.
This day hike is a point-to-point hike with a distance of five kilometers. It is moderately difficult and requires less than two hours to complete. If you’re staying in Barcelona, you can take a train to the area and then either take another train into the mountains, ride a cable car, or hike up on foot.
If you’re feeling athletic enough, hike to the monastery. The hike there is relatively short and quite memorable. Feeling even more energetic? Hike to Sant Jeroni or the Santa Cova Chapel too!
10. The Måtind & the Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail, Norway
Visit Northern Norway’s unique Vesteralen Islands, not far away from the well-known Lofoten Islands. Here you can enjoy one of Europe’s most underrated hikes. The Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail follows the coastline. The hike is an almost eight-kilometer out-and-back hike that’s rated easy to moderate.
It includes an ascent of 520 meters that will take between three and four hours to complete. Too many travel lovers pay little attention to Senja and the Vesteralen Islands and spend all their time in the popular Lofoten Islands. The Vesteralen Islands are more peaceful, significantly less touristy, and come complete with their own lovely, lush landscapes. Måtind is actually the highest spot along the coast and thus offers the best views there.
11. Hike Cinque Terre, Italy
Just north of Pisa, on Italy’s coastline, is a group of five individual pastel-colored towns known as The Cinque Terre. Each town overlooking the harbor offers visitors its own something special. Hiking this 11-kilometer trail, a.k.a. The Blue Trail is a great way to explore this place.
Some portions are paved, some unpaved, and some require climbing up and over natural terrain. So the hike is rated easy to moderate. It connects Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare and requires more than five hours to finish and additional time to explore a little. This is one hike where you refuel along the way with pizza, gelato, and wine. Why stroll around all five towns?
12. Hike To The Green Lake & Vel’ká Svišt’ovka, Slovakia
Slovakia’s High Tatras is another noteworthy European hiking destination. More specifically, this day hike to the summit of the famous Vel’ká Svišt’ovka is a 13+ kilometer point-to-point hike. It is a moderately difficult hike with an ascent of 365 meters and a descent of 1,200 meters and requires from six to eight hours to finish.
This terrific trek features emerald-green lakes, jagged mountains, and even a cable car. Taking the cable car eliminates the initial major ascent. Still, the downhill section is difficult and requires chains. Plus, it is also a long walk through the pine forest on a rocky, rough, uneven trail to get back to town.
13. The Hveradalir Geothermal Area Hike, Iceland
Head to the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range in the central highlands. For it is here you will enjoy a memorable 11.5-kilometer out-and-back hike. It is reported to be moderately difficult and requires four if not five hours.
Here you will discover the hot spot known as Hveradalir. It is a geothermal natural wonderland of boiling mud pools, rainbow-tinted hot springs, rust-colored mountains, and steam vents. If you happen to be staying at the renowned Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort, you can actually either hike or drive to the exceptional Hveradalir Geothermal Area. Of course, hiking out and back gives you the chance to see the multiple changes in terrain up close.
14. The Mürren Via Ferrata Hike, Switzerland
While you’re in the Jungfrau Region to hike that other previously recommended hiking trail, you might as well try this day hike too! It is over 2 kilometers one way, moderately difficult, and has an elevation loss of 300 meters. This is a three-hour hike.
It is one of the shortest hikes in Europe but it is also one of the most exciting on the continent. Those in the know say this hike is actually “part hiking trail” and “part via ferrata.” (A via ferrata is a protected climbing route.) Here you will hike, climb down notably steep ladders, cling to a rugged cliff, cross a suspension bridge, and zip line across a deep ravine.
15. Hike Fira to Oia, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is popular for many reasons. If you’re a hiker, hiking from Fira to Oia is yet another reason to visit here. It’s a 10-kilometer point-to-point moderately difficult hike that will require between three to five hours.
On this popular day hike, you will trek along a caldera’s rim, visit the little towns of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigili, and Oia, and take in some of the best views here. The trail you’ll travel is a mix of dirt hiking trails and paved, pedestrian roads. You can hike it from either end, but if you go from Fira to Oia it’s mainly a downhill hike and you can see the town’s nigh-legendary sunset.
16. The Hiorthfjellet Hike, Norway
Travel to the Norwegian archipelago named Svalbard. Located in the Arctic Ocean, it is here you will complete a strenuous adventure including over five kilometers of kayaking and almost nine kilometers of hiking. Set aside a good 11 hours for this athletic event in this remote location.
It all begins in Svalbard’s largest settlement known as Longyearbyen. Here reindeer wander around town, there are more snowmobiles than residents, and the streets have no name. From here you kayak ‘cross Adventfjord and hike to the very summit of rugged Hiorthfjellet. If you want to avoid snow, best visit before the end of June.
17. Hike Gornergrat to Riffelsee & Riffelberg, Switzerland
This next day hike is available in Zermatt. It’s an easy, five-kilometer point-to-point day hike that should only take an hour and a half to finish. This is one of those spectacular treks that requires little effort. Enjoy truly epic views of the world-famous Matterhorn as you go, provided the weather is nice.
Your journey begins in Gornergrat where you will find Europe’s highest open-air railway. See the Alps’ second largest glacier, Gorner Glacier, and Dufourspitze, the highest peak in Switzerland. Your hike from gorgeous Gornergrat to Riffelberg is generally downhill, so it’s perfect for all ability levels and family-friendly.
18. The Koscielec Loop, Poland
This day hike is in Zakopane. Zakopane is actually the country’s gateway into the popular Tatras. It is a strenuous 18 kilometer loop hike with an ascent of 1,310 meters.
Give yourself between eight to 10 hours for this challenging hike to Koscielec. It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult day hikes on this list. The trail comes complete with alpine buildings, crystal-clear lakes, and fields of pretty wildflowers. This is one of those hikes where your great effort is rewarded with incredible panoramic views.
19. The Fimmvörðuháls Hike, Iceland
This day hike is also considered challenging. Set aside eight to 10 hours for this 25-kilometer point-to-point hike. Possibly the hardest hike here, it includes a total ascent of 1,400 meters.This extraordinary hike also includes 26 waterfalls, three distinctive landscapes, a pair of glaciers, and even a volcano.
It all begins at the Skógafoss Waterfall. From there you hike along the Skógá River. Once you near the ice caps, the lush green grass disappears. Nothing remains but a barren landscape as you hike between the glaciers across black volcanic soil until you descend into Thórsmörk’s forest and arrive in Básar.
20. The Trolltunga Hike, Norway
Last but not least on this list of best day hikes, is this strenuous 28-kilometer out-and-back hike that has a total ascent of 800 meters. To be honest, this requires between 10 and 12 hours so it could be a rather long day hike. Nevertheless, this is one of the most popular treks in Europe.
While it is beautiful from beginning to end, the whole point of this hike is to actually stand on the famous Troll’s Tongue, a comparatively thin bit of rock that offers ambitious travelers one of the most incredible photo ops on the continent. If you would rather shorten this hike, you can now take a car to reach one spot that cuts out the first significant climb.
There you have it, fellow travelers. These are the 20 best day hikes in Europe. What are your favorite day hikes? Did we mention them here? Let us know in the comments section.
