The magic of trekking in Europe is undeniable. Experience pastoral meadows and forests, mountain peaks which tower high above the clouds, and medieval villages tucked away from civilization. Almost every country in Europe has a unique and rewarding trek waiting to be explored. We highly recommend doing a European hike. Each trip is distinctly special.
Austria
Austria is the alpine cousin country to Germany. It shares many of Germany’s cultural cornerstones as well as history. Hiking in Austria is absolutely beautiful. The Austrian countryside is covered in stunning mountains, elegant ski resorts, and massive alpine lakes.
The Heart of Austria Trek
The Heart of Austria Trek is a European hike that takes you deep into the Dachstein Mountains in the Salzkammergut region of Austria above the bohemian city of Salzburg. This region of Austria is rich in history. This is due to its medieval salt trade, as well as being the home of the legendary composer Mozart. The mountains here are stunning, interspersed with tranquil alpine lakes, with the trek finishing in the stuck-in-time village of Hallstatt. Hallstatt has been named multiple times as the most beautiful village in the world. Experience some of the best hiking in Austria and the unique culture of the region on this trek.
Croatia
Hiking along the Croatian coast will remind you of ancient history. It is dotted with white rock outcroppings, vineyards and olive trees, as well as mysterious Adriatic islands. This hike in Croatia is in the land where Odysseus and his crew became lost in Homer’s epic. For that reason, the sense of the place is still as mythic today.
The Dalmatian Coast Trek
The Dalmatian Coast Trek is the Adriatic explorer's dream. Lose yourself winding through ancient beech forests, along rugged coasts, and across secluded islands. Hiking along the Dalmatian Coast, you can gaze upon the cobalt waters of the Adriatic breaking against the beautiful white limestone shoreline. This hike in Croatia finishes in the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik has gained fame in recent years as the shooting location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.
England
England is a country steeped in history. The palaces and castles add a sense of royalty to the pastoral English countryside. The hike in England includes welcoming locals, thatched roofs, and fairy gardens. The charms of England give the lucky traveler a distinct sense of whimsy as you tour the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are as idyllic as any region in the world. When hiking the Cotswolds in England, sheep gambol in open pastures. Quaint tea houses serve delicious pastries, and the weather is as sunny as it gets in England. The hike on the Cotswolds is less demanding than more alpine European hikes. The itinerary makes special excursions to historic locations along the route such as the Roman Baths at Bath.
France
The alpine regions of France are no less romantic than the south of France or Paris. When hiking the alps of France, you will experience everything from medieval villages to the legendary and looming Mont Blanc. Hikes in the French Alps will transport you into a blissful state of timelessness.
The French Alps: The Tarentaise Mountains
The French Alps: The Tarentaise Mountains trek will take you through the rolling mountains and secluded valleys surrounding the legendary Mont Blanc Massif. This hiking trip through the French Alps is a less demanding opportunity to explore and witness the most majestic mountain range in Western Europe. In addition, you can explore the mountaineering history mecca of this massive granite range.
The Pays Basque and The French Pyrenees trek
The Pays Basque and The French Pyrenees trek weaves its way along the Spanish-French border, engaging with the unique culture of the Basque people, who speak a linguistic isolate that has no connection to any other spoken language. Hiking treks in the French Pyrenees takes you from the rolling hills of the Pays Basque into the more rugged Pyrenees mountains. You will pass through walled villages, shepherd’s towns, and some truly stunning mountain passes.
The Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most legendary hiking treks of all time. Circumnavigating the entire Mont Blanc Massif, this trek in the Alps is challenging but rewarding. As you hike around the mountain lauded by poets such as Percy, Shelley, and Baudelaire, you will travel on foot over the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Enjoy the unique cultures of each country as you hike the Tour du Mont Blanc!
Germany
The Bavarian region of Germany is the cultural and historic capital of Germany. The more conservative Bavarian people have worked for centuries to preserve their old style of life and the towns and villages all feel unmarred by time.
High Peaks of the Bavarian Tyrol
High Peaks of the Bavarian Tyrol circumnavigates the highest peak in Germany, the Zugspitze. The hike in the Bavarian Tyrol weaves its way between Germany and Austria, traveling through quaint villages decorated with painted stucco reliefs. In the Bavarian Tyrol, locals still don their traditional lederhosen, the villages are luxurious but peaceful, and the mountains rise above you with impressively jagged ridgelines.
Iceland
Iceland is truly the northern end of the world. Along Iceland’s northern coast, isolated villages brace themselves against the arctic extreme. This hike in Iceland is a surreal moonscape or glaciers, fjords, and volcanos.
The Remote Westfjords Trek
The Remote Westfjords Trek explores the forgotten fjords of the Westfjords, the northeasternmost region in Island. The Westfjords are truly undisturbed wilderness, with arctic foxes, seals, and puffins all playing along with the rugged shoreline. The hiking in Iceland is challenging and unlike other hiking around the rest of the world due to Iceland’s unique morphology which makes breaking a consistent trail essentially impossible. Instead, follow mysterious rock cairns into the Icelandic wilds, an adventure that is truly not to be missed for experienced hikers.
Italy
If you are looking for luxury, no country has mastered it more completely than Italy. Settle down over some fresh Italian food, chat with storied locals, and relax in the warmth of perhaps the best tourist culture in the world. Hikes in Italy offer variety and exploration of some of the most beautiful mountains and seasides on earth.
The Dolomiti di Brenta Trek
The Dolomiti di Brenta Trek explores a satellite range of dolomite mountains, separated by Trento Valley from the main Dolomites. Hiking the Dolomites in this region is more peaceful and more naturally preserved than its sister mountains in the Alta Badia. The accommodation along the Dolomiti di Brenta trek is truly world class. The Lago Molveno in Molveno is one of the most unique and beautiful alpine lakes in the world, as it acts as a mirror for the entire Brenta range which sits high above.
The Italian Dolomites Trek
The Italian Dolomites Trek is a tried and true classics. The impressive spires of the Italian Dolomites are unlike any other mountains on earth, more like pillars of rock than the sloped mountains you are used to. The accommodations along hike in the Italian Dolomites are true mainstays and clients often return to the region just to revisit their favorite hotels. The history here is also of particular note as you hike along the frontier of the conflict between Germany and Italy in World War I, where the scars of this conflict are still visible in the Dolomites today.
The Isola di Capri: The Jewel of Western Italy Trek
The Isola di Capri: The Jewel of Western Italy Trek takes you into the warm sun of Tyrrhenian Sea. Hiking the Isola di Capri takes you between preserved villas, through ancient trader’s ports, and finish every day with a chance to play in the inviting waters of the Tyrrhenian!
The Sicily Aeolian Islands Treks
The Sicily Aeolian Islands Treks journeys into the home of Greek mythology. On this hiking trek to the Aeolian Islands, you will get to hop between multiple islands. Some of the Aeolian Islands are home to Greek gods, others to active volcanos, and others to some of the best seafood you can eat!
The Via Ladinia: Heart of the Italian Dolomites Trek
The Via Ladinia: Heart of the Italian Dolomites Trek explores the culturally unique region of Ladin Dolomites. The Ladin culture is one which has survived the cultural advances of both Italy and Germany throughout history, preserving their language - which is the closest living language to Latin - and unique mythology. The hiking in the Italian Dolomites is variable and also moldable to fit both those who want a more relaxing hike of this unique mountain region and those looking for a stiffer challenge.
Montenegro
Montenegro is often forgotten when considering the most beautiful alpine countries, however, this is a great injustice, as Montenegro’s mountains are truly unique, defined by deeply carved valleys, impressive summits, and still unexplored reaches.
From The Durmitor Mountain Range to The Bay of Kotor Trek
From The Durmitor Mountain Range to The Bay of Kotor Trek starts in the heart of the Durmitor mountain range, where you will explore the mysterious mountains, staying in the most luxurious hotels Montenegro has to offer. From there, boat down the Tara river through the “European Grand Canyon.” Finally, the hike in Montenegro finishes in the Bay of Kotor on the waters of the Adriatic. Enjoy the intrigue of the historic trading city of Budva and the peace of an unmatchable Adriatic sunset.
Norway
Norway: home of the Vikings and some of the most beautiful wilderness on earth. Hiking in Norway is one of the most truly special experiences a person can have. While the trekking here is often challenging, the reward is absolutely unmatched.
The Islands of Lofoten Trek
The Islands of Lofoten Trek is a unique and challenging trek that explores the mysterious Nordic fjords. The hike in Norway includes staying in isolated fishing villages and watching playful sea life. Hiking through the rugged and beautiful arctic wilderness are all true highlights of the trip.
Scotland
Scotland: a place of outlaws, tribesman, and some of the liveliest people on earth. There's nowhere quite like hiking in Scotland. Between the desolate moors and the lively Scottish pubs, Scotland has a bit of something for every type of traveler.
The Rob Roy Way
The Rob Roy Way follows a route through the life of legendary Robin Hood figure of Rob Roy. Hike through Scottish moors, beneath the Munros - the designation for highest peaks in Scotland, and past the fingerlike lakes of the southern highlands, will all join together to create a relaxing and beautiful trekking experience.
Slovakia
Slovakia is truly wild country. Deep forests, hidden lakes, and the jagged peaks of the Tatras all give the Slovakian wilderness a sense of deep mystery.
The High Tatras Mountains trek
The High Tatras Mountains trek journeys into the High Tatras, a mountain range that is a favorite for Slovak and Polish mountaineers but is largely forgotten by the rest of the world. On this hike in Slovakia, nature is incredibly well preserved, even still supporting predators such as bears and wolves - species that are extinct in much of Western Europe. The people here are friendly, the accommodations are modern, and the hiking ranges from adrenaline-fueled adventures to idyllic forest hikes.
Slovenia
Slovenia is the forgotten cousin of the Alps. The Julian Alps are referred to as the Switzerland of Eastern Europe and the quality of the trekking experience there shows why. Slovenia might not be on your travel list, but the warmth of the Slovenian people and the beauty of their countryside make Slovenia a truly unforgettable destination.
The Triglav Circuit Trek
The Triglav Circuit Trek explores the mountain region underneath Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Triglav is a massive domed Dolomite summit and the peaks in this region rival the majesty of even the Italian Dolomites. Some highlights of hiking in Slovenia include learning about the history of Slovenia’s relationship with the Soviet Union. As you hike along the once uncrossable borders between Italy and Austria and journeying into the Triglav national park, a beautiful nature preserve where you stay in one of Tito’s old hunting cabins.
Switzerland
If you are looking for the perfect alpine experience, look no farther than hiking in Switzerland. The Swiss boast the best trekking in the Alps and their cozy hotels, immaculate trails, and preserved wilderness make that claim hard to dispute.
The Eiger Trail
The Eiger Trail is mountain trekking at its most classic. As you approach the mythic Eiger on the journey between Gstaad and Grindelwald you will cross over the highest mountain passes on the entire Via Alpina - the epic hiking route traveling across the entirety of the Alps. The nights you stay in Murren and Wengen are not to be missed by any travel enthusiast. These villages are perched above 2000-foot cliffs and have no vehicular access. They are not only some of quaintest in Switzerland but maybe the entire world. Even if you feel like you’ve seen it all, Murren and Wengen on the Eiger Trail hike in Switzerland will still strike you wide-eyed with wonder.
The Engadine Summit Series Trek
The Engadine Summit Series Trek explores the medieval Engadine Valley by a more demanding route, endeavoring to bag a mountain summit with every day. Hiking the Engadine is a valley of true magic, with castles dotting the hillsides, stunning wildflowers, and a spectacular finish in the preserved village of Soglio.
The Highlights of Switzerland: Engadine, Lago Maggiore, Zermatt Trek
The Highlights of Switzerland: Engadine, Lago Maggiore, Zermatt Trek takes you to all of Switzerland's most classic hiking locations. If you are looking for a hiking a trip to Switzerland and don’t want to miss a thing, this is the trek for you. Explore the enchanted Engadine Valley, the bohemian shores of the Lago Maggiore, and finishing beneath the Matterhorn in Zermatt.
The Hiker’s Haute Route
The Hiker’s Haute Route is another trekking classic, traveling between the French mountaineer’s haven of Chamonix to the Swiss town Zermatt, which sits directly beneath the legendary Matterhorn. This trek in Switzerland is demanding with a challenging but rewarding mountain pass standing between each village on every day. If you are feeling strong and want to truly immerse yourself in hiking the Swiss Alps, the Haute Route is the perfect route.
The Matterhorn Trek
The Matterhorn Trek is heralded a challenging trek. On this trek you hike beneath the massive Matterhorn and Monte Rosa peaks, staying in Swiss and Italian climber’s towns. This trek brings you views of massive glaciers, overnights in some of the most classic locations in Switzerland and Italy - such as Zermatt, Gressoney and Alagna, and some truly challenging hikes in Switzerland and Italy over the passes surrounding the Matterhorn.
The mountains of Europe are waiting for you! Choose any of these European hikes for an unforgettable experience. It becomes better every year with renovated hotels beautifully maintained hiking trails and unique cultural experiences around every corner.
