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Looking for the best walks and hikes in Europe for a wellness experience? This comprehensive list of the best European hikes and walks has got you covered for both great relaxation and sightseeing!
Walking and hiking offer numerous benefits to your overall health and well-being.
Going on a wellness walk improves both your physical and mental health, allows you to recharge, reduces your levels of stress, and makes you feel better.
Hiking inspires you and makes you more creative. It can also be used as a form of active meditation as it’s an easy opportunity to bring your mind to the present moment and practice mindfulness.
Last but not least, taking a wellness hike is the perfect way to explore and immerse yourself in a new destination while reconnecting with yourself at the same time.
And the good news is that you don’t need much to start besides some basic gear and the right trails.
So without further ado, here are the best hiking trails in Europe to make you healthier and happier.
Read More:
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Best Hikes in Europe for Wellness:
Zermatt, Switzerland
Recommended by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer
This spectacular hike in the picturesque village of Zermatt is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Switzerland!
Offering amazing views of the famous Matterhorn Mountain all along the way, it’s also an easy and short trail suitable for all levels of experience, making it one of the best hikes in the Alps for beginners.
The trail starts at the top of the Gornergrat, at 3089 meters above sea level. It then leads you down to the Riffelsee lake, where you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of the water.
From Riffelsee, it continues through stunning mountain scenery until Riffelberg, for the train or cable car back to Zermatt.
To get from Zermatt to Gornergrat, you need to take the Gornergrat Bahn, which is the highest open-air cogwheel train in Europe.
The train ride takes around 30 minutes and it’s an experience in itself, offering gorgeous panoramic views of Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
Before starting this relaxing hike, from the Gornergrat summit you can also admire the second-largest glacier in the Alps, 29 peaks above 4000 meters, and of course, the legendary Matterhorn immortalized on the Toblerone chocolate.
Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Gornergrat Bahn here.
Old Man of Storr, Scotland
Recommended by Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl
The Old Man of Storr is a very popular hike in Europe on the Isle of Skye and one of Scotland’s most iconic sights.
It doesn’t require too much effort to reach the top. Even families with children can do it, but good hiking boots are recommended.
You will take the same path up and down. The return hike is 3.8km. Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for your visit.
To get there, you can drive to the Isle of Skye through the Skye Bridge or take a ferry. If you don’t drive, you can book a tour that departs from Inverness and will show you the best sights on the island.
There is a parking lot at the beginning of the trail, but arrive early to secure a spot as the path can get busy. If you want to have the whole place to yourself, then visit at sunset or sunrise.
You can even wild camp at the parking lot with a van or pitch up a tent nearby, as it is legal to wild camp in Scotland. Just remember to bring your wild camping equipment with you.
Green Lake, Austria
Image: PlacesofJuma
Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma
One of the most beautiful European walks is definitely the hike to Green Lake in Austria. This small natural gem is located near the village of Tragöss, about 2 hours from Vienna. The lake is secluded and can be reached most easily by car.
The best hiking route to Green Lake starts at the parking lot after the village, takes about 2 hours (with stops), and is around 7 km long.
Of course, this tour is especially recommended in summer. But also in winter when it has freshly snowed it is worth a visit.
During this hike, your camera should not be missing, because fantastic photo motifs are along the way!
This circular trail is well-marked and relatively easy to walk. The hike runs through a dense forest, past two other small lakes, until you arrive at the beautiful Green Lake, and then leads you around the lake. Along the way, you will always find fantastic spots for a picnic.
For many, Green Lake is one of the most special natural places in Austria. And really, the bright turquoise colors and spectacular mountain scenery are almost unique in Styria and worth a short hike!
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Iceland
Recommend by Victoria from Iceland Trippers
If you are looking for one of the best hikes in Iceland that is easier but with an amazing payoff, this is it!
The hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs is so pretty and the experience only gets better the further along you hike.
First of all, this hike is within 1 hour of Reykjavik, so if you are staying in the big city, no worries at all!
The hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs is about 45 minutes one way and around 3 hours one trip when you account for bathing and hiking.
It is a moderate uphill climb going there and all downhill on the way back. That being said, all ages from grannies with walking sticks to toddlers are seen on this hike!
When you get to the thermal river, it is time to change and bathe! The river ranges from scalding hot to cooler waters, so you can choose which temperature you like!
Make sure to stay on the path and only swim where there are signs saying you are allowed as this is geothermal water and may be boiling hot!
The river itself is perfectly fine in the approved swimming areas making this one of the coolest and most unique hikes in Europe!
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Recommended by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer
Recognized by Unesco, the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most scenic natural sites in the world.
Croatia’s first and largest national park also offers some of the best wellness hiking in Europe.
The Plitvice Lakes are divided into Lower and Upper Lakes and offer 8 different options in terms of hiking and sightseeing trails, from shorter walks of 2 to 3 hours, exploring either the Lower or the Upper Lakes, to longer hikes of up to 6 to 8 hours, including both sections of the park.
Some of the highlights here are the impressive Great Waterfall, the spectacular dark blue lakes of Novakovica Brod, Kaluderovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac, and the dramatic boat ride across the largest of the Plitvice lakes, Lake Kozjak.
But the whole park is absolutely gorgeous and filled with bursting waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and lush green scenery.
Spring and autumn are the best time of the year to visit the Plitvice Lakes, whereas in Summer the falls are reduced to a small flow.
From Zagreb, you can easily reach the park by bus or car in about 2,5 hours.
Alternatively, you can join a tour from Zagreb to the Plitvice Lakes here.
White Cliffs of Dover, England
Recommended by Sophie and Adam from We Dream of Travel
A hike along the White Cliffs of Dover is guaranteed to be one you won’t forget. Soaring a mighty 350ft above sea level and stretching over 16 miles along the south coast of England, these white chalk cliffs are truly iconic.
While there are a number of beautiful walking trails of varying length and difficulty, the most popular is the scenic South Foreland Lighthouse Trail. From the National Trust Visitor Centre, it is an easy 4-mile out-and-back hike to the lighthouse, where there is a cozy tearoom offering homemade baked goods.
The trail will have you traversing the top of the cliffs, passing fields of wildflowers and grazing ponies, all the while enjoying sweeping views over the azure waters of the English Channel. The hike is both relaxing and exhilarating, allowing you to truly appreciate the grandeur of this impressive landscape.
It is easy to get to the White Cliffs of Dover from London by train or car. If arriving by train, you will need to take a 5-to-10-minute taxi ride to the National Trust visitor center, or walk 40 minutes (with a 258ft elevation gain). For those who are driving, paid parking is provided at the National Trust car park where the hike begins.
Or you can book a tour from London to the White Cliffs of Dover, including a coastal walk, here.
Slieve League Cliffs, Ireland
Recommended by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close
Slieve League Cliffs are located in Donegal, Ireland, a remote part of the country, close to Northern Ireland.
It is around 2 hours from Londonderry or Sligo, in the opposite direction. Once you are in the area, the Cliffs are easy to reach in that there is a lovely two-lane country road that takes you from the highway to the Cliffs.
Slieve League Cliffs are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, the more popular tourist attraction 4,5 hours away.
They are stunningly beautiful and dramatic with endless views over the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Notwithstanding their height, Slieve League Cliffs offer a lovely walk from the parking lot along an undulating paved road to viewing platforms. You get stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling green hills for most of the walk.
Once you reach the viewing platforms, you have a choice. You can stay or hike up to the peak, and then, continue to hike at the top of the cliffs for hours. Even if you are not an experienced hiker, consider hiking up the initial part to appreciate the even more majestic views from above.
However, you must wear proper closed-toe sneakers with some traction. There are some steps and handrails, but they are crudely constructed. You will need to rely on good footwear for your own safety.
If you would like to appreciate the full wonder of the Cliffs from another perspective, boat tours below the Cliffs are also offered. Those must be booked and boarded elsewhere though. There is no access to the water from the Cliffs themselves.
Slieve League Cliffs are only just being discovered and for now, they are still relatively untouched and easy to visit and enjoy without jostling for space.
San Vili Path in the Dolomites, Italy
Recommended by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer
If you’re looking for a relaxing hike in the Dolomites, then the San Vili Pathway is a great choice.
The San Vili Pathway is a religious trek connecting Trento, the capital town of Trentino, to Madonna di Campiglio, in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, and one of the best multi-day hikes in Europe.
The whole pathway is 100 km long, divided into 6 stages, and takes about one week to complete. You can walk the whole trek, or you can choose to walk only some of its steps, as I did.
You can also opt between the low itinerary, through the villages of the Val Rendena valley, and the high itinerary, through mountain areas.
I especially recommend walking at least 2 of its stages: Madonna di Campiglio to S. Antonio di Mavignola, including the Vallesinella Waterfall and the spectacular Malga Brenta Bassa area, and Ranzo to Deggia, for the stunning views of the Canyon of Limarò.
After your hike, you can also enjoy an outdoor yoga class overlooking the mighty Dolomites or one of the natural wellness activities on offer in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, from barefoot walking to tree-hugging.
Hverfjall, Iceland
Recommended by Martha from May Cause Wanderlust
Iceland has some epic hikes, but many are quite challenging – so it’s nice to know you can get into some dramatic Icelandic landscapes without having to hike for days.
One of the most unusual and rewarding short hikes is Hverfjall, an impressive tuff ring volcano. Walking up to the rim of Hverfjall’s black crater is one of the best things to do in North Iceland.
The hike up to the crater rim is relatively steep but short: it only takes around 15-20 minutes. Once you get to the top, you have the option to continue around the rim, which will take another hour or so.
There are two great views from the crater rim: you have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including vast Lake Myvatn to the west, volcanic mountains to the north, and steaming fumaroles to the northeast. However, I found the view into the crater most captivating: it is so dark and bleak, and unlike anything else I’d seen.
To get there, turn off Route 848 onto a gravel road and drive to the car park at the foot of the crater. When you first see the crater in the distance, it looks huge, but don’t worry: it’s a trick of perspective – it’s not as big when you get close!
Ponta de São Lourenço in Madeira Island, Portugal
Recommended by Terri from FemaleSoloTrek.com
If you want to head to the inner reaches of your mind, then consider a walk on the wild side. Tramping on Portugal’s Island of Madeira is heavenly.
Ponta de São Lourenço (translated as Point of Saint Lawrence) is situated on the easternmost point of Madeira Island, in Portugal. This walk will make your thoughts and worries fly away, just like the Caspian gulls flying to the Farol Islet where the lighthouse is located.
You will feel like you are walking into an Impressionist’s canvas where the bold blue ocean swipes against the steel grey rocks of the mountain tops. The craggy rocks range in colors from black to red. The brown earth grounds the roving eye.
The classic hike on Ponta de São Lourenço will lead up and down hilly paths. It can be challenging. The highest point is Pico do Furado. Be sure to wear hiking shoes or runners.
Gardeners will enjoy the lush island plants, including wallflowers, stalwarts, and herbaceous vegetation. The Nature Park rangers manage the plants and animals (which includes seals). The park is rated high for its seabird colonies.
Stop to eat lunch overlooking the oceans. You might need to share your sandwich with street cats that roam the paths. Pathways lead to stretches of open space where hikers stop to eat a protein bar.
Sometimes, you will be met by the sound of a Beatles song played softly on a guitar. Here in this wellness park, you can open your heart to the universe.
Book a private guided walk of Ponta de São Lourenço here.
Komarovskaya Eco Path, Russia
Image: Travel Cultura
Recommended by Anna from Travel Cultura
Saint Petersburg, Russia, is known for its palaces and cultural life. However, there are plenty of things to do for those who love the outdoors. In the suburbs of the city, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, you will find picturesque areas for wellness walks.
One of the prettiest places is Komarovsky Strand (or Komarovsky Eco Path) in the small village of Komarovo. You can get there by suburban train that departs from Finland Railway Station in Saint Petersburg. The trip will take 35 to 40 minutes.
As soon as you leave the train, you will step into a charming pine forest. It is not wild, so do not be afraid to be lost. The eco path is a net of trails in the forest and on the beach. On your way, you will encounter ponds, dunes, large anthills, birds, and small animals, as squirrels or hedgehogs.
Remember that it is a northern region: the weather is fresh even in summer. Bring a good windbreaker with you.
Waking in the Komarovsky Strand is easy and will take you around two hours. If after that you are still not tired, you can continue hiking. For instance, you might like to walk to the next village — Zelenogorsk. The route goes along the shore of the Gulf of Finland and will take you 1-1.5 hours.
Holy Trinity Monastery Hike in Meteora, Greece
Recommended by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
Hiking one of the monasteries at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is an epic bucket list experience. Meteora Monasteries situated in central Greece are also one of the most recognizable Greek landmarks!
An excellent base for visiting Meteora is the town of Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the Meteora cliffs.
One of the most leisurely walks suitable for all fitness levels is a hike to the Holy Trinity Monastery. The trail begins in Kalambaka at St. George Church and is just over 3 km long.
The path is marked all the way up to the monastery. The hike starts as a gentle ascent, with the last part crossing through a forest and being a little more challenging.
The entrance to the monastery costs €3, and it’s well worth it. From the inside courtyard, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kalambaka and other monasteries in the distance.
The best time to hike to the Holy Trinity is during the spring and autumn months. The hike takes around 2 hours round trip.
You can join a hiking tour of the Meteora Monasteries here.
Sendero La Molata in Cabo de Gata, Spain
Image: Andalucia Hiking
Recommended by Linn from Andalucia Hiking
A wonderful coastal hike in southern Spain is the Sendero La Molata in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. It goes from the beach in the white village of Las Negras, past Cala del Cuervo across the coastal cliffs all the way to the popular El Playazo beach.
On the way, you can swim in the crystal clear water both at the beach of Cala del Cuervo and at Calilla del Playazo beach.
The latter is a small cove tucked between volcanic fossil dunes at the foot of the remains of Castillo de San Ramón. This is a delightful area to relax on the beach, explore the area, go snorkeling, or cliff jumping.
The hike takes just under 2 hours there and back, but you can easily make this a day trip or half-day trip by staying at the beach and working up your vitamin D or vitamin Sea.
There are buses from Almeria to Las Negras that take about 40 minutes, but if you dispose of a vehicle you will be able to enjoy the rest of the natural park too as public transport within the park is pretty sad.
Alternatively, you can book a tour from Almeria to Cabo de Gata here.
Kamen Del, Bulgaria
Image: Brainy Backpackers
Recommended by Linn from Brainy Backpackers
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Bulgarian Vitosha mountains is the 2-hour hike to Kamen Del with arguably the best views of Sofia.
The trailhead is easy to access even if you do not dispose of a vehicle as there are regular buses on the weekends.
From Vitosha Metro Stop you can get bus no. 66 up to Hotel Moreni, right below Aleko Hut. The trail starts right below the hotel. An alternative is to take the Simeonovo Chair Lift to Aleko Hut.
This is a beautiful and easy walk, with less than 150 meters of elevation. First, it takes you through a pine forest before it opens to a vast landscape where you will see the little rocky peak of Kamen Del to your right quite early.
The trail is easy to follow and with the peak in sight, there is no way you can get lost. The views from the top are breathtaking and the perfect spot for lunch or even a little mindfulness.
You can join a hiking tour to Kamen Del here.
Preikestolen, Norway
Recommended by Raksha from Solopassport
One of the famous attractions in Norway is Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock. At a height of around 600 meters, Preikestolen is a steep cliff located in Stavanger city.
The cliff provides awesome views of the fjord Lysefjorden and the valleys of the Ryfylke region. It is one of the most photographed cliffs in Norway and the best way to get to the top of the cliff is by hiking from Preikestolhytta.
Preikestolhytta, which is the starting point of the hike, can be reached by taking a ferry from Stavanger to Tau and then a bus from Tau to Preikestolhytta.
The hike is around 3.5 kilometers, and it usually takes 3 hours to reach the top of the cliff.
The best time to hike to Preikestolen is between the months of April and September as the weather is pleasant. During the winter season, the track is closed as it is dangerous.
The entire trail to the cliff is very beautiful and scenic and one of the best places to hike in Europe.
Book a guided hike from Stavanger to Preikestolen here.
Edward VII Trail, Czech Republic
Image: The World In My Pocket
Recommended by Joanna from The Word In My Pocket
Edward VII trail in Marianske Lazne is a lovely 5.7 kilometers trail that starts in the town center and follows the route the English King used to take to reach the local golf club.
It takes around two hours to complete this circular trail, which starts in the forest, just behind the Ensana Nove Lazne Hotel, one of the best spa hotels in Europe.
There are many attractions you will stumble upon on this trail, one of them being the Hamelika Lookout Tower. When you first see the tower, you expect Rapunzel to show up from the top and lay her hair down. The tower is free to climb and offers gorgeous views from the top.
Further up, the forest opens up to a beautiful valley. You are on the top, and you can see the cable car station at the bottom.
Marianske Lazne was a favorite destination for many famous people, not just King Edward VII. Goethe was one of the writers who often chose a spa break in Marianske Lazne. There are a couple of monuments dedicated to him in town, including one on the trail.
What makes Marianske Lazne special is that it is a spa resort, where people come to treat different illnesses or follow wellness treatments for relaxation, using mineral waters, natural carbon dioxide, and mud.
Calanques National Park, France
Image: Le Long Weekend
Recommended by Nadine from Le Long Weekend
The Calanques National Park is an area of immense natural beauty that encompasses land, sea, and urban zones in the South of France.
Spanning from Marseille in the West to Cassis in the East, its craggy coastline stretches over 20km and offers some truly remarkable scenery along the way.
There are many hikes you can do within the park, most of which can be accomplished in a few hours to a full day.
One of the most popular, the Calanques de Cassis hike, starts in the small fishing town of Cassis and takes in Port Miou, Port Pin, and the impressive Calanque d’En Vau – one of the deepest fjords in the park.
At the other end of the park, near Marseille, you can hike the family-friendly route along the coast to Calanque de Marseilleveyre. Or start in the middle, near Luminy University, and hike the inland route down to Calanque de Sormiou or Calanque de Morgiou.
What all of these hikes have in common is that they take you through stunning natural landscapes, offer breathtaking views, and end at picture-perfect beaches where you can take a dip to cool off and reward your efforts.
Definitely some of the best hikes in France for wellness moments!
London’s Little Venice, UK
Recommended by Nisha from Nerdy Footsteps
London is a fascinating city. Even though it is one of the biggest metropolitan cities, it still offers you a chance to experience calmness and solitude, even in the middle of the hustle-bustle. One such delight is the Little Venice area.
In the heart of the British capital, just north of Paddington, you will find yourself amidst the beautiful canals of London. This area, known as Little Venice, offers lush green and beautiful walks alongside the canals.
You can also stop by chic cafes and restaurants along the way. Not a fan of walking? Enjoy a boat ride in the canals. It is little Venice after all. It is hard to believe such a lush oasis exists in the center of the city.
Walking through Little Venice, you can reach all the way to the Camden market, one of the oldest outdoor markets in London. After all, you deserve some wonderful food after two hours of walking along the beautiful canals.
Emerald Coast, France
Image: Travel Geekery
Recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery
Brittany in France is an excellent hiking destination in Europe.
A famous trail called GR34 runs along almost the whole coast! This path was used by customs patrols in the past. Nowadays, you can make use of it for wonderful hikes in Brittany with guaranteed stunning views.
A hike along Brittany’s Emerald Coast forms part of the GR34 trail. You’ll start near the lighthouses at Cap Fréhel and finish at Fort La Latte fortress. The whole hike is 4.8 km (3 miles) long and takes about 2 hours to finish. It’s easy and there’s minimum elevation involved.
You’ll be walking along high cliffs, observing magical lighthouses, heather-covered sloping landscapes, and the deep blue sea down below.
In the end, you can pop in to see the picturesque fortress La Latte, which offers another dose of mesmerizing views of the coastline. Near the fortress, it’s also possible to go for a quick dip in the sea.
The easiest way to get there is to drive, but you’ll need to hike both ways. Local tour companies often offer a trip to the coast too, where they drop you off at Cap Fréhel and wait for you at Fort La Latte.
Mullerthal Trail, Luxembourg
Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
If you are fond of hiking trips in Europe, the Mullerthal Trail through forests and rock formations is highly recommended. It is situated on the borders of Luxembourg and Germany, and it is one of the must-visit trails for hiking lovers in Luxembourg.
The trail passes through primeval forest, small streams across winding paths, rock formations, and gorges that you can walk through. It was also labeled as “Leading Quality Trails Best of Europe” in 2014.
This is a 112 km hiking trail with mind-blowing beauty. It is divided into three circular trails, and travelers have to decide which of the three hikes to take. The time taken may depend on how fast you walk.
Tip: It is important to know the condition of the trail before visiting as it is not always safe to hike there. There are locals and tourist information offices that can give you an update on the trail conditions.
You can reach the Mullerthal region by taking public transport to Echternach. An additional bus can drop you from your stay to the final destination.
Rio Chillar Walk, Spain
Recommended by Paulina from Visit Southern Spain
There are many hiking routes in Malaga. However, the one that most attracts visitors is the Rio Chillar walk, in Cahorros natural park. The walk is also known as the Nerja river walk as it is situated near Nerja city.
Cachorros is a long accessible natural park that doesn’t require you to buy tickets or show any license.
This is a moderately difficult walk that takes the hikers actually into the Chillar river. The water level of the river is up to the ankles, but it may sometimes reach the knees as well.
The entire route from the start of the riverwalk to Vado de and back to the starting point is 16km. It may take 6 to 7 hours to complete if you do the whole trail.
It is one of the most recommended wellness walks in Europe because you get to walk in the river throughout the way surrounded by nature and the relaxing sounds of birds in the area.
Travelers can reach there by driving from Malaga by car. Make sure to start your walk in the morning to avoid darkness on the way back.
So there you have it – the best hiking in Europe as recommended by travel experts.
From epic views to increased wellbeing, you can’t go wrong with any of these European hiking trails.
Which one of these wellness hikes would you choose?
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