5 Hikes To Experience Across Europe This Summer

Are you ready to trek through some of the most beautiful terrain in the world? Europe offers a wide range of hiking options, with varying levels of difficulty and beauty. The mountain ranges in Europe are some of the most beautiful on Earth.

These 5 European hikes will not disappoint you, whether you are a nature enthusiast who loves a leisurely walk or a hiker who is passionate about nature.

The Great Glen Way

Although Scotland has some beautiful mountains, its greatest beauty is not necessarily found at the highest points. Scotland’s heart is its highlands and lochs. You can also explore the incredible natural beauty of Scotland via its endless trails.

The Great Glen Way follows a fault line along Scotland’s coast. It takes you past three of Scotland’s most beautiful lakes, including the legendary Loch Ness. The 72-mile trail offers a gentle option for people who are new to long distance walking. It will reward you with an unforgettable European hiking experience.

This is a 5-day hike that offers a variety of accommodations along the way.

Greece – Samaria Gorge in Crete

Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous hikes in Greece, if not all of Europe. It can be found in Crete. Crete is the largest island of Greece and has a mountainous terrain that’s known for its fertile valleys. This hike, located in Crete’s White Mountains will take you through one of Europe’s longest and highest gorges.

What is the best part about hiking through Samaria Gorge on Crete? The best part of the Samaria Gorge hike on Crete is grabbing a drink at the end in the charming village of Agiaroumeli and cooling off in crystal-clear waters in the Libyan Sea.

The Samaria Gorge trail is a 9-mile, point-to-point hike that takes about 4.5 hours to complete (without stops). It is mostly a descent through the gorge.

Albania: From Theth to Valbona

You can hike from Theth to Valbona, or Valbona to Theth. In either direction, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Albanian Alps.

You’ll have to climb a steep slope from Theth up to Valbona. Then, after reaching the top, you can take a leisurely and winding descent towards Valbona. You can also do it the other way around. Summer is the ideal time to take in the views from the summit. They rival those of Europe.

Before and after your tour, you’ll probably spend an overnight in two mountain towns where you can enjoy delicious home-cooked Albanian cuisine at charming guesthouses surrounded by beautiful nature.

This is a day-long hike which will take between 6-10 hours.

Norway – Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen in local dialect, is a popular attraction that you may have seen on social media and/or in Mission Impossible: Fallout. This hike is just under 5 miles roundtrip. It’s one of those hikes where the destination is more important than the journey, though the journey itself is spectacular. This hike will take you through forests and swamps to Pulpit Rock at 2,000 feet above the fjord.

The hike should last about four hours.

Switzerland: Eiger Trail

Switzerland is the epicenter of Europe’s Alps, and it would be difficult to list the best hikes without including this country. This hike will take us to Grindelwald. A charming mountain town, Grindelwald is everything you’d want in a Swiss Alp getaway.

You’ll follow the Eiger Trail here from Eigergletscher to Apiglen. Eiger is the highest peak in the Bernese Oberland. This hike is a perfect example of all that Switzerland and the Alps have to offer. The views are unmatched.

Apiglen is the destination for this 3-4 mile walk. You can reward yourself with a cold beer and a tasty meal.