If you’re looking for hiking tours in Europe, here are some of our favorite self-guided hikes.

Hiking in Europe is wonderfully different from hiking in the United States. Cities, towns, and villages are much closer together, and often have ancient trade routes connecting them that still operate as hiking paths today. That means you can easily walk from one town or city to the next in just a few hours, so you can enjoy a day of nature bookended by hot meals, hot showers, and a good night’s sleep in a warm, dry bed.

If you’re looking for your next adventure, here are a few of the best hikes in Europe to consider.

Where to Go Hiking in Europe: The Ultimate Guide for US Travelers

Hiking in Switzerland

Switzerland easily offers some of the best hiking in Europe. On the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, you’ll cross 11 famous mountain passes and see stunning, panoramic views of the Alps’ most epic peaks above 12,000 feet.

Our 49-mile Grindelwald Trail tour takes you through the Bernese Oberland in the foothills of the Swiss Alps, with plenty of traditional local food in the towns along the way.

Hiking in Ireland

Ireland offers lush hiking over grassy hills and along dramatic cliffs. We recommend checking out the Kerry Way for a tour of Ireland’s tallest mountains, the Dingle Way for dramatic seaside hiking with plenty of castle ruins, and the Wicklow Way for forest hiking through the “Ancient East” near Dublin.

Hiking in Scotland

Scotland’s rugged highlands and Hebridean islands offer some of the best hiking in the UK. The West Highland Way is the country’s most famous long trail—and is the first trip Macs ever offered!—while the Isle of Skye can be a dreamy place to escape.

Hiking in Portugal

On a Peneda-Gerês National Park trip, you can experience the full range of what Portugal offers, from the bustling city of Porto to the medieval town of Viana de Castelo. The Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo coast offers unspoiled beach hiking, while Madeira Island trails weave through lush, green forests bursting with colorful flora.

Hiking in Spain

Spain is an iconic place for famous pilgrimages, including the Camino de Santiago and Camino Frances. On the Caminito del Rey in Andalusia, you can visit the incredible historic cities of Seville, Granada, and Cadiz.

Hiking in Norway

Do three of Norway’s most iconic hikes, including Trolltunga, on our Stavanger to Bergen Drive and Hike tour through the country’s southwest fjords. You can enjoy the best of city life in Oslo and famous hikes like Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen National Park on our Classic Norway tour.

Hiking in Italy

Italy has an incredibly diverse array of hiking environments. From the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites on the Alta Via 1 to quintessential seaside village trekking along Cinque Terre, you’ll probably have to make more than one trip to fully experience hiking in Italy.

Hiking in Iceland

Iceland is one of the world’s most famous road trip destinations for good reason: the countryside is overflowing with waterfalls and natural hot springs, and as soon as you get an hour or two out of Reykjavik, the crowds start to thin. We recommend the Laugavegur Trail and the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, which you can do on our Iceland Explorer: Drive and Hike Tour.

Hiking in Germany

The Black Forest and Bavarian Alps are the legendary origins of many common fairytales. Here, you’ll find some of Europe’s most picturesque woodlands and charming towns. We particularly recommend the Berchtesgaden National Park for some of the best hiking in Germany.

Hiking in Greece

Hiking in Greece is a great way to have it all: ancient history, incredible food, mountain views, and rest stops on the beach. On our Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos tour, you can ferry-hop between islands and hike between classic, whitewashed villages. Alternatively, you can hike through olive groves and traditional villages while walking Crete from coast to coast on our Walking the Greek Cyclades: Sifnos & Milos tour. A major highlight: the Imbros Gorge.

Hiking in France

Mont Blanc is the birthplace of mountaineering, and you’ll see why if you travel to France to hike all or part of the Tour du Mont Blanc. You can do as little or as much as you’d like, trekking through three countries along the way: France, Italy, and Switzerland. For something a little more remote, check out the GR20 in Corsica. On our tour, you’ll pass through the Calanches de Piana UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll have the option to experience part of one of Europe’s most grueling—and rewarding—trails.

The Best Month to Hike in Europe

The best month to hike in Europe varies by region. Generally, May, June, September, and October offer the most temperate weather and best hiking days. July and August can be hot in southern Europe. In Scandinavian countries, however, you’ll enjoy nearly endless days and cool, comfortable hiking weather all summer long.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed hike between seaside towns or an exhilarating alpine adventure, Europe offers an incredibly diverse array of hiking options. You can find all of our self-guided European trips here.