Wanderlust on Foot: My 8 Favorite Hiking Trails in Europe
Europe isn’t just castles and cobblestones.
Some of its best destinations are found on foot — along winding trails through alpine meadows, coastal cliffs and ancient forests.
For me there’s just something magical about setting out on a trail — just you, the open path and whatever surprises nature has in store.
Over the years, I’ve explored hikes that left me breathless (in the best way), from quiet forest strolls to sweeping mountain views.
So I want to share some of my favorite hiking trails in Europe.
These are the trails that bring me joy, calm my mind and that I’ve been on more than once (most of them).
None of them are particularly hard and are very doable for anyone who has a moderate level of fitness.
No scrambling over rocks required!
A few have some portions of somewhat steep up and down hill walking, but you can always stop, catch your breath and take in the views.
If you’re looking for your next outdoor escape, this list might just have your new favorite hike.
Ireland • Diamond Hill • Connemara National Park • County Galway
I’ve done this trail twice and just love it!
Tucked away in the peaty bogland of Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill is just that — a hill.
But what it lacks in height, it more than makes up for in drama.
The well-maintained trail starts off gently, winding through the heather, gorse and bog bridges, before gradually climbing toward a rocky summit.
As you hit the upper trail, it steepens quite a bit.
But there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views.
This is one of those trails that has constant views.
However, the summit has panoramic views that honestly feel like a reward from the hiking gods.
On a clear day you’ll catch sight of the Twelve Bens, the glittering Atlantic, and the peaty bogland that make Connemara, Connemara.
What makes Diamond Hill extra special is its accessibility.
It’s the kind of hike that feels wild and remote, but is still manageable for most walkers and easy to get to.
The trail is about 7km/4mi in total so the hike up Diamond Hill is not a full day investment.
It’s wind-whipped and soul-stirring as all of Connemara is.
Bring a rain jacket, your camera and a snack to enjoy at the top so you can stay a while and take in the views.
Diamond Hill is one of my favorite hiking trails in Europe.
England • Ambleside to Loughrigg Fell • Lake District • Cumbria
Starting from the charming town of Ambleside, the hike up to Loughrigg Fell is one of my favorite hiking trails in Europe.
Admittedly it’s a solid Lake District favorite—for good reason.
The trail begins gently just outside of town, across the river.
It weaves through leafy lanes and stone walls before gradually climbing into wide-open fells.
The path gradually climbs higher, and as you gain elevation, views of Windermere and its lake begin to open up behind you.
It’s a steady walk, with a few rocky sections to keep things interesting, but nothing too challenging.
Once you reach the summit of Loughrigg Fell, the effort pays off.
The top offers wide, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape—Grasmere to the north, Windermere to the south, Langdale to the west and layers of rolling hills fading into the distance.
It’s a surprisingly expansive and magnificent view for such a modest peak.
What’s especially lovely about Loughrigg is its choose-your-own-adventure vibe.
You can keep it breezy with an out-and-back which is how I did it in the short days of November and December.
Or you can turn it into a longer loop by dropping down to Grasmere for tea and gingerbread before looping back to Ambleside.
Either way, the summit is a stunner—windy, wild, and the kind of place where you might just want to sit and stay awhile.
Bonus: the sheep don’t judge if you’re a bit out of breath.
Scotland • Queens Drive • Braemar • Aberdeenshire/Highlands
The Queen’s Drive trail in Braemar offers a gentle yet rewarding loop through the heart of Royal Deeside.
This 4.5 km (2.75-mile) circular walk begins in Braemar village and follows a historic carriage route once favored by Queen Victoria.
The path meanders alongside the River Clunie before gradually ascending through birchwood and open moorlan.
You’ll get amazing views over Braemar and the surrounding Cairngorms.
The trail’s moderate ascent and good condition make it accessible for most walkers.
Along the route, you’ll pass the remnants of Dubh Chlais cottage, historically associated with Queen Victoria’s servant, John Brown.
The descent through woodland is a bit steeper so do be careful.
But it leads back to the village where good food or a wee drink await.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail connects with the Lion’s Face circuit, offering extended views over Deeside.
I typically walk a bit past the trail that takes you on the descent through the forest to a fabulous overview.
I sit and have a wee snack, taking in the stunning landscape.
And then I retrace my steps back to the turn off that goes through the woodland and back into town.
The Queen’s Drive trail is one of my favorite trails in Europe — especially when I want a short, easy yet scenic-filled adventure.
Scotland • Tyndrum to Kinlochleven • West Highland Way • Highlands
While I loved walking ALL of the West Highland Way, there were sections that were definitely my favorite.
For me, walking in 7 days, it was days 5 and 6 that stood out as my favorite.
And this is the stretch that goes from Tyndrum to Kinlochleven.
It covers around 45 kilometers (28 miles) and it’s often hailed as one of the most breathtaking—and demanding—legs of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trail.
This part of the West Highland Way takes you through the rugged heart of the Highlands, past historic landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and some of the most soul-stirring scenery the route has to offer.
I actually had a moment of tears along part of this trail as it was just 2 years after my mom passed away.
Leaving Tyndrum, the trail climbs gently through open glens, with sweeping views of Beinn Dorain and Beinn Odhar, 2 of the towering Munros that stand over the trail.
You’ll pass the remnants of old military roads and the occasional sheep-dotted pasture before reaching Bridge of Orchy.
Bridge of Orchy is a scenic spot for a wee rest.
Be sure to get some pics as you cross over the bridge itself.
The terrain becomes increasingly remote as you move toward Rannoch Moor.
You skirt along the edges of this vast and wild expanse that feels untouched by time.
There’s a good chance you’ll have long stretches to yourself — just you, the trail, and the wind.
And yes, I was alone with the wind.
So this is where I cried on a brilliant day as I thought about my mom.
Anyway…
From there, the trail winds past Glencoe Mountain and onto Kingshouse where you’ll have views of Buachaille Etive Beag.
Typically folks will stay at Kingshouse or taxi into Glencoe.
From Kingshouse, you wend your way through the opening of the Glencoe valley which is stunning.
There’s with a dramatic descent up the steep Devil’s Staircase—a series of zigzagging switchbacks that are more manageable than the name suggests.
It’s guaranteed to get the heart pumping.
Take your time with breaks.
Turn around and drink in the Glencoe views.
At the top, the payoff is spectacular — panoramic views across the Blackwater Reservoir and into the wild expanse of Lochaber.
My jaw dropped and my breath caught as I took in this amazing landscape.
Seriously.
One of the best views on a trail — ever!
The final stretch into Kinlochleven is steep and forested, dropping sharply down into the village with welcome signs of civilization and the promise of a hot meal.
This is a classic part of the West Highland Way — challenging, remote, and wildly rewarding.
And one of my absolute favorite hiking trails in Europe.
Italy • Compaccio to Panorama to Sattler back to Compaccio • Alpe di Siusi • Südtirol
The hike to Sattler Hut in Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) offers a delightful blend of gentle terrain, panoramic views, and authentic alpine charm.
Starting from Compaccio (Compatsch), the main access point to this high altitude meadow, the trail meanders through lush meadows and rolling hills, with the majestic Sciliar/Schlern massif serving as a constant backdrop.
The route is well-marked, primarily following trail numbers 7 — toward Panorama and 6, toward Laurin Hut.
The first part is along a paved road.
Then it becomes a gravel path.
Near Laurin hut you’ll see a sign with a path to the left that guides you directly to Sattler Hut, nestled at the foot of the Cime di Terrarossa peaks.
From Sattler climb up behind it where the views of the Schlern are fabulous.
Follow the trail back to Panorama through the sublime valley filled with cows and wildflowers in summer.
You can retrace your route back to Compaccio.
The wonderful aspects of this trail are that anyone can do it and that there are a few places to stop if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Plus the 360 views are spectacular!
It’s one of my favorite trails in Europe, hands down.
Italy • Paradiso Pure to Almrosen Hut to Rifugio Molignon up to Passo Duron back to Rifugio Molignon over to Zallinger then down to Saltria via Tirler Alm then back to Paradiso Pure • Alpe di Siusi • Südtirol
This is my favorite hiking trail in Europe that is also one of the more complex ones to describe.
And it’s due to the fact that you can connect the trails in Alpe di Siusi making your own favorite route.
I do want to note that you can begin this hike in Compaccio.
It will just be longer which may be fine for you.
Follow trail 7 to Almrosehütte then onto Rifugio Molignon.
You may want to stop here for a rest amidst the alpine scenery.
Or you can push onto Passo Duron, a mountain pass that connects the Alpe di Siusi with the Val Duron in Trentino.
If you’ve brought a snack, this is a stunning spot to take a break as you have amazing views of the Dolomite peaks.
From here I retrace my steps toward Molignon and then take trail 7 toward Zallinger, nestled beneath the distinctive Sasso Piatto peak (one of my faaaavvvoite peaks).
Zallinger is supposed to have some good food.
I typically stop for a bathroom break and a wee snack as I drink the views.
Leaving Zallinger, take trail 9 down to Tirler Alm, a hotel that has a restaurant.
You could seriously eat your way around this trail!
I love this valley that sits below the Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo.
Follow the path passing through serene forests and open pastures into Saltria, a little settlement on the Alpe.
Then it’s uphill out of Saltria but look back at those Sasso peaks when you need a break.
If you are going back to Paradiso, then you’ll want to pick up the 6 toward Panorama.
If you are heading back to Compaccio, you have a couple of choices.
My advice on this is to take the trail that goes a bit more to the left, away from the road.
The trail right along the road is not as nice.
I’m not 100% sure of the number, but this advice should help you (an intelligent person) figure it out.
This favorite hiking trail in Europe just makes my heart smile.
Italy • Gran Fanes • Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park • Südtirol
Embarking from Rifugio Pederü, a 10km drive from the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe, this trail offers a captivating journey through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.
The path begins with a steady ascent along trail 7 which leads to Fanes Hut.
You find yourself hiking through a landscape where rugged cliffs meet verdant alpine meadows.
As you climb, the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks provide a rewarding backdrop, making each step a visual delight.
At the 5 ½km point (appx 3.4miles) you’ll reach Fanes Hut (Rifugio Fanes), situated at an elevation of 2042 meters.
This is an ideal spot to rest and perhaps indulge in some traditional South Tyrolean cuisine.
Continuing onward, the trail ascends for a very short time as it leads you to the shimmering waters of Lake Limo, a tranquil wee alpine lake that reflects the towering peaks above.
The views just before you hit the lake are splendid down to Fanes Hut, Lavarella Hut and over toward the Sennes Plateau.
Dolomite peaks all around!
The final stretch to Gran Fanes unfolds across expansive pastures, where the gentle undulations of the terrain contrast beautifully with the dramatic Dolomite spires in the distance.
Reaching Gran Fanes, you’ll find a rustic mountain hut that exudes authentic alpine charm.
Here, amidst the tranquility of the high-altitude plateau, it’s easy to understand why this region has inspired countless legends and tales.
In the past couple of years this has become one of my favorite hiking trails in Europe.
I love this high altitude plateau with its stream running through the flower-filled fields in summer.
A must!
Italy • 601 trail • Canazei • Trentino
Another new favorite hiking trail in Europe is in the town of Canazei.
Or should I say above it.
The 601 trail, also known as the Viel del Pan or “Way of Bread,” is a historic and scenic route that traverses the Dolomites.
I didn’t realize this when I hiked it in 2023, but it was historically used by flour merchants traveling between valleys.
This trail offers hikers a journey through alpine meadows with panoramic views of iconic peaks like the Marmolada, Sella Group, and Sassolungo.
It really feels as though you are in the heart of the Dolomites with all these iconic peaks.
The path is well-marked and relatively gentle, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
I took 3 cable cars to get up to what is called Belvedere di Canazei which is a viewpoint overlooking the Val di Fassa and back to Passo Pordoi.
Take the time to drink in the views before you start hiking.
Seriously.
Just stunning!
The trail leads to Rifugio Viel del Pan, a mountain hut situated at approximately 2432m.
Along the way, you’re treated to expansive vistas of the surrounding Dolomite peaks and the shimmering Lago di Fedaia below, off in the distance.
For those interested in extending their hike, the trail continues beyond the Rifugio Viel del Pan towards the Passo Fedaia which is down by the lake of the same name.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the 601 trail provides an unforgettable experience in one of Italy’s most picturesque settings.
So there are 8 of my favorite hiking trails in Europe.
Whether it’s the wild glens of Scotland, the storybook meadows of the Dolomites, or the quiet magic of an Irish hillside, each trail I’ve walked has left its own muddy, breathtaking mark on my memory.
These paths aren’t just about landscapes—they’re about moments — the crunch of gravel underfoot, the surprise of a mountain hut around a bend, the stillness you only find at altitude.
Europe’s trails are as diverse as its cultures.
And I’ve only scratched the surface.
But one thing is certain — the more I hike, the longer my “favorites” list grows.
Here’s to more miles (or kilometers), more views and more reasons to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
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