Best Hiking Tours in Europe

Best Hiking Tours In Europe: Trails for Every Ability

There is something timeless about exploring Europe on foot. Beyond the famous cities and historic landmarks lies a vast network of trails that wind through alpine meadows, along dramatic coastlines, and between centuries-old villages. Hiking offers a slower, more immersive way to experience the continent, revealing landscapes and cultural traditions that are often missed when travelling by road or rail. From the rugged peaks of the Alps to the sunlit paths of the Mediterranean, Europe offers remarkable diversity for walkers of all abilities. Some routes follow ancient pilgrimage paths, while others trace shepherd trails or coastal routes, each offering its own blend of scenery, history, and local flavour.

Here is my selection of the best hiking tours in Europe.

From Þórsmörk to Skógar: Iceland’s Colourful Highlands

I have hiked many trails in Iceland, but this one is regarded as one of the most scenic in the world by none less than the folks at Lonely Planet. East of Iceland's capital Reykjavik, glaciers, mountains in every colour of the rainbow and ancient forests overlook swirling rivers, soothing hot springs, incredible lava flows and deep gorges. Fantastical rock formations rise up out of carpets of Arctic flowers and brilliantly coloured moss. The Laugavegurinn hiking trail connects Þórsmörk with Landmannalaugar and this trip adds a hike to the famous waterfall at Skogar. Trails of Iceland - Laugavegur from Thórsmörk to Skogar

Discovering the Wild Beauty of the Faroe Islands

This was one of the best hiking trips I have ever done: Exploring the wild beauty of the Faroe Islands on a week-long walking journey through dramatic cliffs, quiet villages, and rugged coastlines. Based in several islands across the archipelago, the trip includes hikes on Mykines among puffin colonies, boat excursions beneath the Vestmanna bird cliffs, and walks past waterfalls and sea-carved landscapes. Along the way you visit traditional villages, climb scenic viewpoints, and explore historic Kirkjubøur and Tórshavn, gaining a deeper appreciation for the islands’ striking scenery and distinctive Faroese culture.

Faroe Islands Walking Explorer

Exploring Norway’s Heartland on Foot

I have been to Norway more times than I can remember and I am going back this summer. I rate it as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Northwest of the Norwegian capital of Oslo, sheer rock walls rise a kilometre up into the sky, farms hang onto impossibly narrow strips of land, while waterfalls tumble down its cliffs. This is Norway's heartland, where Nigardsbreen glacier, the mountains of Jotunheim, lush valleys and three national parks are all within easy striking distance. Explore this spectacular area on foot, allowing you to discover tranquil spots and incredible viewpoints, away from the crowds.

Trails of the Norwegian Fjords

The Kerry Way: Ireland’s Best Hiking Trails

 I loved this trip when I did it. The Ring of Kerry, on Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula, is one of country's most famous sightseeing circuits - and with good reason as it offers spectacular views of beautiful sea and landscapes.The Kerry Way follows a series of hiking trails and farm tracks around the Ring of Kerry, allowing you to access out-of-the-way moors, stunning mountain scenery and forgotten villages. This self-guided holiday along the Ring of Kerry offers you a selection of the best hikes and walks in this part of the Emerald Isle.

Hiking in Ireland - the Kerry Way and Killarney

Scotland’s Best Hikes: Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Cow Hill

Explore the best hiking trails in the Scottish Highlands on this short week walking vacation in Scotland. Based in Fort William, set on the shores of Loch Linnhe, we explore some of the most scenic trails and classic walks of Scotland.

Start the week on a spectacular 2-stage hike along the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase, perhaps spotting deer along the way.

A sure highlight for every hiker is the ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and indeed all of the United Kingdom.

Our last day is dedicated to a walk on the famous Great Glen Way along the banks of the Caledonian Canal to tiny Gairlochy. From here follow a pretty country lane to a viewpoint offering fantastic views across the Ben Nevis range.

Our final morning is spent hiking up Cow Hill for some spectacular views across Glen Nevis, Fort William, Loch Linnhe and beyond. Hiking in Scotland's Highlands

Hiking England’s Coast to Coast Path: Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay

This one is on my bucket list and I must admit I feel the clock ticking as it is a challenging trek. Crossing England west to east near its narrowest point, the just over 300 kilometre Coast to Coast Path is one of the world's classic treks. It leads through the dramatic scenery of three distinct national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

From St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea you will walk through a variety of landscapes featuring dry stone walls, endless moors, steep hills and mountains and some very charming villages each with their own pub. Stupendous views are the order of the day on this classic English trek. England's Coast to Coast Trail

Hiking Madeira: Levadas, Mountains, and Coastal Trails

This one had been on my bucket list for years and this past fall I was finally able to go. I enjoyed the spectacular scenery on this subtropical island. It's a piece of Portugal far out in the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic mountains, black sand beaches, volcanic craters and gushing mountain streams. You’ll follow an array of scenic coastal and levada trails — the island’s historic irrigation paths — taking in lush forests, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and ocean vistas. The small group format lets the knowledgeable leader share local insights and stories. Between hikes, enjoy comfortable accommodation, opportunities to explore Funchal’s markets and gardens, and time to savour Madeira’s food and wine. Trails of Madeira

Hiking the Picos de Europa: Spain’s Stunning Mountain Range

Dramatic limestone peaks and green valleys make up the mountain range in Spain known as the Picos de Europa. It is a tranquil area made for walking and many bird and animal species thrive in this inaccessible wilderness. Discover all this from your centrally located family-run hotel offering stunning views of the highest mountains in the area. Two levels of hikes, moderate and challenging, are offered on alternating dates. Hiking in the Picos de Europa

Discovering Andalusia on Foot: Villages, Countryside, and Seville

I took my wife hiking in the south of Spain, in the heart of the Andalusian countryside, amid olive groves and picturesque farmland, and she loved how one could walk so easily between villages and through some spectacular countryside. It is here that you will find your cortijo, a converted farmhouse, your base for a week of walking. Explore the rugged hills and limestone peaks of the Sierra de Grazalema and walk the famous El Chorro Gorge on the Caminito del Rey. A sure highlight of the trip will be your visit to beautiful Seville.

Two different activity levels are on offer; see the itinerary below for details. Andalucia on foot

Tour du Mont Blanc: Hiking Across France, Italy, and Switzerland

A few years ago I did a highlights version of the full Tour du Mont Blanc. It was a great trip, but if you are going to go, I would recommend you do the Full Monty. This classic Tour du Mont Blanc trek circles the Alps through France, Italy and Switzerland over ten walking days with three rest days. With luggage transferred between accommodations, you carry only a day pack while enjoying superb alpine scenery, glacial lakes and sweeping mountain views. Highlights include the Grand Balcon near Chamonix, the historic Bovine Route to Champex, crossing the Grand Col Ferret into Italy, time in Courmayeur, and spectacular trails returning to Chamonix. Accommodated Tour du Mont Blanc

Haute Route: Hiking from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

I have hiked sections of this classic Alpine trek following the famous Haute Route from Mont Blanc near Chamonix to the Matterhorn at Zermatt, passing beneath many of the highest peaks in the Alps. Spectacular mountain scenery, deep valleys and glacial lakes accompany the journey throughout.

After a warm-up day near Chamonix with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc range, the trail crosses into Switzerland via the Fenêtre d’Arpette and continues over several high passes, including Col de Louvie and Col Prafleuri, the highest point of the route. The walk passes Glacier de Dix and descends to Arolla with distant views toward the Matterhorn.

Following a rest day, the trek continues over Col Torrent and along a high balcony path in the Zermatt Valley, offering unforgettable views of the Weisshorn and Matterhorn before finishing near Zermatt. Haute Route of the Alps

Hiking the Dolomites: Italy’s Iconic Alpine Trails

I did the self-guided version of this trip and loved it. Craggy peaks towering up to the sky, where wooden farmhouses dot the orchard-clad valleys, where hiking trails lead you from mountain huts to spa resorts to glorious vistas. These are the Dolomites, part Austrian, part Italian, with a culture all its own. On this small-group guided hiking trip you walk the best trails of the Dolomites in Italy and see the stunning scenery this area is known for while staying in a comfortable centrally located hotel with an excellent restaurant and health facilities. Best done outside of holiday periods as some of the hiking trails can get crowded due to the Instagram effect. Hiking the Dolomites

Hiking the Amalfi Coast: Coastal Trails and Scenic Villages

I did this trip in early spring when I was able to pick fresh oranges and lemons off the trees. Steep mountains rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where they meet the ocean. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Hike up to a vantage point and marvel at the views over this, the Amalfi Coast. This is one of the best coastal hikes in Italy. Hiking on the Amalfi Coast

Immersed in Slovenia’s Lakes, Gorges, and Mountain Plateaus

Tiny Alpine Slovenia offers great scenery amidst which you will find incredible walks and hikes. Pretty landscapes dotted with small churches and quaint villages share the country with amazing mountainscapes. Hike to waterfalls in the Martuljek Gorge, indulge in an abundance of alpine fauna and flora in the Karavanke Mountains, visit Lake Bled, walk the shores of Lake Bohinj and hike the stunning Pokljuka Plateau. Hiking in Slovenia

Hiking Croatia: Dalmatian Coast, Krka, and Paklenica National Parks

I can attest to Croatia's endless Roman ruins, romantic Venetian towns and Byzantine churches. Sun-bleached hills descending to cobalt blue seas, which in turn straddle a coast dotted with picturesque isles. Inland meanwhile, limestone caverns, river canyons, splendid waterfalls and picturesque lakes will leave you dazzled. This walking trip along Croatia's Dalmatian coast shows you the best of it all, including Dubrovnik, the stunning viewpoints and villages of the island of Brac, Diocletian’s Roman Palace in Split, the waterfalls of Krka National Park, and the limestone cliffs, caves and canyons of Paklenica NP. Walking the Coast of Croatia

Hiking the Via Dinarica: Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania

This was one of my more challenging but immensely rewarding journeys. It follows some of the finest sections of the Via Dinarica through Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. Starting in Split, there’s time to explore Diocletian’s Palace before heading into the mountains of Bosnia for a memorable hike in Blidinje Nature Park

Along the way hike the Cincar Mountain among herds of wild horses and walk through the remarkable alpine scenery of Bjelašnica, visiting the traditional village of Lukomir. Durmitor National Park in Montenegro offers another highlight, with sweeping views over Tara Canyon and glacial lakes.

The route finishes in Albania with spectacular hikes near the Karanfili peaks and along the Valbona–Theth trail. It’s a demanding trip at times, but the dramatic landscapes made every step worthwhile — I absolutely loved it. Balkans Hiking Adventure on the Via Dinarica

Over to you - where will you go?

Europe’s walking trails offer experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. Each trek allows you to immerse yourself in local culture, encounter untouched landscapes, and connect with nature in a deeply personal way. From Iceland’s volcanic highlands to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, and from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the verdant Kerry Way, these journeys showcase the continent’s incredible diversity. Walking at your own pace, you see hidden villages, dramatic peaks, serene lakes, and coastal vistas that most visitors miss. Whether tackling challenging alpine passes or gentle levada paths in Madeira, Europe’s trails reward with both adventure and lasting memories. Start planning your European walking adventure today: contact us