Top 10 Longest and Most Scenic Hiking Trails in Europe

The Nordkalottruta trail spans 500 miles, crossing through Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This entire trail lies within the Arctic Circle, with numerous huts along the way, and the option for wild camping in all three countries. The best time to visit is in the summer, though winter offers a unique opportunity for cross-country skiing. The Nordkalottruta is a marked hiking path in the Arctic region of the Nordic countries, covering a total distance of 800 km, running along the borders of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It begins in Kautokeino, Northern Norway, and over the 800 km, 380 km of the trail is in Norway, 350 km in Sweden, and 70 km in Finland. The trail crosses international borders 15 times, ending in Sulitjelma, Norway, to the south.

The trail features diverse Arctic landscapes, including towering waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, and birch forests. Most of the trail runs above the treeline, and there are stretches where trekkers go for days without seeing roads or settlements. The only nearby town is the small Kautokeino near the northern part of the trail. While you may encounter people during the summer, it is not crowded, and even on the busiest sections, solitude is easy to find. Much of the trail, potentially half, runs through national parks and other protected areas. This area is used for reindeer grazing, fishing, berry picking, and similar activities, but the population here is sparse.

Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals is a trail formed by the combination of two routes, offering hikers the chance to experience the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, including hot springs, glaciers, and volcanoes. The length of each section is 34 miles and 16 miles respectively. To complete the full trail, you’ll need over a week, with the ideal time to visit being from mid-June to late August. There are huts along the route, and wild camping is also an option in Iceland.

This is a stunning route—IF you’re on the right path! Recently, a tourist mistakenly booked a hotel on Laugavegur shopping street in Reykjavik, confusing the trail with the street. This mistake led to an incredible journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Landmannalaugar, the Thorsmork Valley, and Alftavatn Lake. The journey starts in the geothermal paradise of Landmannalaugar, where you can soak in hot springs before beginning the trek. From there, the trail takes you to higher ground, revealing waterfalls, glaciers, black sand, hot springs, geysers, and the Fimmvorduhals volcano area, which sits between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers in southern Iceland. The trail spans about 30 km (17 miles) and is one of the most challenging hikes in Iceland due to its varied terrain, but the rewards are breathtaking, with some of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever witness.

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous hiking trail, attracting over 80,000 visitors annually. Stretching about 96 miles, this trail offers walkers a chance to experience the stunning beauty of Scotland's countryside, from lush meadows to rugged highlands. In Scotland, camping along the trail is permitted, and there are also several hostels and inns along the route. The trail was conceived by the late Tom Hunter of Glasgow, and development was approved in 1974, with its official opening on October 6, 1980, as the first designated long-distance trail in Scotland.

The path follows ancient routes, including drover's roads, military paths linked to the Jacobite uprising, and old training routes. Most people walk the trail from south to north, making it a journey from lowland to highland. The hike typically takes seven to eight days, although experienced hikers may complete it in five or six days. It is possible to finish in less time, but a more leisurely pace allows for better enjoyment of the scenic countryside along the way. Due to the heavy foot traffic, some sections of the trail have suffered significant erosion.

Jeju Island is a volcanic island stretching 73 km from east to west and 31 km from north to south. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Jeju Island in South Korea offers a peaceful landscape of mountains, clouds, and flower-filled fields, as well as unique attractions like the O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum. But one of the island’s most iconic features is the Olle Trail, which was featured in the popular Korean drama “All In,” starring Song Hye Kyo.

Olle is a traditional local term that refers to the narrow, winding paths that connect local homes to main roads. Today, Olle refers to a network of 26 walking trails that span across the island. The best way to explore Jeju and its rural landscape is by walking these trails, where visitors can not only enjoy nature but also observe the daily lives of the island's residents. Created in 2007 by former journalist Suh Myung-Suk, the Olle Trails were inspired by her journey along the Camino de Santiago. After years of stress as a journalist, Suh traveled to Spain to recharge, and upon returning, she felt that South Koreans could benefit from such a nature-filled escape. She developed these walking paths in Jeju, and now, just over a decade later, the Olle Trail network spans over 400 km, becoming one of Jeju’s top attractions. There’s no better way to disconnect than by immersing yourself in the island’s breathtaking outdoor spaces.

Located in the lush National Park of the Pyrenees Mountains, Cirque de Gavarnie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible to visitors. The circular hiking loop begins in the historic village of Gavarnie, passing by Hotel du Cirque and the stables, before following a stream to the head of the valley. With almost no incline, this trail feels more like a leisurely stroll than a strenuous hike. The breathtaking scenery features towering 3,000-meter-high granite cliffs surrounding the valley, evoking the feeling of a natural cathedral. Adding to the grandeur are countless waterfalls, the most impressive being the Grande Cascade, which is the highest waterfall in Europe.

Enjoy the tranquility of this pristine natural site. The landscape remains untouched by modern development, with only rustic wooden cabins, grazing goats, and small mountain streams weaving through the meadows. Listen to the chirping of birds and admire the snow-capped peaks. This easy circular walk takes about an hour to complete. For those seeking a more challenging hike in the Pyrenees National Park, advanced trekkers can follow the trail to Brèche de Roland, at an altitude of 2,804 meters.

The Rolling Hills Trail to the Alsatian Village is a picturesque route through the charming countryside of Alsace, with lush hills dotted with fairytale-like villages. These historic Alsace villages are located within the North Vosges Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A moderate eight-kilometer walk in this area takes you from Bergheim to Riquewihr. Starting in Bergheim, a peaceful village encircled by medieval walls, known as the "Fleuris Village" for its beautiful geraniums and other vibrant flowers adorning the buildings, the walk meanders through idyllic landscapes toward Riquewihr. Hikers will notice the towering bell tower of Riquewihr's church as they approach this storybook village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". The village is filled with well-preserved half-timbered houses, with balconies overflowing with colorful blooms.

For an easier walk, continue three kilometers from Riquewihr to Mittelwihr, a small village nestled among farm fields. Another scenic hike leads from Mittelwihr to Kaysersberg, a six-kilometer rural trail into the Weiss Valley. This historic town was a Free Imperial City in the 13th century and retains its medieval charm. The old burger houses of Kaysersberg are beautifully decorated with traditional Alsace-style flower-filled window boxes.

The medieval pilgrimage routes of Santiago de Compostela were the most vital pilgrimage paths during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims embarked on long journeys that could last months, traveling from across Europe to the revered destination of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The purpose of their journey was to honor the tomb of Saint James the Apostle, which was relocated from the Holy Land. The Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Saint James Way) is still a well-traveled path among pilgrims and hikers today. Many modern travelers dedicate weeks or even months to complete parts of the route, or the entire journey.

For a one-day, challenging pilgrimage experience, one can take on a fascinating section of the Camino de France (the French portion of the Camino de Santiago). This is the Napoléon Route, which stretches from Saint-Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles in Spain, crossing the French border. Saint-Jean Pied de Port is a charming town, 55 km from Biarritz in the Basque Country of southwestern France. The town’s cobbled streets and red-tiled houses with Basque-style roofs are distinctive. The 27-kilometer route to Roncesvalles takes hikers through the Pyrenees mountains, ascending 700 meters in altitude. The hike is steep and challenging, but the spectacular views reward the effort. Along the way, small scallop shell markers, the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, guide travelers. Roncesvalles is a beautiful, historic village with an ancient pilgrims' hostel and monastery.

El Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a renowned pilgrimage route in Spain. This trail spans 500 miles, leading to the sacred tomb of Saint James the Greater at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Along the way, pilgrims don’t need to camp, as there are numerous hostels. The busiest season runs from June to September, when many pilgrims walk the path. The pilgrimage offers various routes, but all converge on the Santiago Cathedral, which is believed to contain the relics of Saint James. The tomb is said to date back to the 7th century, though its exact location wasn't confirmed until the 9th century. Its fame quickly spread across Europe, with pilgrims beginning their journey to Santiago de Compostela as early as the 10th century.

The Camino de Santiago – Frances Camino is the main route, covering 750 kilometers across Spain. Starting at St. Jean Pied de Port in France, it passes through the Pyrenees at either Somport or Roncesvalles. These two routes converge at Puente la Reina in Navarre and continue as a single trail through La Rioja, Galicia, O Cebreiro, and finally to Santiago de Compostela. There are many pilgrim hostels along this route. As described in the Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Frances, the albergues (hostels) range from basic, where pilgrims sleep on concrete floors, to fully-equipped facilities with kitchens, bathrooms, and helpful hosts. This route became popular in the 14th century when pilgrims began arriving by sea at the Basque and Cantabrian ports. In Oviedo, pilgrims honor relics at Santa la Camara. Today, the Camino del Norte is favored by those seeking a quieter, wilder path with fewer pilgrims and a more rugged landscape, passing through mountains, rivers, and undeveloped areas. The climate is mild and wet year-round.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 110-mile circuit that passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, encircling the iconic Mont Blanc in the Alps. It's one of Europe's most renowned long-distance hiking trails, and completing it typically takes around 11 days. Along the way, hikers will find several refuges offering beds, meals, and bathroom facilities, though finding accommodations can sometimes be challenging. Unfortunately, wild camping is illegal in France, so setting up tents along the route is not allowed. The trail circles Mont Blanc and is generally hiked in a counterclockwise direction. It is also the route for an annual mountain marathon, where the winner often completes the entire distance in under 24 hours. Common starting points include Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley, Les Contamines in the Montjoie Valley, Courmayeur in Italy, and Champex or Martigny in Switzerland.

The official route has evolved over time, and various 'variants' of the trail now exist. Some options are more challenging and require a higher level of physical fitness, awareness, and skill, while others are quicker but offer fewer panoramic mountain views. In some sections, such as between the Brevent summit and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, the path coincides with the European GR5 trail, which stretches from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. There's also a connection with the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, passing through the Swiss Alps.

The Haute Route trail begins at Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and winds through the French and Swiss Alps, finishing at the iconic Matterhorn summit. This journey typically spans over 112 miles and takes around two weeks to complete. The Haute Route is generally less crowded than the Tour du Mont Blanc, making it easier to find accommodations in mountain huts. However, it's important to note that wild camping is prohibited in France along this trail. Originally ranked as the top summer mountaineering route by the English Alpine Club members in the mid-19th century, it takes approximately 12 days of hiking. The trail was originally named the 'High Route' by the club's long-distance walkers.

In addition to the original route, there is now the 'Walker’s Route,' a well-marked high-altitude trail with clear signposts. The Walker’s Route stays below 3000 meters and makes use of famous mountain huts, as well as small inns and hotels in the villages along the way. Safe to hike in spring, summer, and fall, this route is non-technical (requiring no ropes, crampons, or protective gear, unlike the actual Haute Route) and, while physically demanding due to its elevation gains and daily distances, is achievable for hikers in good physical condition.