Long-distance hikes in Europe are the best way to see the continent. As a favourite pastime, Europeans stay in mountain huts, set up tents at campsites, or even find spots for dispersed camping whenever possible. What makes long-distance hiking in Europe specifically so special is the extensive trail network that stretches across mountain ranges, through forests, and along valley farmlands. You’re never far from a guesthouse, a café, or well-marked trails.
Long-distance hiking is also a great way to see some of the most iconic regions on the continent. You’ll have a chance to experience them fully, saturating yourself in the cuisine, language, customs, and nature of the area. A lot of the time, you have the choice between bringing your own tent and food and camping as you go or staying in mountain huts or villages that you pass on each stage. These options will become clearer once you pick your specific trail and decide how long you want each stage to be.
If you’re searching for your next bucketlist trip, look no further. These trails are sure to change the way you think about travel.
Packing for a long-distance trail
Preparing for a long-distance hike in Europe is part of the adventure! Once you’ve chosen your destination, planning what to bring is key. The type and duration of the trail will determine the size of your backpack and the essential gear you’ll need. For a hut-to-hut tour, a smaller backpack suffices since you won’t carry camping gear or food. But if you’re camping along the trail, opt for a larger pack to accommodate a sleep system and food supplies.
Before hitting the trail, research the food requirements, calculate your water needs, plan your sleeping arrangements, and decide on camping gear. Also, you’ll want to find the right clothing, backpack, and sturdy hiking shoes. You can find a detailed gear list for long-distance hikes in Europe here.
Safety on a long-distance hike
Long-distance trails, like many adventures, need a level of preparation in order for them to go well. Of course, each trail will need different preparation, but there are some factors that apply across the board. As you choose your trail, you’ll need to do some research with mountain huts, local tourism agencies, or hikers who’ve been on the trail recently about the trail’s conditions. Once you have an idea of what’s to come, compare this against your abilities and fitness levels to be sure you can complete the trail safely.
Next, you’ll want to draft an itinerary of how long you plan to hike each day, and where you hope (or reserved!) to sleep. Share this with someone you trust and let them know if that changes. You’ll also want to do a quick search to see how much cell service you can expect on the trail and download your maps for offline viewing. Bring a power bank and backup charging for any other electronics like cameras or watches.
You’ll also want to bring a first aid kit and know how to use it. Make sure the kit also includes an emergency blanket and any medications you think you may need, like allergy pills and paracetamol. It’s always better to be prepared and not need to use it than to show up underprepared and find yourself in a tricky situation.
1. Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) stands out as Europe’s most popular long-distance mountain trek, and it’s easy to see why. Encircling the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, this route is a true classic. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to challenge yourself with a longer hike for the first time. Over 165 kilometres, the loop typically breaks down into 11 stages as you hike through France, Italy, and Switzerland. While Les Houches in France marks the official starting point, you can technically start from any town along the trail since it’s a loop.
The TMB has a diverse landscape. You’ll hike through valleys, forests, and high mountain passes, all the while treating you to breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif’s glaciers.
However, be prepared for company—this trail attracts around 10,000 hikers annually. And the towns of Chamonix and drive-able vistas will pull in thousands more. If you plan to stay in mountain huts, book your accommodations as early as possible (months in advance) to reserve a spot.
The optimal time to tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc is from July through mid-September. Before July, there’s usually snow still on the mountain passes.
2. Alta Via 1
Photo Credit: Jochem de Jong
The Dolomites' Alta Via 1, also dubbed "the glorious one," takes you through breathtaking peaks and dramatic cliffs. Over 125 kilometres, this trek typically takes about 12 days. It's hard not to fall head over heels for the Dolomites' beauty when you hike this trail. Among the 11 Alta Via routes, this is considered the easiest, though it still has difficult sections. For the most part, the trail has wide paths and straightforward walking, except for the final stage, which has a via ferrata section. Along the trail, there are lots of huts where you can take breaks, making the trek manageable despite the constant ups and downs that are common in the Dolomites.
You’ll want to hike the Alta Via 1 from mid-summer to early September. Early in the season, you might find lingering snowfields, so having microspikes handy will be helpful. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on trail conditions as your start date approaches; the mountain huts are a good resource for this information.
3. West Highland Way
The West Highland Way (WHW) is another of Europe’s most popular long-distance hikes. 154 kilometres from Milngavie to Fort William, it typically takes 5-7 days to complete, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll hike through the outskirts of Glasgow, follow the shores of Loch Lomond, cross the Rannoch Moor, summit the peaks of Glencoe, and finish near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.
The WHW is a trail that suits hikers of all levels. The path is well-signposted and has mixed terrain, from flat stretches to tougher climbs like the Devil’s Staircase. If you’re new to long-distance hiking, this trail is a great starting point since it’s not overly technical.
You have the freedom to wild camp anywhere along the route, or opt for a cozy hotel in one of the villages you pass through—it’s entirely up to you!
The best time to hike the West Highland Way is from late spring through early autumn, although May and September are the absolute best months for the trail.
If you’re curious about more hikes around the world, check out hiking-trails.com. There, you can find hut-to-hut hiking, long-distance trails, pilgrimages, and everything in between.