Top 10 Day Hikes in Europe to Explore Now

Nothing beats a good hike when you feel the exertion and climb your way up to be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, and the feel-good rush when you’ve made it back home after. In Europe, there are so many incredible hikes to explore that it’s hard to narrow it down, but I’ve done my best here. Without further ado, here are the top 10 day hikes in Europe that are good for all levels of hikers.

1. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

This hike is located in the middle of the Swiss Alps and can be enjoyed at any time by the whole family. The entire hike is stunning, from green peaks to snow caps to turquoise lakes. The air feels fresh, the scenery is on point, and the whole experience feels magical.

2. Flysch Route, Spain

This hike in the Basque region is perfect for people interested in geology – you’ll see countless unique and completely natural rock formations created over the last 50 million years. It’s also a Game of Thrones filming location and you’ll understand why as soon as you see the picturesque landscape and cliffs.

3. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye (Scotland)

According to Hanna Isaac, a travel blogger at Academized and Write My Paper, “the Fairy Pools feel like an otherworldly destination, with clear waterfalls cascading over rocks and the Cuillin mountain range in the background. The hike is also one of the easiest on this list, only three hours long, though you can stay longer if you choose to take a cold dip in the waters.”

4. Ladder of Kotor, Montenegro

This is a historic hike across country to the town of Kotor. It’s not really a ladder but the path is steep and zigzagging up to the open where you can find some ruins and mind-blowing views of Kotor Bay. Don’t forget to explore the highlights of Montenegro while visiting.

5. Plitvice, Croatia

This hike is in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a series of 16 interconnected lakes that are stunningly turquoise, blue, and green and connected by waterfalls. Not only are the views magical, but you can spend longer there and explore the lakes by boat.

6. Lac Blanc, France

Lac Blanc is the most scenic and also the easiest day hike in the French Alps. Take a cable car from Chamonix, then a chairlift to the Index where you’ll start the mostly downhill hike. You’ll be rewarded with some incredible views of snow-capped peaks at any time of year.

7. Samaria Gorge, Greece

The Samaria Gorge in Crete is a must-do, not only because it’s the longest gorge in Europe, but because it has stunning views from start to finish. There’s a long climb to the peak that involves crossing rivers and there’s plenty of flora and fauna to spot. To top it all off, expect to see some ruins of a village and church along the route.

8. Pico de Arieiro Trail, Madeira

A suggestion from Jonathan Gregson, a journalist at Case Study Writer and Online Assignment Writing Help, “this is a challenging but very rewarding hike to the third highest peak in Madeira. Be aware that there are some steep ridges and slopes to cross, but once you make it to the peak, you’ll be amazed at the views of the whole island of Pico Ruivo and a volcano crater valley.”

9. Zillertal, Austria

Austria is full of amazing hikes, but the absolute best is Zillertal. The climb to the peak is filled with incredible mountain views and rushing rivers. There are many different routes to navigate, suitable for beginners or more experienced hikers.

10. Stavanger, Norway

Last but definitely not least, Stavanger is the perfect hike for jaw-dropping scenery and photo opportunities from cliff sides. The hike itself is quite short but it will take you much longer to stop and appreciate the views. While you’re there, check out the top 10 things to do in Norway.

Aimee Laurence, a travel writer at UK Writings and Assignment Help Online, loves to focus on hiking and outdoor activities at different locations across the globe. She has travelled to over 50 countries and found the best hikes in each one. She is also a freelance editor at Best Essay Help.