Europe boasts some of the most captivating and picturesque vistas, making European walks among the best in the world. Experiencing Europe through its hiking trails is one of the best ways to get to know the continent on a deeper level. Here are the top 5 best multi day hikes in Europe.
Camino de Santiago
Location: Spain | Distance: 780km
One of Europe’s most famous multi day hikes is Spain’s Camino de Santiago. People have been trekking this path for hundreds of years so much so that it’s become quite the spiritual experience. There are many routes to take along the 500 miles that make up the Camino de Santiago. However, as it spans 15 of Spain’s 17 regions, you can tackle various parts of the hike in a weekend or week. Pass through the Pyrenees, hilly vineyards, and lush forests and make the experience your own.
West Highland Way
Location: Scotland | Distance: 154km
Scotland’s most popular hiking route embarks on a 6-8 day journey through the Highlands. You’ll pass tremendous amounts of scenery such as the banks of Loch Lomond all the way up to picturesque Glen Coe and Ben Nevis as you make your way from Milngavie to Fort William. Embrace the mystical Scottish weather and experience some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Location: France, Italy, Switzerland | Distance: 170km
Navigate Europe’s largest mountain range as you enrich yourself in natural beauty along the Western Alps. Spanning three different countries (France, Italy, and Switzerland), this exciting trail makes up 170km and takes about 11 days. The hike is a loop so hikers can begin at any point or tackle it in chunks.
Picos de Europa
Location: Spain | Distance: 55km
Take in the mountain ranges of Picos de Europa as you loop around the Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa in Northern Spain. This exciting multi day hike in Europe takes 4-6 days and you’ll pass through villages and diverse terrains of gorges and valleys.
Kungsleden (King’s Trail)
Location: Sweden | Distance: 440km
Venture into the Swedish Lapland to experience Sweden’s longest and most famous trail. Start the path between Abisko and Hemavan as you make your way through the Scandinavian Mountain Range. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to take in one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Northern Lights, during your hike.
While the entire trail is 440km, it can be easily split up into sections. The most popular, Abisko to Nikkaluokta, offers stunning scenery of vast open spaces and snowcapped mountains and takes only 5-7 days. Check out Fjallraven’s annual Classic Sweden Challenge if you fancy doing it with a whole host of other enthusiasts.