Trekking Europe has become our favorite pastime. Each year, we’re on a mission to hike more and write about all our favorite trails.

For the purpose of this post, we’ve compiled all our favorite treks in Europe. These treks are multi-day hikes ranging from 3 to 10 days. Most of these European treks are hut to hut, which means you’ll overnight in mountain huts along the way.

You’ll notice that most of these trails are not well known. Most round-ups of top treks in Europe include GR20, E5 European long-distance hiking trail, Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), Walker’s Haute Route (Chamonix to Zermatt), Camino De Santiago Trail, and the Alta Via 1.

Our collection strays far off the beaten path to some of the most underrated and interesting hiking destinations in Europe. We have integrated the popular Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 treks into our round-up as a difficulty reference.

Keep reading to discover the top treks in Europe. If you’re looking for fabulous day hikes in Europe, read Best Day Hikes in Europe.

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Best Treks in Europe Map

In the map above, color signifies difficulty.

• Green: Easy – Moderate
• Blue: Moderately Difficult
• Purple: Difficult
• Black: Challenging

Best Multi-Day Hikes in Europe

1. Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal

The Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail is a 4-day trek along Portugal’s wild and undeveloped Vicentina Coast. The trail starts in Porto Covo in Alentejo and ends in Odeceixe in the Algarve.

Clinging to the coast almost the whole time, this thrilling multi-day hike gives you access to some of Portugal’s most remote beaches and cliffside villages.

Though camping in designated camping areas is possible, it’s not recommended. Most hikers will overnight in guesthouses and hostels along the route in the towns of Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, and Odeceixe.

If you’re just getting into multi-day hiking (and you’re ambivalent about shared rooms and rustic facilities), this is a perfect place to start. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort in the name of adventure. You get both. And, you can even get your luggage transferred between destinations. 

If you want to integrate this trek into a longer trip to Portugal, read our 2 week Portugal itinerary (no car needed).

Starting Point | Porto Covo

Ending Point | Odeceixe

Duration | 4 Days

Distance | 75 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | Spring (April, May), or Fall (October, November)

Accommodation | Hostels, or Guesthouses. Camping is possible in designated camping areas.

Insider Tip | Make a reservation for dinner at Tasca do Celso before you arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Learn More: Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail

2. Emperor’s Crown Trail, Austria

The Emperor’s Crown (Kaiserkrone) is a 5 stage hiking trail which circuits the Wilder Kaiser massif in Tirol, Austria. Unlike most of the Austrian hiking routes described in this post, the Emperor’s Crown isn’t high-alpine. The trail leads hikers largely through forests and across alpine pastures.

The 65-km trail traditionally starts at Aschingerkapelle, Going (Hüttling). However, if you’re traveling by transit, it’s far easier to start the route in Kufstein, which has direct train connections to Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. 

This is a really enjoyable hike with lots of variation in terms of scenery and terrain. You’ll stay overnight in two exceptional mountain huts (Gruttenhütte and Stripsenjochhaus) and two guesthouses (in Gasteig and Hintersteiner See lake) along the way. 

This is a perfect route for anyone new to multi-day hiking in Austria.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Kufstein

Duration | 5 Days 

Distance | 65 km circuit

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | June – Early October 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts and Guesthouses

Learn More: Emperor’s Crown Trek

3. High Tatras Hut-to-Hut Hike, Slovakia

The High Tatras are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains, stretching from Northern Slovakia into Southern Poland.

We hiked 4-days on the Slovakian side, starting in Tatranská Kotlina village and ending in Strbske pleso. We loved the alpine lakes, the cozy mountain huts, and the collective spirit on the trail.

Hikers – mostly Slovaks and Czechs – greet with a genuine smile and a cheerful Ahoj or Dobrý deň. We felt comfortable, welcome, and at ease every day of our trek. 

We especially relished the food, specifically the Halušky s bryndzou (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and Buchty na pare (sweet steamed buns). 

Starting Point | Tatranska Kotlina

Ending Point | Štrbské Pleso

Duration | 4 Days

Distance | 55 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | Mid-June – End of October. We recommend late June, September, or early October.

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Eat Ovocné gule (fruit balls with berries) at the Zamkovského chata mountain hut. 

Recommended Self-Guided Hiking Tour Operator | Our self-guided hut-to-hut hike was planned and organized by TravelSlovakia.Sk.

Learn More: Trekking in the High Tatras, Slovakia

4. Rätikon Alps High Trail, Austria and Switzerland

The Rätikon Alps are part of the Central Eastern Alps and form part of the natural border between Vorarlberg, Austria, and Graubünden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

This range romances hikers with its shimmering limestone peaks, verdant slopes, active alpine pastures, and mountain lakes. It’s like a waking dreamland, almost too beautiful to be real. 

Our Rätikon Alp 5-day trekking itinerary follows the Rätikon Höhenweg Nord (North Rätikon High Trail) in Vorarlberg, Austria and the Prättigauer Höhenweg (Prättigau High Trail) in Graubünden, Switzerland. You’ll stay overnight in two nights Austrian mountain huts and two Swiss mountain huts.

Beginning at the majestic Lünersee (Lüner Lake), this trek starts out very gently. If you’re completely new to multi-day hiking, this is a great place to start.

There are no brutal ascents or descents. The only challenging section is the ascent from Schesaplanahütte to Schesaplana, the highest peak in the Rätikon. 

Starting Point/Ending Point | Lünersee

Duration | 3 – 5 Days

Distance | 51 km circuit

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | July, August, September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Eat homemade Apfelstrudel at Totalphütte on the last day of this trek.

Learn More: Rätikon Alps High Trail

5. Alta Via 1, Dolomites, Italy

The Alta Via 1 (aka Dolomiten Höhenweg 1) is an easy, long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites, starting at Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in South Tyrol and ending at the La Pissa bus stop near Belluno.

This 120-km-long Dolomites high route is hiked north to south and generally broken up into 10 stages. Many hikers will hike the north route (4 stages), or the south route (6 stages). 

Starting Point | Lago di Braies

Ending Point | Belluno (La Pissa bus stop)

Duration | 10 Days

Distance | 120 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | July, August, September 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Book rifugios 6 months in advance. Get more tips in our Dolomites hut to hut hiking guide.

Recommended Self-Guided Hiking Tour Operator | Alpenventures UNGUIDED. Check out their slow-paced 13-Day AV1-13 Alta Via 1 Self Guided, moderately-paced 10-Day AV1-10 Alta Via 1 Self Guided, fast-paced AV1-7 Alta Via 1 Self Guided, and their short 4-Day AV1-4 Alta Via 1 Self Guided. They book all accommodations for you along the trail and you get to hike independently.

Learn More: Alta Via 1 Hiking Guide

6. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a spectacular multi-day hike that circuits the Mont Blanc massif in usually 10-11 days covering a total distance of 170 km (105 miles). 

Traditionally, the Tour du Mont Blanc hike starts in Chamonix, France (Haute-Savoie).The trail circuits the Mont Blanc range counterclockwise, passing through Italy (Aosta Valley) and Switzerland (Valais) as well, before returning to France (Haute-Savoie). 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is not a hut-to-hut hike, though it’s possible to overnight in some mountain huts along the way. The trail crosses from one valley to another via high mountain saddles. Many TMB stages end in villages, where there are hotels, inns, and even apartments. During our trek, we stayed in 2 hotels, 2 gîtes (privately-owned, hostel-like accommodation), 3 mountain huts, 1 alpage (mountain pasture hut), and 1 apartment.

The TMB is a great introduction to multi-day hiking in the Alps. Though certainly a serious undertaking, the Tour du Mont Blanc largely follows easy-moderate, smooth, well-graded trails. If you’re new to long distance hiking in the mountains, then the Tour du Mont Blanc is an ideal place to start. 

Due to the popularity of the TMB, it’s important to start booking accommodations along the trail as early as January or February. The easiest way to book the Tour du Mont Blanc is with a trustworthy self-guided hiking tour operator. These companies design a TMB itinerary for you based on your preferences and priorities and book all your accommodations (and most of your meals) along the trail. Additionally, they provide maps, trekking guides with trail descriptions, and other perks as well. 

We booked this 10 Day Standard Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided (private and shared rooms) with Alpenventures UNGUIDED and had a seamless experience.

They also offer a 10 Day Comfort Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided (private rooms only) and 7 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided (fast route with transit shortcuts). 

You can read more about our trek in Tour du Mont Blanc: Complete Guide to Hiking the TMB.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Chamonix

Duration | 10 – 11 Days

Distance | 170 km circuit

Difficulty | Moderate

When to Hike | July, August, early September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts, Hotels, Gîtes

7. Ortler High Mountain Trail, Italy

The 120 km Ortler High Mountain Trail is a strenuous 7-day trek in South Tyrol and Lombardy in Northern Italy. This circular trekking route circumnavigates the Ortler Group, starting and ending in Stelvio Pass.

Named after the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps, Mount Ortler, the Ortler Group thrills with its many glaciers, towering mountains, narrow valleys and gorges, and bearded vultures. 

What surprised us most about the Ortler High Mountain Trail was the lack of foot traffic along the route. We were alone 95% of the time. If you’re seeking solitude in nature, definitely consider this Northern Italian trek. 

This trail requires a high level of fitness, given the long stages and the hefty elevation gain/loss required each day. Logistically, you also have to plan ahead. Stage 4 requires the assistance of a certified hiking guide to safely cross a glacier. 

For those that want to take in the highlights of the Ortler High Mountain Trail without the glacier crossing, check out our modified Ortler High Mountain Trail Trekking Guide. This softer route is only 3 days (5 days with arrival and departure).

Starting Point/Ending Point | Stilfser Joch

Duration | 7 Days. We did a 3-day modified trek.

Distance | 120 km circuit

Difficulty | Difficult

When to Hike | July, August, September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts and Hotels. Camping is forbidden.

8. Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria

The Montafon hut-to-hut circuit (Montafoner Hüttenrunde) is a 13-stage hiking trail that traverses the mountain ranges around Montafon Valley in Vorarlberg.

With soaring 3000+ meter glaciated peaks, verdant river valleys, and idyllic alpine pastures, there’s something truly classic and quintessential about this European trek.

We hiked 5-stages of the route, starting at the Silvretta Bielerhöhe mountain pass (accessible by bus from Schruns) and ending in Latschau (Tschagguns). 

If you’re new to hut to hut hiking in Austria, read our comprehensive Austria hut to hut hiking guide.

Starting Point | Silbertal, Montafon

Ending Point | Tschagguns-Latschau, Montafon

Duration | 13 stages which can be hiked in 11 days

Distance | 133 km u-shaped circuit

Difficulty | Moderate

When to Hike | July, August, September 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Learn More: Montafon Hut-to-Hut Hiking Guide

9. Venediger High Trail, Austria

The Venediger High Trail (Venediger Höhenweg) is a multi-day trek through the Venediger Group in Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park.

This East Tyrolean hut to hut hike partially wraps around Grossvenediger, Austria’s second-largest mountain, delivering views of mammoth mountains, melting glaciers, and countless waterfalls. 

The scenery is impressive in a vast and bleak type of way. On some stages, it feels like you’re hiking into the heart of Mordor. On other days, you feel like you’re hiking on the spine of a dragon. 

Starting Point | Virgental Valley

Ending Point | Gschlöß Valley

Duration | 6 Days

Distance | 56 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Moderately-Difficult 

When to Hike | July – mid-September 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts 

Learn More: Venediger High Trail Hiking Guide

10. Karwendel High Trail, Austria

The Karwendel High Trail in Tirol is one of the best hut-to-hut hikes in the Austrian Alps.

Each mountain hut (Hütte) along this route impressed us with their hospitality, cuisine (especially Pfeishütte, Solsteinhaus, and Nördlinger Hütte), and overall organization and communication. These huts are the crème de la crème of Tirol. 

In 6-days, hikers will conquer 63 km and 7000 meters of elevation gain/loss. You’ll walk along rivers, in forests, to peak summits, on balcony trails, and across mountain slopes.

The alpine views and wildlife sightings are consistently sublime. Walls of limestone tower above narrow forested valleys. Families of chamois gallop down slopes of scree. And, distant alpine ranges – Stubai Alps, Zillertal Alps, and the Wetterstein Mountains – entice you from afar.

When evaluating where we’ll take our friends on a hut-to-hut route, the Karwendel High Trail is always one of our top choices. 

Starting Point | Scharnitz

Ending Point | Seefeld in Tirol

Duration | 6 Days

Distance | 63 km u-shaped circuit

Difficulty | Difficult

When to Hike | July, August, September 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts

Learn More: Karwendel High Trail

11. Schladminger Tauern High Trail, Austria

The Schladminger Tauern mountains are a subrange of the Austrian Central Alps and are located in the states of Salzburg and Styria (Steiermark).

Virtually unknown to anyone outside of the German-speaking world, this secret European hiking destination shouldn’t be overlooked. 

There are two compelling reasons why you should hike the 5-day Schladminger Tauern High Trail. First, alpine lakes. Along the Schladminger Höhenweg, you’ll pass numerous pristine alpine lakes including Giglachseen and Landwirseen.

The most impressive water-abundant destination along the route is Klafferkessel, a cirque containing more than 30 lakes. 

Second, cuisine. The food in the mountain huts is DELICIOUS, especially at Keinprechtshütte and Preintalerhütte.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Schladming

Duration | 5 Days

Distance | 45 km circuit

Difficulty | Difficult

When to Hike | July, August, September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Order Kaiserschmarrn at Keinprechtshütte.

Learn more: Schladminger Tauern High Trail

12. Triglav National Park Trek, Slovenia

Triglav National Park is the largest protected area in Slovenia and encompasses a huge chunk of the Julian Alps (Julijske Alpe). The park’s name is derived from the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mount Triglav (2864 m). 

Most hiking trails in Slovenia are LONG (e.g. Slovenia Mountain Trail, Juliana Trail) and require weeks to complete. So, we created this custom hut to hut hike that highlights the best of the Julian Alps in a condensed period of time.

You’ll see the high alpine plateau of Kriških podih, Mount Triglav, the Seven Lakes Valley, Luknja pass and the fairy tale pasture around Planini pri Jezeru. 

Though the length of the trail isn’t very long, the terrain is challenging at times and requires some scrambling and head for heights.

For more info on trekking in Slovenia, read our Slovenia Hut to Hut Hiking Guide.

Starting Point | Vršič Pass, Kranjska Gora

Ending Point | Lake Bohinj

Duration | 4 Days

Distance | 45 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Difficult

When to Hike | July, August, September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Look for Edelweiss around Kriških podih, but remember picking wildflowers is illegal. 

Learn More: Triglav National Park Trek

13. Berlin High Trail, Austria

The Berlin High Trail showcases the best of the Zillertal Alps in Tirol. It’s an unforgettable adventure replete with challenging ascents and descents, rustic and grand mountain huts, and unforgettable glacier and lake views.

This high-alpine route takes 8 days, though you can easily customize the route for shorter periods of time. 

From the spellbinding views of the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir to the wine collection at Olpererhütte, this Austrian hut to hut hike is like no other.

This trail is best undertaken by experienced hikers, as there are some difficult secured passages along the route and some demanding descents. Though, no special equipment is needed. 

Starting Point | Finkenberg, Mayrhofen

Ending Point | Mayrhofen

Duration | 8 Days

Distance | 86 km u-shaped circuit

Difficulty | Difficult

When to Hike | July – mid-September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Try to reserve a private room at Greizer Hütte, because the Lager (dormitory) is incredibly tight. 

Learn More: Berlin High Trail

14. Kamnik-Savinja Alps Trek, Slovenia

Even lesser known than the Julian Alps, the Kamnik Alps are Central Europe’s best-kept secret.

This 4-day hut-to-hut hike across the Kamnik Alps is for hikers who crave something challenging and altogether adventurous. High alpine hiking experience is an absolute must, as this is a no-bullshit trek. 

If you want to take in the beauty of the Kamnik – Savinja mountains from a less precarious position, head to the divinely beautiful Logar Valley. 

Starting Point | Kamniška Bistrica

Ending Point | Zgornje Jezerkso

Duration | 4 Days

Distance | 25 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Challenging

When to Hike | July, August, September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Your backpack should be on the smaller side. We recommend the Osprey Kyte 36 (for women) and the Osprey Kestrel 38 (for men).

Learn More: Kamnik Savinja Alps Trek

15. Eagle Walk Lechtal Alps, Austria

The Eagle Walk (Adlerweg in German) is a long-distance hut-to-hut hiking trail that traverses the Austrian State of Tirol in 33 stages (413 km), from East to West.

The most challenging and possibly the most rewarding stretch of the Adlerweg are the stages in the Lechtal Alps (stages 19-24), the longest range of the Northern Limestone Alps.

Highly experienced alpine hikers should consider this spectacular 6-day trek in Austria. 

Starting Point | Boden

Ending Point | St. Christoph am Arlberg

Duration | 6 Days

Distance | 57 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Very Challenging 

When to Hike | July, August, September 

Accommodation | Mountain Huts 

Learn More: Hiking the Eagle Walk across the Lechtal Alps

16. Veliko Špičje & Seven Lakes Valley

Veliko Špičje (2398 m) is a peak in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. It’s the highest summit along the Špičje ridge, which rises between the Trenta Valley and the Seven Lakes Valley (aka Triglav Lakes Valley) in Triglav National Park.

The riveting Špičje ridge trail overwhelms with its lofty views, varied terrain, and carpets of Edelweiss flowers. It’s an adventurous hike that requires two days, with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. 

The 2-day hike starts at the Planina Blato mountain pasture, accessible from Stara Fužina (a village near Lake Bohinj). First you will hike along easy-moderate trails across various mountain pastures and patches of forests to the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (Triglav Lakes Mountain Hut). From the hut, the trail ascends 1.2 km up the valley until you reach the Veliko Špičje trail intersection. 

The trail steadily rises up this quiet path to the foot of the Veliko Špičje spur. It’s then a steep climb/scramble to the summit, followed by a long, exciting ridge trail. This only suitable for hikers who have no fear of heights.

Eventually, you’ll descend the ridge and cross a sea of karst pavement to the Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih mountain hut.

We recommend overnighting in Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih, and then descending the Seven Lakes Valley the next day.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Planina Blato

Duration | 2 Days 

Distance | 28 km lollipop-circuit 

Difficulty | Difficult 

When to Hike | July, August, September 

Accommodation | Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih

Learn More: Veliko Špičje & Seven Lakes Valley

17. Mount Triglav, Slovenia

Mount Triglav (2864 m) is the reigning symbol of Slovenia and of the Julian Alps. Emblazoned on the national flag, the three-headed mountain serves as true north, orienting Slovenians to their mountains and forests.

There are several ascent routes to Mount Triglav: Krma Valley, Vrata Valley, Lake Bohinj, Seven Lakes Valley, Pokljuka. No matter where you start, the final stretch to the summit entails climbing a via ferrata route. We wrote a very detailed guide about the Pokljuka – Mount Triglav route.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Rudno Polje, Pokljuka

Duration | 2 Days 

Distance | 26 km out-and-back

Difficulty | Difficult 

When to Hike | Late June/early July – September 

Accommodation | Mountain Hut

18. Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hut to Hut Hike, Dolomites, Italy

This 3-day hut-to-hut hike in the Sexten Dolomites in Northern Italy expands on the popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit trail.

Instead of driving directly to the famous three peaks, you’ll approach Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal valley.

On day 1, you can stay in either the Dreizinnenhütte or Rifugio Lavaredo. On day 2, you’ll stay in the small but splendid Büllelejochhütte. 

We hiked this route during our first trip to the Dolomites. Read our Dolomites itinerary to see how we integrated this 3-day trek into a 7-day road trip.

Starting Point/Ending Point | Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal, Sesto/Sexten

Duration | 3 Days

Distance | 27 km circuit

Difficulty | Easy – Moderate

When to Hike | Late June – Late September

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Learn More: Trekking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

19. Rosengarten Catinaccio Traverse, Dolomites, Italy

This 3-day trek across the Catinaccio/Rosengarten range takes in the stunning Vajolet Towers, the Santner Klettersteig (optional), and some of the most picturesque mountain huts in the Dolomites in northeastern Italy.

We’d label this trek as moderate (moderately difficult depending on experience), though it certainly encompasses some very easy stretches.

Each day is on the shorter side, so you have ample time to take breaks and savor the views along the way. You can also make this a 2-day trek, with one overnight in the Tierser Alpl Hut.

Starting Point | Carezza/Karersee

Ending Point | Passo Sella/Sella Pass

Duration | 2-3 Days

Distance | 26 km point-to-point

Difficulty | Moderate

When to Hike | Mid-June – Mid-October (weather depending)

Accommodation | Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.

Insider Tip | Opt for half board at Rifugio Alpe di Tires/Tierser Alpl. 

Learn More: Rosengarten Dolomites Traverse

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More Europe Hiking Guides

The Alps:

• The Alps in Summer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting 
• Hiking in the European Alps

Austria:

• Hiking in the Austrian Alps: Top Destinations 
• Best Treks in Austria
• Vorarlberg Hiking Guide
• Best Day Hikes in Austria

Italy:

• Hiking in the Italian Alps
• Dolomites Travel Guide
• Best Day Hikes in the Italian Dolomites

Slovenia:

• Hiking in the Slovenian Alps
• Best Hikes in Slovenia

More Hikes in Europe:

• Montenegro Hiking Guide
• Malta Hikes
• Tenerife Hikes
• Gran Canaria Hikes
• Best Hikes in Portugal
• Mallorca Hikes