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 (rifugios) along the way. For help with packing, read our personal hut to hut hiking packing list.

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 Laugavegurinn (aka Laugavegur). Our collection strays far off the beaten path to some of the most underrated and interesting hiking destinations in Europe. Keep reading to discover the top treks in Europe.

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Best Treks in Europe

A collection of thrilling multi-day hiking trails in Europe for the offbeat adventurer.

Karwendel High Trail, Austria
Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal
Triglav National Park Traverse, Slovenia
Ortler High Mountain Trail, Italy
Berlin High Trail, Austria
Schladminger Tauern High Trail, Austria
Kamnik – Savinja Alps Traverse, Slovenia
Rätikon High Trail Circuit, Austria and Switzerland
Rosengarten Traverse, Italian Dolomites
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trek, Italian Dolomites
Alta Via 1, Italian Dolomites
Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria
Eagle Walk Lechtal Alps, Austria
High Tatras Hut-to-Hut Hike, Slovakia

1. Karwendel High Trail, Austria

Where: Tirol, Austria
Duration: 6 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult – Difficult
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before/after this trek: Seefeld in Tirol

The Karwendel High Trail in Tirol, Austria, might be the very best introduction to hut-to-hut hiking in the 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.

Learn More: Karwendel High Trail

2. Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal

Where: Costa Vicentina
Duration: 4 Days
Accommodation: Hostels, or Guesthouses. Camping is possible in designated camping areas.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: Spring (April, May), or Fall (October, November)
Where to Stay:
- Arrival: Porto Covo
- Day 1: Vila Nova de Milfontes
- Day 2: Almograve
- Day 3: Zambujeira do Mar
- Day 4: Odeceixe

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.

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

3. Triglav National Park Traverse, Slovenia

Where: Julian Alps
Duration: 4- 5 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Difficult
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before the trek: Kranjska Gora
Where to stay after the trek: Stara Fužina

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 surefootedness and some scrambling.

Insider tip: Look for Edelweiss around Kriških podih, but remember picking wildflowers is illegal.

Learn More: Triglav National Park Traverse

4. Ortler High Mountain Trail, Italy

Where: South Tyrol and Lombardy
Duration: 7 days. We did a 3-day modified trek.
Accommodation: Mountain Huts and Hotels. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Difficult
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Trafoi

The 119.5 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).

Learn More: Ortler High Mountain Trail

5. Berlin High Trail, Austria

Where: Zillertal Alps, Tyrol
Duration: 5 – 8 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Difficult
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Mayrhofen

The Berlin High Trail showcases the best of the Zillertal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. 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 passages along the route and some demanding descents. Though, no special equipment is needed.

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

Learn More: Berlin High Trail

6. Schladminger Tauern High Trail, Austria

Where: Styria and Salzburg
Duration: 5 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Difficult
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Schladming

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.

Insider Tip: Order Kaiserschmarrn at Keinprechtshütte.

Learn more: Schladminger Tauern High Trail

7. Kamnik-Savinja Alps Traverse, Slovenia

Where: Kamnik – Savinja Alps
Duration: 4 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Challenging
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before the trek: Kamnik
Where to stay after the trek: Zgornje Jezersko

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.

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). Don’t bring anything larger than that.

Learn More: Kamnik Savinja Alps Traverse

8. Rätikon Alps High Trail, Austria and Switzerland

Where: Vorarlberg (Austria) and Graubünden (Switzerland)
Duration: 3- 5 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
When to Hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Brandnertal

The Rätikon Alps straddle the border between Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. With its limestone peaks and sloping pastureland, Rätikon offers up one storybook scene after another.

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 overnight two nights in Austrian mountain huts and two nights in 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 from Schesaplanahütte to Schesaplana, the highest peak in the Rätikon.

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

Learn More: Rätikon Alps High Trail

9. Rosengarten Catinaccio Traverse, Dolomites, Italy

Where: Sciliar Natural Park – Rosengarten
Duration: 3 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: mid-June – mid-October (weather depending)
Where to stay before the trek: Carezza (Karersee)
Where to stay after the trek: Sella Pass

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

We’d label this trek as moderate (difficult), 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.

Insider Tip: Opt for half board at Tierser Alpl.

Learn More: Rosengarten Dolomites Traverse

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

Where: Sexten Dolomites
Duration: 3 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: late June – late September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Sesto (Sexten)

This 3-day hut-to-hut hike in the Sexten Dolomites 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 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 our road trip.

Learn More: Trekking Tre Cime di Lavaredo

11. Alta Via 1, Dolomites, Italy

Where: Italian Dolomites
Duration: 4 -10 days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Easy
When to hike: July – late September
Where to stay before the trek: Lago di Braies
Where to stay after the trek: Belluno

The Alta Via 1 (aka Dolomiten Höhenweg 1) is an easy, long-distance hiking trail in the 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).

Insider Tip: Book rifugios 3-5 months in advance.

Learn More: Alta Via 1 Hiking Guide

12. Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit, Austria

Where: Verwall, Silvretta, and Rätikon Alps in Vorarlberg
Duration: 12 Stages
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: July – late September
Where to stay before/after the trek: Schruns-Tschagguns

The Montafon hut-to-hut circuit (Montafoner Hüttenrunde) is a 12-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 in Silvretta Bielerhöhe (accessible by bus from Schruns) and ending in Latschau/Schruns.

Learn More: Montafon Hut-to-Hut Hiking Guide

13. Eagle Walk Lechtal Alps, Austria

Where: Tirol
Duration: 6 Days
Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Difficulty: Very Challenging
When to hike: July, August, September
Where to stay before the trek: Lechtal Valley
Where to stay after the trek: Lech am Arlberg

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, 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.

Learn More: Hiking the Eagle Walk across the Lechtal Alps

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

Where: High Tatras
Duration: 4 Stages
Accommodation: Mountain Huts. Camping is forbidden.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to hike: mid-June – end of October. We recommend late June, September, or early October
Where to stay before/after the trek: Poprad
Recommended Tour Operator: Our self-guided hut-to-hut hike was planned and organized by TravelSlovakia.Sk.

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).

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

Learn More: Trekking in the High Tatras, Slovakia

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There are 8 comments on this post

Emma
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

These hikes all look incredible, especially the one in the Dolomites! Bookmarking for when I go to Europe next!
Katy Shaw
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

What an inspiring post. I'm specifically looking for new and interesting trails to check out as I travel across Europe and this post is super helpful! I just learned about the Juliana Trail so I love the idea of hiking a shorter piece of it if since I'm not able to do the whole thing this year.
Viktoria
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

I hiked parts of Rota Vicentina last year and really enjoyed my time there. Portugal is always a great choice for hiking and long walks along the beautiful coastline! Also happy to see a trail in Austria in this list!
Katja
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

Such a great post! I´m from Slovenia and I did most of those mentioned, but got some new inspiration for the Dolomites and Austria. Can´t wait for Spring :)
Anna
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

These are such good tips! We started hiking last summer with my boyfriend. So far only in Finland but we are hoping to expand to Europe. The vistas in these places are magnificent!
Kiara Gallop
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

Thanks for giving me some more great hikes to add to my European travel wish list. I'm actually doing the Fisherman's Trail this April but I'd love to do either of the Slovenia ones and also do some hiking in the Dolomites.
Meghan Emcee
Jan 25, 2020 Reply

I love appreciating the different landscapes and nature on vacation. These are stunning! Thanks for sharing!
Sandra K
Feb 01, 2020 Reply

Great write up. I was lucky enough to do some hikes on a trip to Norway in 2019 which was absolutely stunning. Switzerland and Austria are looking like the next trails to explore. Time to save some more money... Thank you for sharing.