July marks the beginning of Europe’s high summer season, bringing largely snow-free trails, open mountain huts, and ideal conditions for high-alpine and hut-to-hut hiking.
The mountains are blanketed in wildflowers and afternoon thunderstorms become a regular occurrence. Unfortunately, much of Europe is no longer spared from summer heat waves, which can occur at any point between June and August.
On hot days or when afternoon thunderstorms are forecasted, we try to start hiking as early as possible (6-8 am). Keep in mind that in July, the sun rises around 5:30 am across much of Europe and even earlier in the Nordic countries.
At this time of year, we gravitate toward the Alps, the British Isles, and the North Atlantic.
Although the Balkans boast spectacular mountain landscapes, we generally prefer visiting in early fall, when cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.
- Self-Guided Hiking Trips: take a close look at the Tour des Combins (TMB alternative) in Switzerland and Italy, the Culinary Delight Hut Hiking Tour in Austria, and the Tour of the Vanoise in France.
- Europe Road Trip Routes for Hikers: Best Europe Road Trips
- Car Rental: Discovercars.com is our go-to platform for finding and reserving rental cars throughout Europe.
- Car-Free Trip Ideas for Hikers: Europe Travel Itineraries Without a Car and Best Alps Towns for Hiking Without a Car
- Europe National Parks: Our Favorite European National Parks
- Honeymoon Trips for Hikers: Adventure Honeymoon Trip Ideas
1. Saksun to Tjørnuvík Hike, Faroe Islands
Saksun and Tjørnuvík are two picturesque seaside villages connected by an old village path, located in the north of Streymoy Island.
One of my absolute favorite hikes in the Faroe Islands traces this Saksun-Tjørnuvík village trail out-and-back. From Saksun, the trail rises up the mountainside with views of the Pollurin tidal lagoon and then climbs up the eastern flank of Frammi í Dal valley to the Tjørnuvíksskarð mountain pass.
From the pass, the trail descends through another high valley, before dropping steeply down to Tjørnuvík village. As you near the village, views extend to the Risin and Kellingin (Giant and Witch) sea stacks.
It takes about 6 hours to hike this trail out-and-back (13 km total).
If you wilt in the heat like I do, I can’t recommend a hiking trip to the Faroe Islands highly enough. Summer temperatures typically hover around 16°C (60°F), making it an ideal escape from the heat.
2. Edelweissweg, Zermatt, Switzerland
Edelweissweg is the ultimate plan-a-trip-to-Zermatt-to-hike-this-trail in the Swiss Alps.
From the town center, the trail steadily ascends to the Höhbalmen Meadows, which offers hikers one of the most memorable vantage points of the mighty Matterhorn.
With continuous views of her majesty’s triangular north face, the trail crosses the Höhbalmen plateau and develops into a balcony path above Zmutt Valley. Eventually, the trail descends and traces Zmutt Valley to the tiny hamlet of Zmutt and then continues all the way down to Zermatt.
Depending on your ascent route, the Edelweissweg circuit trail is between 17.5 km and 20 km in length. Allow at least 8 hours to complete the trail.
How to Plan a Trip to Zermatt | 4-Day Zermatt Summer – Autumn Itinerary
Where to Stay in Zermatt | Haus Zer Weidu (budget), Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Schweizerhof Zermatt (luxury), and The Omnia (luxury)
3. Walenpfad Panorama Trail, Engelberg, Swiss Alps
The Walenpfad Panorama Trail is a high trail in the Uri Alps of Switzerland, which connects Brunnihütte, accessible by cableways from Engelberg, with the Fell-Chrüzhütte cableway mountain station.
This moderate 10.3 km point-to-point trail wraps around the western flank of the Walenstöcke massif, delivering godly views of Titlis, the Stanserhorn-Engelberg Ridge, and the Walenstöcke peaks.
How to Plan a Trip to the Lake Lucerne Region | 5-Day Lucerne Itinerary for Hikers
Where to Stay in Engelberg | Ski Lodge Engelberg (budget), Hotel Bellevue-Terminus (midrange – top choice), H+ Hotel & SPA Engelberg (midrange), or Hotel Alpenclub (luxury).
4. Alpstein High Trail, Appenzell, Switzerland
The Alpstein High Trail, a 3-day hut-to-hut route, follows the high trails of the Alpstein, a massif in the Appenzell Alps defined by dramatic limestone spires and idyllic storybook landscapes.
On day 1, the trail links Lake Seealpsee and the cliffside Aescher mountain inn with the airy Schäfler ridge, facing the Altenalp Towers. On day 2, the path ascends to the region’s highest peak, Mount Säntis, before traversing the exhilarating Lisengrat ridge. After a break, or overnight stay at the Rotsteinpass mountain inn, the path leads to Zwinglipass. On day 3, the trail runs beneath the vertical Kreuzberge spires to Saxer Lücke and finally Hoher Kasten.
Read my guide: Alpstein High Trail Trek
Where to Stay in Appenzell before/after trek | Hotel Appenzell (midrange), or Adler Hotel (midrange) in Appenzell, or Hotel Hof Weissbad (luxury) in Weissbad
5. Emperor’s Crown Trail, Tyrol, Austria
The Kaiserkrone (“Emperor’s Crown”) is a 5-stage trek that circles the Wilder Kaiser massif in Tyrol, Austria. The 65-km trail traditionally starts at the Hüttling trailhead in Going (820 m), however we started in Kufstein, the better alternative for car-free travelers.
Though by no means “easy,” the Emperor’s crown isn’t a high-alpine trail, and by Austrian standards quite moderate for a mulit-day hike. It loops around the rugged Wilder Kaiser massif, crossing meadows, forests, and occasionally tracing ridges. Some sections of the trail are secured, as is typical in the Austrian Alps. However, no special equipment is needed.
Hikers stay in a combination of mountain huts and guesthouses.
6. Schladminger Tauern High Trail, Styria, Austria
The Schladminger Tauern High Trail, the very first hut-to-hut hike we tackled in Austria, is the ultimate 5-day adventure for hikers who gravitate to off-the-beaten-path destinations, authentic mountain refuges, mountain lakes, and challenging trails.
This hike in Styria is just FABULOUS! I can’t recommend it highly enough.
7. Triglav National Park Traverse, Slovenia
The most exciting and rewarding way to experience the Julian Alps is on this 4-day Triglav National Park Traverse, which connects Vršič Pass with Lake Bohinj. This epic trail follows much of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, scaling mountains and traversing rugged limestone terrain. This is a very difficult trail and only suitable for fit hikers who have high-alpine hiking experience.
Hikers stay in three mountain huts along the way, which you can book independently. However, if you need extra support with bookings and transfers, check out this self-guided Crossing the Julian Alps hiking tour, available between July and September.
8. Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Trail, Lake Achensee, Austria
Nothing says summer to me quite like a mountain lake. Tyrol’s largest lake, Achensee, is an excellent summer destination for hikers, with an abundance of scenic trails surrounding its shores. After a day on the trail, there’s no better reward than a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters.
My personal favorite trail is Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Trail, which runs from Achenkirch to Pertisau (12.4 km point to point, 6:30 hours without breaks). Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the lake, flanked by the Rofan on one side and Karwendel on the other.
While based in the area, don’t overlook the Bärenkopf Summit Hike, Lamsenjochhütte – Hahnkampl Circuit Trail, and Hochiss Peak Hike.
Where to Stay in Pertisau at Lake Achensee | Seehotel St. Hubertus (midrange), Hotel Bergland (midrange), Seehotel Einwaller – adults only (Adults-only luxury), or NOVA Moments Boutique Hotel (luxury)
9. Hell’s Valley Gorge, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Höllentalklamm (Hell’s Valley Gorge) is located in the Wetterstein Mountains of Bavaria close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There’s something so magical about this dark and wet landscape; it feels like a portal into another world.
You can hike up and down the gorge from Hammersbach, or you can approach the river gorge from the Kreuzeck cable car mountain station, which is what we did.
After the hike, I recommend swimming in nearby Lake Eibsee.
How to Plan a Trip to the Bavarian Alps | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
Where to Stay near Hell’s Valley Gorge | Hotel Längenfelder Hof (4-star hotel), Gästehaus Richter (4-star hotel), or Bayern Resort (adults-only hotel)
10. Pala di San Martino Circuit Trail, Dolomites
This riveting tour circles Pala di San Martino in the Pale di San Martino Dolomites of Trentino. This day hike is not for the faint-hearted and requires great comfort with narrow ledges and steep drop offs as well as karst terrain.
From San Martino di Castrozza, the tour begins with a 2-stage cable car ascent to the karst plateau: Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino. Following the Alta Via 2 long distance trail, the path leads to Rifugio Pradidali. Next, the path climbs a rocky high valley to return to the plateau.
While based in the area, I also recommend hiking Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini (easy) and Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike (moderately difficult).
Where to Stay in San Martino di Castrozza | Hotel Vienna (midrange), or Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel (luxury)
More Europe Hiking Guides
Hiking Europe by Month:
- August Hikes in Europe
- September Hikes in Europe
- October Hikes in Europe
- November Hikes in Europe
- December Hikes in Europe
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