September is one of my favorite months for hiking in Europe. As summer recedes, the heat, storms, and crowds fade, leaving mild temperatures, clear skies, and serene trails.
We spend most of the month in the Alps, taking advantage of open mountain huts and comfortable temperatures, though early mornings often call for layers or a puffer jacket.
Between hiking adventures, I love seeing the ceremonial cows coming home parades. At the end of the alpine grazing season, cows, goats, and sheep are herded back to their winter stables. In many regions, this safe return is a celebratory event. Read our Almabtrieb guide to learn more about this unique tradition and how to experience it.
By late September, the hut-to-hut season winds down, with most huts closing for the year.
Beyond the Alps, September is perfect for hiking in the Dinaric Alps of the Balkans and Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain, while Englandโs South West Coast Path is also ideal at this time of year.
- September Road Trips: Brittany Northern France Road Trip, Picos de Europa Northern Spain Road Trip, Bavaria and Tyrol Road Trip, Albania Itinerary, Munich to Dolomites Road Trip, and 2-Week Slovenia Road Trip
- Car Rental: Discovercars.com is our go-to platform for finding and reserving rental cars throughout Europe.
- September Car-Free Trips: Zermatt Itinerary and Lucerne – Engelberg Itinerary
- 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 National Parks: Our Favorite European National Parks
- Honeymoon Trips for Hikers: Adventure Honeymoon Trip Ideas
1. The Lighthouse Way in Spain
The Camiรฑo dos Faros, known as the Lighthouse Way, is one of Europeโs most thrilling long-distance coastal hikes. Stretching roughly 200 kilometers along Galiciaโs remote Costa da Morte in northern Spain, this trail showcases dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, wind-sculpted dunes, and working fishing villages. Its ominous name, โCoast of Death,โ stems from centuries of shipwrecks along this rugged Atlantic shoreline.
Unlike many long-distance routes, the Lighthouse Way rarely strays inland, hugging the rugged coastline as it links historic lighthouses. Much of the path is narrow and time-worn, still used by fishermen and percebes (goose barnacle) harvesters, giving hikers a sense of authenticity few trails can match.
The full trek is divided into 8 demanding stages, but hikers can easily adapt it with taxi transfers, shortcuts, or shorter sections, making it as challenging, or as relaxed, as desired. I believe itโs essential to approach this trail with a flexible mindset. Without it, the hiking experience could easily feel punishing rather than rewarding.
With modestly priced accommodations, uncrowded paths, and incredible coastal scenery, the Way of the Lighthouses is an ideal September escape for hikers seeking an exciting yet accessible adventure.
Read my guide to trekking the Camiรฑo dos Faros and where to stay along the Camiรฑo dos Faros to start planning your September village-to-village trekking trip.
2. Bobotov Kuk in the Dinaric Alps
The highest peak in Durmitor National Park is reached via one of the most mesmerizing trails in Montenegro.
From start to finish, the route enchants with views of whimsical, jagged peaks, some fang-shaped, others like melting cakes or soaring eagles, at every turn.
The hike begins gently but grows more demanding, requiring hikers to scramble up steep sections, traverse exposed ledges secured with ropes, and navigate sprawling boulder fields.
For an easier route, check out nearby Mount Prustas.
Follow our 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip for a hiking-inspired trip to the land of the black mountains and sparkling seas.
Distance | 9.9 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 5:30 – 6:15 hours
Difficulty | Difficult
Where to Stay in ลฝabljak | Hotel Soa (luxury), Casa di Pino Eco Lodge (midrange), Guest House Durmitor Paradise (budget-midrange), or Holiday Homes B&V (midrange). Iโve shared our favorite places to stay in this ลฝabljak Hotel guide.
Related Guides | Where to Hike in Montenegro
Learn More: Bobotov Kuk Hike
3. South West Coast Path in England
The South West Coast Path stretches 1,014 km (630 miles) across Englandโs southwest peninsula, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
From village to village, this arresting coastal path scales sea cliffs, curls around secret coves, and wraps around Englandโs finest beaches.
While few attempt the full distance, hiking a section offers an unforgettable mix of rugged coastal scenery, welcoming inns, and pristine beaches. With luggage transfers and private rooms at the end of each stage, this long-distance trail is one of Europeโs most rewarding and surprisingly comfortable adventures.
I hiked the South West Coast Path from Westward Ho! in Devon to St. Ives in Cornwall. Read my South West Coast Path hiking guide to learn more about Europeโs premier coastal trail.
4. 2-Day Picos de Europa Trek in Spain
The impressive Picos de Europa mountain range spans the Northern Spanish regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Leรณn. The most famous hikes here are Ruta del Cares gorge hike and the Puertos de รliva trail, both unmissable classics.
For a quieter, more adventurous experience, hike to Refugio Jou de los Cabrones on a two-day loop through remote high-alpine limestone landscapes rarely seen by other visitors.
If the dramatic trail between Refugio Jou de los Cabrones and Refugio de Urriellu doesnโt make you fall in love with Picos de Europa, nothing will.
Distance | 20.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 2 Days
Difficulty | Difficult
Where to Stay in Poncebos Before/After Trek | Hostal Poncebos, Arcea Hotel Mirador de Cabrales, or Hotel Garganta del Cares. Read Where to Stay in Picos de Europa.
Related | Best Hikes in Picos de Europa
Learn More: 2-Day Refugio Jou de los Cabrones Hike
5. Tufteren High Trail in Switzerland
The Tufteren High Trail is a scenic balcony path connecting Tรคschalp to Tufteren, high above Switzerlandโs Mattertal Valley in the Valais Alps.
Along the route, the iconic Matterhorn dominates the skyline, guiding you south toward Zermatt.
This Zermatt hiking trail is part of the Europaweg, a 35-km route from Grรคchen to Zermatt, and also marks the final stretch of the Chamonix-Zermatt Walkerโs Haute Route.
Follow our Zermatt Itinerary to plan a memorable trip filled with unforgettable hikes, including this one and the Edelweissweg Hike.
Distance | 12.2 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 hours
Difficulty | Easy-Moderate (T2)
Where to Stay in Zermatt | Haus Zer Weidu (budget), Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Schweizerhof Zermatt (luxury), and The Omnia (luxury).
Related | Best Hikes in Zermatt
Learn More: How to Hike the Tufteren High Trail
6. Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz in the Dolomites
The Pale di San Martino range in the Dolomites is a dreamscape for hikers who love high fantasy worlds. Cast your eyes on the northern chain and youโll be transported into a land of fae, trolls, and dragons.
Starting in Val Venegia in Trentino, the trail leads deep into the valley to Malga Venegiota before climbing steeply to Passo Mulaz. From the pass, itโs a short descent to Rifugio Mulaz, a managed mountain hut that stays open until late September.
While most day hikers retrace their steps, we recommend returning to Val Venegia via Passo di Venegiota, a longer but far more rewarding route.
During our September trip to San Martino di Castrozza, we also tackled hikes from Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini, Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali, and Cima della Vezzana (for the true masochists).
Distance | 12.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 6:30 โ 7 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult – Difficult
Learn more: Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike
September Dolomites Weather
In the Dolomites, September has long been celebrated as the most stable month, offering clear skies and temperate conditions.
Yet in recent years, the weather has become more unpredictable. In 2023, October was warmer than September, and in 2024, the first week of November outshone the entire month of September. Usually, thereโs at least one rogue snowstorm, but unless itโs particularly cold, the snow melts quickly.
The takeaway? September is generally excellent, but in the mountains, perfect weather isnโt guaranteed.
Related | September in the Dolomites
7. Vienna City Hiking Trail 1 in Austria
If youโre thinking, โcity hike, really?โ Absolutely!! Unless, of course, the idea of sipping young wine in sloping vineyards with sweeping views of Europeโs most beautiful city doesnโt appeal to you.
Viennaโs vineyards cover 700 hectares, the largest area within any city worldwide. While Viennaโs wine may not be the finest in Europe (it certainly isn’t), its wine culture is truly unmatched.
Those lucky enough to visit Vienna in September have the opportunity to hike through the cityโs vineyards whilst sampling the partially fermented wine known as Sturm in pop-up Heuriger wine taverns.
If you follow the Vienna City Hiking Trail 1, the trail descends through the Nussdorf vineyards at the end of the hike. Check out the interactive trail map in our Vienna City Hiking Trail 1 guide to discover which seasonal Heurigen you can visit along the route.
Special Event | Every year in late September, the Vienna Wine Hiking Day, typically held over two days, is a free event open to everyone. Participants can choose from 4 wine-themed walking routes through Viennaโs vineyards, where local winemakers offer wine and snacks along the trails, creating one of the worldโs most delightful culinary hiking experiences.
Distance | 11.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 3:15 hours
Difficulty | Easy
Related | Visiting Austria in Autumn
Where to Stay in Vienna | The Harmonie Vienna (midrange), or The Amauris Vienna (luxury). Read Where to Stay in Vienna.
8. Gosaukamm Circuit Trail in Austria
The majestic Gosaukamm is the westernmost subgroup of the Dachstein range in the Austrian Alps. Itโs the mountain that rises to the west of the pretty Gosauseen, a trio of alpine lakes.
A 21.6 km trail encircles the Gosaukamm, offering a fun and varied trek that can be completed in one or two days.
Highlights of the route include eating at Gablonzer Hรผtte, the Schwarzkogelsteig trail, the view from Hofpรผrglhรผtte, the ascent to Steiglpass, and the stepped karst rockscape on the other side of the Steiglplass.
Kati and I hiked this route in late October, but it is best experienced in September, when all the mountain huts are open and the days are longer.
You can start the hike at Gosau Lakes in the Salzkammergut (Austriaโs Lake District), or in Filzmoos in Salzburg.
Distance | 18.7 km
Time Needed | 7:15 hours without breaks. We needed 9 hours.
Difficulty | Difficult
Where to Stay in Gosau | Gasthof Gosausee, Frรผhstรผckspension Pachler, or Haus Friedrich
Where to Stay in Filzmoos | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof (midrange), Das Anja Alt Filzmoos (midrange), meiZeit Lodge (luxury)
Related | Salzkammergut Itinerary and Best Hikes in Salzburg
Learn More: Gosaukamm Circuit Trail
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