If you’re looking for a new hiking adventure, consider taking one of Europe’s many famous trails. The Camino de Santiago, which stretches across the Pyrenees and the Galician countryside, is a popular pilgrimage trail. You can hike the full length of this famous route or take sections of it as part of a cultural tour. Whatever you decide, hiking in Europe will be an unforgettable experience!
The Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route in Europe is a classic circular trek that will leave you breathless. This route covers 166 km/103 miles and has 11 stages. You can do the entire hiking route in one day or you can take a shorter route if time is a concern. The official start and end points of the Tour du Mont Blanc are the villages of Les Houches and Chamonix.
The cost of the Tour du Mont Blanc can vary, from EUR 900 to USD 1020. The full circuit of the Alps can cost from EUR 2800 to USD 3177, depending on the length of the trip and the type of accommodation. Whether you choose to stay in a hostel, hut, or hotel in a town may also impact the cost. The price will also depend on the number of days you stay on the mountain and whether you’re going on a guided or self-guided tour.
The Alta Via 1
The Alta Via 1 hiking trail in Europe slices through the mountainous front lines of WWI, and is considered a museum outside of one. You’ll pass through trenches and war tunnels, and even visit historic field hospitals. Along the way, you’ll see many war relics, such as shells and bullet casings. Visiting these sites and learning about the history of Europe is an experience not to be missed.
The route begins in Lago di Braies, where you can start the hike. You can also choose a bus route from the town of La Pissa. From there, you can reach the Rifugio Biella, where the route ends. You can stop for refreshments along the way and recharge after a long day of hiking. You’ll also have the chance to relax at a high-mountain sauna, which is an oasis of calm amid the craggy mountains.
The Camino Frances
A popular hiking route in Europe, the Camino de Santiago is considered one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages. Its distances and lack of technical difficulties make it an ideal hiking option for a wide variety of ages and fitness levels. For best results, pilgrims should be well accustomed to long walks and training sessions should be conducted prior to the hike. Training sessions can begin with an hour-long stroll around the neighborhood and can gradually increase to several hours of walking over a month. In addition, training is an excellent time to break in trail shoes.
The accommodation available along the Camino Frances is primarily in the form of albergues. They can range from five to fifteen euros per night. These accommodations are run by churches, town councils, nonprofit organizations, and private for-profit groups. Albergues are great places to meet fellow pilgrims and reconnect with trail partners. While these accommodations are not ideal, many are affordable, providing mattresses and dorm-style rooms for as little as five euros a night.
The Amalfi Coast
Hiking along the Amalfi Coast offers an array of unique experiences. The Amalfi Coast trail begins in Pontone and descends 3.7 miles, with panoramic views of the coast and rare species like the Woodwardia radicon fern. A short bus ride away is the town of Positano. The town also has several photogenic spots and offers a nice place to stay if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
During your trip, be sure to take time to hike along the famous Seven Hanging Valley Trail. This hiking trail features incredible views of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The path is completely linear and takes approximately six hours to complete. You’ll pass by terraced vineyards and enchanting coastal architecture. You’ll probably stop for a swim or a photo session along the way.
The Jungfrau region
If you love the great outdoors, then a hiking trip to the Jungfrau region is a must. The highlands southeast of the Swiss city of Bern are a hiking and skiing mecca. With the majestic Jungfrau peak as a backdrop, the region offers high-octane skiing in winter and heart-pounding hikes in summer. No matter what season you choose, the stunning scenery will keep you in awe.
The Jungfrau area is home to one of the highest peaks in Europe, the Schilthorn. The view from here is spectacular, and is the best way to truly take in the majesty of the Swiss Alps. You can get to the top of this mountain from Murren by taking a thrilling cable car ride. You will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If you want to get an even better view than what you can see from Jungfraujoch, you can take the cable car up to Schilthorn.
The Cinque Terre
You can explore the beauty of the Cinque Terre with a hike up the hills. This 2-km trail is officially graded as medium difficulty. Because it involves steep stone steps, a walking stick or trekking pole may be helpful. The trail offers breathtaking views and lush, cultivated olive groves. It takes about an hour and a half to complete. You can also rent bicycles and use public transportation to get to the villages.
The best time of year to hike in Cinque Terre is between April and May, as the weather is milder during these months. Avoid June and July for crowded hikes, because this is the high season. You can also avoid the heat of midday by hiking early in the morning. It’s best to take water with you on the trails, as the water is shallow and can cause a rash. Although there are several hike options for the Cinque Terre, you can choose the best one based on your physical fitness level and the amount of time you have to spend on the trails.
