Couple Travel

The Slow Path: 25 Incredible Long-Distance Hikes in Europe

June 8, 2025

Words by somebody who traded flight-hopping for footpaths, pedals, van life, and prepare tracks.

Long-distance climbing is on the rise, and for good purpose. In a world that strikes sooner than ever, extra of us are studying to decelerate and savor the journey. And what higher method to try this than by strolling throughout Europe’s wild trails, coastlines, and mountain passes?

Whether you’re planning a month-long alpine traverse or a mild coastal ramble, this information curates 25 of the continent’s greatest long-distance hikes, sorted by problem, beginning straightforward and ramping as much as the actual toughies. You’ll discover important particulars on every path, together with highlights, distance, elevation, levels, timing, recognition, funds expectations, key gear, and recommendations on sleeping, consuming, and staying secure (however not too secure—you’ll need room for some good previous spontaneity).

Before we dive into the checklist, listed below are some timeless ideas:

Choose the suitable season: Some trails are solely satisfactory in summer time; others shine in spring or fall. Timing is all the things.
Train earlier than you go: Ease into it. Get your physique used to every day strolling with weight.
Plan, however go away house: Sketch your levels, however let climate, terrain, or an enthralling mountain hut nudge you off-plan.
Go mild: Your knees will thanks. If climbing in Winter, be sure you have sufficient (the suitable) garments to maintain you heat.
Sleep good: Research if wild tenting is allowed. Otherwise, know your refuges, hostels, or guesthouses.
Eat native: Many trails go by way of villages—benefit from the native fare and help small economies.
Stay versatile: Always have a plan B, particularly for mountain climate. But don’t let worry field you in—freedom is a part of the magic.

1. Camino de Santiago (Spain)

The Camino de Santiago is greater than a hike — it’s a cultural and non secular journey that’s been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years. While there are various routes, the most well-liked is the Camino Francés, which winds throughout northern Spain by way of charming villages, vineyards, and centuries-old cathedrals.

It’s an excellent path for first-time long-distance hikers and people craving group, historical past, and every day comforts.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~780 km (Camino Francés)
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m whole
Stages: 30–35
Highlights: Santiago Cathedral, historic cities like León and Burgos, social ambiance
When to Go: April–June, September–October
Popularity: Very High
Accommodation: Albergues (pilgrim hostels), guesthouses, resorts
Food/Water: Easy entry in cities; fountains alongside the way in which
Budget: €25–50/day
Gear Musts: Pilgrim passport (credencial), blister care, light-weight pack
Considerations: No want to hold meals or tent; very sociable route; summer time may be crowded and scorching

From Fisterra to Muxia: A post-camino journey

2. GR21 (Normandy, France)

The GR21 is a surprising coastal route tracing the alabaster cliffs of Normandy’s Côte d’Albâtre. Perfect for sea lovers and pictures buffs, this path serves up dramatic chalk cliffs, fishing villages, and maritime historical past. It’s a mild stroll that also rewards with spectacular surroundings, making it supreme for hikers searching for a shorter and extra relaxed escape.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~180 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 m whole
Stages: 8–10
Highlights: Étretat’s sea arches, Fécamp harbor, Normandy countryside
When to Go: April–October
Popularity: Low to Moderate
Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs, small inns
Food/Water: Towns and cafés en route
Budget: €50–80/day
Gear Musts: Windproof layer, digital camera, coastal map
Considerations: Mild climate however may be windy and moist; good for gradual journey and quick getaways

3. Rota Vicentina (Portugal)

Running alongside Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, the Rota Vicentina gives two intertwined paths: the Historical Way by way of rural hinterlands and the Fishermen’s Trail hugging dramatic sea cliffs. With rugged seashores, sleepy villages, and recent seafood round each bend, it’s a sensory-rich hike that blends nature and tradition with relative ease.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~230 km (Fishermen’s + Historical mixed)
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 m whole
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Clifftop paths, secluded seashores, conventional Portuguese cities
When to Go: March–June, September–November
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, small resorts, farm stays
Food/Water: Easy entry in villages; some longer dry sections
Budget: €35–65/day
Gear Musts: Sun safety, GPS app (some trails unmarked), sandals for river crossings
Considerations: Summer warmth may be brutal; wild tenting is restricted; widespread amongst impartial vacationers

4. Hebridean Way (Scotland)

The Hebridean Way traverses the Outer Hebrides — a series of windswept Scottish islands the place nature reigns supreme. Expect white sand seashores, peat moors, standing stones, and a uncooked sense of remoteness. The terrain is usually flat however uncovered, with ever-changing Atlantic climate and few cities between sections.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~250 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,500 m whole
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Harris seashores, historic ruins, Gaelic tradition, wildlife
When to Go: May–September
Popularity: Low
Accommodation: B&Bs, hostels, campsites
Food/Water: Limited outlets; plan forward or prepare meals drops
Budget: €40–70/day
Gear Musts: Waterproof boots, midge internet, layered clothes
Considerations: Exposed to climate; ferries between islands should be timed; wild tenting allowed

Wild tenting in Britain

5. West Highland Way (Scotland)

Scotland’s hottest long-distance path, the West Highland Way runs from simply outdoors Glasgow to Fort William, gateway to Ben Nevis. The route passes lochs, glens, and moorlands, delivering iconic Scottish landscapes and a pleasant infrastructure. While not technically troublesome, some levels are lengthy and distant, so good planning helps.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~154 km
Elevation Gain: ~3,200 m whole
Stages: 6–8
Highlights: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe views
When to Go: May–October
Popularity: High
Accommodation: Campsites, B&Bs, inns, hostels
Food/Water: Available in most cities; refillable water from streams
Budget: €40–80/day
Gear Musts: Waterproofs, gaiters (mud!), trekking poles
Considerations: Book prematurely throughout peak months; midges may be fierce in summer time

Hiking in Scotland: 13 Beautiful walks

6. Via Francigena (England to Rome)

The Via Francigena is an historic pilgrimage route tracing the journey of Archbishop Sigeric within the tenth century. From Canterbury to Rome, it meanders by way of rural France, the Swiss Alps, and the guts of Italy.

Less crowded than the Camino, it gives deep cultural immersion, shifting landscapes, high delicacies, and the prospect to step again in time.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~2,000 km
Elevation Gain: ~20,000 m whole
Stages: 90–100
Highlights: Canterbury Cathedral, Great St. Bernard Pass, Tuscan countryside, Rome
When to Go: April–June, September–October
Popularity: Moderate (growing)
Accommodation: Pilgrim hostels, B&Bs, monasteries
Food/Water: Frequent cities; reasonably priced native fare
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: Pilgrim passport, solar hat, multilingual phrasebook
Considerations: Crossing the Alps is probably the most difficult half; the Italian part is greatest maintained and marked

7. Alpe-Adria Trail (Austria/Slovenia/Italy)

The Alpe-Adria Trail begins under Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, and winds its method south to the Adriatic coast. A celebration of central European nature and tradition, it gives a mellow mixture of mountains, lakes, and vineyards, with out excessive elevation or technical terrain.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~750 km
Elevation Gain: ~23,000 m whole
Stages: 37
Highlights: Hohe Tauern National Park, Soča Valley, Friulian wine nation
When to Go: May–October
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Inns, guesthouses, B&Bs
Food/Water: Readily accessible; native specialties are a spotlight
Budget: €40–75/day
Gear Musts: Comfortable footwear, rain gear, light-weight layers
Considerations: Great for meals and wine lovers; accessible by prepare to many factors alongside the way in which

8. Kungsleden (Sweden)

Sweden’s “King’s Trail” is certainly one of Scandinavia’s most iconic hikes, slicing by way of Lapland’s untouched wilderness. From birch forests and tundra to glacier-fed rivers and the occasional reindeer herd, it’s a serene and distant escape. The northern part (Abisko to Nikkaluokta) is the most well-liked.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~440 km
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 m whole
Stages: 20–25 (or 5–7 for northern part)
Highlights: Abisko National Park, Kebnekaise massif, Sami tradition
When to Go: Late June–early September
Popularity: Moderate to excessive in summer time
Accommodation: STF huts, wild tenting
Food/Water: Huts promote primary meals; water from streams
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: Mosquito internet, waterproof boots, range (if tenting)
Considerations: Midnight solar in June–July; snow can linger into July; some river crossings could also be tough

9. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)

Short however highly effective, the Laugavegur Trail takes you thru a jaw-dropping mosaic of geothermal wonders, black deserts, colourful rhyolite mountains, and ice-capped volcanoes. It’s a geological fantasy that may be hiked in lower than per week, however climate situations make it an actual journey.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~55 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m whole
Stages: 4–5
Highlights: Landmannalaugar scorching springs, Þórsmörk valley, volcanic landscapes
When to Go: July–mid-September
Popularity: High
Accommodation: Mountain huts, campsites
Food/Water: No meals accessible on path; convey all provides; stream water
Budget: €50–90/day
Gear Musts: Four-season gear, range, GPS (climate may be disorienting)
Considerations: Rivers typically unbridged; huts guide up quick; climate can change hourly

10. Camí de Cavalls (Menorca, Spain)

Encircling the island of Menorca, the Camí de Cavalls is a coastal path initially constructed for protection. Now absolutely restored, it gives turquoise coves, pine forests, and archaeological websites. It’s a sunny, salty journey that’s extra of a protracted seashore stroll than a mountain trek — and may be cut up into day hikes simply.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~185 km
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 m whole
Stages: 10–13
Highlights: Calas Macarella and Mitjana, sea caves, lighthouses
When to Go: April–June, September–October
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotels, agroturismos, B&Bs
Food/Water: Towns each few levels; seashore bars in excessive season
Budget: €45–80/day
Gear Musts: Sun hat, sandals for seashores, snorkeling masks
Considerations: Hot in midsummer; some rocky sections; glorious for combining climbing with sea swims

11. Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is likely one of the most iconic alpine loops on the earth, circling the Mont Blanc massif by way of three nations. It’s an unforgettable journey by way of excessive mountain passes, meadows, glaciers, and charming alpine villages. An ideal mixture of pure drama and creature comforts.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Distance: ~170 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m whole
Stages: 9–12
Highlights: Mont Blanc views, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, rifugi and refuges
When to Go: Late June–mid-September
Popularity: Very excessive
Accommodation: Mountain huts, small resorts, campgrounds
Food/Water: Frequent huts, inns, water from fountains or streams
Budget: €60–100/day
Gear Musts: Trekking poles, blister equipment, passport (border crossings)
Considerations: Book early; counter-clockwise is normal; choices to shorten by way of buses or cable vehicles

12. Alta Via 1 (Italy)

Alta Via 1 is the Dolomites’ basic long-distance path, working north to south by way of limestone peaks and rugged alpine magnificence. It’s a hut-to-hut route with a powerful climbing infrastructure, nevertheless it nonetheless calls for stamina and surefootedness resulting from every day elevation good points and rocky paths.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~120 km
Elevation Gain: ~7,500 m whole
Stages: 10–12
Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lagazuoi, picturesque rifugi
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: High
Accommodation: Mountain huts (rifugi)
Food/Water: Huts supply meals; restricted water on path — refill when attainable
Budget: €60–100/day
Gear Musts: Lightweight alpine gear, headlamp, money for huts
Considerations: Some sections may be slippery or uncovered; guide huts prematurely in peak season

13. Peaks of the Balkans (Albania/Kosovo/Montenegro)

The Peaks of the Balkans loop is a distant and culturally wealthy path by way of the Accursed Mountains. You’ll go conventional shepherd settlements, glacial valleys, and untouched villages as you traverse three nations in certainly one of Europe’s final wilderness frontiers.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~190 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m whole
Stages: 10–12
Highlights: Valbona Pass, Theth, native hospitality
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, homestays
Food/Water: Meals supplied at lodging; spring water accessible
Budget: €30–50/day
Gear Musts: GPS or app (trails may be imprecise), passport for border crossings, money
Considerations: Must register for border permits; typically performed with a information, however doable self-supported with prep

14. GR11 (Spanish Pyrenees)

Running the complete size of the Spanish Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the GR11 is a real mountain journey. It’s difficult, distant in components, and gives unparalleled entry to the guts of this jagged and culturally wealthy vary.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~820 km
Elevation Gain: ~40,000 m whole
Stages: 45–55
Highlights: Ordesa Canyon, Aigüestortes, Pyrenean wildlife
When to Go: July–early October
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Refuges, campgrounds, and a few wild tenting
Food/Water: Resupply in villages; mountain water is dependable with a filter
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: Trekking poles, mountain tent (if tenting), Spanish phrasebook
Considerations: High passes may be slow-going; snow might linger into July; match hikers solely

The Pyrenees and Northern Spain by van

15. E5 (Germany to Italy by way of the Alps)

The E5 path from Oberstdorf (Germany) to Verona (Italy) is a basic alpine crossing that distills the very best of the Alps into per week or two. It strikes from inexperienced valleys to icy peaks and finally into Italy’s sun-baked foothills, supreme for trekkers searching for a problem with out technical climbing.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~600 km (basic Oberstdorf to Merano part ~120 km)
Elevation Gain: ~8,000 m whole (in predominant part)
Stages: 6–8 (for predominant part)
Highlights: Zammer Loch, Pitztal Glacier, Dolomite views
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: High within the basic part
Accommodation: Mountain huts, inns
Food/Water: Regular entry in huts; water in valleys and from streams
Budget: €50–90/day
Gear Musts: Crampons (for early snow), sturdy boots, mountain insurance coverage
Considerations: Can be expanded to Verona; glorious for a primary massive alpine hike

16. Tatra Mountains Trail (Poland/Slovakia)

The Tatra Mountains Trail winds by way of the very best and most rugged peaks of the Carpathians, straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia. This hike is brief however mighty, full of alpine lakes, jagged ridges, and panoramic summits. A compact mountain journey for these with restricted time however strong legs.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~75 km
Elevation Gain: ~5,500 m whole
Stages: 5–7
Highlights: Morskie Oko, Rysy (the very best peak in Poland), Slovak High Tatras
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Moderate to excessive in peak season
Accommodation: Mountain huts (schroniskos) and guesthouses
Food/Water: Huts present meals; carry a water filter for streams
Budget: €30–50/day
Gear Musts: Trekking poles, waterproofs, ID/passport (cross-border climbing)
Considerations: Sudden climate modifications are frequent; permits could also be required in some nationwide parks

17. Eagle Walk (Tirol, Austria)

The Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) is Tirol’s signature long-distance path, with its route roughly tracing the form of an eagle in flight throughout the Austrian Alps. It’s a difficult alpine trek by way of limestone cliffs, inexperienced valleys, and postcard-worthy villages—basic Tyrolean magnificence.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~413 km (predominant path)
Elevation Gain: ~31,000 m whole
Stages: 24–33
Highlights: Karwendel mountains, Kaisergebirge, Innsbruck
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Alpine huts, inns in cities
Food/Water: Meals in huts, stream water, and a few city outlets
Budget: €50–85/day
Gear Musts: Map or app (path isn’t all the time marked clearly), headlamp, money for huts
Considerations: Some by way of ferrata-style sections—expertise with uncovered terrain is beneficial

18. Rila and Pirin Traverse (Bulgaria)

The Rila and Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria supply a few of the wildest and most visually putting alpine climbing in Europe. This traverse combines two separate ranges into one journey, showcasing glacial lakes, granite spires, and quiet trails with surprisingly few hikers.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~140 km
Elevation Gain: ~9,000 m whole
Stages: 8–10
Highlights: Seven Rila Lakes, Mount Vihren, Rila Monastery
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Low
Accommodation: Basic mountain huts, guesthouses in villages
Food/Water: Limited choices in huts—convey additional meals; streams typically secure with filter
Budget: €25–45/day
Gear Musts: Water filter, detailed offline maps, light-weight range for self-catering
Considerations: Trail markings may be light; navigation and adaptability are key

19. Via Dinarica (Western Balkans)

The Via Dinarica is a rugged, multi-country path system that traverses the limestone Dinaric Alps from Slovenia to Albania. The “White Trail” is the first and most mountainous route, main hikers by way of unspoiled terrain, distant peaks, and culturally wealthy mountain communities.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~1,260 km (White Trail)
Elevation Gain: ~40,000 m+ whole
Stages: 50+
Highlights: Prokletije Mountains, Sutjeska National Park, conventional hospitality
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Low (rising)
Accommodation: Guesthouses, mountain huts, wild tenting
Food/Water: Resupply in villages; carry a water filter
Budget: €25–50/day
Gear Musts: GPS, Balkan phrasebook or translation app, sturdy footwear
Considerations: Border crossings require planning; route-finding may be tough in distant zones

All the Balkan highlights you shouldn’t miss

20. Slovenian Mountain Trail (Slovenia)

The Slovenian Mountain Trail (SMT) is a steady red-and-white-blazed path linking the nation’s gorgeous alpine, karst, and forest landscapes. Starting in Maribor and ending on the Adriatic coast, it’s Slovenia’s satisfaction and a top-tier long-distance trek for the mountain lover.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~600 km
Elevation Gain: ~37,000 m whole
Stages: 30–40
Highlights: Triglav National Park, Julian Alps, Škocjan Caves
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain huts, some guesthouses
Food/Water: Hut meals and village shops; convey a purification methodology
Budget: €35–60/day
Gear Musts: Via ferrata gear (for Triglav), SMT path passport (non-compulsory), GPS or detailed map
Considerations: Hut reservations advisable; badge system accessible for completists

21. GR5 (Netherlands to Nice, France)

The GR5 is certainly one of Europe’s basic long-distance hikes, stretching from the flat lowlands of the Netherlands to the glimmering Mediterranean in Nice. This trans-European route is a dream for hikers wanting selection: farmland, forests, hills, and excessive alpine passes in a single journey. The Alpine phase (Lake Geneva to Nice) is probably the most demanding and spectacular.

Difficulty: Hard (Very Hard for full route)
Distance: ~2,300 km whole (~620 km for Alpine part)
Elevation Gain: ~60,000 m whole
Stages: 70–90 (approx. 20–30 for Alpine part)
Highlights: Lake Geneva, Vanoise National Park, Mercantour, Mediterranean arrival
When to Go: May–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping, gîtes, mountain huts, resorts
Food/Water: Frequent entry in cities; convey purification for alpine stretches
Budget: €40–80/day
Gear Musts: Good path runners or boots, light-weight layering, trekking poles
Considerations: Ideal in sections in the event you can’t decide to the complete thru-hike; Alpine half is the jewel

Best of Switzerland – Family-friendly version

22. GR20 (Corsica, France)

Often dubbed Europe’s hardest waymarked path, the GR20 slices by way of Corsica from north to south, staying largely excessive within the mountains. It’s a uncooked, rocky, breathtaking route, full of scrambles, ridgelines, and glacial lakes. Not for freshmen—however deeply rewarding for seasoned hikers.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~180 km
Elevation Gain: ~12,000 m whole
Stages: 15–16
Highlights: Aiguilles de Bavella, Cirque de la Solitude, alpine lakes
When to Go: Late June–early October
Popularity: High in summer time
Accommodation: Refuges, bergeries, some wild tenting spots
Food/Water: Available at refuges; carry additional for dry levels
Budget: €50–85/day
Gear Musts: Lightweight however sturdy pack, strong boots, gloves for scrambling
Considerations: Very rocky terrain; many bail resulting from harm or fatigue—prepare effectively beforehand

Guide to France for lovers of the good outside

23. Fjordruta (Norway)

The Fjordruta weaves by way of coastal fjords, birch forests, and craggy hills in central Norway. A well-kept secret, this path connects distant DNT cabins with panoramic sea-and-mountain views, excellent for solitude seekers and followers of the rugged North.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~190 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m whole
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Atlantic views, distant summits, cozy self-service cabins
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Very low
Accommodation: DNT cabins (membership advisable), wild tenting
Food/Water: Bring most provisions; water from streams
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: DNT key, waterproof gear, mosquito repellent, detailed maps
Considerations: Navigation may be tough; very remoted—plan meals drops or carry ample provides

Best hikes in Norway

24. E4 European Long Distance Path

The E4 is much less a single path and extra a pan-European journey—from the Atlantic coast in Spain to the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus. It hyperlinks an enormous array of trails and terrains, making it one of the vital formidable and diverse thru-hike experiences on the earth.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~10,500 km whole
Elevation Gain: ~120,000 m+ (varies)
Stages: 400+ (extraordinarily variable by nation)
Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Alps, Pindus Mountains, Crete’s gorges
When to Go: Segment-dependent (Alps: June–September; Crete: March–May or Sept–Oct)
Popularity: Very low for full route
Accommodation: Mixed—hostels, huts, wild tenting
Food/Water: Frequent in cities; purification wanted in distant stretches
Budget: €20–60/day
Gear Musts: Multi-season setup, passport, offline map
Considerations: Best performed in sections; full route calls for critical logistical planning

25. Via Alpina (Alps, multi-country)

The Via Alpina is a multi-route community by way of the Alps, with the “Red Trail” connecting Trieste to Monaco by way of eight nations. It’s the last word Alpine odyssey, taking within the full vary of Europe’s grandest mountains, from mild meadows to knife-edge ridgelines.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~5,000 km (Red Trail)
Elevation Gain: ~300,000 m whole
Stages: ~260
Highlights: Julian Alps, Dolomites, Mont Blanc, Ecrins, Maritime Alps
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Low (particularly for the complete route)
Accommodation: Mountain huts, pensions, guesthouses
Food/Water: Huts usually present meals and dependable streams with filtration
Budget: €50–90/day
Gear Musts: Alpine insurance coverage, hut reserving data, energy financial institution, sturdy pack
Considerations: Full route is a critical expedition; may be damaged into regional adventures

Let this checklist function your invitation to go gradual, tread calmly, and reconnect with the land, one step at a time. Lace up, set out, and let Europe’s historic footpaths information your journey.

Happy trails!

Short on time? Best day hikes in Europe is precisely what you want.