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

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

Long-distance hiking is on the rise, and for good reason. In a world that moves faster than ever, more of us are learning to slow down and savor the journey. And what better way to do that than by walking across Europe’s wild trails, coastlines, and mountain passes?

Whether you’re planning a month-long alpine traverse or a gentle coastal ramble, this guide curates 25 of the continent’s best long-distance hikes, sorted by difficulty, starting easy and ramping up to the real toughies. You’ll find essential details on each trail, including highlights, distance, elevation, stages, timing, popularity, budget expectations, key gear, and tips on sleeping, eating, and staying safe (but not too safe—you’ll want room for some good old spontaneity).

Before we dive into the list, here are some timeless tips:

Choose the right season: Some trails are only passable in summer; others shine in spring or fall. Timing is everything.
Train before you go: Ease into it. Get your body used to daily walking with weight.
Plan, but leave space: Sketch your stages, but let weather, terrain, or a charming mountain hut nudge you off-plan.
Go light: Your knees will thank you. If hiking in Winter, make sure you have enough (the right) clothes to keep you warm.
Sleep smart: Research if wild camping is allowed. Otherwise, know your refuges, hostels, or guesthouses.
Eat local: Many trails pass through villages—enjoy the local fare and support small economies.
Stay flexible: Always have a plan B, especially for mountain weather. But don’t let fear box you in—freedom is part of the magic.

1. Camino de Santiago (Spain)

The Camino de Santiago is more than a hike — it’s a cultural and spiritual journey that’s been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years. While there are many routes, the most popular is the Camino Francés, which winds across northern Spain through charming villages, vineyards, and centuries-old cathedrals.

It’s an ideal trail for first-time long-distance hikers and those craving community, history, and daily comforts.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~780 km (Camino Francés)
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m total
Stages: 30–35
Highlights: Santiago Cathedral, historic towns like León and Burgos, social atmosphere
When to Go: April–June, September–October
Popularity: Very High
Accommodation: Albergues (pilgrim hostels), guesthouses, hotels
Food/Water: Easy access in towns; fountains along the way
Budget: €25–50/day
Gear Musts: Pilgrim passport (credencial), blister care, lightweight pack
Considerations: No need to carry food or tent; very sociable route; summer can be crowded and hot

From Fisterra to Muxia: A post-camino adventure

2. GR21 (Normandy, France)

The GR21 is a stunning coastal route tracing the alabaster cliffs of Normandy’s Côte d’Albâtre. Perfect for sea lovers and photography buffs, this trail serves up dramatic chalk cliffs, fishing villages, and maritime history. It’s a gentle walk that still rewards with spectacular scenery, making it ideal for hikers seeking a shorter and more relaxed escape.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~180 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 m total
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, camera, coastal map
Considerations: Mild weather but can be windy and wet; good for slow travel and short getaways

3. Rota Vicentina (Portugal)

Running along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, the Rota Vicentina offers two intertwined paths: the Historical Way through rural hinterlands and the Fishermen’s Trail hugging dramatic sea cliffs. With rugged beaches, sleepy villages, and fresh seafood around every bend, it’s a sensory-rich hike that blends nature and culture with relative ease.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~230 km (Fishermen’s + Historical combined)
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 m total
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Clifftop paths, secluded beaches, traditional Portuguese towns
When to Go: March–June, September–November
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, small hotels, farm stays
Food/Water: Easy access in villages; some longer dry sections
Budget: €35–65/day
Gear Musts: Sun protection, GPS app (some trails unmarked), sandals for river crossings
Considerations: Summer heat can be brutal; wild camping is restricted; popular among independent travelers

4. Hebridean Way (Scotland)

The Hebridean Way traverses the Outer Hebrides — a chain of windswept Scottish islands where nature reigns supreme. Expect white sand beaches, peat moors, standing stones, and a raw sense of remoteness. The terrain is generally flat but exposed, with ever-changing Atlantic weather and few towns between sections.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~250 km
Elevation Gain: ~2,500 m total
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Harris beaches, ancient ruins, Gaelic culture, wildlife
When to Go: May–September
Popularity: Low
Accommodation: B&Bs, hostels, campsites
Food/Water: Limited shops; plan ahead or arrange food drops
Budget: €40–70/day
Gear Musts: Waterproof boots, midge net, layered clothing
Considerations: Exposed to weather; ferries between islands must be timed; wild camping allowed

Wild camping in Britain

5. West Highland Way (Scotland)

Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail, the West Highland Way runs from just outside Glasgow to Fort William, gateway to Ben Nevis. The route passes lochs, glens, and moorlands, delivering iconic Scottish landscapes and a friendly infrastructure. While not technically difficult, some stages are long and remote, so good planning helps.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~154 km
Elevation Gain: ~3,200 m total
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 towns; refillable water from streams
Budget: €40–80/day
Gear Musts: Waterproofs, gaiters (mud!), trekking poles
Considerations: Book in advance during peak months; midges can be fierce in summer

Hiking in Scotland: 13 Beautiful walks

6. Via Francigena (England to Rome)

The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route tracing the journey of Archbishop Sigeric in the 10th century. From Canterbury to Rome, it meanders through rural France, the Swiss Alps, and the heart of Italy.

Less crowded than the Camino, it offers deep cultural immersion, shifting landscapes, top cuisine, and the chance to step back in time.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~2,000 km
Elevation Gain: ~20,000 m total
Stages: 90–100
Highlights: Canterbury Cathedral, Great St. Bernard Pass, Tuscan countryside, Rome
When to Go: April–June, September–October
Popularity: Moderate (increasing)
Accommodation: Pilgrim hostels, B&Bs, monasteries
Food/Water: Frequent towns; affordable local fare
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: Pilgrim passport, sun hat, multilingual phrasebook
Considerations: Crossing the Alps is the most challenging part; the Italian section is best maintained and marked

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

The Alpe-Adria Trail starts below Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, and winds its way south to the Adriatic coast. A celebration of central European nature and culture, it offers a mellow mix of mountains, lakes, and vineyards, without extreme elevation or technical terrain.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~750 km
Elevation Gain: ~23,000 m total
Stages: 37
Highlights: Hohe Tauern National Park, Soča Valley, Friulian wine country
When to Go: May–October
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Inns, guesthouses, B&Bs
Food/Water: Readily available; local specialties are a highlight
Budget: €40–75/day
Gear Musts: Comfortable footwear, rain gear, lightweight layers
Considerations: Great for food and wine lovers; accessible by train to many points along the way

8. Kungsleden (Sweden)

Sweden’s “King’s Trail” is one of Scandinavia’s most iconic hikes, cutting through Lapland’s untouched wilderness. From birch forests and tundra to glacier-fed rivers and the occasional reindeer herd, it’s a serene and remote escape. The northern section (Abisko to Nikkaluokta) is the most popular.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~440 km
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 m total
Stages: 20–25 (or 5–7 for northern section)
Highlights: Abisko National Park, Kebnekaise massif, Sami culture
When to Go: Late June–early September
Popularity: Moderate to high in summer
Accommodation: STF huts, wild camping
Food/Water: Huts sell basic food; water from streams
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: Mosquito net, waterproof boots, stove (if camping)
Considerations: Midnight sun in June–July; snow can linger into July; some river crossings may be tricky

9. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)

Short but powerful, the Laugavegur Trail takes you through a jaw-dropping mosaic of geothermal wonders, black deserts, colorful rhyolite mountains, and ice-capped volcanoes. It’s a geological fantasy that can be hiked in less than a week, but weather conditions make it a real adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~55 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m total
Stages: 4–5
Highlights: Landmannalaugar hot springs, Þórsmörk valley, volcanic landscapes
When to Go: July–mid-September
Popularity: High
Accommodation: Mountain huts, campsites
Food/Water: No food available on trail; bring all supplies; stream water
Budget: €50–90/day
Gear Musts: Four-season gear, stove, GPS (weather can be disorienting)
Considerations: Rivers often unbridged; huts book up fast; weather can change hourly

10. Camí de Cavalls (Menorca, Spain)

Encircling the island of Menorca, the Camí de Cavalls is a coastal path originally built for defense. Now fully restored, it offers turquoise coves, pine forests, and archaeological sites. It’s a sunny, salty adventure that’s more of a long beach walk than a mountain trek — and can be split into day hikes easily.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: ~185 km
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 m total
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 every few stages; beach bars in high season
Budget: €45–80/day
Gear Musts: Sun hat, sandals for beaches, snorkeling mask
Considerations: Hot in midsummer; some rocky sections; excellent for combining hiking with sea swims

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

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most iconic alpine loops in the world, circling the Mont Blanc massif through three countries. It’s an unforgettable journey through high mountain passes, meadows, glaciers, and charming alpine villages. A perfect mix of natural drama and creature comforts.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Distance: ~170 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m total
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 high
Accommodation: Mountain huts, small hotels, campgrounds
Food/Water: Frequent huts, inns, water from fountains or streams
Budget: €60–100/day
Gear Musts: Trekking poles, blister kit, passport (border crossings)
Considerations: Book early; counter-clockwise is standard; options to shorten via buses or cable cars

12. Alta Via 1 (Italy)

Alta Via 1 is the Dolomites’ classic long-distance trail, running north to south through limestone peaks and rugged alpine beauty. It’s a hut-to-hut route with a strong hiking infrastructure, but it still demands stamina and surefootedness due to daily elevation gains and rocky paths.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~120 km
Elevation Gain: ~7,500 m total
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 offer meals; limited water on trail — fill up when possible
Budget: €60–100/day
Gear Musts: Lightweight alpine gear, headlamp, cash for huts
Considerations: Some sections can be slippery or exposed; book huts in advance in peak season

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

The Peaks of the Balkans loop is a remote and culturally rich trail through the Accursed Mountains. You’ll pass traditional shepherd settlements, glacial valleys, and untouched villages as you traverse three countries in one of Europe’s last wilderness frontiers.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~190 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m total
Stages: 10–12
Highlights: Valbona Pass, Theth, local hospitality
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, homestays
Food/Water: Meals provided at accommodations; spring water available
Budget: €30–50/day
Gear Musts: GPS or app (trails can be vague), passport for border crossings, cash
Considerations: Must register for border permits; often done with a guide, but doable self-supported with prep

14. GR11 (Spanish Pyrenees)

Running the full length of the Spanish Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the GR11 is a true mountain adventure. It’s challenging, remote in parts, and offers unparalleled access to the heart of this jagged and culturally rich range.

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

The Pyrenees and Northern Spain by van

15. E5 (Germany to Italy via the Alps)

The E5 trail from Oberstdorf (Germany) to Verona (Italy) is a classic alpine crossing that distills the best of the Alps into a week or two. It moves from green valleys to icy peaks and eventually into Italy’s sun-baked foothills, ideal for trekkers seeking a challenge without technical climbing.

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

16. Tatra Mountains Trail (Poland/Slovakia)

The Tatra Mountains Trail winds through the highest and most rugged peaks of the Carpathians, straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia. This hike is short but mighty, packed with alpine lakes, jagged ridges, and panoramic summits. A compact mountain adventure for those with limited time but solid legs.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~75 km
Elevation Gain: ~5,500 m total
Stages: 5–7
Highlights: Morskie Oko, Rysy (the highest peak in Poland), Slovak High Tatras
When to Go: July–September
Popularity: Moderate to high in peak season
Accommodation: Mountain huts (schroniskos) and guesthouses
Food/Water: Huts provide food; carry a water filter for streams
Budget: €30–50/day
Gear Musts: Trekking poles, waterproofs, ID/passport (cross-border hiking)
Considerations: Sudden weather changes are common; permits may be required in some national parks

17. Eagle Walk (Tirol, Austria)

The Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) is Tirol’s signature long-distance trail, with its route roughly tracing the shape of an eagle in flight across the Austrian Alps. It’s a challenging alpine trek through limestone cliffs, green valleys, and postcard-worthy villages—classic Tyrolean beauty.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~413 km (main trail)
Elevation Gain: ~31,000 m total
Stages: 24–33
Highlights: Karwendel mountains, Kaisergebirge, Innsbruck
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Moderate
Accommodation: Alpine huts, inns in towns
Food/Water: Meals in huts, stream water, and some town shops
Budget: €50–85/day
Gear Musts: Map or app (trail isn’t always marked clearly), headlamp, cash for huts
Considerations: Some via ferrata-style sections—experience with exposed terrain is useful

18. Rila and Pirin Traverse (Bulgaria)

The Rila and Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria offer some of the wildest and most visually striking alpine hiking in Europe. This traverse combines two separate ranges into one adventure, showcasing glacial lakes, granite spires, and quiet trails with surprisingly few hikers.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: ~140 km
Elevation Gain: ~9,000 m total
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 options in huts—bring extra food; streams generally safe with filter
Budget: €25–45/day
Gear Musts: Water filter, detailed offline maps, lightweight stove for self-catering
Considerations: Trail markings can be faded; navigation and flexibility are key

19. Via Dinarica (Western Balkans)

The Via Dinarica is a rugged, multi-country trail system that traverses the limestone Dinaric Alps from Slovenia to Albania. The “White Trail” is the primary and most mountainous route, leading hikers through unspoiled terrain, remote peaks, and culturally rich mountain communities.

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

All the Balkan highlights you shouldn’t miss

20. Slovenian Mountain Trail (Slovenia)

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

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~600 km
Elevation Gain: ~37,000 m total
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 stores; bring a purification method
Budget: €35–60/day
Gear Musts: Via ferrata gear (for Triglav), SMT trail passport (optional), GPS or detailed map
Considerations: Hut reservations recommended; badge system available for completists

21. GR5 (Netherlands to Nice, France)

The GR5 is one of Europe’s classic 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 variety: farmland, forests, hills, and high alpine passes in one journey. The Alpine segment (Lake Geneva to Nice) is the most demanding and spectacular.

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

Best of Switzerland – Family-friendly edition

22. GR20 (Corsica, France)

Often dubbed Europe’s toughest waymarked trail, the GR20 slices through Corsica from north to south, staying mostly high in the mountains. It’s a raw, rocky, breathtaking route, packed with scrambles, ridgelines, and glacial lakes. Not for beginners—but deeply rewarding for seasoned hikers.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~180 km
Elevation Gain: ~12,000 m total
Stages: 15–16
Highlights: Aiguilles de Bavella, Cirque de la Solitude, alpine lakes
When to Go: Late June–early October
Popularity: High in summer
Accommodation: Refuges, bergeries, some wild camping spots
Food/Water: Available at refuges; carry extra for dry stages
Budget: €50–85/day
Gear Musts: Lightweight but durable pack, solid boots, gloves for scrambling
Considerations: Very rocky terrain; many bail due to injury or fatigue—train well beforehand

Guide to France for lovers of the great outdoors

23. Fjordruta (Norway)

The Fjordruta weaves through coastal fjords, birch forests, and craggy hills in central Norway. A well-kept secret, this trail connects remote DNT cabins with panoramic sea-and-mountain views, perfect for solitude seekers and fans of the rugged North.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~190 km
Elevation Gain: ~10,000 m total
Stages: 10–14
Highlights: Atlantic views, remote summits, cozy self-service cabins
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Very low
Accommodation: DNT cabins (membership recommended), wild camping
Food/Water: Bring most provisions; water from streams
Budget: €30–60/day
Gear Musts: DNT key, waterproof gear, mosquito repellent, detailed maps
Considerations: Navigation can be tricky; very isolated—plan food drops or carry sufficient supplies

Best hikes in Norway

24. E4 European Long Distance Path

The E4 is less a single trail and more a pan-European journey—from the Atlantic coast in Spain to the Mediterranean shores of Cyprus. It links a vast array of trails and terrains, making it one of the most ambitious and varied thru-hike experiences in the world.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~10,500 km total
Elevation Gain: ~120,000 m+ (varies)
Stages: 400+ (extremely variable by country)
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 camping
Food/Water: Frequent in towns; purification needed in remote stretches
Budget: €20–60/day
Gear Musts: Multi-season setup, passport, offline map
Considerations: Best done in sections; full route demands serious logistical planning

25. Via Alpina (Alps, multi-country)

The Via Alpina is a multi-route network through the Alps, with the “Red Trail” connecting Trieste to Monaco through eight countries. It’s the ultimate Alpine odyssey, taking in the full range of Europe’s grandest mountains, from gentle meadows to knife-edge ridgelines.

Difficulty: Very Hard
Distance: ~5,000 km (Red Trail)
Elevation Gain: ~300,000 m total
Stages: ~260
Highlights: Julian Alps, Dolomites, Mont Blanc, Ecrins, Maritime Alps
When to Go: June–September
Popularity: Low (especially for the full route)
Accommodation: Mountain huts, pensions, guesthouses
Food/Water: Huts typically provide food and reliable streams with filtration
Budget: €50–90/day
Gear Musts: Alpine insurance, hut booking info, power bank, sturdy pack
Considerations: Full route is a serious expedition; can be broken into regional adventures

Let this list serve as your invitation to go slow, tread lightly, and reconnect with the land, one step at a time. Lace up, set out, and let Europe’s ancient footpaths guide your journey.

Happy trails!

Short on time? Best day hikes in Europe is exactly what you need.