Noah Cooper
Not only does Europe offer some of the most captivating cities in the world, it also boasts an abundance of scenic eye-candy. From the icy climes of Scandinavia to the sultry waters of the Med, we reveal our top five walking trails in Europe.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Landmarks typically define a country. In the case of Croatia, however, it is a landscape that is a defining factor. Plitvice National Park is a harbinger of natural beauty and one of the main reasons visitors are lured to Croatia. Its turquoise lakes and tumbling waterfalls are truly breathtaking.
With 297-ish square-kilometres of lush forest filled with flora and fauna to explore, you can easily lose a day here. There are plenty of walking trails too – just follow the suspended boardwalks.
Romsdalseggen Ridge, Norway
Norway has to feature in a piece about the top five walking trails in Europe. You could argue that the top five are in Norway. The country is absolutely blessed with captivating walking trails!
It’s a tough choice but in the end we opted for Romsdalseggen Ridge, the poster boy of Norwegian Fjords. The locals also say this is the most aesthetically engaging point-to-point trek in Europe. Who are we to argue?
Another bonus with this walking trail is that Romsdalseggen Ridge has three different trails which are geared towards walkers of all levels. So everyone’s a winner. The toughest trail reaches a height of 960-meters and is pretty demanding…erm, apparently.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is arguably Europe’s most famous – and with good reason; it throws up one of the most visually engaging walking trails in Europe. With its sweeping vineyards, rocky bays and the quaint box houses dotted along the hilltops painting a myriad of colours, what’s not to like!
Italy’s most scenic coastline has around 40km (25mi) of walking trails. By all accounts, the ancient 10km Path of the Gods between Praiano and Positano is the most popular thanks to its abundance of Roman temples. However, there are other scintillating walking trails along the Amalfi coast so take your pick.
Meteora, Thessaly, Greece
If you want to be inspired, mesmerised and excited, head to Meteora in the mountain valleys of Thessaly. This unique valley is heaving with rock formations. That may not sound so unusual – but the 11th-Century monasteries that nest on top of the rocky outcrops are.
The red-tiled roofs of the Eastern Orthodox monasteries appear to be suspended in mid-air and provide stunning views of the surrounding sand-stoned cliffs – some of which are topped with a monastery. It’s bizarre. You have to see it to believe it.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Nature trails are a great way to entertain kids and the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is fun for all the family. With its diverse landscape and unique natural beauty, Iceland offer some of the most scenic walking trails in the world, never mind Europe.
Laugavegur Trail won our vote thanks to its constantly shifting landscape of technicoloured rocks, psychedelic greens and mesmerising lakes (or stunning glaciers depending on the time of year you visit). The trail is not too demanding either although it does take 4-6 days.
You’re reaching for your hiking boots right now right!
