Hiking Tours Europe: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Boasting 10 different mountain ranges and more than 100 subranges, Europe is certainly a special continent for hikers. With trips of all different lengths and difficulty levels, there is the perfect option on this little continent for everyone.

Among the most popular are the GR20 on the French island territory of Corsica. This classic trek runs diagonally through the island from the northwest to the southeast and provides incredible views of the rugged interior and pristine seashore. For physically fit hikers, it is the perfect way to spend a week-long holiday.

Farther north, but still in France, the Tour du Mont Blanc is another week-long hiking classic that takes participants around the base of the iconic peak. Passing through Italy and Switzerland as well, this hiking tour provides incredible views of the Alps, great opportunities to meet local people and try local food and drink and unforgettable memories.

Stunning scenery

Every corner of the European continent is brimming with intense beauties. From near-alien volcanic landscapes in Iceland to the immaculate beauty of Corsica’s seaside cliffs, there is something special to discover. Getting out on foot is the best way to see nature in all of its glory!

Plenty of diversity

In spite of its small size, Europe boasts a lot of different scenery. From hiking through verdant valleys past snow-capped peaks in the Alps to exploring the rainforest of Tenerife on foot, there are plenty of different climatic zones to explore. Heading to Norway or Iceland at the start or end of the season is a great way to try out glacier hiking as well, another type of adventure altogether.

Come for the culture

Heading out on a hiking adventure is also the perfect way to explore the rich cultural diversity of Europe. Hiking through small mountain villages provides a peek of a more traditional and less globalised way of life. Hiking with a local guide will provide some insight into where you are heading and help you connect with new people and experiencing something different.

During the summer, Europe is generally warm and humid. The whole continent tends to experience temperatures in the mid-20s and above. Rain is quite frequent in the north, but less so in the south.

April to October. In the Mediterranean basin, many guides offer trips year-round.In Scandinavia, the hiking season is only during the summer months.

Some of the best hiking tours in Europe include classic alpine routes in the Swiss Alps, scenic trekking tours in the Dolomites, and coastal hiking holidays in Portugal. Popular multi-day routes such as the Alta Via 1 and the GR20 are considered among the best hiking trips in Europe for experienced hikers. The right choice depends on your fitness level, preferred scenery, and whether you want a guided hiking tour or a self-paced itinerary.

Yes — guided hiking tours in Europe are ideal if you want local expertise, safety, and logistical support. Certified mountain guides provide route planning, weather monitoring, cultural insights, and risk management, especially in alpine or remote regions. Guided backpacking trips in Europe are particularly valuable in areas like the Pyrenees or the Balkans, where navigation and terrain can be more demanding.

You can choose from:

Whether you're looking for leisurely walking holidays or demanding mountain trekking tours in Europe, there’s an option for every skill level.

The best time for hiking tours in Europe generally runs from June to September in alpine regions like the French Alps and Italian Alps. Southern Europe — including Spain and Greece — offers excellent spring and autumn hiking conditions. Northern destinations such as Sweden and Finland are best from July to early September.

Choosing the right season depends on your chosen destination and the type of guided hiking trip in Europe you plan to book.

Yes. Many group hiking trips in Europe are designed for beginners and intermediate hikers. Popular beginner-friendly destinations include the Lake District and the Bavarian Alps. Guides adapt the pace and daily distance to match the group’s experience level, making guided hiking tours in Europe accessible to a wide range of travelers.