These 23+ Best Day Hikes in Europe Await Your Adventurous Spirit
We can see why many adventure seekers love to day hike in Europe. Day hiking is short and flexible, making it a perfect activity to squeeze into a busy itinerary. But the range of terrains you can pick from is plenty and no less challenging than any other multi-day hike.
One day, you’re strolling the beautiful cobblestone streets of Germany or France; the next, you’re exploring majestic rock trails with breathtaking landscapes. Or, your itinerary can look like this - dipping in beaches near London before or after conquering the cool green rolling hills full of historical remains.
And it doesn’t stop there! The extensive and interconnected public transport networks around Europe also make day-hiking a breeze in the age-old nation. Just grab a train ticket (your trusted hiking backpacks, too) from whichever city you’re in and go!
Thrilled and excited? Here are the 23+ best day hike locations in Europe where you can travel in 1 day or less.
The Best Day Hikes In Southern Europe
- Cinque Terre, Italy
- Caminito Del Rey, Spain
- Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia
- Les Houches to Bellevue, France
- Samaria Gorge, Greece
- Corniche de l'Esterel, French Riviera
- Sentier du Littoral, French Riviera
The Best Day Hikes In Northern Europe and Scandinavia
- Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Norway
- Julma-Ölkky Hiking Trail, Hossa, Finland
- Sarek National Park, Sweden
- Besseggen Ridge, Norway
- Haukankierros, Finland
The Best Day Hikes in Eastern And Central Europe
- Rila Lakes Circuit, Bulgaria
- Morskie Oko, Tatra National Park, Poland
- Vintgar Gorge to Pokljuka Plateau, Slovenia
- Omu Peak, Bucegi Mountains, Romania
- The Great Balaton Trail, Hungary
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
- Eiger Trail, Switzerland
The Best Day Hike In The UK
- Scafell Pike, Lake District
- Ben Navis, Scotland
- Fairy Pools, Scotland
- Snowdon, Wales
- The Jurassic Coast, England
- Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland
The Best Day Hike Locations In Southern Europe
The southern side of Europe, with countries like Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, is home to some of the world’s most stunning trails. It’s hot. It’s coastal. And it’s stunning. These characteristics make this part of the nation a good late Spring or Autumn hiking destination.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Hike the trail that passes through five vibrant coastal villages. Photo by Leonid Andronov - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Vernazza or Riomaggiore (depending on your preference)
Difficulty: easy to moderate (with some steep ascending or descending parts)
Length: 7.5 kilometres
Spanning through not one but five enchanting coastal villages, this trail is going to give your nature-loving eyes a feast of rugged cliffs, crystal waters, and terraced vineyards. The trail is well-maintained with clear navigation and rest stops.
2. Caminito Del Rey, Spain
Caminito Del Rey is a height lover’s dream. Photo by Cleop6atra - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Ardales (one-way route)
Difficulty: moderate for most fit hikers (with some uneven surfaces)
Length: 7.7 kilometres
This world-famous trail takes you on a mesmerising journey along narrow paths built into the walls of the El Chorro gorge. Though steep, this trail has guardrails and a sturdy boardwalk, so you can safely enjoy the breathtaking views of the rock formations of the iconic gorge.
3. Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia
Ready to be amazed by the emerald lakes of Plitvice? Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash.
Starting point: Entrance 1 (north)
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 18 kilometres
See your dream nature trip come to life on this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage trail. With its stunning waterfalls, emerald lakes, and lush forest, this intricate trail offers a memorable adventure. The trail is well-marked and has panoramic viewpoints.
4. Les Houches to Bellevue, France
Enjoy the mighty Mont Blanc from a distance on this trail. Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized
Starting point: Les Houches village
Difficulty: moderate to hard (with some uphill sections and uneven surfaces)
Length: 7 kilometres
This trail is famous because it can give you a taste of the French Alps without having to actually walk the extremely challenging multi-day Mont Blanc hike. Passing through mellow meadows and forests with alpine flora, you can marvel at Mont Blanc and its surrounding peaks from afar.
5. Samaria Gorge, Greece
Take your time hiking on the Samaria Gorge trail. Photo by Adrien Antal on Unsplash.
Starting point: Xyloskalo
Difficulty: hard (not recommended as a 1-day hike for beginners)
Length: 16 kilometres
The allure of this challenging trail comes from its natural landscape - tranquil springs, bountiful fauna and flora, unique geological formations, and view of the White Mountains. Along the trail, you can also encounter historical remains of ancient settlements, like churches and houses. It’s definitely not a trail to be rushed.
6. Corniche de l'Esterel, French Riviera
The stunning stretches of red rocks disappear into the endless blue. Photo by OkFoto.it - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Difficulty: moderate to hard
Length: 13 kilometres
Follow the old Corniche road and be engulfed by the beauty of Esterel Massif, the volcanic mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This trail showcases the beautiful natural contrast between the red rock of Esterel Massif and the azure blue waters. Complimenting that picture is the green of the trail’s palm trees and cacti.
7. Sentier du Littoral, French Riviera
A secluded getaway in the Sentier du Littoral trail. Photo by ValerioMei on Adobe Stock.
Starting point: Cassis, Bandol or La Ciotat coastal town
Difficulty: easy to moderate depending on the length
Length: 25 kilometres
This renowned trail is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the French Riviera. There are plenty of hidden coves and secluded beaches to visit, one of which is the Calanque d'En-Vau, with sheer limestone cliffs and clear water. Twenty-two kilometres in, and you’ll see Monaco in the distance. You can either explore the magnificent streets of Monaco or hike uphill, where you’ll be able to see the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
The Best Day Hike Spots In Northern Europe and Scandinavia
The north of Europe experiences a temperate climate. It’s a magnet for enthusiastic walkers who love to hike in cooler weather. The region is also known for its fantastic fjords, vast forests and scenic mountains. The summer months (typically from May to September) are the best time to hike as daylight hours are longer and wildlife is more active.
8. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Norway
The view atop Pulpit Rock is nothing short of stunning. Photo by jana_janina - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: From Stavanger, take a bus ride to Preikestolen Fjellstue
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (accessible to a wide range of walkers, but might be a bit challenging for first-timers)
Length: 3.8 kilometres
Short but sweet is how we’d described this trail. This iconic path might look challenging at first glance, with its dramatic overlook, but once you’re walking on it, you will soon find it rewarding and uniquely tranquil. From the view of the Lysefjord below to lush forests, this rocky terrain makes for an unforgettable walk.
9. Julma-Ölkky Hiking Trail, Hossa, Finland
The tranquil scenery of Julma-Ölkky is hard to forget. Photo by Juho Luomala on Unsplash.
Starting point: Julma-Ölkky parking area
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 11 kilometres
If you’re a fan of secluded and tranquil hiking trails, this one should definitely be the new item on your day hiking checklist. The highlight of this rugged landscape is the Julma-Ölkky Canyon, the deepest one in Finland. Apart from that, you can also encounter magnificent wildlife creatures such as moose, reindeer and plenty of bird species. In the winter, you can ski or go snowshoeing in the area.
10. Sarek National Park, Sweden
The steep hills of Sarek National Park are for adventurous souls. Photo by Ville Palmu on Unsplash
Starting point: Rapadalen Valley
Difficulty: moderate to hard
Length: 15 kilometres
Its rugged terrain and isolated location are not for the faint of hearts. This trail is the best choice for daring walkers who love an adrenaline-pumping challenge that comes with mesmerising rewards. The forests are dense; hills are steep, and neighbouring peaks are looming threateningly in the background.
11. Besseggen Ridge, Norway
Nature’s masterpiece in front of your eyes on Besseggen Ridge. Photo by ajwk - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Gjendesheim
Difficulty: Hard (hiking with children is not recommended)
Length: 14 kilometres
This trail is perfectly nestled between two lakes, the green Gjende and the blue Bessvatnet. It’s one of Norway’s most beloved paths, so you can expect to meet a lot of like-minded globetrotters along the way. Take the ferry ride from Gjende to Memurubu, then ascend the ridge from there.
12. Haukankierros, Finland
Lose yourself in the beauty of Finland’s finest natural beauty. Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized
Starting point: Haukkalammen parking area
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.9 kilometres
Located in the heart of Nuuksio National Park, this scenic trail leads you through a breathtaking area filled with sparkling lakes and granite cliffs. You can take breaks, unbuckle your gear and enjoy your lunch in the serene wilderness of Finland. There are also plenty of other activities to do around Nuuksio to fill your itinerary, such as camping and visiting an exhibition.
The Best Day Hike Trips in Eastern And Central Europe
Eastern Europe boasts a diverse range of landscapes, such as glacial lakes, alpine meadows and impressive peaks. Trails also take you through historical monuments that reveal layers and layers of mesmerising bygone eras.
Compared to other popular destinations in Central or Southern Europe, Eastern Europe is less crowded during tourist season and more affordable. The ideal time to hike in Eastern Europe is from June to September, when the days are warmer and longer.
13. Rila Lakes Circuit, Bulgaria
Every step on this circuit reveals a new natural gem. Photo by George Ivanov on Unsplash
Starting point: Panichishte resort
Difficulty: moderate to hard (due to some steep sections)
Length: 15 kilometres
Start early in the morning, so you can have extra time walking through a series of 7 glacial lakes and dense forests. As you go higher up, the scenery gets more dramatic. You can feel your breath taken away as you reach the highest point, the Urdini Lakes Hut. There are plenty of rest stops with benches and tables perfect for a picnic lunch. You can also take a boat ride. But be careful, the water is quite cold in the summer.
14. Morskie Oko, Tatra National Park, Poland
A breathtaking escape into Poland's wilderness. Photo by Grigory Bruev - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: Palenica Białczańska village
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Length: 15 kilometres
Located in Tatra National Park, this trail is one of the many beautiful 1-day hiking trails you can experience in the area. Even though there are some steep sections, Morskie Oko is suitable for a wide range of walkers, from beginner to expert. The highlight of the trail is the stunning Morskie Oko Lake with crystal-clear water. There are some cute restaurants and cafes near the lake to refresh after a long journey.
15. Vintgar Gorge to Pokljuka Plateau, Slovenia
A trail that leads to nature’s most cherished treasures. Photo by GarkushaArt - stock.adobe.com
Starting point: entrance near Vintgar Gorge (northwest of Lake Bled)
Difficulty: easy to moderate (some uphill sections in Pokljuka Plateau)
Length: 17 kilometres
This is one of the most popular hikes in Triglav National Park and of the best day hikes in Europe. It’s an exciting combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as wildlife spotting. After enjoying the dream-like waterfalls in Vintgar Gorge, make your way towards Pokljuka Plateau, where pristine nature and traditional alpine architecture await. At the end of your journey, sit back and relax with some delicious local dishes, such as strudels and sausages in cosy mountain huts.
16. Omu Peak, Bucegi Mountains, Romania
A perfect harmony sung by the rocks of one of Romania’s most stunning peaks. Photo by Cristi on Adobe Stock.
Starting point: Pestera village or Busteni town
Difficulty: moderate to hard
Length: 13 kilometres
Along the trail, you can pass through picturesque landscapes, such as the Babele and the Sphinx rock formations, that will leave you wanting more. Take your journey slow and steady so you don’t scare away the beautiful species of native birds - one of the highlights of the trail. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the view of the Carpathian Range and Bucharest. There’s also an i