The 5 Best Hiking Trails in Europe in 2026: Where to Go for Incredible Views?

Europe has named the 5 best hiking trails with incredible views—from the Alps to the Italian coast. Find out which trails made the list, when is the best time to go hiking, and which option is right for you

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

Hiking in Europe continues to gain popularity among travelers who want to combine active recreation with memorable experiences in nature. From Alpine passes and volcanic slopes to Mediterranean trails and lakeside routes—Europe offers plenty of locations where every step reveals a new landscape. This is exactly the kind of selection prepared by experts at the insurance company InsureandGo.

The list includes five routes that stand out not only for their beauty but also for their varying levels of difficulty—from easy walks to multi-day hikes.

Tour du Mont Blanc: one of Europe’s most famous routes

The Tour du Mont Blanc route passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Its total length is about 170 km, and completing the entire route usually takes between seven and eleven days.

This is one of the most famous long-distance hiking routes in Europe. During the journey, travelers experience three distinct cultures, their traditions, cuisine, and mountain landscapes. At the same time, it is not necessary to complete the entire route: many travelers opt for shorter sections, using lifts, buses, or nearby villages as starting points.

It is this flexibility that makes the route more accessible to those who want to see the Alps without a multi-day hike. The scenery here changes constantly: one day it’s alpine meadows with wildflowers, the next—high mountain passes with panoramic views of glaciers.

Best season: June – September.

Mount Pico: A Volcanic Hike in the Azores

The second route in this selection is the ascent of Mount Pico in the Azores, Portugal. It is about 8 km long and typically takes 7–9 hours to complete.

This is a moderately difficult route leading to Portugal’s highest mountain. The trail starts at the Casa da Montanha visitor center and gradually climbs upward through dark volcanic cliffs. Despite some challenging sections, the route is well-marked and accessible to most hikers in good physical shape.

As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly spectacular: lava fields, the ocean, and the silhouettes of neighboring islands create a truly unique panorama. On a clear day, you can see Faial and São Jorge from here. And the summit itself gives the feeling that you are standing above the entire archipelago.

Best season: May – October.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

A walk along the Five Lakes in Switzerland: a route with views of the Matterhorn

This route runs near Zermatt in Switzerland. It is 11.3 km long and takes about 3–4 hours to complete.

The Five Lakes Walk is considered one of the most interesting short routes in the Swiss Alps. The trail connects five alpine lakes—Stellisee, Grindgisee, Grunsee, Moosgisee, and Leisee.

Each offers a different perspective on the surrounding peaks, and on calm days, some lakes reflect the Matterhorn—one of Europe’s most famous mountains.

Despite the stunning scenery, the route is considered relatively easy. It gently winds down through alpine meadows, rocky trails, and viewing platforms. Many hikers start the trail after taking the Sunnegga funicular or the Blauherd cable car, which makes the route even easier.

Along the way, you can see sheep, wildflowers, and traditional Alpine restaurants. This is a great option for those who want to experience the Alps without a strenuous hike.

Best time to visit: June – September.

The Blue Trail in Cinque Terre: Italy’s Best Coastal Views

The Sentiero Azzurro trail in Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park is about 12 km long. You can hike it in a single day or break it up into several shorter sections with overnight stays in local villages.

This famous coastal trail connects the five villages of Cinque Terre—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It runs along the cliffs and offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, with vineyards rising in terraces just above the shore.

Each village along the route has its own unique character. In Vernazza, you can walk past fishing boats; in Manarola, get lost among the narrow streets; and above Corniglia, stop at peaceful overlooks. Along the way, there are many cafes and small restaurants where you can enjoy seafood, focaccia, or local wine.

This is a route that combines beautiful coastal scenery with a very relaxed, unhurried pace of travel.

Best season: March – May, September – October.

Plitvice Lakes: an easy route among waterfalls and turquoise lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is another route in this selection that’s suitable for a wide range of travelers. Its length varies from 8 to 18 km depending on the chosen path.

This is an easy route that can be completed in half a day or stretched out over a full day. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its chain of turquoise lakes and numerous cascading waterfalls, connected by wooden walkways and comfortable hiking trails.

Unlike most mountain trails, the paths here are gentle and easy to navigate. Hikers move through dense forest, along wooden walkways over crystal-clear water, and encounter new waterfalls at every turn. The color of the lakes shifts with the light—from deep blue to vivid emerald.

Swimming in the park is prohibited, which helps preserve the fragile ecosystem. At the same time, it is precisely this silence, the sound of the water, and the sense of orderly nature that make the route one of the most pleasant in Europe.

Best season: April – October.

What to consider before going hiking abroad?

Hiking trails in Europe differ not only in their beauty but also in their physical fitness requirements, planning, and logistics. While short walks like those at Plitvice Lakes are accessible to almost everyone, climbing a peak or undertaking the multi-day Tour du Mont Blanc requires more serious preparation.

Before your trip, it’s worth planning your route, season, transportation, and documents in advance. You should also arrange travel insurance for your trip abroad—Ukrainians can purchase it online through Visit Ukraine. This is a fundamental element of safe travel, especially when it comes to active recreation in the mountains or remote natural locations.

We remind you! April is the perfect time to travel: there aren’t many tourists yet, and in some countries, it’s already feeling like summer. If you don’t want to wait until June, there are destinations where temperatures are already reaching 30°C. Read more about the best places for a warm vacation this spring.

Photo: alexbrod89 / Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.