EUROPE'S MOST EPIC HIKING TRAILS

Thrilling heights, breathtaking scenery, challenging landscapes—the world’s best hiking trails have something for everyone. And there’s no better collection of trails than those that wend their way through Europe, tracing nearly every type of terrain imaginable, from the fjords of Scandinavia to the peaks of the Alps. While many trails on the Continent are worthy of considerations, this list contains only the most iconic, dramatic, and beautiful hikes. None of these routes are necessarily easy to tackle, but the challenge is part of the fun.

BERNESE OVERLAND TRAILS

Where: Switzerland

Length: varies

A network of seemingly infinite trails in the Bernese Oberland (Bernese Highlands) area of Switzerland, these pastoral paths are some of Europe's most lauded. The trails traverse the vibrant green foothills of the Swiss Alps, encircling the stark granite peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Expect to see waterfalls, glacier-carved mountains, wildflower meadows, and what very well may be the happiest and handsomest cows on earth. Hikers base out of one of the region's idyllic alpine villages, like Mürren and Grindelwald, and do a series of day hikes, or link the trails together for multi-day expeditions.

Insider Tip: The DIY options for hiking in the Bernese Oberland are endless, and considering that hiking is a national pastime in Switzerland, any local makes an excellent resource. If you're looking for more structure, or a guide, try one of trekking specialist Ryder-Walker's multi-day itineraries.

ALTA VIA 1 (DOLOMITE HIGH ROUTE)

Where: Italy

Length: 93 miles

Weaving through the dramatic Dolomites mountain range, Alta Via 1 is like a "greatest hits" nature tour of northeastern Italy. The rugged trail guides hikers from high-altitude World War I battlefields to towering limestone cliffs, past pristine alpine lakes, vast meadows, and craggy 10,000-foot peaks. The Dolomites may not be the tallest or the most famous mountains in Western Europe, but they are widely considered the most charismatic for their unique geology and photogenic rock formations, and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alta Via 1 is a backpacker's dreams, lined withrifugios, or huts, that provide home-cooked meals and a clean bed.

Insider Tip: This hike is best done July through September, when the route is free of snow. If possible, avoid August, the Italian summer holiday month, when the path is the most crowded. Dolomite Mountains, a reputable local tour outfitter, can assist withrifugio recommendations and reservations.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Where: France

Length: 105 miles

Mount Blanc, the highest mountain in the European Union, has long lured adventurers, not only to its summit, but also to its magnificent valleys that extend into France, Switzerland, and Italy. In that spirit, the Tour du Mont Blanc trail circumnavigates the 15,781-foot massif, crossing through all three countries en route. The trail typically begins and ends in Chamonix, France, and passes through several picturesque alpine villages including Courmayeur, Italy. No camping required—stay in accommodations ranging from high-end resorts to dormitory-style hostels along the way.

Insider Tip: The standard route has many variations, depending on your fitness level and sightseeing interests. Consultautourdumontblanc.com to plan your trip.

LAUGAVEGURINN

Where: Iceland

Length: 34 miles

The name translates as the "Hot Spring Route," but Laugavegurinn is so much more. Expansive glaciers, active volcanoes, emerald green valleys, and technicolor mountains are also in play along Iceland's most storied footpath. In fact, the diverse landscape seems to drastically change every few miles, part of the remote island's fairytale appeal. Six huts en route make camping easy, and backpacking highly efficient.

Insider Tip: This trail is also referred to as Laugavegur, named after the main artery in the capital city of Reykjavik—a local joke regarding the popularity of the trail. Rest assured that the Icelandic perception of heavy traffic does not necessarily reflect reality.

EL CAMINO DEL REY

Where: Spain

Length: 472 miles

Originally an ancient Roman trade route, and later, a Christian pilgrimage, El Camino del Rey is Spain's most famous long-distance hiking trail. There are several starting points, but the end is always Santiago de Compostela, a cathedral in northern Spain believed to hold the remains of St. James. The most scenic route, dubbed The French Way, begins in France, at the river town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port located five miles from the Spanish border, and crosses through the mighty Pyrenees into the hilly Galician countryside. With ample accommodations, villages, and restaurants en route, hikers don't need to bring much more than a daypack.

Inside Tip: For an abbreviated version, follow The English Way, named for pilgrims arriving to Spain by ship from England. Start at the seaport town of A Coruña and hike 45 miles south to the cathedral.