The most stunning walking routes in Europe
Are you crazy about hiking and want to discover more hiking trails? We've rounded up some of the best trekking paths with the most incredible views in Europe. Check out these five trails for some inspiration for your next trip.
England
The wall that used to separate England and Scotland are of immense historical value and quintessential beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall is 135 kilometres and encompasses a variety of trails that you can choose to take, such as the Chesters trail or the Housesteads trail. Trekking through both trails will give you some of the best views of Britain's countryside.
Madeira
Levadas are ancient irrigation routes that run across Madeira Island. These routes are full of lush greenery and beautiful blooming flowers. Several Levada routes that are worthwhile, such as the Levada das 25 fontes, which takes you past incredible waterfalls and fairytale forests. The Levada do Moinho is another stunning trail, studded with water mills and gorgeous trees. Want to know more about travelling in Portugal? Check out our Portugal Travel Guide.
Iceland
Hiking in Iceland is a bit more extreme than in other places in Europe. There are multiple paths and hiking trails to choose from. You could join a multi-day Laugavegur hike; a 55 kilometre trek which usually takes four to five days. It is one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe, and for a good reason. The hike will take your breath away as you pass glaciers, high mountains and other natural wonders that offer spectacular views. However, if you'd rather not be on the road for that long, there are other shorter hiking trails, for example, to Glymur that takes around three to four hours. Iceland is also a popular destination for glacier hiking.
Corsica
The charming island of Corsica, France has sharp cliffs and alluring views. There are plenty of gorgeous hiking routes along the coast, such as the trail from Pozzo to the viewpoint on Monte Stello, which will take you around 6.5 hours. If you plan to hike here on a hot day, make sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water with you. Other than this route, the area around the town of Calvi is also very suitable for hikers of all levels of expertise. For more hiking trails and treasures in France, read our France Travel Guide.
Albania
Albania is less known as a hiking destination, but has beautiful, unspoilt nature to walk through. The Valbona valley is unbelievably gorgeous, with breathtaking mountain peaks and crystal clear waters. The most popular (but unknown outside of Albania itself) is the route from Valbona to Theth. Although the route will take you about 6-7 hours to complete, it's not a difficult hike. Nature lovers will also love Lake Komani, located in the Albanian highlands.
Before you go, make sure you pack all essential travel gadgets. Go through our packing checklist to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. If you're a fan of nature and hiking, check out these European destinations without a crowd to get inspired for your next adventure.