The best trails in Europe to hike this summer

Europe has no shortage of awe-inspiring trails, whether you’re looking to tackle heart-pumping peaks or take a leisurely stroll through nature.

If you’re struggling to pick where to go, AllTrails’ pick of the best trail destinations for 2026 is a good place to start.

As the hiking and trail discovery platform, which prides itself on connecting people to the outdoors, notes, “picking the first one to venture off to is half the fun”.

Poland’s ‘mini alps’

The Tatra Mountains, the highest range in Polish territory, are part of the Carpathian mountain chain in central and eastern Europe. Known as the “mini alps” thanks to its jagged peaks, alpine lakes and stunning scenery, AllTrails said it is an idyllic hub for hiking and skiing as well as getting an insight into Polish highland culture.

Most trails are either hard, requiring more specialist skills, training, gear and preparation, or moderate because of the terrain.

The Kuźnice–Kościelec route is one of the most popular within the Tatras, offering “an engaging journey through different layers of natural vegetation,” AllTrails said.

It unfolds from dense spruce forests in the lower regions, to extensive patches of dwarf pines and reaches a rugged alpine environment filled with cliffs in Kościelec.

On the Palenica Białczańska–Morskie Oko–Czarny Staw pod Rysami route, AllTrails recommended not missing the views from the shore of Morskie Oko lake. The trail, which takes roughly six-and-a-half to seven-and-a-half hours to complete, also features the Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza Waterfall.

AllTrails also recommends the Kasprowy Wierch–Hala Gąsienicowa–Kuźnice and the Kościeliska Valley–Mroźna Cave–Smreczyński Staw routes, which are both moderate.

Ditch the crowds for Slovenia

For some of the more popular hiking routes in Europe, it’s essential to get up at the crack of dawn to avoid the crowds. But why lose out on 40 winks when you could choose an untapped destination instead?

Bordering Slovenia, Italy and Austria, the Julian Alps are still relatively overlooked compared to other destinations, offering great scenery and quieter trails.

The hiking and trail discovery platform recommends adding the Slemenova Špica route to your itinerary, which lets visitors experience high mountains without the need for technical climbing skills, although sturdy footwear will come in handy for the uneven, rocky areas.

In the summers, route-goers may spot alpine wildflowers, such as hairy alpenrose, in bloom along the way.

While for adventure tourists who are also set-jetters at heart, the Alpe Adria Trail, Segment 25: Bovec–Drežnica (Kobarid) route’s Bovec Valley lent its picturesque scenery to Walt Disney’s Prince Caspian from The Chronicles of Narnia. Following the emerald-green Soča River, hikers will also see canoeists and visitors on rafts navigating around Mount Polovnik.

Other recommendations included the Nohinj Lake Trail and Mostnica Gorge–Mostnica Waterfall via Stara Fuzina route.

Hiking paired with relaxation in France

Who said hiking or long-distance walking had to be all hard work and no downtime to relax? In France, you can get the best of both with hard hikes followed by nearby hot springs on offer at Chaudes-Aigues.

AllTrails recommends the steep climbs and slick terrain of The Sancy Ridges route, which unfolds in a loop to Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Monts Dore volcanic massif. Sancy Ridges also includes glacial valleys of Chaudefour and Chastreix-Sancy.

For more volcanic and water landscapes, Mont Dore Ski Resort–Puy de Sancy’s terrain includes valleys such as Val de Couurre, which is part of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, as well as waterfalls along the way.

Other recommendations include the GR 70 Segment 10: Le Pont-de-Montvert–Florac or The Corniches of Méjan and Tarn, which unfold across approximately nine hours and three hours and three minutes respectively.

Hike among English castles

In north east England, Northumberland is home to over 70 castles, more than anywhere else in the country.

Scattered across the county’s coastline, hiking on this terrain is the perfect way to journey through time.

For moorland scenery and craggy peaks, the Simonside and Dove Crag Loop offers stunning views, but during wetter seasons visitors are advised to take extra care on the rough and steep sections of the trail.

While on the short Crag Lough and Hadrians Wall Circular, which unfolds across around two hours, visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall.

One notable stop on the route is the Roman Milcastle 39, otherwise known as Castle Nick as it sits at the nick of the hillside. The site has undergone several excavations over the years to get an insight into Roman life along the wall.

AllTrails also recommends The Drake Stone and Harbottle Castle Circular and Housesteads to Sycamore Gap routes.

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