Hiking is a generally pleasant and challenging experience that allows you to know yourself better and push the boundaries of excellence. But hiking in Europe is superior, as most villages and unique spots are connected to a country road or a railway, making them approachable by most travelers. Still, the best trail hikes are far from the city, where nature is untouched and wildlife is flourishing, so you can explore them at a slower pace.
Hiking in Europe allows you to experiment with the local food, whether it’s freshly baked pizza in Italy or Swiss chocolate. At the same time, people are friendly and will welcome you with open arms in discovering their country. Still, you should expect that not every local can speak English, and in some places, cash is still king, so make sure you’re prepared before wandering in a small village somewhere remote.
Excited about your next trip? Here are some ideal hiking spots.
Slovenia’s Mount Triglav
Let’s start with a more accessible trip that only takes two days and is of medium complexity. Mount Triglav is the highest in Slovenia, at 9,395.2 ft, and is a symbol of the country. It’s also part of the Triglav National Park and one of the most beautiful places to start your adventure.
On top of the mountain, you may find the Aljaž Tower, the Stanič Shelter and even some remains of a glacier. To reach the top, you have two ways via Ferrata, which will help you get across narrow paths. The actual hike will start around the Krma Valley, after which I’ll take about nine hours to trek up. Of course, going without a guide is not recommended due to the rocky path.
Still, if you wander around alone, make sure you’re prepared with proper equipment and ways to contact others. It would be helpful to have a specific data SIM that you can read more about.
Italy’s Monte Rosa
However, if you’re a professional and like to challenge yourself from time to time, it’s imperative to climb the Monte Rosa in Italy, which can take up to a week and is of increased difficulty. The mountain lies on the border between Switzerland and Italy and has 18 massive peaks, of which the highest is 15,203 ft.
Still, due to its numerous peaks, the mountain has varied trails that anyone with different experiences can try. One of the most famous is the Spaghetti Tour, which takes about six days. The trail is on the Italian side of the massif and will allow you to see some of the highest huts in Europe, where you’ll also be able to stop and rest. Remember that you will travel among rocky ridges and glaciers, so make sure you’re not alone when taking the trail or a beginner because you put yourself in danger.
France’s Mont Blanc
The Tour de Mont Blanc is one of the most famous European trails, and it goes through France, Italy and Switzerland. The highest point is 15,766.4 ft, but the mountains’ prominent features are its beauty given by unique mineral species and its granite structure.
The most famous route in the Mont Blanc is the Goûter Route since it’s the easiest and fastest way to reach the top in two days. Still, regardless of how easy it is, succeeding can be tricky due to unstable rocks in the area and the increasing popularity that altered the mountain. Hence, you must proceed with caution and not travel alone. On the other hand, if you’re not in a hurry, you can participate in the Tour du Mont Blanc, which takes up to two weeks and circles the massif.
Georgia’s Transcaucasian Trail
A less famous hike trail is in Georgia in the Transcaucasian Trail, which connects several national parks, reserves and the Caucasus Mountains. The landscapes will change rapidly as you continue walking, and the wildlife consisting of deer and marmots will amaze you.
The trail can be challenging, as it takes about ten days to complete it. The trip transcends Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, so you’ll experience numerous cultural changes along the way. Whether you like to explore the deep canyons of Azerbaijan, the glacial peaks in Georgia or the monasteries in Armenia, you’ll surely love the trail as it transcends you closer to nature and back in time within the countries’ villages.
Spain’s Gran Canaria Traverse
If you’re looking for a warmer place for a hike and would prefer the Spanish culture above colder regions, then the Gran Canaria Traverse is for you. The Canary Islands are usually leveraged as rest tourism, but some people see it as one of the most pleasant hiking spots.
The region is plentiful with landscapes and microclimates you can explore by taking several gorge routes, so the trip will be unique. You can hike for as much as six days in the area and the level of difficulty is challenging.
One of the best hikes starts from a pre-Hispanic Canarians’ gorge, where you can get a glimpse of the cave life back then. Then, you continue through a pine forest that will take you to the highest point in the area, which is about 6,397 ft in El Pico de Las Nieves. Following, a massive monolith will wait for you on the next day of the hike, along with cave villages, a subtropical forest and coastal villages. The final point of the trip is where you can relax, go for a swim and enjoy the sun’s rays.
Final considerations
Hiking is one of the best sports, whether you prefer doing it alone or with friends because it challenges you and offers you the opportunity to learn more about yourself. But besides the deep meaning of it, hiking also takes you among some of the most beautiful places in the world, where nature has been preserved. Some of these spots are found in Europe, where countries like Slovenia, Italy or Georgia provide the best hiking chances and cultural awakenings.
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