Best hiking destinations in Europe

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Europe has one of the most developed long distance hiking cultures in the world, with a network of waymarked trails covering everything from high alpine routes and coastal paths to ancient pilgrimage ways and cross-border wilderness trails that pass through some of the continent's most spectacular landscapes. The infrastructure around walking here is generally excellent, making self-supported multi-day hiking more accessible than almost anywhere else.

The variety of terrain is considerable. Glaciated mountain environments, Mediterranean coastal paths, volcanic landscapes, Atlantic cliff walks and ancient forest trails all exist within a continent where the distance between very different hiking experiences is rarely more than a few hours. Many of Europe's best trails pass through villages and towns with accommodation and food, reducing the logistical burden considerably.

Seasonality and trail conditions vary significantly by region and elevation. High alpine routes are only accessible for a limited summer window, while lower trails can be walked for much of the year. Popular routes fill up quickly during peak season and accommodation on the most celebrated trails requires advance booking. Choosing less visited alternatives often delivers comparable scenery with a fraction of the crowds.