Five of the best long-distance hiking trails in Europe
We sat down with Elmar Teegelbeckers from hiking-trails.com to discuss his practical approach to long-distance hiking and the story behind the website. Elmar explains how his early experiences in the Austrian Alps inspired him to create a comprehensive database of reliable trail information. In our conversation, he shares his insights on choosing the right trails, reviews some of Europe's top long-distance routes, and offers straightforward advice for those planning their first adventure.
Hi Elmar, tell us a bit about hiking-trails.com. How did it start?
Hiking-trails.com was born out of my passion for hiking and sharing long-distance trails. As I connected with fellow hikers, I noticed a recurring question: "Where can I find the best trails, and how do I choose the right one?" I realised it was difficult for people to find reliable information on trails, so I created a comprehensive database to help hikers find exactly what they were looking for.
Have you always had a passion for hiking and the outdoors?
Yes, it all started with my parents taking me on hiking holidays in the Austrian Alps. From an early age, I developed a deep love for the mountains. Ever since, I've always wanted to return to the mountains, and hiking has been a key part of my life. For me, the best thing about being on a trail is the peace and tranquillity of being outside. There's no pressure of a packed agenda or constant meetings. On the trail, you’re free from the obligations that fill our everyday lives. I also love the hiking community; meeting other hikers and connecting with locals along the way creates lasting bonds. It’s a special part of the experience.
In your opinion, what are the top 5 long-distance trails in Europe?
Slovenian Mountain Trail
Where: Slovenia
How long: 550km
How many days: 12 stages of 3 to 6 day treks of all levels of difficulty, which can be completed as single sections or linked together to create the 49-day trip
How hard: each day has a subjective grade of 1-3, but even the easiest days require a good level of walking fitness. The most difficult, grade 3 sections, require mountaineering experience as they are strenuous.
Season: June-September
Little-known to mountaineers outside Slovenia, The Slovene Mountain Trail – the Slovenska planinska pot or Transverzala – crosses some of the most varied and interesting landscapes to be found anywhere in Europe. It’s easy to overlook Slovenia in favour of the Dolomites or Swiss Alps, but this country offers stunning landscapes and a charming mountain culture.
From Maribor, near the Austrian border, to Ankaran on the Adriatic coast, the route covers 550km of outstanding mountain and upland walking: the vast forested plateau of Pohorje, the sheer limestone peaks of the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja Alps with their via ferratas, the traditional alpine pastures and flower-strewn ridges of the Karavanke, and the forested hills and olive groves of the limestone Karst region that stretches towards the coast. Though it's a tough trail for experienced hikers, you can also enjoy it in parts.
Coast to Coast
Where: England – from St Bees (Cumbria) to Robin Hood’s Bay (North Yorkshire)
How long: 190 miles (306 km)
How many days: Typically 12–16 days
How hard: Challenging – long distances, varied terrain, and some steep ascents
Season: Best from late spring to early autumn (May–September) for favourable weather
The walk from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on Yorkshire’s east coast is now one of the most popular long-distance walks in Britain. Following the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright, this trail crosses three National Parks and offers a mix of cosy inns and camping. It’s one of the most charming hikes you can do.
The route takes you through an appealing diversity of landscapes as you move east through the high fells of Lakeland, across limestone country and into the delightful Yorkshire Dales, passing through the Vale of Mowbray and the expansive North Yorkshire Moors to the Trail’s conclusion on the North Sea coast.
Via Alpina 1
Where: Switzerland, from Vaduz (Liechtenstein) to Montreux (Lake Geneva)
How long: ~390 km (242 miles)
How many days: around 3 weeks, depending on pace
How hard: Challenging – significant elevation gain, high-altitude terrain
Season: Late June to September (depending on snow conditions)
The classic hike through the Swiss Alps from West to East. Charming mountain villages all along the way and always surrounded by the mighty Swiss mountain peaks with Berner Oberland as an absolute highlight. Thetrail crosses the country’s finest mountain passes between Sargans in the east and Montreux in the west, with an optional start in Liechtenstein. It covers nearly 400km of mountain and valley terrain and features 16 passes, with a cumulative height gain of nearly 23,000 metres. Each pass is different, from grassy crests to the challenges of the Hohtürli – the high point of the route, at 2778m – and Bunderchrinde, every pass revealing new and far-reaching mountain vistas.
West Highland Way
Where: Scotland, from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William
How long: 154 km (96 miles)
How many days: 5–8 days, depending on pace
How hard: Moderate – well-marked but with some long days and rugged sections
Season: April to October (best weather), but possible year-round with preparation
The West Highland Way is one of Britain’s finest walks, capturing the wild beauty of western Scotland as it passes through a landscape of both rich diversity and cultural heritage. The route begins in the lowlands north of Milngavie, then crosses the Highland Boundary Fault line into the rugged scenery of Loch Lomond, Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan. The route then crosses Rannoch Moor to the edges of Glen Coe and the head of Loch Leven, up into the hidden glen of Lairig Mor before an exhilarating descent to Fort William.
Portugal's Rota Vicentina (The Historical Way and Fishermen's Trail)
Where: South-western Portugal, spanning the Alentejo and Algarve regions
How long: About 220km
How many days: Perfect for a 2-week holiday
How hard: This hike is suitable for all fit walkers who are capable of walking around 20km per day.
Season: Best undertaken from May to October
If you have a penchant for dramatic cliffs and superb ocean scenery with secluded sandy bays; if you appreciate fresh fish, mouth-watering Portuguese cuisine, and charming guesthouses and hostels; if you love ancient oak forests and carpets of wildflowers … then the Rota Vicentina in southwest Portugal is definitely for you. The trail community is welcoming, and the network of hikers' hostels makes it a great option for anyone starting out.
Which is your favourite trail that you’ve done?
The Slovenian Mountain Trail has a special place in my heart. The combination of friendly people, beautiful trails, and a rich mountain culture makes it unforgettable. I can’t wait to return, and the great network of mountain huts makes for fantastic hut-to-hut hiking.
What's been your most memorable experience on a trail?
I experienced a truly memorable moment – often called “trail magic” – while hiking the Slovenian Mountain Trail. After an exhausting 11‑hour day, my hiking companion and I finally reached a mountain hut that appeared to be closed. We soon realised it was our own mistake, as the next village was a four‑hour walk away and darkness was falling. Then, out of nowhere, a local hiker appeared and immediately offered his assistance by calling his friend, who runs a nearby tourist farm. Later that evening, he picked us up and drove us to his house, where his wife prepared a delicious, locally-sourced meal for us. This is the true magic of long‑distance hiking.
Are there any other popular or up-and-coming trails worth mentioning?
In my opinion, one of the best up-and-coming hut-to-hut hikes in Europe is Carros de Foc, featured in Cicerone's guide to Shorter Treks in the Pyrenees. This approximately 70‑kilometre trail winds through the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, crossing nine refuges – each uniquely charming. The hike combines challenging, scenic trails within a stunning national park with exceptional Catalan hospitality, making it a must‑do for every experienced hiker.
Do you have any words of encouragement for people attempting their first long-distance trail?
Embarking on your first long-distance trail can seem daunting, but long-distance hiking is for everyone. Consider starting with a manageable route, such as the Fisherman’s Trail or the West Highland Way. Remember, hiking isn’t a race – it’s about savouring every moment along the way. The slower you go, the more you can appreciate the beauty of nature and the experiences that the trail offers. With time, you'll build strength and endurance, and the distances will naturally become more achievable. Long-distance hiking can truly change your life, so embrace the journey and enjoy every step of the adventure. Hike slow, go far!
Find more than 200 trails at hiking-trails.com.
