Here Are The Best Mountain Hikes in Europse

From dramatic knife-like ridges to stunning valleys and meadows, Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful mountains. There's nothing like getting out into the wilderness and connecting with nature to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hiking can help you recharge while gaining memorable experiences with Mother Nature. The European mountains know exactly how to deliver when it comes to offering some of the most spectacular hikes. We've picked out the top seven mountain hikes in Europe for incredible views, challenging climbs, and rewarding summits.

Best Mountain Hikes in Europe, How do these rankings work?

1. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland

Distance: 170 km

Difficulty level: Expert

Securing the number one position is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails on planet Earth. Spanning approximately 170 kilometres (106 miles) the trail passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps. The trek is typically 10 to 12 days long, with some shorter and longer variations available. Hikers trek through a diverse range of landscapes from lush valleys and alpine meadows to rugged mountain passes and glacial terrain. In short, prepare to have your jaw drop and breath taken away as you lay eyes on some of the most spectacular scenery.

2. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail – Italy

Distance: There are several routes along the Cinque Terre coast, but the signature trail (the Blue Trail) is 12km long

Difficulty level: Easy with some hill climbs

If you fancy trekking through colourful seaside villages, cliffs, and olive groves, all whilst soaking in stunning views of sparkling sea waters – then this is the hike for you! Located in north-western Italy, the Cinque Terre Coastal Trail connects five charming fishing villages through a series of hiking trails that wind along the rugged coastline of the Ligurian Riviera. The journey is incredibly capturing with its blend of coastal and mountainous landscapes, as well as multiple scenic lookout points. Visitors can also explore narrow cobblestone streets and historic churches along the way, adding a splash of culture and heritage to the hike. This trail caters to all hiking abilities with a range of options that differ in difficulty allowing hikers to choose which level is best suited to them.

3. Zawrat, Tatras Mountains – Poland

Distance: 21km

Difficulty level: Extremely hard

Located in Poland and Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are a stunning natural treasure in central Europe. Featuring rugged peaks, sparkling lakes and dense forests, this mountain range is the perfect escape for any adventurer. Its highest peak rests at 2655 metres above sea level and offers drop-dead gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. However, Zawrat is our top pick. Some sections of the hike cross through very exposed areas which are aided by chains, leading up to Lake Czarny Staw Gasienicowy. Most hikers will stop here, enjoy the views, and have a snack. From there, there is another scrambling section leading up to an incredible viewpoint. This is an extremely challenging hike, but the rewards are exceptional. If you are not confident with scrambling or holding onto a chain across exposed areas, there are plenty of other hiking trails in the Tatras Mountains.

4. 7 Rila Lakes – Bulgaria

Distance: 10km

Level: Moderately challenging

Labelled as one of the ‘Wonders of Bulgaria’, this slice of paradise lies nestled in the Rila Mountains. Its name is incredibly old and translates to 'The Water Mountain" as the landscapes are brimming with stunning lakes each with their own unique character. The summit of the trek is a breathtaking sight with seven lakes visible from one point. A visual that may not be present anywhere else in the world. The trek takes around a full day to complete and is possible for climbers of all difficulty levels. The trail takes you past each lake, so hikers can relax at each lake and turn back whenever they feel like calling it a day. There is also a chairlift that takes you up to the hut from where the trail begins if you don't fancy climbing the initial steep trek through the forest.

5. Snowdon – Wales

Distance: There are six routes ranging from 11km to 14.5km

Difficulty level: Varied depending on the route – the Watkin Path is the most challenging and the Llanberis Path is the easiest

The highest peak in Wales is an adventure through rugged landscapes, shimmering lakes and lush greenery. There are multiple trails for different skill set levels that wind through Snowdonia's National Park. The hike takes around six to eight hours depending on the chosen trail. The journey is remarkable no matter the selected route, and hikers can reward themselves with a hot cuppa at the Summit Cafe. Yes, a cafe selling freshly baked cakes, beverages, souvenirs and more, sits perched atop Mount Snowdon! And if you're seriously tired, then hop aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway from the Summit Cafe and you'll be whizzed back down to the bottom through stunning scenery.

6. Crib Goch Ridge – Wales

Distance: 500 metres

Difficulty level: Extremely challenging, only suitable for experienced climbers

Calling only the adventurers and experienced climbers as Crib Goch is an exhilarating climb over a dramatic knife-like ridge. This thrilling challenge is also in the Snowdonia National Park and serves as a shortcut to summit Mount Snowdon. The ridge entails a sheer drop on either side, offering a high-adrenaline scramble across to the other side. Once you've crossed the ridge, the trail descends and joins onto a much easier route that takes you up to the summit of Snowdon.

7. Koncheto Ridge

Distance: 13km (the ridge itself is 450 metres long)

Difficulty level: Extremely challenging and only suitable for experienced hikers

Koncheto is only for the super high adrenaline junkies and seriously experienced climbers because this knife-like ridge is no joke. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pirin National Park, Bulgaria, this narrow climb is similar to Crib Goch, only ten times harder. Climbers will face a series of scrambling, hanging onto the rope for dear life, back to scrambling, and multiple awkward manoeuvres. However, the spectacular views will completely take your breath away, and the reward makes all the discomfort completely addictive. Completing Koncheto is an unforgettable experience that earns a badge of honour. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for mountaineers seeking a blood-pumping adventure.