What are the best hikes in Europe? It’s not an easy question to answer. Here are my top 20 to set you off on the right foot.
I will try to be very specific for each hike so that if you ever fancy attempting it, you should have all the info that you need including how to reach it, the trail and key considerations to take into account.
1. Via Delle Bocchette Alte e Centrali, Dolomites, Italy
Intro & Summary
The Via Ferrata delle Bocchette Alte and Centrali is one of the most famous high-altitude routes in the Italian Alps. In my view, is one of the most beautiful vie ferrate.
The ferrata does not have technically difficult passages, but it is a high mountain trip with many exposes stretches and even glacier hikes; therefore it is important to be prepared and ideally have some rock climbing experience, even indoor.
Distance: 44.0km (3 days)
Time: 18h25m moving time (3 days)
Elevation gain: 2,550m up and 2,100m down (3 days)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time: July and August
Type: 3-5 Days
For a detailed review click here >>> Link!
2. Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dolomites, Italy
Intro & Summary
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also called the Drei Zinnen, are three distinctive battlement-like peaks, in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy. They are probably one of the best-known mountain groups in the Alps.
Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is an excellent day in the Dolomites with stunning views of jagged limestone peaks, top quality rifugios and awesome photo opportunities. Here’s everything you need to know.
Distance: 11km
Time: 2h45m moving time
Elevation gain: 475m
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Best time: Late July or Early September
Type: Single Day, Loop
For a detailed review click here >>> Link!
3. Trolltunga, Vestland, Norway
Intro & Summary
Trolltunga is one of the most beautiful rock formations in Norway. From the top, you have a gorgeous view above the lake Ringedalsvatnet.
Hiking Trolltunga is really challenging and but at the same time very rewarding. You will go through high mountain terrain with creeks, streams, boulders, mud puddles, marshes, and water at several spots on the hike. Here’s everything you need to know.
Distance: 28km
Time: 7h45m moving time
Elevation gain: 1,500m
Difficulty: Hard
Best time: June to September (without guide)
Type: Single Day, Back and forth
For a detailed review click here >>> Link!
4. Monte Forato & Pania della Croce, Apuan Alps, Italy
Intro & Summary
Pania della Croce and Monte Forato are two popular hiking destinations in the Apuan Alps in Italy. The hike to Pania della Croce is a challenging trail that takes you through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views from the summit.
The trail begins in the village of Fornovolasco and takes you through beautiful landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and meadows, before reaching the summit of Pania della Croce. From there, the trail continues to Monte Forato, which is a natural arch that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
The total hike can take several hours and involves steep ascents and descents, so it is important to be in good physical shape and to come prepared with adequate food, water, and gear.
Distance: 18.2km
Time: 8h28m moving time (Tracking stopped 1h before completion)
Elevation gain: 1,897m up and 1,897m down
Difficulty: Hard
Best time: May and June / September and August
Type: Single day, Loop
For a detailed review click here >>> Link!
5. Alpe Veglia, Italy
Intro & Summary
Alpe Veglia is a popular hiking destination located in the Italian Alps. It offers a variety of trails for hikers of different skill levels, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. The area is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and forests, as well as its rich wildlife, such as marmots, ibex, and eagles.
Visitors can also enjoy scenic lakes, including Lago della Vecchia and Lago Nero, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The hike to Alpe Veglia can be accessed from the nearby towns of Macugnaga and Alagna Valsesia and typically takes several hours to complete, depending on the trail and fitness level of the hiker.
Distance: 16.1km
Time: 7h21m moving time (Tracking stopped 1h before completion)
Elevation gain: 1,219m up and 1,219m down
Difficulty: Medium
Best time: May to September
Type: Single day, Loop
For a detailed review click here >>> Link!
Gear
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the natural world around you.
The simple trick to stay warm during any season is to layer your clothes.
Below I listed the range of hiking clothing designed specifically to make sure I'm comfortable and protected against the elements when exploring the outdoors.
Pants (Jeans) / Shorts + Over-trousers: What pants to wear hiking depends on the climate as well as what fabric best fits your needs. I usually hike with JEANS or SHORTS depending on the season and temperature. the jeans are always a safe option; since they are not waterproof, for multiday hikes I usually take with me the WATERPROOF OVER-TROUSERS.
Merino wool t-shirt and/or Flannel shirt: Always bring a long/short-sleeved MERINO WOOL T-SHIRT or a FLANNEL SHIRT shirt to keep you comfortably warm. These are always my first layers depending on how hot/cold it is.
Fleece and/or Insulated jacket (down): Over the Merino wool t-shirt / Flannel shirt I would always wear either a FLEECE, a long-sleeved LIGHT DOWN, or both depending on the weather. Ideally, the insulating jacket should be lightweight and fit in your pockets.
Waterproof & Windproof layer: Insulation won’t work if your jackets get wet, especially if it’s down material. I always bring with me a light, packable, highly versatile GORE-TEX PRO shell jacket. I use this jacket for multiple activities such as skiing, hiking, walking, mountaineering, etc. It is very important to have a helmet-compatible hood.
Hiking shoes and Socks: Good HIKING SHOES and MERINO WOOL SOCKS are key for a comfortable hike.
Hat / Cap, Neck warmer and Gloves: Depending on the season I usually take with me either a CHASMERE HAT or a CAP to protect myself from the cold or sun respectively. Go for moisture-wicking GLOVES in wet or cold weather. When it comes to neck protection, a WINDPROOF NECK WARMER can be lifesaving.
Camera, Travel and Backpacking gear
I'm a keen photographer and I love taking pictures of nature and landscapes. Below I listed what I usually carry with me on holiday. If you are interested to check my full camera gear, including all my accessories, this is my Kit: https://kit.com/pieroromoli/camera-gear
Nikon D700 (https://www.nikon.com/)
GoPro Hero 6 and 9 Black (https://gopro.com/)
DJI Mavic Air (https://www.dji.com/pt)
Nikkor 16-34mm f4 and 50mm f1.8 (http://www.nikkor.com/)
Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 (https://www.tamron.eu/)
iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (https://www.apple.com/)
Benro Carbon Fibre Tripod (http://www.benro.com/)
Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2 (https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/)
Joby Gorillapod 3k stand + Gorillapod Ballhead X BHX (https://joby.com/)
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II (https://www.lowepro.com/global/)
Hoya Filters (https://hoyafilter.com/)
I hope you enjoyed this blog.