Hiking is an amazing thing for sure.
It is an absolutely incredible feeling when you climb through rocky areas burning and sweating your butt.
Also, it is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a variety of magnificent sceneries when you get to the top.
Moreover, it is a great way to enjoy a new experience, meet new people, learn new cultures, and enjoy tasty food when the trip is finished.
The main point is that there are lots of stunning destinations for hiking especially when it comes to one-day trips.
Europe is one of the most incredible places for hiking considering its rich landscapes.
We’ve decided to select some of the most amazing one-day routes for hiking in Europe.
The list includes a variety of easy and moderate routes for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of Europe.
Top 10 Europe’s Best Day Hikes
The routes presented below are perfect for both beginners and advanced hikers.
You need only one day to complete these routes and all of them offer stunning views.
Lauterbrunnen In Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen is known for its perfect location for an exciting family trip.
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the place has absolutely stunning hiking routes with magnificent landscapes.
The great point is that most of these routes are available all year round.
Each route feels like you’re on the way to heaven.
There are green, pristine forests and meadows, stunning snow-peaks, and lakes with crystal-blue water.
You can experience something absolutely new and incredible as the area has fresh mountain air, perfect breeze, as well as breathtaking scenery.
The route to Schilthron Peak is one of the best options but it can be pretty challenging for beginners.
If you still decide to go through this route, you can take a gondola to head back.
Flysch Route In Spain
If you are a real fan of geology, this route that is located in the Basque region of Spain is a perfect option for you.
The Flysch route is known for its numerous unique rocks that appeared due to numerous climate changes.
Some of these formations are more than 50 million years old.
Also, it is one of the locations where the Games of Thornes were filmed.
Due to local stunning cliffs and gorgeous views, you’ll for sure never forget this amazing one-day hike.
If you want to get your best from this trip, make sure to visit it during the low tide.
Fairy Pools In The Isle Of Skye
The Fairy Pools is a heaven place with stunning scenery and numerous waterfalls.
Located in the Cuillin mountains, the area is known for cascades of waterfalls that flow over dark stones.
The water there is so clear and blue that it looks like a picture from a fairytale book.
One other great point is that the area is easy for hiking and the route can be completed just in 3 hours.
As soon as you reach the waterfalls, you can not only enjoy the view but also take a dip and refresh after walking.
The fact is that the Fairy Pools is one of the most magical places in Scotland that you need to visit for sure.
Ladder Of Kotor In Montenegro
The Ladder of Kotor is a cross-country route in Montenegro that has a rich history.
This route leads to the town of Kotor.
Of course, the route isn’t exactly a ladder but it is pretty steep and zigzagging.
It will make you feel like walking through an endless number of U-turns.
At the end of this route, there are ruins of Spiljari ad St. Goerge’s Church waiting for you.
From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Kotor Bay.
Just keep in mind that the route can be pretty challenging and tough on your knees.
If you want to avoid straining and make your walk easier, you need to use hiking sticks.
Plitvice in Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is known as one of the most incredible sites to visit in Europe.
The park contains 16 interconnected lakes that differ in color representing all shades of blue, green, and turquoise.
The lakes are connected with beautiful waterfalls that look absolutely stunning.
There are also some beautiful caves you can explore visiting the area.
You can explore the area by boat or by electric train if you feel tired of walking.
While visiting the park, make sure to explore the Veliki Slap that has a number of breathtaking views.
It is better to visit the area in October as the weather is the best during this time.
You don’t need to wear hiking shoes to explore the park but make sure to take some warm clothes as it is pretty cold there.
Lac Blanc In France
If you are going to the French Alps, the Lac Blanc is the destination #1 for this trip.
It is known for an absolutely beautiful landscape.
To explore the area, you can just go hiking there as it is one of the easiest hiking trails in Chamonix.
To get to the starting point of the route, you need to take a cable car from Chamonix, and then a chairlift to the Index.
The route mostly heads downhill and it is a beat rocky so you need to wear comfy hiking shoes.
You need to know that local peaks are covered with snow even during the summertime.
For those who look for longer hiking routes, you can start your trip at Morzine and go to Chamonix.
It will take you about two days to complete this trail.
Walking through this route, you’ll pass through Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval and spend a night in the refuge of Alfred Wills.
You need to know that Morzine is known for a whole variety of amazing hiking trails as well as places to stay for a night.
Samaria Gorge In Greece
Visiting Crete, one of the first places you should see is the Samaria Gorge.
It is one of the longest gorges in the area and known for breathtaking views.
In fact, it can be one of the most epic hikes in your life.
The reason is that you need to climb constantly while crossing numerous rivers.
The area has a very rich and beautiful flora and fauna as well as amazing natural formations.
There are the church and village on your way where you can learn some piece of Greek history.
Pico Do Arieiro Trail In Madeira
Of you are looking for an amazing and challenging hiking route, the Pico Ruivo in Madeira is a perfect option for you.
There are two routes and one of them, the Pico do Arieiro, can be easily accessed by car.
The mount itself is one of the highest peaks in Madeira.
The route is pretty steep and there are even some rather dangerous slopes and even tunnels.
In other words, while it can be completed just in a day, this route isn’t the best choice for beginners.
While being difficult, the route will for sure impress you with a bunch of stunning views.
There are amazing wildflowers, the volcano crater valley, as well as an opportunity to see the whole Island of Pico Ruivo.
Zillertal In Austria
Austria is one of the best places for hiking in Europe especially if you want to experience something amazing you won’t ever forget.
The best place for hiking in Austria is Zillertal that is known for its numerous amazing trails for both beginners and advanced hikers.
As soon as you reach the peak, you’ll be for sure impressed with a breathtaking view of surrounding mountains and rivers.
Winter is the best season to visit the area as you can also have an opportunity to go skiing.
Stavanger In Norway
Stavanger in Norway is the last but for sure not the least option in our list.
The place will impress you with beautiful views, huge cliffs, and amazing hiking trails.
One of the places you should visit is Pulpit Rock.
The whole route may take you about 2-4 hours to complete while providing you with a bunch of beautiful places where you can take photos.
How To Get Ready For A Day Hike?
Now you know some of the best places for hiking in Europe and you only need to make a choice.
Also, there are some tips and reminders, you need to follow while getting ready for your trip:
- If it is your first time or you’re going solo, it is better to join a group or club you can hike with. You can avoid getting lost as well as have some fun and meet new people. If you still want to hike on your own, make sure to leave your trip and hiking plans to someone you trust.
- Before going hiking for the first time, you need to get some training and build up endurance. You can take a walk or go hiking at least once a week at your local park.
- Learn to hydrate correctly and make sure to prepare plenty of water. Also, to avoid losing energy, prepare some snacks such as nuts, protein bars, and so on.
- Buy comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes to make sure your feet won’t hurt.
- Wear breathable clothes that suit the weather. It is better to wear thin layers, so you can have more temperature regulation opportunities.
- Make sure your hiking pants suits your needs as well as the weather in an area you are going to.
Conclusion
There are only ten hiking routes in our article but you’ll be able to find more options.
If you are looking for something that is out of a bitten path, just make your research.
You’ll for sure be able to find a bunch of incredible options for hiking in Europe.
