These are seven of the top European Walking Holidays. All offer the mandatory excellent hiking trails and scenery, great accommodation with plenty of other attractions for an very active vacation.
Join a guided tour such as HF Holidays or Ramblers or plan your own walking holiday.
Top 7 European Walking Holidays
Northern Lake District, England
At the top of any list of European Walking Holidays is the Northern Lake District of England. Looking for hills such as Haystacks made famous by authors such as Wainwright then base yourself in the bustling resort town of Keswick. There is plenty of hiking opportunities right from the town itself or using the ferry across Derwentwater.
Climbs of up 2,000 to 3,000 feet are rocky trails are common although gently slopes are also available. Stop at a tea room in the hills during while walking and it seems there is always a pub at the finish. Take a good map as trail signs are limited such as The Lake District (Regional Guide)
Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Of course, Switzerland will be on any list of top European Walking Holidays including either the Bernese Oberland or Zermatt. Take the mountain railway from Griendelwald where there are plenty of alpine inns for your walking holiday. With cable cars and mountain trains heading in every direction you can make your hike on the wide and well signed hiking trails as easy or difficult as you want. For more information on this walking holiday, click here.
The two most popular trails depart from First and Kleine Scheidegg to the famous Eiger although the trail to Mannlichen is very gentle with incredible views of the Alps. For additional information see Walking Easy in the Italian & French Alps (Walking Guides)
Dordogne, France
This region is southern France is a great holiday destination with walking trails, wonderful cuisine, excellent wines and stone walled villages along the picturesque Dordogne River. Walk along the river and stop at the imposing hilltop Chateau de Castelnaud or Castle Breynac from the 100 years war. Walk on a trail on the valley floor with majestic Rocamadour hanging from the side of the cliffs. The trails are well marked and easy to follow in this region.
Schwangau, Germany
In a list of the top European Walking Holidays Bavaria may not be top of mind, however it should be. Located near Fussen in Bavaria this town is best known as the site of King Ludwig’s legendary castle, Neuschwanstein. Take a walk up to the two castles for a tour and nearby Tegelberg for some excellent hiking trails.
Hiking is on good and well signed trail system throughout this section of the Alps. You walking holiday can also include some walking in nearby Austria and pedestrian friendly Munich. There are plenty in Bavarian inns for your accommodation.
Lake District, Austria
Start your walking holiday in Salzburg, a great city to tour on foot for a few days. Then head to nearby Lake Wolfgang which offers excellent bed & breakfast or hotel accommodation and wonderful scenery. There are plenty of hiking opportunities ranging from the picture postcard village of Hallstadt to historic St. Gilgen and the surrounding summits.
Lake Garda, Italy
When it comes to Italy there is so much choice it is hard to pick a top one of the European Walking Holidays. Stay in one of the many hotels in Riva or any of the towns on the north end of the lake for the best hiking. Use the local ferry to journey to other nearby towns such as Limone for your daily hiking.
The extensive trail network in the mountains climbing to 2,500 feet and can be steep at times, and although signed, can get confusing so be sure to carry a good map. Afterwards relax in a local café, lakeside for some excellent wines and Italian food. Walking in Italy trail information.
Cinque Terre, Italy
This is a famous walking holidays that everybody wants to do. Picturesque villages such as Vernazza cling to the rocky cliffs. he trails are rocky rising up to 2,700 feet along a dramatic coastline with terraced vineyards. This area is popular with foreign visitors although many also head to Tuscany or Umbria further southern for their European Walking Holidays.
For more information on hiking in Switzerland, click here.
For great European Walking Holidays consider one of these seven destinations on your next vacation.
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