Top 10 Hiking Trails in the European Alps for Nature & Adventure Lovers
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the European Alps
The European Alps are home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails on the planet — from glacier valleys and rugged ridgelines to wildflower meadows and turquoise lakes. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual explorer, this guide reveals the top 10 hiking routes in the European Alps that offer jaw-dropping views and unforgettable alpine experiences.
We’ve selected a mix of legendary multi-day treks and rewarding day hikes — from France, Italy, and Switzerland to Austria, Slovenia, and Germany. If you're planning a budget hiking adventure or looking to connect with wild camping spots across Europe, these alpine routes are where nature meets raw beauty.
🔎 Explore the Top Alpine Hikes – Clickable TOC
- 🥾 #1 – Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland
- 🏔️ #2 – Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) – Austria
- 🏞️ #3 – Alta Via 1 – Dolomites, Italy
- 🌄 #4 – Haute Route – Chamonix to Zermatt
- 🌿 #5 – Triglav Lakes Valley Trail – Slovenia
- 🏞️ #6 – Stubai High Trail – Austria
- 🌲 #7 – Eiger Trail – Switzerland
- 🌋 #8 – Gran Paradiso Trek – Italy
- 🌌 #9 – Lechtal Alps Panorama Trail – Austria-Germany
- 🏕️ #10 – Lauterbrunnen to Mürren – Switzerland
🧭 Pro Tip: Many of these trails link directly with scenic train routes and wild camping zones. Plan your journey smart to combine nature, savings, and soul-recharging views.
1 – Tour du Mont Blanc
Stretching across three alpine countries, the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance treks. Circling the base of the Mont Blanc massif, this 170 km route takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland — with panoramic views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. It’s a rite of passage for serious hikers and a spectacular introduction to the Alps.
- Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Length: ~170 km (105 miles)
- Duration: 8–12 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (daily ascents)
- Trail Type: Circular – starts/ends in Les Houches (France)
The TMB passes through alpine passes, traditional villages, and remote valleys. It’s well-marked, with a mix of refuges, huts, and wild camping opportunities along the way — making it suitable for both luxury hikers and budget backpackers. Early summer and early autumn are best to avoid the crowds.
💡 Trail Tip: If you’re short on time, consider hiking the Courmayeur–Champex section. For budget hikers, combine this trek with wild camping areas and low-cost refuges along the route.
2 – Eagle Walk (Adlerweg) – Austria
Austria’s Adlerweg (Eagle Walk) is a long-distance trail that soars across the heart of the Austrian Alps — its name inspired by the eagle-shaped route as seen from above. Traversing Tirol from east to west, this hike combines high-altitude ridges, alpine lakes, remote valleys, and the rustic charm of Tyrolean mountain huts. It's an incredible journey for those seeking less touristy yet equally epic alpine scenery.
- Country: Austria (Tirol region)
- Length: ~320 km (main route)
- Duration: 15–24 days (or section hikes)
- Difficulty: Moderate to advanced (exposed ridges, long climbs)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (St. Johann to St. Anton)
The Eagle Walk is divided into 24 stages, many of which can be hiked individually. The trail passes through the Karwendel Mountains, Lechtal Alps, and rugged alpine passes, with authentic Austrian hospitality along the way. It's perfect for trekkers wanting a quieter alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, but equally stunning.
💡 Trail Tip: For a short but intense segment, hike stages 1–4 through Karwendel National Park. Combine this with scenic train routes featured in our Alpine train guide.
3 – Alta Via 1, Dolomites, Italy
The Alta Via 1 is the most famous long-distance route through Italy’s dramatic Dolomites — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its jagged peaks, vertical limestone cliffs, and surreal alpine glow. Stretching north to south from Lago di Braies to Belluno, this hut-to-hut trek offers accessible adventure with constant cinematic scenery.
- Country: Italy (South Tyrol & Veneto)
- Length: ~120 km
- Duration: 8–12 days
- Difficulty: Moderate (well-marked paths, some steep sections)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (Lago di Braies to Belluno)
Highlights include turquoise alpine lakes, rugged passes like Forcella Lagazuoi, WWI tunnels, and comfortable rifugi (mountain huts) with local Italian food. This is one of the most photogenic and beginner-friendly long-distance treks in the Alps — and it’s ideal for solo or self-guided hikers.
💡 Trail Tip: Start early in summer (June–July) to avoid thunderstorms. Pair this route with wild camp ideas from our free camping guide for budget-friendly hiking.
4 – Haute Route, Chamonix to Zermatt
Linking two of the most iconic alpine towns — Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland — the Haute Route is a legendary high-altitude trek across the heart of the Alps. This classic route traverses glaciers, rugged cols, and scenic valleys beneath 4,000-meter peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Collon, offering a more challenging and remote alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc.
- Countries: France & Switzerland
- Length: ~200 km
- Duration: 12–14 days
- Difficulty: Challenging (long ascents, glacier crossings)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point (Chamonix to Zermatt)
There are two versions — the summer Walker’s Haute Route (non-technical) and the ski/mountaineering version. The hiking route is well-marked and passes through charming alpine hamlets and remote huts, with sections reaching above 2,800m. It’s ideal for experienced hikers looking for solitude, glacier views, and iconic peaks — all in one journey.
💡 Trail Tip: The Walker’s Haute Route is best from July to early September. Combine this route with alpine rail legs featured in our scenic train journeys article for a seamless Alps adventure.
5 – Triglav Lakes Valley Trail, Slovenia
Nestled in the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park, the Triglav Lakes Valley Trail is a breathtaking hike through Slovenia’s alpine heart. Known for its emerald glacial lakes, limestone peaks, and biodiversity, this trail is perfect for hikers seeking both serenity and rugged alpine beauty — without the crowds of the Western Alps.
- Country: Slovenia
- Length: ~25 km (loop or out-and-back options)
- Duration: 1–2 days (or extended via Triglav summit route)
- Difficulty: Moderate (rocky sections, altitude gain)
- Trail Type: Loop or linear (starting from Bohinj or Blato plateau)
The trail passes up to seven alpine lakes, high karst plateaus, and remote huts like Zasavska koča. You’ll encounter mountain goats, crystal-clear water, and the mystical silence of Slovenia’s protected wildlands. It’s one of the most beautiful overnight hikes in Eastern Europe.
💡 Trail Tip: Wild camping is not permitted in Triglav National Park — use huts or plan routes with legal overnight stays. You can combine this hike with fairytale alpine villages in Slovenia nearby.
6 – Stubai High Trail, Austria
The Stubai High Trail (Stubaier Höhenweg) is one of Austria’s most rewarding hut-to-hut hikes — offering panoramic views, alpine ridgelines, glacial valleys, and dramatic changes in elevation. Located near Innsbruck in the Stubai Alps, this trail is for experienced hikers looking for remote, multi-day alpine adventure.
- Country: Austria
- Length: ~80 km (full circuit)
- Duration: 8–9 days
- Difficulty: Challenging (steep ascents, exposed sections)
- Trail Type: Circular – between 7 huts (e.g., Innsbrucker, Franz Senn Hütte)
The trail takes you through wild valleys, past hanging glaciers, and along technical ridgelines with the help of steel cables and ladders in places. While demanding, it’s well-marked and supported by cozy alpine huts offering meals and rest. It’s a perfect alpine immersion for those who want fewer crowds and raw Austrian scenery.
💡 Trail Tip: The Stubai High Trail connects easily with train routes from Innsbruck. Book huts early in peak summer, and bring microspikes for early season snow crossings. Check our scenic train journeys for nearby rail access.
7 – Eiger Trail, Switzerland
The Eiger Trail is a short but spectacular alpine hike beneath the legendary north face of the Eiger — one of the most dramatic mountain walls in Europe. Located in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, this trail offers big scenery in a compact, accessible route. Ideal for day hikers, families, or anyone wanting a close-up view of towering rock and ice without technical demands.
- Country: Switzerland
- Length: ~6 km (Grindelwald Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg)
- Duration: 2–3 hours (one-way)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (good trail condition, altitude 1,600–2,000m)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point with rail access at both ends
The trail skirts the base of the mighty Eiger Nordwand, passing waterfalls, grazing sheep, and alpine pastures with constant views of the Jungfrau region. Hikers can start or end the route via scenic trains, making it a top pick for photography, accessible adventure, and high mountain drama without the logistics of a multi-day trek.
💡 Trail Tip: Hike it downhill from Eigergletscher station for the best views and easiest descent. For nearby alpine experiences, explore our guide to Europe’s top train journeys.
8 – Gran Paradiso Trek – Italy
Tucked away in Italy’s oldest national park, the Gran Paradiso Trek offers an immersive alpine experience that rivals more famous routes — without the crowds. Named after Italy’s only 4,000-meter peak entirely within its borders, this route takes hikers through glacial valleys, wildlife-rich meadows, and traditional mountain hamlets in the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions.
- Country: Italy
- Length: ~55–70 km (depending on variant)
- Duration: 4–7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (some steep cols)
- Trail Type: Loop or figure-8 (popular circuits start from Cogne or Valsavarenche)
What sets this trek apart is its peacefulness and biodiversity — ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles are frequent companions. The Rifugi Vittorio Sella and Chabod provide cozy overnight stops, and many trails offer views of the Gran Paradiso glacier itself. It’s a perfect alternative for hikers seeking Italian wilderness with an authentic feel.
💡 Trail Tip: Combine this trek with local stays in Aosta’s hidden alpine villages. For more wild overnight ideas, check our free camping guide to extend your mountain journey affordably.
9 – Lechtal Alps Panorama Trail, Austria–Germany
Stretching across the Austrian–German border, the Lechtal Alps Panorama Trail is a lesser-known gem offering dramatic ridge walks, wild valleys, and sweeping alpine views — without the foot traffic of more famous routes. This trail follows sections of the Lechtaler Höhenweg and crosses into Bavaria’s highland edge, delivering high-alpine solitude and rustic hut charm.
- Countries: Austria & Germany
- Length: ~100 km (core section)
- Duration: 6–8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to advanced (ridge exposure in some sections)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point or modular (various start/end options like Lech am Arlberg or Füssen)
Expect a mix of limestone peaks, flower-filled saddles, and quiet forested descents — with panoramic huts such as the Steinsee Hütte or Ansbacher Hütte dotting the route. The path suits independent hikers seeking epic viewpoints and genuine Alpine culture in a more relaxed setting than the high-profile circuits.
💡 Trail Tip: Best hiked from east to west (Tirol to Bavaria) for sunrise views. Connect your start or end point with scenic rail via Europe’s top mountain train routes.
10 – Lauterbrunnen to Mürren, Switzerland
The hike from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren is one of the most scenic half-day trails in the Swiss Alps — combining dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and views of the Jungfrau massif with a charming mountain village finale. It’s the perfect alpine experience for those short on time but hungry for beauty.
- Country: Switzerland
- Length: ~8 km (via Grütschalp)
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (gentle climb or descent depending on direction)
- Trail Type: Point-to-point with rail/cable car connections
Starting in the postcard-perfect Lauterbrunnen Valley, you’ll pass under waterfalls like Staubbach Falls, ascend through pine forests, and emerge at Mürren — a car-free village perched on a cliff with sweeping views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s accessible, affordable, and ideal for family hikers or photo lovers.
💡 Trail Tip: Start from Grütschalp for a gently sloping panoramic path to Mürren. Pair this walk with our road trip Europe ideas to balance alpine hikes with scenic drives.
Final Summary
🧭 Final Tips: Choosing the Right Trail for You
- New to alpine hiking? Start with scenic day hikes like the Eiger Trail or Lauterbrunnen to Mürren.
- Seeking multi-day adventure? Go for the Tour du Mont Blanc or Alta Via 1 — both offer great infrastructure.
- Want remote and less crowded? Gran Paradiso, Triglav Lakes, and the Lechtal Alps are perfect for solitude seekers.
- Chasing the views? Stubai High Trail and the Haute Route deliver peak drama and alpine immersion.
🎒 Looking to pair your hike with a camping adventure? Don’t miss our guide on free camping spots across Europe. Prefer scenic transportation options? Check our top rail journeys in the Alps.
No matter your pace or preference, the Alps have a trail that will move your soul. From glacier views to wildflower meadows, these ten hiking routes offer a lifetime of inspiration — and endless reasons to return. Lace up, take a deep breath, and start walking toward the summit of your next adventure.
