European long-distance treks: the TOP 8 for 2026

Tired of the classic beach or ski holiday? Do you love gorgeous views? Or do you just want to put in some proper physical effort? We’ve got a tip for you on the best European long-distance treks. They’re cheap, they’re close and they’re addictive. Read our article and you’ll find that adventure in Europe is lurking at literally every step.

Long trails have become hugely popular with walkers of every generation and nationality. On a journey like that you get the chance to discover the beauty of Mother Nature – and your own limits. Some walkers also say that such journeys teach them humility and reveal new sides of their own personality. There are long-distance treks for beginners and for the demanding alike, so there really is something for everyone.

Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

This trail around Europe’s highest mountain can’t be missing here, since it’s probably the most popular long-distance route. The total 170 km of trail works out at around 60 hours of walking through beautiful mountain country. A mountain ultramarathon is held on this route every year. No wonder the organisers picked this trail, given the total ascent of around 10,000 m.

The route has changed over the years, and even today there are several options – so it depends on how fit the walker is which route they finally choose. Since the trail runs through the Alps, where conditions change quickly, we’d recommend tackling this European long-distance trek in the summer months.

The Camino de Santiago – the various routes

The Camino de Santiago has become very popular lately. It’s a network of paths leading to Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St James. You can set off practically any time, but the best period for the pilgrimage is from August to October, or from March to May, when there’s no great rush of visitors and accommodation is easier to find.

The Camino includes 12 main routes in total, the difference between them being where the pilgrimage starts. You can choose a short route or one running to several thousand kilometres. Czech walkers can start the pilgrimage at home, because there are Czech branches of the Way of St James too – they run from Prague, Brno and Jihlava, for instance.

We’ve written plenty about the Camino de Santiago on our blog too. We’ve had the honour of walking two routes: the Camino del Norte and the Portuguese Coastal Way.

West Highland Way

Let’s leave the familiar European long-distance treks for a moment and head into the mysterious mountains of Scotland. This 154 km route will amaze anyone who loves the authentic nature of the British Isles. The trail is walked from south (Milngavie) to north (Fort William) – because the southern part is easier and prepares you for the demanding northern stretches.

The weather in Scotland is famously unpredictable. Rain can catch you out practically any time. A big advantage, though, is the dense network of accommodation, shops and cafés, so in bad weather you can always take shelter.

The GR11 long-distance route

European long-distance treks have to include the GR 11 crossing, one of three long-distance routes running the length of the Pyrenees along the border between Spain and France. It’s a walk from lighthouse to lighthouse. The route starts by the Atlantic at the Cabo de Higuer lighthouse on the Basque coast and ends at the Cap de Creus lighthouse by the Mediterranean in Catalonia.

This high-mountain route of 840 kilometres takes you through the most beautiful part of the Spanish Pyrenees. Valle de Ordesa will be a highlight. So what are you waiting for? Put a schnitzel between two slices of bread and head off towards an adventure that isn’t waiting for you. Read more about the trek

St Olav’s Ways

Let’s stay in northern Europe. You can get to know the distinctive Scandinavian landscape on one of several European long-distance treks whose destination is the same – the grave of St Olav, the Norwegian king who left a significant mark on the history of the Nordic countries.

For your walk you can choose routes from 130 to 650 km; the best-known links the Norwegian cities of Oslo and Trondheim. Together the pilgrim routes run to around 5,000 km. Interestingly, all the routes converge in the shape of a star on St Olav’s grave in Trondheim.

A trek across the Canary Islands

Now we move to southern Europe, to a place better known as a traditional holiday destination for lovers of the sea and beaches. We’re talking about the Canary Islands. A route of 650 km in total runs across all seven islands. On the trail, demanding rocky terrain alternates with pleasant sandy flats.

The route also takes you to Spain’s highest mountain, Pico del Teide (Tenerife). That brings the total ascent to 20,000 metres. The whole trail should take you 35 days. But if you linger somewhere admiring the unusual volcanic landscape, we won’t blame you.

Via Adriatica

If your holiday heart belongs to Croatia, it would be a shame not to try this gem among European long-distance treks along the Adriatic. The expected duration of the trail is 70 days.

The Via Adriatica was established in 2017. Over 1,100 km you’ll climb 42,000 m. The route starts in northern Croatia, near the town of Pula, and ends at the southern tip of the country. The trek isn’t among the harder ones, but besides forest tracks it includes climbs up Croatia’s highest mountains.

The Route of the SNP Heroes

We’ll finish the article with our eastern neighbours. A trek of 760 km in total, with 30,000 metres of ascent, runs across Slovakia. The route starts at the Dukla Pass and stretches across the whole country to Mount Bradlo. On your walk you’ll visit the Low Tatras, Veľká Fatra, the White Carpathians and even Devín Castle.

The trail takes its name from the Slovak National Uprising. The route runs through areas where the most significant events in Slovak history took place. You should manage the whole walk in 30 days.

You’ll find more information on the trek’s own website, which is very nicely done.

GR221

If you love hiking, gorgeous nature, historic places and a bit of adventure, the crossing of Mallorca (the GR221 trek), also known as the Dry Stone Route, could be just the thing for you. This long-distance trek takes you through the Serra de Tramuntana range, a UNESCO World Heritage site.