17 European Hiking Trails With Views So Good They Look Fake

Lace up your shoes — we're going walking.

1. Jurassic Coast, England

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This 100-mile stretch between Exmouth and Studland can be completed in about five to nine days. Or you can just pop in and do a short section of it for a day. The path winds along cliff tops, past beaches, and through small towns. You can bring camping gear and stay in tents or make the most of the pubs and guesthouses that you'll pass along the way. You'll be rewarded with amazing views of some pretty unique rock formations and rugged, windswept beaches.

2. Valbona to Theth, Albania

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You wouldn’t expect Albania to have rolling green mountains and dramatic snowy peaks, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in the north of the country. Though there are many hikes you can do through this amazing landscape, the most iconic has to be the Valbona to Theth hike. It’s super isolated, so it’s best to stay in guesthouses at either end of the hike and allocate a couple days to enjoy the area. Combine it with a ferry ride on Komani Lake, one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world.

3. Glymur Waterfall, Iceland

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Any hike that ends at a giant waterfall is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This hike through the dramatic Icelandic landscape will take you through a cave, over rivers, and up and down muddy hills. Take the trail around the south side to get the best views leading up to the waterfall, then the other trail to make your way back down.

4. Segla, Norway

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Be warned: This hike is steep. However, it's not too long, and the views from the top are more than worth it. This peak is located on the northern island of Senja, which many travelers often skip over on their way to the Lofoten Islands. But trust us, this hike alone is worth a trip there.

5. Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

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This trail, two hours outside of Sofia, starts off with a chairlift ride up into the mountains. From here, you walk a path that winds through green grass and over hills past seven different lakes. At the end, you can gaze back and see them all from one viewpoint. It's stunning in the middle of summer, but it's also pretty spectacular in winter when everything's covered with snow.

6. Green Lake, Slovakia

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Up in the High Tatras, near the border of Slovakia and Poland, you’ll find an absolute paradise for hikers. Stunning and snow-covered in winter, and lush and warm in summer, it’s the perfect destination year-round. There are heaps of hikes on offer, but the one up to Green Lake is extra special. Plus theres a mountain hut at the top of the trail that serves warm tea, cold beer, and baked goods.

7. Rugova Canyon, Kosovo

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There’s not too much going on in the Kosovan city of Peja, but visitors flock year-round to check out Rugova Canyon. It’s a popular skiing destination in the winter, but in the summer, it’s an oasis for hiking, swimming, and just chilling out by the water. Drive deep into the canyon to access some of the best trails, then head to one of the waterfront bars near town to relax with a beer afterward.

8. Magaro Peak, North Macedonia

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Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia is a beautiful place. Warm blue waters lap at small coves, and the coastline is dotted with small towns and dramatic picturesque monasteries. Just strolling around the banks is stunning enough, but if you’re feeling adventurous, head up into the tall hills surrounding the lake. Here you can follow a path along the cliff top. On clear days you can see into Greece, Macedonia, and Albania all at the same time.

9. Mount Olympus, Greece

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Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks while climbing Mount Olympus. According to Greek mythology, the mountaintop was the home of Zeus, while other gods all lived in the foothills. You can do this peak in a one-day hike that could take about 12 hours, or you can take it easy and stay in a refuge near the summit before returning down the next day.

10. Julian Alps, Slovenia

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You'll find plenty of hikes in this mountainous region to keep you busy, though the trail up to the alpine hut named Koča na Planini pri Jezeru might be the most impressive. Small wooden huts dot the hillside overlooking a deep green lake surrounded by pine trees. It looks like a scene from a fairy tale, and it's often deserted compared to other hikes in the area. Have a typical Slovenian lunch of soup or stew in the hut before you return back to the trailhead.

11. Path of the Gods, Italy

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Speaking of gods, this trail in Italy is definitely fit for a deity. Following along the rocky coastline of the Amalfi Coast, the trail winds along hilltops above small towns and tiny beaches. There’s a lot of climbing involved, but luckily there are plenty of restaurants and bars waiting at the end of the trail. Celebrate your accomplishment with a pizza and a spritz.

12. Srđ, Croatia

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Dubrovnik is a beautiful old town on the south coast of Croatia. Thanks to Game of Thrones, it has absolutely boomed as a tourist destination and can get super busy, especially in summer. Escape the crowds for an afternoon by hiking up Srđ, the huge hill overlooking the city. There’s sometimes a cable car in operation, but the views are always better when you earn them with a sweaty hike. It’s a great way to see the walled city and the stunning beaches surrounding it.

13. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

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Even in a warm European summer, this mountainous area of Montenegro stays nice and cool. The pine forests give it a wintry feel, as do the looming blue and green mountains that are often a little misty. Many people walk to the Black Lake for an easy day trip, but take it even farther and head up to Jablan Jezero. Here you can hang out by the lake or hike up the cliffs behind it, toward Crvena Greda, to get amazing views.

14. Caminito del Rey, Spain

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This hike near Málaga was once considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. It clings to a tall cliffside, with narrow pathways and steep drops. In 2015, handrails were added and missing sections of the path repaired, so it's a lot safer now. A round trip takes around four hours, and anyone with a fear of heights might want to sit this one out. But the views and the adrenaline rush make it all worth it.

15. Mestia to Ushguli, Georgia

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There are a lot of really great hikes in the Caucasus Mountains, located in the north of Georgia. If you're a keen hiker, you'll love this four-day trek between two remote villages. On the way, you'll pass through more small villages, across fields, and over small peaks. There are guesthouses along the way you can stay in, so you don't have to pitch a tent or carry too much food.

16. Eiger Trail, Switzerland

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This short but steep hike winds down through the Swiss Alps and has some seriously breathtaking views. Start from the Eigergletscher railway station and head toward the station in Alpiglen. You can do it in reverse, but then the majority of the hike will be uphill. From the trail, you'll be able to see down to the town of Grindelwald and across the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley. It gets pretty cold up there, so be prepared — even in July, you'll probably find snow on the ground.

17. 25 Fontes, Portugal

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Madeira, an archipelago off the west coast of Portugal, is seriously beautiful. This seven-mile hike through the wilderness is the perfect way to discover that for yourself. The trail winds past 25 waterfalls — some big, some little. If it's warm enough, take a dip in the lagoon to cool off, then have a picnic lunch at the base of one of the falls.

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