Whether it’s the expansive woodland of the Ardennes, the roving waterways of Holland or the Lake District in Germany, the continent boasts some of the world’s best short hikes. Get inspired with our list of Europe’s Top 5 Day Hikes and discover the joys of walking holidays.
The Veluwe, the Netherlands
The Veluwe is a densely-wooded ridge in the province of Gelderland, the Netherlands. Boasting the oldest forest in Holland, the Veluwe changes dramatically with every season. Enjoy the fiery shades of orange and red in Autumn or the blooming purple heather in summertime. Our favourite walk in the Veluwe takes hikers through the Speulderbos, an ancient and beautiful forest nicknames ‘the forest of dancing trees’. Sculpro Harry Leurink features heavily in this forest, as he’s carved the 10-metre high trunks into giant insects. The hike is 16km long and begins at Boshuis Drie, Sprielderweg 205, Ermelo.
The High Fens Natural Reserve, Belgium
The High Fens in Belgium are slap bang in the middle of the Ardennes and the Eifel highlands. With a completely unique array of flora and fauna and dotted with charming Belgian towns, a hike through this large and unparalleled nature reserve will not disappoint. Expect to see plenty of wildlife and a wide range of landscapes on your hike in the High Fens, from waterfalls to deep woods. What’s more, you can stop at a local village pub and treat yourself to a rich Belgian beer. Enjoy!
The Eifel, Germany
Covering an astonishing 110 square kilometres, visitors to the Eifel could get lost for days in this mesmerising wilderness. Characterised by woodland, waterfalls and wild cats, this spectacular National Park is world-renowned for its dramatic wilderness. With over 240km of hiking trails spread throughout the park, it can be hard to decide which one to take. The trails are numbered, and our favourite one is probably #5A. It takes you around the beautiful, sprawling lake and straight into the woods. It’s about a 5 hour round trip, so make sure you’re well stocked with snacks and water!
The Eagle Trail, Austria
A bit more ambitious than the previous hikes, this long distance walk takes you through Tirol’s most awe-inspiring mountain scenery. And don’t worry, you don’t have to do the whole thing at once. You can pick individual stages and do a half or full day hike as part of your holiday in Austria. Running from the Kaiser Mountain Range all the way to Arlberg in the West, this trail consists of snow-capped peaks, crystal clear waters and rich green forest. The walk from East to West symbolises an eagle spreading its wings over Tirol. In our opinion, there’s not a better way to experience this stunn
ing Alpine scenery.
Path of Gods, Italy
There are many stunning day hikes in Italy, but the Path of Gods, named for its stunning views of the ocean, is absolutely not to be missed. This 2.5 hour hike starts in Bomerano and ends in Positano, two of the Amalfi coasts most coveted villages. Make a day of it and stop for an ocean swim, a delicious Gelato or some fresh seafood.
Book a holiday park near hiking routes
We have plenty of holiday parks across Europe that are suited to hiking holidays. Book a holiday park in the Eifel or a holiday cottage in the Veluwe or a villa on the coast of Italy and enjoy a wonderful active getaway.
