Besseggen
One of the best-known ridge hikes in Norway: high above the lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet with strong views over Jotunheimen National Park. Scenically exceptional, but demanding in terms of fitness and only recommended in good conditions.

Discover selected hiking trails across Europe – from Nordic wilderness and rugged coastal paths to alpine high mountains, Mediterranean islands and lesser-known regions in eastern Europe.
Europe offers a great variety of hiking landscapes. Between Scandinavia, the Atlantic coast, the British Isles, the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Balkans you will find very different routes – from short natural highlights to demanding day hikes with strong views. The following sections give you a quick overview of hiking ideas as inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.
Europe stretches from Lapland to Crete – somewhere it is always hiking season. As a rule of thumb: head north and up high in summer, to the sea in the shoulder seasons and south in winter.
The south starts first: Crete, Mallorca, Madeira and the Algarve are green, mild and still quiet now. Scandinavia and the high mountains are often still in snow and snowmelt.
The short window for the north: Norway, Iceland, Lapland and the high Alps are at their most accessible now – long days included. On the Mediterranean, by contrast, it is very hot.
Ideal for the Atlantic coast, pilgrim routes and the British Isles: mild temperatures, clear air, fewer crowds. In the high mountains the season and hut service come to an end.
Madeira, the Canary Islands region and the Mediterranean remain walkable all year. Nordic routes and high mountain trails are only feasible with winter experience and equipment.
Rugged, wide and unspoilt: Nordic hikes lead through fjords, mountains, lake landscapes and wild valleys. Norway, Sweden and Finland in particular offer impressive day hikes for anyone who wants to experience nature intensively.
One of the best-known ridge hikes in Norway: high above the lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet with strong views over Jotunheimen National Park. Scenically exceptional, but demanding in terms of fitness and only recommended in good conditions.
Through the wide Kärkevagge valley with rocks, mountain scenery and Nordic openness to Trollsjön – known for its exceptionally clear water and its wild, remote atmosphere.
One of the most spectacular day hikes in Norway: from the ridge, wide views of the Romsdal valley, fjords, steep rock walls and peaks. Good fitness, sure-footedness and stable weather are important.
One of the most popular day hikes in Finland: rivers, rapids, forest sections and suspension bridges. Easily manageable and ideal for experiencing Nordic nature intensively – without a multi-day tour.
Coastal hikes combine movement with openness, wind and sea views. Between the Atlantic, cliffs, dunes and white rocks, Europe offers some of the most beautiful trails right by the water.
One of the finest coastal routes on the Algarve: steep limestone cliffs, bays, rock arches and viewpoints over the Atlantic. Can be planned as a one-way route or a longer there-and-back tour.
A fine day stage on the Galician coast: sea views, rocky bays, beaches and quiet coastal landscapes. For anyone who wants to experience the Atlantic coast, wind and a less crowded region.
One of the wildest coastal landscapes in Portugal: sandy paths, dunes, cliffs and constant Atlantic views. The sandy sections make it more demanding than the ascent figures suggest.
White chalk cliffs, forest paths, viewpoints and Baltic Sea views. Surprisingly varied for Denmark – strong thanks to the combination of steep coast, sea and beech forest.
Iceland, Scotland, England and Ireland offer rugged landscapes, green mountains, cliffs, moorland and ancient paths. These hikes often feel wild, weather-beaten and particularly atmospheric.
One of the most spectacular day hikes in Iceland: waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and volcanic landscape. Long, weather-sensitive and demanding – only for well-prepared hikers with suitable equipment.
One of the best-known mountain tours in England: along an exposed ridge with wide views over the Lake District. In wind, wet conditions or poor visibility only for sure-footed hikers.
Short but very impressive: striking rock formations and wide views over the north of the island. One of the best-known natural highlights in Scotland.
One of the most impressive cliff landscapes in Ireland: a historic route, wide Atlantic views and the steep coastal slopes of Donegal.
The Alps offer some of the most impressive day hikes in Europe. Here it is about mountain panoramas, glaciers, rock faces, huts and trails that convey a real high mountain feeling.
One of the most impressive viewpoints in the Dolomites: the Geisler group, striking rock edges and open alpine meadows. Thanks to the cable cars it can be adapted well to your own fitness.
One of the finest alpine tours in Slovenia: wild high mountain landscape with lakes, rocks and huts. Demanding in terms of fitness, scenically exceptional – a good alternative to the classic alpine regions.
Impressive views of the largest glacier in the Alps: alpine paths and wide panoramas over the Valais.
Alpine pasture paths, huts, forest sections and views of the Dachstein south face. Long, but technically manageable for the most part – a classic Austrian mountain feeling with places to stop for refreshments.
Mediterranean hikes combine mountains, sea, warmth and special landscapes. Between Crete, Madeira, Mallorca and Sardinia you will find strong day hikes with very different characters.
One of the best-known hikes in Greece: a long, impressive gorge with high rock walls leading down to the sea. Physically demanding because of its length, the heat and the long descent.
A wild gorge with large boulders, narrow passages and rugged Tramuntana scenery. A sporty tour for experienced hikers – only in dry weather.
One of the most spectacular routes on Madeira: stairs, tunnels, ridges and viewpoints in rugged mountains – with a sea of clouds in the right conditions.
One of the most beautiful bays in Sardinia: from the Golgo plateau down through rocky terrain to the sea. The way back is considerably more demanding because of the ascent.
Eastern Europe and the Balkans offer many strong hiking regions that are less well known than the Alps or the Mediterranean. Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Poland in particular have impressive mountains, lakes and national parks.
One of the best-known tours in the Albanian Alps: valleys, forests and the Valbona pass. Scenically strong – requires good planning because of the start and end points.
The best-known natural highlight in Bulgaria: several mountain lakes in an open alpine landscape. With a chairlift start, yet still a proper day hike.
The best-known route in the Polish Tatras: the main path is technically easy but long – with the ascent to Czarny Staw the tour becomes considerably more alpine.
One of the most impressive summits in the Durmitor: rock landscapes, wide mountain views and a strong high mountain feeling – only with sure-footedness.
Historic routes do not always have to be walked in full. Many well-known long-distance and pilgrim routes offer individual day stages that combine culture, landscape and history.
Pilgrim tradition, mountain villages and wide views: a day stage with the typical Camino character – a changing profile with a lot of descent.
Along the Roman wall through rolling countryside: a special combination of history, rugged landscape and visible remains of the wall.
The Camino del Norte meets the flysch coast: cliffs, green slopes and striking rock formations right by the sea.
A quiet day stage through open fjell landscape: pilgrim history meets Nordic openness.
Practical tips on gear, packing lists and how to use trekking poles correctly can be found in the BERGBOUND outdoor guides.
Looking for reliable outdoor gear for your next hike? Discover functional products by BERGBOUND – developed with a focus on quality, reliability and durability.
Do you have questions about our products or about BERGBOUND? Simply send us an email – we look forward to your message and will reply as soon as possible.