Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Hikes in Europe

12 November 2025

Tired of the tourist-filled trails and overshared Instagram spots? You're not alone. While Europe's iconic hikes like the Tour du Mont Blanc or Camino de Santiago rightfully grab the spotlight, there’s a whole world of hidden gems waiting to be stepped on—quiet paths, untouched views, and soul-refreshing solitude.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into the best off-the-beaten-path hikes in Europe. These aren't just pretty walks—they’re the kind of treks that make your legs sore but your spirit soar. So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s head away from the crowds.

Why Go Off-the-Beaten-Path?

Before we jump into the list, you might be wondering, “Why not just stick to the popular trails?” Fair question.

Here’s the deal: Less popular doesn’t mean less beautiful. In fact, it often means the opposite. Off-the-radar hikes offer genuine connection with nature, authentic cultural experiences, and that sweet, peaceful silence that’s hard to find on busy trails.

Plus, you won’t be stepping around selfie sticks or waiting in line for a picture-perfect shot. Just you, the trail, and maybe a few curious mountain goats.

1. The High Scardus Trail (Balkans)

Where: Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia
Length: About 495 km (you can do sections)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

You’ve probably never heard of the High Scardus Trail. And that’s what makes it perfect. This transnational trail weaves through the Šar and Korab mountains, offering jaw-dropping alpine scenery, rustic villages, and the kind of wilderness that feels primal and untouched.

What makes it special? You’ll walk across shepherd paths, sleep in cozy guesthouses, and maybe even share rakija (local brandy) with friendly locals. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

2. Val Grande National Park (Italy)

Where: Piedmont region, Northern Italy
Length: Varies (multi-day hikes available)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Just north of Milan lies Val Grande National Park—a true wilderness area so remote that it’s dubbed the “largest wilderness in Italy.” It’s not for the faint-hearted. There are no tourist facilities here—just endless forest, ancient mule tracks, and ghost-like remnants of abandoned hamlets.

If you're someone who dreams of solitude and starry skies, this park will answer that call. The trails are challenging but worth every sweaty step. Bring a map. Bring a compass. Better yet, bring a guide if it's your first visit.

3. Laugavegur to Fimmvörðuháls (Iceland)

Where: South Iceland
Length: Around 55 km (4–5 days)
Difficulty: Moderate

Now, Laugavegur trail is famous in its own right. But extending it into the Fimmvörðuháls pass? That’s where things get juicy. This route connects volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and snowy plateaus. It's like hiking across the pages of a fantasy novel.

Heads up—this trail isn’t always tourist-free, but the farther from Landmannalaugar you go, the fewer people you’ll see. And given Iceland's vastness, even "crowded" here feels pretty sparse compared to other European trails.

4. Durmitor National Park (Montenegro)

Where: Northern Montenegro
Length: Varies (day hikes to multi-day treks)
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult

Montenegro might be small, but Durmitor packs a serious punch. Think limestone peaks, lakes like mirrors, and canyons that rival the Grand Canyon in depth. The park’s centerpiece, Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), is a must-climb for adventurers.

But here’s the kicker—you can also escape the peak-chasers and explore quieter routes dotted with wildflowers, ancient pine forests, and tranquil meadows. It’s like walking through a postcard, only better... because you’re actually there.

5. The Hebridean Way (Scotland)

Where: Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Length: Around 252 km (10–12 days)
Difficulty: Moderate

Want to hike along beaches where it feels like the edge of the Earth? The Hebridean Way in western Scotland is calling. This long-distance trail stretches over 10 islands, connected by causeways and ferries, offering a mix of rugged coastline, moody skies, and ancient Gaelic culture.

You might pass a solitary crofter's cottage, dodge a curious sheep, or find yourself chatting with a local over tea and shortbread. If solitude and raw beauty light your fire, you’ve just found your next trail.

6. Rota Vicentina (Portugal)

Where: Alentejo and Algarve regions
Length: Over 750 km of routes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The Algarve usually screams "beach resort," but the Rota Vicentina is the region’s wild soul. This web of trails hugs Portugal’s southwestern coast, offering jaw-dropping ocean views, secret coves, and villages that still feel untouched by mass tourism.

It’s divided into the Fisherman’s Trail (more coastal, a bit sandy) and the Historical Way (more inland, through rural landscapes). Do a bit of both, and you’ll get the full flavor—let’s call it Europe’s wild Atlantic tapas.

7. Via Dinarica (Western Balkans)

Where: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania
Length: Around 2,000 km (sections are possible)
Difficulty: Moderate to Very Challenging

This is more than a hike. It’s an epic journey through the spiny backbone of the Western Balkans. The Via Dinarica is a long-distance trail divided into three routes: White (high mountains), Blue (Adriatic coast), and Green (inland forests).

Each offers its own vibe. The White Trail is especially wild and alpine, with peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes that could make a poet weep. Not many hikers attempt the full thing, so you'll often have the trail all to yourself.

8. Tara Canyon Trail (Serbia)

Where: Tara National Park, Serbia
Length: Varies (loop hikes and point-to-point trails)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Imagine gazing into one of the deepest canyons in Europe—with barely another soul around. Welcome to Tara Canyon. This little-known beauty is carved by the Drina River and surrounded by dense forests, quaint wooden villages, and lookout points that’ll stop you in your tracks.

Trails lead you through old shepherd routes and up to dramatic viewpoints where the only “noise pollution” is birdsong and the occasional rustling deer. It’s nature therapy at its finest.

9. The Kungsleden Trail (Swedish Lapland)

Where: Northern Sweden
Length: Around 440 km (you can do sections)
Difficulty: Moderate

“Kungsleden” means “The King’s Trail,” and once you step onto it, you’ll understand why. This remote hike slices through Swedish Lapland, offering vast Arctic landscapes, midnight sun in summer, and Northern Lights if you're lucky in early autumn.

Despite its name, it’s not packed with people. Most hikers stick to the popular Abisko to Nikkaluokta section, but the southern parts? Quiet, vast, and humbling. Bring a good tent and prepare to feel very, very small—in the best possible way.

10. The Picos de Europa (Spain)

Where: Northern Spain (Asturias, Cantabria)
Length: Varies (many circular routes)
Difficulty: Easy to Hard

Spain isn't all flamenco and beaches. The Picos de Europa are rugged, dramatic, and blissfully under-hiked, especially compared to the Pyrenees. Picture limestone cliffs rising out of green pastures, sleepy hamlets with red-tile roofs, and trails that snake through misty forests.

Locals say this is where the gods come to rest. It’s easy to believe when you’re surrounded by eagles, wild horses, and the echo of cowbells in the air. Plus, the food? Think hearty stews, strong cheese, and cider served with flair.

Tips for Going Off-the-Grid

So, how do you really make the most of these hidden gems?

- Do Your Homework: Some of these hikes lack trail markers. A GPS, topographic map, or a local guide can be your best friend.
- Respect Nature: These places are pristine for a reason—leave no trace.
- Pack Right: Remote means fewer facilities. Carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
- Go Local: Stay in village homestays, eat local, and learn a few words of the language. It’ll open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the road less traveled really does make all the difference. Hiking off the beaten path in Europe isn’t just about avoiding tourists—it’s about discovering the kind of wild, quiet beauty that sticks with you long after your boots are off.

These trails aren’t for everyone. They demand a little more grit, a little more planning, and a bigger sense of adventure. But the reward? Oh, it's magic. So if you’re ready to trade packed trails for peace and postcard-perfect solitude, these offbeat European hikes are yours to claim.

Happy hiking, trailblazer.