Ready to embrace the new season? Get outdoors with Europe's best spring hikes.
ADVERTISEMENTAfter a mild but miserable winter spent hiding indoors, many Europeans are craving some quality time in nature.
Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the great spring air, stay fit and admire magnificent landscapes. But with so many epic locations in Europe, how do you choose where to stretch your legs?
To help you, we've compiled some of the best hiking destinations in Europe.
From Mediterranean trails to Nordic climbs, here's where to stretch your legs this spring.
Take the coastal path of Portugal's Seven Hanging Valleys
First of all, there is a country known for its scorching summers and beautiful beaches. But Portugal is much more than sun, sea and sand and has some of the most beautiful walks in Europe.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail extends to the Algarve coast and is home to the famous Bengali Cave. Elsewhere, spectacular red sandstone cliffs can provide your backdrop during the beach walk of the Costa de Caparica Trail.
Far from littoralThe Trilho dos Currais takes hikers through the beautiful Inpeneda-Gerês National Park.
Walk to Mont Saint-Michel in France
Of Alps to the Bordeaux vineyards, France has walks (and wine) for every occasion. If you want a break from the bright lights of Paris or the beaches of the Mediterranean, hiking in the French countryside is a must.
The Pilgrims' Trail is best walked at low tide and is recommended to approach with a guide. It will take you to the incomparable view of the island of Mont Saint Michel.
Further south, intrepid hikers will be able to admire the Azur rivers and the Verdon while crossing the Verdon gorges.
Step into a fairy tale on Germany's Rhine Castles Trail
Germany has so many beautiful forests, rivers and mountain ranges that you will instantly understand why hiking is such a popular pastime in Germany.
The hot German summers are perfect for hiking holidays and exploration routes that show fairy tale castles in the house of the Brothers Grimm. That's exactly what you can do on the Rhine Castles Trail or explore the Goethe Trail in the Harz National Park.
Meanwhile, the Painters' Path serves as the setting for many films and television shows and is widely considered the most beautiful walk in the world. Germany.
Summit spectacular Pulpit Rock in Norway
Enjoy a little Scandinavian'friluftsliv' and immerse yourself in the great Norwegian spaces. With a lunch box full of pickled herring, you can climb to the picturesque and spectacular Pulpit Rock or explore the southern fjords. Norway.
The most ambitious travelers can even attempt to climb the summit of Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Engelberg Trail in Switzerland
One on the list you might have expected, Swiss home to chocolate, cuckoo clocks and sensational mountain scenery.
On the Engelberg Trail, you can enjoy panoramic views while breathing the fresh air of the Alps or climb the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
Walk the spiritual Camino de Santiago in Spain
A Mediterranean path bathed in sunshine invites you to Spainwhich can add a walking holiday to its already established reputation as a seaside and cultural destination.
ADVERTISEMENTWalk the spiritual path of Santiago and reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, or you can visit the Peñalara National Park during a stay in the neighboring city of Madrid. Spain also has mountain trails and you can explore the Pyrenees on Pico Sobarcal.
Discover the wildlife, lakes and colorful towns in Italy
Italian cuisine and ancient monuments are well-publicized, but incorporating a hike into your Italy vacation might interrupt trips to carbs and the Colosseum.
You can observe wildlife on the Sella-Herbetet crossing or admire the crystal clear ocean and colorful cities along the Blue Trail.
Mountaineering is also an option with the Dolomites or even Vesuvius, fortunately less active today than in Roman times.
For a cultural pathtake the new route between the two Italian capitals of culture for 2023: Bergamo and Brescia.
ADVERTISEMENTClimb Wales' highest mountain
The United Kingdom is made up of four nations with distinct characters and landscapes. As such, there are walks to suit all levels. You can climb Snowdon in Wales, explore the Lake District in England or hike the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
If you have time, why not try the famous coast-to-coast walk which will pass through three different national parks and two rival counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Drive through spectacular landscapes in Iceland
Iceland It may be cold, but Iceland's volcanoes, spectacular beaches and giant waterfalls will make you forget about the weather. What better place to drink fresh glacier water or see a magnificent geyser?
Iceland has the Laugavegur, ideal for admiring the Icelandic highlands, and the Fimmvörðuháls Trek, which starts at a magnificent waterfall and offers views of a volcano.
Conquer the Via Transilvanica in Romania
Romania's response to the Camino de Santiago, Via Transilvanica is a 1,400 km route that crosses the country from north to south.
ADVERTISEMENTTravel through 108 villages and towns following the route through the Carpathians and some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent.
If you don't feel like walking that far or don't have two months to spare, the route is divided into seven key regions, each with a unique cuisine and culture.
Walk the Giant's Causeway in Ireland
The big winner is the Emerald Isle itself, Ireland. Although the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable (it can start raining at any moment), the temperate climate makes it ideal for hiking.
Taste some famous Irish hospitality as you walk the Giant's Causeway or climb Mount Torc in Kerry. The Irish countryside and coasts are picture perfect and everything else will make weary wanderers feel right at home.
