The most beautiful mountain trails in Europe: Where to go hiking and trail running
(2026 Guide)
2026 could be the year you push your mountain limits to the next level. When you spend long days in the mountains that push you physically and mentally.
If you are planning your hiking and trail running season and wondering which European trails are worth it, we have prepared a selection of the five best trails in Europe for you. From the iconic Dolomites to the Alpine panoramas near Vienna to multi-day crossings of the Czech mountains.
These are the trails we personally recommend.
One of the most famous trails in the Italian Dolomites, offering iconic views of the famous Tre Cime and the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
Trail parameters:
Length: 20,6 km
Elevation gain: 943 m
Terrain difficulty: easy
Dog-friendly: yes
Why include it in your 2026 hiking plan?
This route is ideal for less experienced hikers or active travelers with dogs. The terrain is stable and technically undemanding.
However, it is important to mention that there is minimal shade. Most of the route leads through open countryside, and the sun can be really intense here. Good headgear, sunglasses with UV protection, and light functional clothing are an absolute must.
Main highlights:
- Iconic Dolomite peaks
- Panoramic views along the entire route
- Excellent accessibility and signage
Detailed route description and map: Tre Cime di Lavaredo: How to enjoy the iconic trail without the crowds and unnecessary costs
A challenge for those who want more than just beautiful photos. This demanding trail starts in the Malga Ciapela area and leads through one of the quietest parts of the Dolomites with views of the Marmolada massif.
Trail parameters:
Length: 23,7 km
Elevation gain: 1 625 m
Terrain difficulty: challenging
Dog-friendly: for experienced and fit dogs
What to expect?
The route includes technical sections and longer climbs that will test your fitness. At the same time, we encountered almost no other tourists and enjoyed a peaceful day in the Dolomites.
The views of the Marmolada massif and the dramatic mountain scenery are a reward for your efforts after each climb.
We recommend high-quality trekking poles to help you with the technical sections and long climbs.
Main highlights:
- A quiet area away from tourist traffic
- Dramatic views of Marmolada
- Physically demanding, but with beautiful views
Detailed route description and map: Malga Ciapela: A peaceful trail with views of Marmolada
Schneeberg is the highest mountain in Lower Austria and offers an alpine experience just a short distance from Vienna.
Route parameters:
Length: 24.7 km
Elevation gain: 1 488 m
Terrain difficulty: medium
Dog-friendly: for experienced and fit dogs
Why go here?
The ascent is steep in places and a short section is secured with a rope, so sure footing and sturdy footwear are essential. The reward is an open panorama of the whole of Lower Austria and the feeling of a real alpine experience without the need for long travel.
Main highlights:
- An alpine experience close to Vienna
- A physically demanding climb
- Panoramic views of Lower Austria
Detailed route description and map: Schneeberg: Lower Austria’s highest mountain is ideal for hiking and trail training
A multi-day trek across the Krkonoše Mountains is the ideal test before the Alpine season (both in terms of equipment and mental endurance). The route will take you across the highest peak in Czechia and the Czech-Polish ridge.
Route parameters:
Length: 62,1 km
Elevation gain: 2 770 m
Terrain difficulty: easy (physically demanding due to length)
What makes it a must-do trek?
Long ridges, mountain lakes, typical steep slopes, and changeable weather that will test your equipment. That’s why it’s good to have a light waterproof jacket in your backpack, which takes up almost no space but will keep you dry in case of a shower.
Main highlights:
- The highest Czech mountain range
- A combination of open panoramas and mountain valleys
- A challenging multi-day trek
Detailed route description and map: Two-day crossing of the Krkonoše Mountains: a demanding trek across Sněžka as a test before the Alpine season
This short but intense hike to the Guttenberghaus mountain hut in the Dachstein massif is ideal for those who have limited time but want to enjoy a full mountain hike.
Route parameters:
Length: 12.5 km
Elevation gain: 1055 m
Terrain difficulty: easy
Dog-friendly: yes
Is the trail technically challenging?
The trail is steep and physically demanding, but technically easy. A big draw is not only the view of the surrounding peaks of Dachstein, but also the renowned cuisine at the hut.
More experienced mountain enthusiasts can continue on and connect to the via ferrata leading across the highest parts of the massif. This combination makes the hike an ideal one-day alpine adventure.
Main highlights:
- Steep but technically undemanding ascent
- Excellent cuisine at the hut
- Option to continue on the via ferrata over the surrounding ridges
Detailed route description and map: Guttenberghaus Trail in Dachstein: the ideal alpine hike or trail run
Conclusion
These hiking trails in Europe represent a carefully selected mix of Alpine classics, peaceful Dolomite trails, and more physically demanding crossings. Whether you are planning hikes in the Dolomites, Alpine circuits in Austria, or a crossing of the Krkonoše Mountains, this list will help you choose a route that suits your fitness level, experience, and time. A big advantage is that all of the hikes described are dog-friendly hiking trails in Europe, so you can enjoy your mountain adventure to the fullest with your dog. If you are looking for inspiration for the best hikes in Europe for 2026 that are of a reasonable length, have a decent elevation gain, and are true trail hikes, you have just found it.
FAQs
What are the best hiking trails in Europe for 2026?
The best hiking trails in Europe for 2026 are not just about famous peaks, but above all about peace, space, and the opportunity to be truly alone with yourself in the mountains. More and more people are not looking for records in the mountains, but for silence, smooth movement through the landscape, and trails that give them time to slow down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The ideal combination is therefore offered by less frequented hikes in the Dolomites, Alpine circuits in Austria, and multi-day crossings in the Czech mountains.
Are these routes also suitable for dogs?
Yes. All the routes mentioned in this article are among the dog-friendly hiking trails in Europe. The terrain is technically manageable, without the need to carry your dog or secure it in a complicated way. The only important thing is to take into account the length and elevation gain and to ensure you have enough water for your dog.
When is the best time for mountain hiking in Europe?
The best time for mountain hiking in Europe is usually from June to September, depending on the specific location and altitude. However, if you are looking for peace and quiet and fewer people in the mountains, June and September are the ideal months. During these periods, the mountain trails are significantly less frequented than during the main summer season. The weather is mostly stable, the days are long enough, and nature seems calmer and more authentic. On the other hand, July and August bring higher visitor numbers, especially on popular routes in the Alps and Dolomites.
Are these hikes suitable for beginners?
Some are. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit is also suitable for less experienced hikers. On the other hand, routes such as Malga Ciapela or Krkonoše Multi-day trek are more suitable for experienced mountain hikers in good physical condition.
What equipment is necessary for dog-friendly mountain hikes?
Your dog should have its own water, food, or treats, and, depending on the terrain, paw protection. For longer or more demanding routes, it is also advisable to pack a basic first aid kit and a folding bowl. Properly selected equipment helps prevent unnecessary fatigue and injuries during the hike. We discuss equipment and practical tips for hiking with dogs in more detail in a separate blog article, where we share our experiences from Alpine and multi-day treks.
Contact Us
We love connecting with people who share our passion for trails, dogs, and the outdoors.
If you’d like to collaborate, share a route, or just say hello-get in touch and let’s start the conversation.