The Top National Parks in Europe for an Unforgettable Hiking Trip

Europe is a hiker’s dream, offering landscapes that are as diverse as they are breathtaking. From rugged peaks and ancient forests, to storybook villages, and wild coastlines - hiking in Europe will expose you to a variety of scenic views that will be sure to make for an incredible adventure! Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, the continent's national parks deliver exceptional outdoor experiences rooted in nature, culture, and discovery. Here are 10 national parks across Europe that promise unforgettable hiking adventures.

List of the Best National Parks for Hiking in Europe

1. Triglav National Park – Slovenia

Nestled in the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park and one of Europe’s most underrated hiking destinations. Named after Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak, the park dazzles with alpine meadows, emerald lakes, glacial valleys, and quiet mountain villages. It’s a haven for both seasoned hikers and those looking for scenic day walks.

The park's well-marked trails make it easy to explore on your own, and mountain huts (doms) offer warm meals and shelter for multi-day hikes. Whether you're summiting Triglav, wandering through the stunning Seven Lakes Valley, or hiking around Lake Bohinj, the sense of serenity and natural purity is unparalleled.

Key Info:

• Location: Northwestern Slovenia
• Best Time to Go: June to September
• Fly Into: Ljubljana (LJU)
• Highlights: Mount Triglav, Lake Bohinj, Seven Lakes Valley, Vintgar Gorge

Looking for other places to go hiking in Slovenia? Check out our complete list of Slovenia hiking tours to find your perfect adventure.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia

Plitvice is a visual feast, with 16 cascading lakes linked by a series of waterfalls, surrounded by dense forest. While the wooden boardwalks draw most visitors, hikers will find more solitude and adventure on the longer, higher trails looping around the park’s upper lakes. These lesser-known paths offer rich rewards, such as panoramic views, birdlife, and the calming sound of rushing water.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s most iconic landscapes. Though busy in peak season, it’s possible to experience its quieter side with early starts or shoulder-season visits. Photography lovers and nature enthusiasts will find it hard to leave.

Key Info:

• Location: Central Croatia
• Best Time to Go: April to October (avoid peak summer for crowds)
• Fly Into: Zagreb (ZAG) or Zadar (ZAD)
• Highlights: 16 lakes, Veliki Slap waterfall, trails C and K, lush forest paths

Searching for the perfect outdoor experience in Croatia? Explore our collection of hiking tours in Croatia!

3. Cinque Terre National Park – Italy

Cinque Terre combines coastal charm with unforgettable walking. The five cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are connected by ancient paths that wind through vineyards, lemon groves, and along dramatic sea cliffs. The famed Blue Trail offers breathtaking views and colorful village backdrops that feel pulled from a painting.

This is hiking with flavor - literally. Between trails, indulge in fresh seafood, pesto, and locally grown wine. For those looking to avoid the crowds or try more challenging terrain, the high trails offer peace and sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea.

Key Info:

• Location: Ligurian Coast, Northern Italy
• Best Time to Go: April to June, September to October
• Fly Into: Pisa (PSA) or Genoa (GOA)
• Highlights: Blue Trail, Vernazza to Monterosso hike, panoramic vineyard walks

If you are in search of other incredible corners of Italy to discover, be sure to browse our catalog of hiking tours in Italy!

4. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park – Spain

Tucked into the Spanish Pyrenees, this park offers dramatic limestone cliffs, alpine plateaus, and deep glacial valleys. Its crown jewel is the Ordesa Valley, where waterfalls tumble from hanging cliffs and trails wind through ancient beech forests. It’s often called the “Spanish Yosemite,” but with far fewer crowds.

Hikes range from gentle walks to multi-day hut-to-hut adventures. Monte Perdido, the park’s namesake peak, offers a challenging climb with views that extend into France. Rich in wildlife, including griffon vultures and chamois, and packed with natural drama, this park is perfect for adventurous spirits.

Key Info:

• Location: Aragon, Spanish Pyrenees
• Best Time to Go: June to October
• Fly Into: Zaragoza (ZAZ) or Barcelona (BCN)
• Highlights: Ordesa Valley, Monte Perdido, Añisclo Canyon, Cola de Caballo waterfall

Spain is filled with incredible hiking locations outside of the Pyrenees Mountains. Explore our full list of hiking tours in Spain to find your ultimate adventure on the Iberian Peninsula.

5. Saxon Switzerland National Park – Germany

Famous for its towering sandstone formations and otherworldly rock spires, Saxon Switzerland feels like a dreamscape carved out of stone. Located near Dresden, this park features a well-connected network of hiking paths and the famous Malerweg Trail, which was once walked by Romantic-era painters.

You’ll hike past ancient fortresses, natural bridges, and pine-scented forests, with views over the winding Elbe River. The terrain isn’t overly strenuous, making it ideal for relaxed multi-day hikes or day trips. Every turn in the trail reveals something awe-inspiring.

Key Info:

• Location: Saxony, Germany (near Czech border)
• Best Time to Go: May to October
• Fly Into: Dresden (DRS) or Berlin (BER)
• Highlights: Malerweg Trail, Bastei Bridge, Königstein Fortress, Elbe Canyon

Germany has so much to offer when it comes to amazing hikes. Browse our selection of hiking tours in Germany for more information.

6. Durmitor National Park – Montenegro

This UNESCO-listed park is a hidden gem in the Balkans, offering rugged peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and the deepest canyon in Europe, the Tara River Canyon. Durmitor feels wild and untamed, with a raw beauty perfect for those seeking solitude and big mountain energy.

The trail network includes everything from gentle lake walks to challenging summit scrambles. One of the standout hikes is Bobotov Kuk (2,523m), which offers stunning views over the Black Lake and surrounding massif. It’s also a great base for whitewater rafting or visiting nearby historic towns.

Key Info:

• Location: Northwestern Montenegro)
• Best Time to Go: June to September
• Fly Into: Podgorica (TGD) or Tivat (TIV)
• Highlights: Tara River Canyon, Bobotov Kuk, Black Lake, alpine wildflowers

The Balkans are a real up and coming region when it comes to adventure travel. Explore our hiking tours in Montenegro to find the ideal itinerary for your trip!

7. Picos de Europa National Park – Spain

Often overshadowed by the Alps or Pyrenees, the Picos de Europa offer equally dramatic scenery with far fewer tourists. The park is home to limestone peaks, deep gorges, high-altitude lakes, and traditional Asturian villages where shepherding traditions live on.

One of the most iconic hikes is the Cares Gorge Trail, a cliff-hugging path carved dramatically into the mountainside. Combine rugged nature with cultural immersion by staying in family-run guesthouses, sampling local cheeses, and walking ancient pilgrimage routes.

Key Info:

• Location: Northern Spain (Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León)
• Best Time to Go: May to October
• Fly Into: Oviedo (OVD) or Santander (SDR)
• Highlights: Cares Gorge, Covadonga Lakes, Bulnes village, cable car to Fuente Dé

If you loved Picos de Europa National Park, then you’ll surely enjoy other parts of Northern Spain. Be sure to check out our collection of hiking tours in Northern Spain for more exciting adventures.

8. Ecrins National Park – France

Ecrins National Park is a pristine alpine paradise tucked away in southeastern France. With over 150 summits above 3,000m and a network of nearly 750km of trails, it’s a dream for serious hikers and nature lovers alike. Glaciers, waterfalls, flower-filled meadows, and sleepy stone villages define this rugged yet welcoming park.

It’s less commercial than the nearby Alps, giving hikers a sense of exploration and seclusion. Wildlife sightings of chamois, marmots, and golden eagles are common, and the traditional alpine culture makes overnights in mountain refuges truly memorable.

Key Info:

• Location: Southeastern France (Hautes-Alpes and Isère)
• Best Time to Go: June to September
• Fly Into: Grenoble (GNB) or Lyon (LYS)
• Highlights: Glacier Blanc, GR54 Trail, Vallouise village, alpine wildflower meadows

France is fortunate to be the home of numerous national parks that are perfect for hiking. Explore our full collection of hiking tours in France to find your ultimate getaway.

9. Tatra National Park – Poland & Slovakia

Straddling the border of Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras are the smallest high mountain range in Europe, but they pack a dramatic punch when it comes to terrain. Think jagged granite peaks, sapphire lakes, and pine forests full of wildlife. Zakopane, the mountain town on the Polish side, serves as a great base for hiking and exploring.

Trails range from easy walks to adrenaline-pumping scrambles, especially in the Slovak High Tatras. The park is also rich in folklore and mountain culture, with cozy mountain huts (schroniska) offering a warm welcome after a day on the trail.

Key Info:

• Location: Southern Poland and Northern Slovakia
• Best Time to Go: June to September
• Fly Into: Kraków (KRK) or Poprad (TAT)
• Highlights: Morskie Oko Lake, Rysy Peak, High Tatras, cascading mountain waterfalls

Searching for another adventure nearby? Check out our adventure tours in Poland or our tours in Slovakia for more information.

10. Vanoise National Park – France

Vanoise was France’s first national park and remains one of its most treasured. Located in the French Alps near the Italian border, it offers gentle valley walks and high alpine routes with views of glaciers, ibex, and soaring peaks. It shares a border with Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, creating a vast, protected wilderness.

For those who enjoy hut-to-hut trekking, the Tour of Vanoise is a highlight. The trail passes through green alpine pastures, quiet valleys, and charming hamlets, offering a more relaxed alternative to the busier Mont Blanc circuit.

Key Info:

• Location: French Alps, Savoie region
• Best Time to Go: June to September
• Fly Into: Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS)
• Highlights: Tour of Vanoise, Pralognan-la-Vanoise, ibex sightings, glacial lakes

Looking for something a little more high profile? Check out our Tour du Mont Blanc hiking tours, which are perfect for explorers wanting to complete one of the world’s most iconic treks.

Planning Your Hiking Trip in Europe

Europe’s national parks are more than just hiking destinations, they’re invitations to connect with nature, explore timeless landscapes, and discover the quiet joy of moving through the world on foot. Whether you’re after coastal charm, alpine drama, or forested solitude, one of these parks is ready to welcome you on your next adventure.

Need help planning your perfect European hiking itinerary? Contact one of our travel advisors so that you can leave the planning to the professionals and focus on the journey ahead.