Walk this May and discover the best walks in Europe
It’s National Walking Month this May and to celebrate, we’re giving you the inside scoop on some of the best walks in Europe. From breath-taking mountain vistas to charming coastal paths, get ready to swap out your routine stroll for the ultimate scenic adventure.
May is the time to shake off the cobwebs, lace up those shoes, and step into the great outdoors.Whether you stumble upon a hidden gem, discover a beautiful scenic overlook, or simply enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, walking this May is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences that transcend the trails.
Are you ready to take a stroll on the European side? Read our guide to some of the best walks in Europe and see where the path takes you.
View our recommended walks
Italy | France | Austria | Switzerland | Slovenia
Italy
Amalfi Coast – Walk the Path of the Gods
The Amalfi Coast is world renowned as one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. One of the best ways to explore is via the Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods, a trail carved into the cliffs of the famous coast.
The main section of the hike is about 4 miles long and connects the two stunning villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. These winding paths hug the coastline, leading up the cliffs for panoramic views over the sea and passing through lemon groves and traditional villages.
You’ll have to be reasonably fit to do the trail and it would be best to avoid July and August when the weather is hottest.
Lake Garda - Beautiful lakeside walks
In Lake Garda, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, stunning scenery and picturesque trails from which ever elegant lakeside town you decide to stay in.
For an easy stroll, there’s wide lakeside promenades that link resorts like Bardolino and Garda. The southern resorts have some nice routes, which tend to be more flat or gently lead up into the hills for those lake panoramas.
If you want a challenge, head to the mountainous North where you’ll find steep paths and unrivalled views. The Old Ponale Road Path is a firm favourite which takes you from Riva towards Limone. Take the old road which once linked del Garda with the Ledro valley where you can enjoy breath-taking panoramas over the Lake.
France
Chamonix – Walk the Grand Balcon Sud to Flégère
The Grand Balcon Sud path is on the sunnier side of the Chamonix valley and this walk is above the tree line so perfect for admiring some of the most spectacular views in Europe. You look across to the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges peaks and this walk can be done in both directions with lifts at either end, helping your calves on the way up and your knees on the way down.
Take the Brévent-Planpraz lift up to the mid-station at 2000 metres. Directly ahead is a restaurant but follow the path to the left and you will pick up signs for the Grand Balcon Sud and La Flégère.
The trail drops downwards to start with, twisting through boulders covered in thick bracken and wildflowers and whilst there’s a bit of up and down to contend with, this hike ambles fairly gently along a path that once passed through old grazing pastures.
Small streams run alongside the path and there are many places where you can stop to admire the views, take the perfect photo or stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Listen out for the whistling marmots, they’re well camouflaged but you’re never far away from them up here.
Lake Annecy - Walk the Bout de Lac Reserve Naturelle
The Bout de Lac Reserve Naturelle is an easy, flat circular walk which takes about 30 minutes to complete. This beautiful untouched shore of Lake Annecy, offers the perfect opportunity to discover the stunning local flora, fauna and aquatic wildlife. It also offers stunning views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.
For families, this walk’s wide wooden walkways are perfect for buggies as well as wheelchairs. It also has explanatory panels along the way so the whole family can remain engaged whilst learning lots about the history of the nature reserve.
Austria
Mayrhofen – Ahorn Sunrise Walk
You need to be a morning person, but even if you’re not, we think it’s worth it. Between 5am and 6am, take the Ahornbahn gondola up to the Ahorn Plateau, Mayrhofen and watch the sun rise over the Alps with a hot cup of tea. You’ll see the sun’s rays turn from a bluish purple to bright pink, then to warm gold. You’ve even got the option of having breakfast up there too – there’s no better way to start the day.
Another top tip is to go up the Ahorn mountain on the cable car for the lovely loop walk. There’s a daily birds of prey show and barbecue area, as well as some tougher hikes up to the Ahornspitze.
Kitzbühel - Walks to panoramic mountain views
The paths in the Kitzbüheler Alps have everything from scenic easy walks to longer panoramic trails on the famous Hahnenkamm mountain and the Kitzbüheler Horn, which you can get to by gondola.
Try the Kitzbüheler Horn – it takes about 2 hours and is an easy walk. It goes from the Alpenhaus cable-car, and from there it’s a good stroll through the Alpine flower garden to the Gipfelhaus Alm. Get your camera out for some panoramic views of the Kitzbüheler Alps and the Hohen Tauern National Park.
For something more challenging, you’ll want the Pengelstein & Usterkarsee Lake walk. It’s 4 and a half hours, and is a stunning ridge walk from the top of the Hahnenkamm gondola. It passes two lakes, with views you’ll never be bored of. Either come back via Aschau or Kirchberg, by bus.
Switzerland
Mount Rigi & Lake Lucerne - Easy walks to spectacular alpine views
Enjoy a day trip from Lucerne, Weggis or Vitznau and take a ride on Europe’s oldest mountain railway up the Rigi mountain, named the Queen of Mountains, where you can enjoy spectacular views over Lake Lucerne. Easy to do as a round trip, there’s lots of easy walks and things to do in summer and winter.
There’s a whole network of footpaths that offer gentle to more demanding hikes out in the fresh mountain air that all offer panorama views across Lake Lucerne.
With plenty of restaurants and even a mountain top spa and an Alpine dairy where you can watch the cheese maker at work, there’s plenty of pit stops for a rest.
Davos - Tranquil walks in the Alpine Botanical Garden
Take the mountain railway from Davos to Schatzalp to visit this beautiful botanical garden which is located 1,800 metres above sea level. The Alpinium houses approximately 5000 different plant species from mountains from all over the world, and is rich in endemic Flora. There are lots of easy walkable trails in the area, and nature lovers are sure to marvel at the diverse range of alpine plants that line the pretty paths.
Slovenia
Lake Bled - Pretty lakeside walks
Lake Bled is known as the jewel in the crown of Slovenia’s beautiful landscapes and is renowned for its fairytale-like surroundings. Its historic castle and stunning mountain vistas offer an unforgettable setting for scenic walks around the lake. Whether you choose to take in those pretty lakeside views or venture onto well-trodden countryside paths, there’s trails for all levels of walkers. Velika Osojnica, in the south western corner of the lake, offers gentle walks for those looking for a relaxing stroll.
Kranjska Gora - The Bedanc Trail
This gentle walk starts on the cart track through the meadows where you can watch the cattle grazing. With the Julian Alps close by, you’ll have the opportunity to walk to some beautiful viewpoints including the Robe pastures.
