Our favourite wellness walks in Europe

Slow down. Breathe in. Walk on. 

From forest trails to lakeside loops, wellness walks are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to unwind on holiday. These feel-good strolls blend movement, nature, and fresh air to help you slow down and soak it all in.

What are wellness walks and why are they good for you?

Wellness means something different to everyone. For some, it’s an Aperol Spritz by the lake. For others, it’s a walk in the mountains for a bit of peace and perspective. Whatever your pace, a wellness walk is a brilliant way to reconnect with nature, and yourself.

Where to go for wellness walks in Europe

From barefoot trails to lakeside loops, these are the walks that bring all the calm, fresh air, and nature-boosting benefits you need on holiday.

Many of these are part of our guided walks included with your holiday, and led by local experts who know all the best scenic spots, nature highlights, and hidden gems along the way.

Whether you’re after a peaceful forest path, a panoramic viewpoint, or a walk that ends with cake, there’s something here to help you truly switch off and unwind.

In the Heart of the UNESCO Puez Odle Natural Park 

Where: Selva, The Dolomites, Italy

This full-day guided walk from Selva takes you deep into the stunning Puez Odle Natural Park, a protected area right in the heart of the Dolomites and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why it’s good for wellness

This walk offers a calm and steady pace through one of the most scenic corners of the Dolomites. You’ll wind through meadows and forest trails, with plenty of space to breathe deeply and enjoy the moment.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there’s the option to take on the steeper climb to the Mastlé–Santa Cristina Panoramic Balcony. The effort is rewarded with incredible views of Val Gardena and the surrounding mountain peaks.

There are regular stops to take in the scenery and enjoy the quiet, with a break at a traditional mountain rifugio for local food and a relaxed rest before heading back.

Tall to the Taseralm 

Where: Merano, The Dolomites, Italy

This peaceful full-day walk is one of our included guided walks in Merano and is perfect for anyone looking to soak up the natural beauty of South Tyrol. With sweeping views, quiet forest trails, and charming alpine hamlets along the way, it’s wellness walking at its finest.

Why it's good for wellness

The route begins with a scenic cable car ride up to Tall (Oberkirn), followed by a gentle trail through woods, meadows, and quiet country lanes. You’ll pass rustic farmland and the charming mountain hamlet of Videgg, with views of the Ifinger mountain and Merano basin opening up around you.

The path continues through peaceful forest along the Taser Höhenweg, where you’ll hear mountain streams, breathe in fresh alpine air, and move at a pace that’s just right. The Taseralm at the end is the perfect place to pause, rest, and enjoy the mountain setting.

The Forest Wellness Trail

Where: Saalbach Hinterglemm

The Forest Wellness Trail is a short and relaxing loop surrounded by spruce trees and fresh alpine air. It’s ideal for a gentle stroll, solo moment, or a slow wander with friends or family.

Why it's good for wellness

Designed with relaxation in mind, this trail invites you to slow down and tune into your surroundings. You’ll walk through quiet forest, take in the scent of pine, and pass calming features like dedicated yoga spots, picnic areas, and even a little forest library. 

This walk is easy to access, suitable for all ages, and gives you time to truly switch off and reconnect with nature.

Stilluptal Valley 

Where: Mayrhofen, Austria

The Stilluptal Valley is one of the most peaceful places in the Zillertal Alps. With flower-filled meadows, a glistening reservoir, and the soothing sound of waterfalls, it’s the perfect spot for a slow, scenic walk.

Why it's good for wellness

This valley walk offers space to breathe, move gently, and enjoy nature at its calmest. The trail follows a quiet road alongside the Stillup Reservoir, with towering peaks on one side and colourful alpine flowers on the other.

The scenery shifts as you walk, but the feeling of peace stays the same. It’s a walk that invites you to take your time, stop for photos, and feel the stress melt away with every step.

If you're looking for more than just views, Mayrhofen also has walks with creative twists, like the Art River trail or a cheese-themed path past a traditional dairy farm.

Kupljenik Viewpoint

Where: Lake Bled, Slovenia

This gentle guided walk explores the quieter side of Lake Bled, taking you through peaceful woodlands, sleepy villages, and up to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the lake and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal choice for a slower-paced day in nature.

Why it's good for wellness

The trail winds through shady forest paths and open meadows, with birdsong and mountain air guiding your way. The ascent to the Kupljenik viewpoint is steady but not strenuous, giving you the perfect excuse to pause and take in the views.

From the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic perspective over Lake Bled, the Karavanke mountains, and the Sava River valley.

This walk is all about quiet scenery, gentle movement, and reconnecting with the natural world. You’ll walk through local hamlets and forest clearings, with time to stop, stretch, and just breathe.

Japanese Garden Walk

Where: Nendaz, Switzerland

This peaceful mountain walk starts in Siviez and takes you through open pastures, alpine landscapes, and eventually leads to a serene natural plateau often referred to as Nendaz’s very own Japanese Garden.

Why it's good for wellness

This walk offers a steady rhythm and a chance to switch off. As you move through mountain pastures with fresh air and open views, the path naturally invites you to slow down.

The final destination is a tranquil plateau with bubbling streams, smooth stones, and soft greenery. Its calm, balanced setting has the peaceful feel of a Japanese garden, although it’s completely natural and untouched.

Oeschinensee Circular Trail

Where: Kandersteg, Switzerland

This scenic self-guided trail begins at the top of the Oeschinen gondola and loops through forests and meadows to the shores of one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes. It’s an ideal choice for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Why its good for wellness

With calm lake views, soft trails underfoot, and alpine silence all around, this walk invites you to slow down and recharge. The route gently leads you from the gondola station to the shores of Oeschinensee, where bright blue water reflects the peaks above and the atmosphere feels wonderfully still.

Although the full lake circuit is not currently accessible, this shorter loop offers the best of the area with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a gentle walk, a quiet moment by the water, or even a lakeside picnic. The trail is uncrowded and steady, giving you time to move at your own pace and take in the mountain scenery.

Paradise Valley Levada Walk with Afternoon Tea

Where: Funchal, Madeira

This gentle guided walk follows one of Madeira’s iconic levadas through a quiet valley filled with wildflowers, mountain views, and the soft sound of running water. It finishes with a well-earned afternoon tea in a charming hillside garden.

Why it’s good for wellness

With its steady pace and peaceful setting, this walk is a great way to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira. You’ll follow a mostly level path alongside the levada, passing rock faces, forest greenery, and open views across the valley. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, with only the sound of birds and flowing water as your background.

The walk ends at a local tea house surrounded by herbs and flowers, where you’ll be treated to a homemade spread of sweet potato bread, jams, cakes, and fresh fruit. It’s the perfect moment to rest, reflect, and take in the peaceful setting.

Sorteny National Park – Canya de la Rabassa Circular Trail

Where: Arinsal, Andorra

This lovely circular walk takes you into the peaceful heart of Sorteny National Park, where alpine flowers, mountain views and gentle paths make it easy to switch off and enjoy the moment.

Why it's good for wellness

It’s a calm, easy-going route with just the right amount of walking to get you moving without feeling rushed. You’ll pass meadows full of wildflowers, wander through a quiet valley, and follow the soft sound of streams as you go.

There’s even a little botanic garden along the way, filled with local plants that thrive in the mountain air.

With wide-open views and hardly any crowds, this walk is perfect for clearing your head and getting back to nature.

Nature Trail

Where: Balestrand, Norway

A lovely, accessible loop starting from the sports hall near the quay that leads into forest and meadows, with educational signposts and scenic viewpoints. 

Why it's good for wellness

This trail offers a tranquil and gentle introduction to the fjordside landscape. With a steady route underfoot, fresh mountain air, and opportunity to pause and learn via wildlife and plant information points, it's designed to spark curiosity and calm at the same time.

You’ll walk through a peaceful woodland setting, breathe in the scent of pine and grass, and end with views toward the fjord and, if you keep going, a small waterfall. It’s engaging, easy to follow, and leaves plenty of space to reflect or simply enjoy being outside.

Lake Montriond

Where: Morzine, France

This lovely loop around Lac Montriond is all about easy walking and gorgeous views. It’s flat, peaceful, and perfect for a slow, relaxing stroll by the water.

Why it's good for wellness

The calm lake, fresh mountain air and gentle trail make this an ideal walk for switching off. You’ll follow a wide, well-marked path around the lake, with forests on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other. There’s plenty of space to pause, paddle your feet or sit and take it all in.

Whether you’re walking solo, with friends, or making it a family outing, it’s the kind of walk that leaves you feeling recharged.

Why we believe in walking for wellness

There’s something special about getting out in nature. Whether you’re strolling through wildflower meadows or following a forest trail with mountain views, it just feels good to move, breathe, and take it all in.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mind Over Mountains, a brilliant charity that helps people boost their mental health by spending time outdoors. Our team also gets stuck in with volunteering too.

We’ve believed in the power of walking holidays since 1934, and this partnership is the perfect fit. Because sometimes, a bit of fresh air, open space, and a good pair of boots is exactly what you need.