HIKING IN EUROPE 2022 – WITH TENTS AND IN HUTS

Europe is an amazing part of the world that delights the traveler's eye with a variety of landscapes and scenery. Thanks to the mild climate, it is covered with huge forest areas. In addition, Europe has many mountain systems with large ancient glaciers and impregnable peaks.

While hiking in Europe we will visit many places of interest and closely get to know the local culture, history, and peculiarities of the country. We will enjoy the local cuisine, be inspired by the world around us, and fill ourselves with energy and new impressions.

Excellent transport connections, low cost of flights and easy entry conditions make Europe very attractive for travelers. It is a perfect choice for those who want to go on a beautiful, informative and inexpensive trip.

We have designed hikes in Europe of varying duration and difficulty – both for experienced hikers who are ready for a challenging and interesting adventure, and for beginners who are just about to go on their first hike. The difficulty of the adventure depends on the complexity of the terrain, duration of the hike, climate and accommodation options (for the more experienced tourists there are hikes with accommodation in tents, for beginners there are options with the possibility of living in more comfortable conditions).

Hiking in Europe with accommodation in huts – briefly about the routes

For the beginners, we recommend choosing comfortable accommodation. When you can always relax in a warm and cozy shelter after a hard day's hiking, it's a great way to recover for the next day and new adventures.

Hiking in the Pyrenees: the canyon of Ordes and the climb to the Lost Mountain 

The Pyrenees separate the Spanish peninsula from the mainland by an impregnable chain of mountains. They form a natural border between France and Spain, except for the area of the eastern Pyrenees, where the microstate of Andorra lies between them.

Steep and precipitous peaks with deep, narrow valleys and dizzying canyons. Nature has been preserved here in its pure, pristine state. The fabulous Pyrenean scenery should be enjoyed without haste, without missing a single detail. There are national parks in the Pyrenees, one of which is the National Park of Ordesa y Monte Perdido, which has existed since 1918, it is the oldest park in the Pyrenees and the second in Spain.

Part of this national park is the 3,355-meter mountain peak of Monte Perdido (Lost Mountain). It is the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees and the highest limestone mountain in Europe.

Our hike through the Pyrenees lasts 7 days and is of medium difficulty.

The Santiago route through Spain

The Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) is a large network of ancient pilgrimage routes. Their goal is to reach the tomb of one of the apostles of Christendom, St. James the Great, in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. It was discovered as far back as 813 on the sacred hill of Libredon and became the foundation of an amazing cathedral and city that has ever since attracted travelers from all over the world.

We chose the "northern" route (Camino del Norte), also known as the "route along the coast" (Camino de la Costa). The northern route has 34 stages over 820 km, crossing the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. But we start our route with the 21st stage in Asturias and pass the more scenic part. Because the Santiago Trail runs along the northern coast, the terrain is very rugged with the rivers flowing into the sea, so there are a lot of ups and downs along the route.

This route is less crowded and ideal for those who want to avoid mass popularity and immerse themselves in a more solitary and perhaps spiritual experience.

 It is on this route that you can get maximum contact with nature. The Northern Route of Santiago is rated as the most spectacular, it combines the beauty of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, where the lush green of the hills merges with the pristine blue of the Bay of Biscay. And of course, the most beautiful coastline in Spain, where the mountains meet the sea.

In contrast to the unbearable heat of the south of Spain, the weather on the northern coast is quite wet, and can be very changeable, there are often torrential rains. The best time for this trip is from May to September. The winter months are not recommended, as temperatures can be quite low and large amounts of rain are unavoidable.

The Santiago Way via Porto

The Portuguese coastal route Camino de Santiago is a little known and sparsely populated route and is just beginning to gain popularity. It begins in one of the oldest cities in Europe, the amazing Portuguese city of Porto, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is a cultural center, a creative and modern city full of museums, monuments, restaurants, bars and thriving shopping districts. It is also known worldwide for its wines.

Santiago's route through Porto is an easy one, all the while keeping to the coast along beautiful natural landscapes, winding between cliffs, mountains, forests and river mouths and taking mostly quiet roads. It is designed to enjoy the tranquil scenery of beaches and dunes and amazing sunsets over the ocean. During the hot summer months, the Coastal Route delights in the constant fresh sea breeze.

This route is also known as the Monacal Road because of the many monasteries along the route. None of the other famous Camino de Santiago routes has so many attractions. This route is filled with historic villages and towns where you can see numerous churches, chapels, monasteries and other common examples of medieval architecture.

Hiking in the Tatras

The Tatras are the highest mountain range in the Carpathians. They are small Alps with sharp ridges, rushing peaks and steep rocky walls, beautiful glacial lakes, mysterious caves and powerful rushing waterfalls. Because the Tatras have long been a protected area, and there are very strict rules, they still retain their pristine purity, beauty, and very rich fauna.

On our hike in the Tatras we will climb the most famous beautiful peaks and see the mind-blowing lakes, enjoy the purest pristine nature.

Mount Ghevont is not high, only 1895 m, but it is a very beautiful peak, its northern slope drops to more than 1000 m of steep rock. Mount Ghevont consists of three peaks, its shape resembles a lying man, so it is called the "Sleeping Knight".

Rysy is one of the highest peaks of the High Tatras, situated on the border between Slovakia and Poland. The mountain is part of the range, consisting of three peaks, one of which (2503 m, the highest) is located in Slovakia, and the North Peak (2499 m) is the highest point in Poland.

Rysy is not only the highest peak in Poland, but also one of the most beautiful places in the Tatras, because at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by high rocky walls, there is a large lake "Sea Eye" with crystal clear water of fantastic turquoise blue color.

The valley "Pięciu Stawów Polskich" is a beautiful mountain valley, 4 km long at altitudes from 1625 to 1900 m, surrounded by two-thousanders. In the middle of the valley sparkle five lakes of crystal water.

Tatra mountains can amaze anyone, and those who have never been in the mountains and those who have already seen many peaks, because they are truly unique and one-of-a-kind mountains. The proximity to Ukraine, developed infrastructure and reasonable prices make the Tatras very accessible, besides the hike does not require a lot of time, and only in a few days we can get a hurricane of emotions and impressions for life.

Easy hiking in Montenegro

This hike through Montenegro is a great choice even for the very beginners and youngest travelers. We will hike it "lightweight" and stay in comfortable huts.

On our Montenegro hike, we will visit picturesque medieval towns, and immerse ourselves in the incredible pristine nature of Montenegro. We will climb the highest peak of the country – Bobotov Kuk (2522 m) and one of the most impressive and beautiful peaks of the Durmitor mountain range – Crvena Greda (2175 m). Its eastern wall is the highest in Durmitor. We will pass the rocky ridge Meded and its top Severni Top (2287 m).

We will also visit the mysterious Ice Cave with lots of amazing stalactites and stalagmites made of pure, clear and shimmering ice. We will spend a wonderful evening at the legendary Black Lake, where you can swim. We will witness the breathtaking Tara River Canyon, the largest canyon in Europe and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. It is 80 km long and 1,300 m deep. Those who wish can raft down the azure river on rafting. And, after an active hike through Montenegro, relax in the medieval atmosphere of the beautiful Bay of Kotor.

Each day of our hike through Montenegro will give us unforgettable feelings, because Montenegro is the epitome of a fairy tale, a place where time has no power!

Hiking in Greece and climbing Mount Olympus

Greece is not only the myths of the ancient gods, luxurious beaches and attractions of Athens, but also the magnificent nature within the country. More than half of Greece is covered by relatively low but very scenic mountains – a hiker's paradise. On our hike in Greece, we will explore 3 national parks on the mainland. The highlight of the route will be climbing the sacred Mount Olympus – the home of the twelve gods, headed by Zeus.

But in addition to Mount Olympus, the hike in Greece will bring participants a lot of experience. We will visit the world's deepest gorge, climb the famous mountainous Dragon Lake, and enjoy the views of Europe's cleanest river. And admirers of culture will be delighted with the rock monasteries of Meteora, known all over the world.

After the end of the program, members can have a beach holiday or continue to get to know one of the most interesting countries of the continent.

Our hike will take place in comfortable conditions: all overnight stays will be in pre-booked hotels and guest houses. You will be able to take a shower and charge all your devices there. Nevertheless, the tour is not an easy one: the members will have to overcome big drops in altitude and walk up to 20 km a day. You'll need to be physically prepared to get the most out of the program.

Hiking in Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a picturesque Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a paradise for hikers and long walkers: on the slopes of the mountains there are irrigation canals – levades – along which hiking trails run. Madeira is blessed with lush vegetation (there are many endemic plants) and beautiful rocky peaks (maximum height is 1,862 m). Madeira's climate is also conducive to hiking: the temperature on the island is usually comfortable and there is almost no extreme heat. This is why Madeira, like Tenerife, is called the "island of eternal spring".

Our Madeira trekking program is suitable for those who like comfortable travels, because all overnight stays are in hotels and guest houses. This makes the route easier than the classic mountain hikes.

During the 9 days of this trip we will walk along the levads, climb the highest peaks of the island, learn about the local culture and experience its flavor. The program begins in the capital of the island, the beautiful hilly town of Funchal, where there are several viewpoints, a botanical garden and a stunning cable car. Then the plan is to visit the highest promontory in Europe – Cabo Girao, the famous laurel forests, waterfalls and lava pools, where you can relax after hiking along the levads. The beautiful cape of Ponta de Sao Laurenço, which has a very different landscape from the rest of the island, is not to be missed.

Madeira is also the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo. Not only is there his museum, but even the airport is named after the legendary footballer. In general, you will not be bored on the hike, come and join us!

Hiking with accommodation in tents – briefly about the routes

Travellers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of a real hike, for sure, will appreciate hiking with accommodation in tents. Spend interesting evenings in a close, intimate company of friends over long conversations or fun games. Watch the starry sky, enjoy the sounds of nature at night, or sleep sweetly in the sound of rain. If you are a lover of camping, and you are not afraid of difficulties, we have something to please you!

We suggest you try yourselves in hiking across Europe with tents of medium and high difficulty.

Hiking in Cyprus

Cyprus is a small island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. You can hike here all year round, except in the summer months, when the heat makes hiking as uncomfortable as possible.

Hiking in Cyprus is very simple and perfect for beginners. In one day, members overcome about 10 km without a big drop in altitude. Most of the route goes along the Mediterranean coast, allowing you to swim every day in the warm, gentle waters. We recommend this route to those who plan to experience hiking for the first time, as well as to families with children.

Despite the ease, hiking in Cyprus is very scenic. Each new bay you pass offers beautiful scenery, and the beauty of sunsets will stay engraved in your memory for a long time. Hiking in Cyprus is also a great opportunity to touch the ancient Greek culture, traces of which are well-preserved on the island.

Hiking in Romania

Romania is a mysterious and very colorful country with a rich history and diverse culture. Across its territory stretch ridges of the Carpathian Mountains, they are also called the Transylvanian Alps. Romanian Carpathians are much higher than our Ukrainian Carpathians. Their peaks and slopes are rocky and steep.

During our trip to Romania we will make sure that the mysterious, shrouded in mystery and legends Transylvania is not at all a dark and mystical abode of ancient vampires, but a beautiful mountainous region of incredible nature, where among the rocky ridges hide ancient medieval towns, gothic temples and stone fortresses. And majestic fairy-tale castles rise on high hills.

Our hike through Romania includes climbing amazing mountain peaks and sharp mountain ranges. We will walk the via ferrata, admire mesmerizing views of distant valleys from above, and spend the night in the wild mountains above 2000 meters. We will visit the castle of the famous Count Vlad Tepis (Dracula), take a walk in the old town of Brasov, and many other adventures await us during our hike in Romania!

Hike through Montenegro – Dinaric Alps

Montenegro is a small fairy tale country. Cozy towns with cobblestone streets, beautiful clean nature, delicious cuisine and interesting local customs.

Most people associate Montenegro with beautiful beaches, but when you come with us on the hike, you will be surprised. You can't say you've been to Montenegro if you haven't visited its mountainous regions, the deepest wild canyons and seen mystical mountain lakes.

Our hike covers the most lush places. We will explore two of Montenegro's most beautiful mountain ranges – the mesmerizing Durmitor (in the north) and the mysterious Prokletije (on the border of Montenegro and Albania). We will climb the highest peak of Montenegro – Bobotov Kuk (2522 m), and the high peaks of Zla Kolata (2534 m) and Jezerza (2691 m), in Albania. We will see the clearest glacial lakes, among them the legendary mysterious Black Lake, in the middle of an ancient relict forest. The water in the lakes is so pure that you can drink it without the slightest risk. There are countless springs and streams in the Durmitor National Park, many of which are considered healing. There are also many incredible natural caves and grandiose deep gorges and canyons, with rushing waterfalls among the stone walls.

And at the end of our Montenegro trek, we will relax and soak on a beautiful beach and swim in the caressing waters of the Adriatic Sea. Montenegro is a great place for outdoor activities and for restoring the balance of mind in silence, alone with nature.

Trek around Mont Blanc

This is a trek around the highest mountain range in Europe. The route passes constantly at the foot of the Alpine giant, surrounded by majestic snowy peaks in Italy, Switzerland and France. Each of these countries has its own characteristics, customs, cuisine, language, its own unique flavor, which we will get acquainted with during the hike in the Alps.

We will see incredible creations of nature: deep flowering valleys and green spacious meadows where cute cows graze, high mountain passes, huge glaciers and long moraines, bubbling rivers and mirror lakes, ominous vertical rocks, sharp ridges and grandiose snowy peaks. Each day of the trip will surprise you with new landscapes.

And we will also take in the atmosphere of small cozy villages and old alpine towns – Chamonix and Courmayeur.

All the trails on the route around Mont Blanc are comfortable and wide, on the way we will find mountain shelters where you can rest and recover. But the main difference of our route is the absence of crowds of tourists who walk the standard route. We found some unpopular, but no less colorful places that we want to show you.

Hiking in Albania in the Prokletije Mountains

Albania is a small country located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. It is a mountainous country, which means that hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will not get bored here. On our hike in Albania, the members will meet the mountain range Prokletije, located in the national park of the same name. Rocky peaks, blue highland lakes, high waterfalls and picturesque valleys await us. The highlight of the route will be the climb to the summit of Maja e Rosit (2,525 m), which offers great panoramic views in all directions.

To participate in the trip, it is desirable to have experience in other similar hiking tours, because two days out of eight we will have to make long climbs with climbing more than a kilometer. However, if you are confident in your abilities, the mountains of Albania can be your first hike.

The program ends in the famous city of Durres, located on the seashore. Here you can have a well-earned beach vacation, or continue to explore the sights of the country.

Hiking in Northern Europe with accommodation in tents – briefly about the routes

The main treasure of Northern Europe is the fantastic rugged and resilient nature, remarkably clean and unspoiled by human intervention. Each country boasts many unique sights that can provide an amazing experience for travelers who choose to go trekking in Northern Europe.

Trekking in Iceland – landing on Mars

Iceland is a source of powerful energy that radiates from mountains, volcanoes, fjords, geysers, waterfalls and lagoons, grandiose glaciers and frozen bizarre lava flows at the bottom of deep canyons. The multifaceted, starkly icy beauty of the ethereal landscapes of Iceland and the magical northern lights are breathtaking! This is a country that makes you want to come back. Whether because of the strangeness of the scenery or because of the power of these places. Hiking in Iceland will remain in your heart and memories as something unusual and special.

Travelling through the north of Iceland – Another Reality

Another Reality is a unique route we have designed for you to be alone with the special places of Iceland. During the entire hike, you probably won't meet any hikers. You'll be able to enjoy a variety of landscapes and colors to your heart's content. Deep blue glaciers, blue lakes, emerald meadows, volcanic black soil, geysers, powerful waterfalls... Every day, we will enjoy and get used to new landscapes. But the beauty of Iceland is impossible to get used to.

Trek to the Troll's Tongue

Surely everyone knows about Troll's Tongue, a ledge that is about 700 m above the lake Ringedalsvatn. It is a very popular place among tourists, you often have to stand in line for hours for a colorful photo. But on our hike, we're spending the night near Troll's Tongue, so we'll have a chance to choose our angle, wait for the weather and the right light for good photos. 

Norway hike – Open your heart to the North

Norway is a land of thousands of secluded bays and fjords with steep dusky cliffs, a land of majestic mountains, dense forests, green meadows, crystal lakes, mysteriously sparkling in the moonlit nights. Hundreds of clear rivers, turbulent waterfalls and ancient glaciers fill this northern land with life. This is a majestic land of legendary Vikings and mystical trolls. And it is on this trek that you will be able to enjoy all the beauty of this country to the fullest.

Trekking in Lapland – The Way of Kings

Trekking to Lapland is one of the top 5 most beautiful trails in Europe. However, there are very few tourists here, even "during the season". It is still an undiscovered gem for many tourists. The amount of scenery is breathtaking. The weather here is quite harsh.  Winds, rains and changes of weather to sunshine are common. But this climate is conducive to many flowers, berries and animals. A bonus will be the polar day, because the hike takes place above the Arctic Circle. A true Swedish fairy tale, it has to be.

When to go to the mountains of Europe?

Europe is quite large and lies within 4 climatic zones: arctic, subarctic, temperate and subtropical. Therefore, the climatic conditions and seasonality of hiking in Europe are very diverse.

Hiking in Europe in summer – June, July, August

Summer is the best time for hiking in Northern Europe (Norway, Iceland). And a great time for hiking in the mountains. In the southern part of Europe in the summer, intense heat prevails. Therefore, it is best to refrain from hiking in hot countries in the summer (we mean the Spanish and Portuguese routes of Santiago).

Europe in the fall – hiking in September, October, November

Autumn is a fantastic time to hike in the hot southern European countries. The climate becomes mild, still warm, but no longer sizzling summer heat, and you can enjoy the pleasant sunshine and the beautiful colors of nature in the fall. It is best to go hiking in Spain and Portugal in the fall.

Spring hiking in Europe – is it worth it and where to go?

Spring is the inter-season, when nature does not indulge us with good weather. But in late spring, the weather stabilizes, nature comes alive and blooms, there is no summer heat yet, and you can safely go hiking in southern or Central Europe.

Winter Hiking in Europe

Winter hiking is suitable only for very experienced and prepared hikers who are ready for a serious test of nature. In the southern part of Europe, winter abounds with precipitation and strong winds. In Northern Europe, winter is harsh with very low temperatures. It is better to refrain from traveling in the mountains in winter if you are not a professional mountaineer, because in any mountain in winter there are many dangers and great difficulties.

How to choose your hiking in Europe?

It all depends on the time, budget that you have, your personal preferences and interests, as well as your physical shape.

If budget and time allow – you can choose long trips in the remote corners of Europe and go to meet the Nordic adventure in Norway or Iceland. Or take one of the most interesting pilgrim routes, the Way of Santiago via Spain or via Porto.

Climbing in Europe

For those who have already experienced hiking in Europe or other places, and feel the potential for more challenging adventures, we invite you to climb with us in the beautiful high mountains of Europe. You will be thrilled by new emotions, by overcoming challenges and struggling with yourself, and by the incredible high mountain beauty! It is in the mountains you will discover new boundaries of your abilities and increase your potential, charge with explosive energy and feel reborn.

Discover multifaceted Europe in all its aspects with Kuluar!

See our page dedicated to mountain climbing, both in Europe and on other continents.

Our managers know the answers to all your questions and will help you choose the destinations according to your possibilities and all your wishes!