Top 20 - The Best Runnable Hiking Routes in Europe
Fast Packing, Day Trips, Long Running Weekends. Why Europe is the mecca for a long weekend trail running getaway.
Europe is truly the dreamscape for trial runners. Europe offers an intricate patchwork of landscapes, cultures, and centuries old footpaths that make it uniquely suited to the art of running escapes. Nowhere else can you string together runnable routes that traverse glaciated Alps, sun-baked coastal cliffs, windswept moors, and pine-carpeted boreal forests—all within a few hours’ travel. This continent’s deeply ingrained hiking culture, abundance of well maintained trails, and reliable accommodation networks make it ideal not only for walkers but also for runners seeking flow, solitude, and scenery. Whether you're weaving through the Dolomites, tracing Viking paths above the Arctic Circle, or fast packing from village to village in the Pyrenees, Europe offers a refined yet rugged canvas for adventure on foot—where the line between hiking and trail running dissolves into one unforgettable journey.
Explore the sweet spot between trail running and long-distance hiking.
Europe’s vast network of hiking trails offers something for everyone but if you’re a runner who loves alpine panoramas, coastal paths, or wild wilderness, this list is for you. These routes are runnable (in full or in part), stunning, and steeped in natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you’re fastpacking, training for an ultra, or just looking for a beautiful long run, these are the 20 best runnable hikes across Europe.
1. Alta Via 1 – Dolomites, Italy
Length: ~120 km
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best time: July–September
The Alta Via 1 traverses some of the most jaw-dropping limestone scenery in the Dolomites. While some sections are steep and rocky, large stretches are runnable for experienced trail runners. Rifugios offer food and accommodation, making fastpacking manageable. Expect flower-filled meadows, rugged peaks, and classic Italian mountain charm.
2. West Highland Way – Scotland
Length: 154 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: May–September
Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trail is a favorite for runners. You’ll pass through lochs, glens, and moorland, with dramatic views over Rannoch Moor and Ben Nevis. Expect well-marked paths, runnable terrain, and a great local pub culture at each overnight stop.
3. GR20 – Corsica, France
Length: ~180 km
Difficulty: Very hard
Best time: June–September
Dubbed one of the hardest trails in Europe, the GR20 is tough—but runnable sections exist for mountain-goat-caliber trail runners. Jagged ridges, pine forests, and high-altitude lakes define the experience. Many athletes use it as training for major ultras.
4. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland
Length: ~55 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: July–August
This surreal trail connects Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk. You’ll run through geothermal hot springs, obsidian lava fields, snow patches, and rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains. It’s runnable in one long day (the Laugavegur Ultra is held annually) or over 2–3 days.
5. Tour du Mont Blanc – France/Italy/Switzerland
Length: ~170 km
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best time: June–September
Europe’s most famous mountain loop circles Mont Blanc and crosses three countries. Though there are steep climbs, large stretches are runnable with alpine flow. The UTMB ultra race follows much of this route. Stay in mountain huts or alpine villages.
6. Camino Primitivo – Spain
Length: ~320 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: April–October
The original pilgrimage path, Camino Primitivo is hilly, green, and less crowded than the Camino Francés. It runs through Asturias, past ancient monasteries, forests, and sleepy towns. Many sections are runnable, and infrastructure (albergues, cafes) makes logistics easy.
7. Kungsleden – Sweden
Length: ~440 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: July–September
Wilderness lovers, take note. The Kungsleden cuts through Arctic Lapland with tundra valleys, river crossings, and wooden boardwalks. With cabins spaced out and plenty of runnable sections, it’s perfect for adventurous runners who want solitude and wide-open landscapes.
8. Rota Vicentina – Portugal
Length: ~400 km (Fishermen’s Trail + Historical Way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time: September–May
This gem on Portugal’s southwest coast is a runner’s paradise. The Fishermen’s Trail hugs cliff edges above turquoise seas, while the Historical Way dives inland through cork forests and whitewashed villages. Sunsets, ocean breezes, and runnable dirt tracks await.
9. E5 Alpine Crossing – Germany to Italy
Length: ~120 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: June–September
The E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano is a transalpine adventure without technical mountaineering. It includes lush valleys, high passes, and well-maintained paths with lots of runnable mileage. Popular among hikers but fantastic for fastpacking.
10. Lofoten Islands Trails – Norway
Length: Variable (10–60 km segments)
Difficulty: Moderate to technical
Best time: June–August
The Arctic’s edge offers sharp peaks rising straight from the sea. While some climbs are scrambly, there are also smooth singletracks across coastal cliffs and beaches. Great for technical runners with a camera.
11. GR221 – Mallorca, Spain
Length: ~140 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: March–May, October–November
Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana mountains are surprisingly wild. This trail links picturesque stone villages, dry valleys, and sea views. Much of the route is runnable, especially in the off-season when temps are cooler.
12. Julian Alps Trail – Slovenia
Length: ~270 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: June–September
Slovenia’s answer to the Alps. This loop around Triglav National Park offers runnable forest trails, alpine meadows, and fewer crowds. Crystal-clear lakes and traditional mountain huts round out the experience.
13. Menalon Trail – Arcadia, Greece
Length: ~75 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: March–May, October–November
One of Greece’s best-maintained trails, this cultural route crosses gorges, monasteries, and ancient cobblestone paths. It’s cool enough in shoulder seasons and offers scenic running through the Peloponnesian countryside.
14. Alpe Adria Trail – Austria/Slovenia/Italy
Length: ~750 km (choose segments)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: May–October
Linking the Alps to the Adriatic, this trail features vineyards, lakes, and alpine paths. It’s broken into 43 stages, many of which are runnable. Perfect for segment-based fastpacking.
15. Velebit Hiking Trail – Croatia
Length: ~100 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: May–October
Remote and stark, the Velebit Trail crosses karst landscapes and dense pine forests. Expect solitude, sweeping views of the Adriatic, and plenty of runnable terrain for those who plan well.
16. Via Dinarica (White Trail) – Balkans
Length: Multi-country, choose ~50–150 km segments
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best time: June–October
Spanning Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, and beyond, this long trail crosses the rugged Dinaric Alps. You’ll run through high valleys and over rocky ridges with deep cultural roots and few tourists.
17. GR10 – French Pyrenees
Length: ~866 km (segmentable)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time: July–September
This trail spans the entire French Pyrenees. While some sections are very technical, others are smoother and flowy. Combine runnable valleys with challenging passes for a real mountain running journey.
18. Fimmvörðuháls Trail – Iceland
Length: ~25 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: July–August
Run from one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls (Skógafoss) to the green valley of Thórsmörk. Volcanoes, lava flows, ash fields, and glacier views make this short trail a dramatic one-day adventure.
19. Faroe Islands Trails – Denmark (Faroe Islands)
Length: Various 5–20 km segments
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: May–September
Think Tolkien-meets-Scandinavia. These short, runnable routes explore sheep paths, cliff tops, and sea stacks. Wild weather and remote villages add magic. It’s the perfect place for short, striking runs.
20. Caucasus Trails – Georgia
Length: ~20–100+ km options
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best time: June–September
Technically just outside Europe, the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia offer some of the most dramatic terrain anywhere. The Svaneti and Kazbegi regions are favourites, with runnable high trails and cultural immersion.
Join Run Weekends for long weekends trail running in some of the best destinations in the world.
Trail running meets immersive travel on these routes. Whether you’re after coastal cliffs, arctic fjords, or alpine meadows, Run Weekends in Europe delivers runnable hiking routes that combine natural wonder with runner friendly terrain. Lace up and let your legs explore the best of the continent.
