The Dolomites

Location: Italy
Distance: 62 miles (100km) +
Duration: 10+ days

The Dolomites are located in north-eastern Italy and are a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you’l find distinctive limestone peaks, valley meadowlands and slopes filled with wildflowers in the summer. On many of the routes, you’ll often encounter abandoned bunkers, trenches and sniper stations from World War One. The most famous relics from that war, however, are the ‘iron ways’, metal ladders and cables which the soldiers used to traverse precarious points in the high mountains. Today, many of the Dolomites’ famous via ferrata climbing routes follow the exact same lines that the soldiers once took.

Popular hiking routes include: Alta Via 1, Alta Via 2 (more challenging than AV1), the 3 peaks hiking trail, the Rosengarten Catinaccio Traverse, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hut to Hut Hike. Camping is forbidden in this region due to conservation rules, however, there are a multitude of mountain huts (‘rifugios’) along the way. Most people go between June and September when the region is free of snow.

Norwegian Fjords

Location: Norway’s west coast
Distance: 57,604 sq km
Duration: 1 day to multi-day hikes

As one of the most unique and varying coastlines in the world, it’s pretty hard to pin a distance on the Norwegian Fjords, though the coastline itself is thought to be roughly 18,000 miles (29,000km) with nearly 1200 fjords.

Amongst the infamous fjords themselves, you’ll also find mountains that rise between them, glistening waterfalls that fall down them, wild riverside forests, and dramatic cliff edges everywhere you look. The most famous cliff is Trolltunga which juts out somewhat precariously above Ringedalsvatnet lake.

Fjord can be translated to ‘where one fares through’, and humans certainly aren’t the only ones faring these lands. Seals, porpoises and the mighty King Crab reside in the waters below, whilst sea eagles, pelicans, and puffins can be found in the skies above. On land, you might find reindeer, a key source of trade for the indigenous Sámi people.

In terms of hiking, you’ll find something for all ability levels here, and can trek for anywhere between a couple of hours, to a couple of months. One of the most appealing things about Norway is the right to roam, otherwise known as ‘allemannstretten’. This means that no permits are required for hiking, and you can camp pretty much anywhere in open country for free. We’ve got an article on the principles of leave no trace if you need to brush up on your wild camping skills pre-trip.

Camino de Santiago

Location: Spain
Distance: 472 miles (760km)
Duration: 30 to 35 days

The Camino de Santiago began as an ancient Roman trade route and later became a Christian pilgrimage route covering the whole of northern Spain.

Under normal circumstances, it’s extremely popular and has a real sense of camaraderie and support along the way. ‘Extreme rambler’ Ursula Martin had an altogether different experience on it however, walking it last year when Europe’s travel restrictions were all in place. Check out our interview for some incredible stories from her trek through pandemic-hit Europe.

Most people begin at the border in France, though you can start anywhere due to its clear sign-posting. The end, however, is always the Santiago de Compostela, a cathedral in northern Spain believed to hold the remains of St. James, the patron saint of Spain. On the way, you’ll cross through the Pyrenees and into the Galician countryside for some spectacular views all around.

MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Range

Location: Country Kerry, Ireland
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Duration: 1 day to multi-day hikes

Closer to home, we have the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Range in Ireland. This region of County Kerry is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country and includes Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s tallest peak. From the summit of 1038 metres, you’ll witness the famous green valleys of the Reeks District, each with its own lake. Most hikers start from Cronin’s Yard and trek up the Devil’s Ladder to Carrauntoohil. There’s a fair amount of scrambling involved, and a steep descent at O’Shea’s Gully on the way down.

Other famous peaks from MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Range include Cnoc na Péiste, Beenkeragh, and Caher. Though Kerry is covered in trails and hikes, the Coomloughra Horseshoe (9.5 miles) and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Ridge walk (16 miles) are the two most popular in this area. Loose scree and sharp ridges are very common so it might be wise to invest in a good pair of walking poles. Furthermore, since the Reeks are situated towards the notoriously turbulent south west of Ireland, remembering your waterproof gear is an absolute necessity.

Related: Best Waterproof Jackets

King’s Trail (Kungsleden)

Location: Sweden
Distance: 270 miles (435km)
Duration: 8 days

The King’s Trail spans across the north of Sweden, including Lapland and the Arctic Circle. You’ll trek though forests of Birch, glistening rivers, glaciated valleys, and great expanses of tundra. In particularly boggy sections, and across non-fordable streams, you’ll also find little wooden bridges to help you on your way.

The five official trail sections are all low-altitude treks though you’ll be surrounded by panoramas of snow-capped mountain peaks for most of the route. Highlights include seeing Lapland’s famous reindeer, the Mount Kebnekaise section, and the Tjaktja Pass.

Related: The Fjällräven Classic | Conquering the King’s Trail in Sweden

In the winter, the weather can become pretty treacherous, so Kungsleden usually turns into a popular skiing trail. Nevertheless, the route is still open to hikers if extreme trekking is your thing.

Tatra Mountains

Location: Poland and Slovakia
Distance: 35 miles (57km) + / 785 sq km
Duration: 1 day to multi-day hikes

The Tatra Mountains lie along the south of Poland and the bordering regions of Slovakia. They are the highest range within the Carpathian Mountains, and are Poland’s only alpine mountain range.

There are numerous waterfalls and valleys, as well as over 100 lakes. As another UNESCO world heritage site, you’ll find biosphere reserve areas protecting local wildlife such as marmots, chamois, and the occasional brown bear.

Due to border disputes, trekking in this part of the world has only really become popular in recent years, though there are now a multitude of well-marked, official trails. Some renowned hiking routes include the Koprovsky peak, the Mlynicka loop, the Furkotska Valleys, and Poland’s tallest peak, Rysy mountain. Orla Perc is also infamous in its difficulty and is considered the hardest trail in the entire range.

Main Photo: iStock/ elisalocci

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