Europe is a continent built for walking. There are trails that pass mountains, woodlands, vineyards and coastlines, weaving in local villages and scenic pit stops in between. These trail routes are the natural arteries of the continent, connecting regions and countries like tree roots connecting a forest.
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While many outdoor explorers flock to famous paths like Spain’s Camino de Santiago or the multi-country Tour du Mont Blanc, global travel and tour provider Hellotickets is shining a light on lesser-known paths instead. These trails offer all of Europe’s natural beauty and biodiversity without the crowds. This summer, it’s all about the roads less travelled.
Starting on a literal high note (2,500 metres above sea level, to be exact), Hellotickets recommends the Alpa-Adria Trail, beginning in Austria’s Grossglockner mountain, the highest in the country, before descending through snow-covered pine trees and glacial rivers that lead to the vineyards of Slovenia’s Soča Valley.
From there, you’ll make your way to Italy’s limestone cliffs off the Adriatic coast, and visit towns like Trieste, Tarvisio, Udine and more, where you can reward yourself with pasta after a 750 km job well done.
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For those on two wheels, Finland’s Åland Archipelago consists of over 6,500 islands that resemble stepping stones between the Finnish land and Sweden. And the best part? It’s perfect for cycling.
Ride along the water ferries and whiz through foot bridges that connect each segment, but make sure to take some detours along the way. Pedal your way to Kustavi to take in some culture at the Kustavi museum, or steer to Brändö to embark on a seal safari. Cycle further and you’ll eventually find Kastelholm castle, one of Finland’s five medieval strongholds in the country. In between, you’ll cycle through magnificent landscapes of crystal-clear waterways, red rocky shores and lines of birch and pine trees.
Did these get your heart pumping for more trail exploration? Read Helloticket’s full list below.
These are Europe’s most beautiful hidden trails
Walking routes
The GR34, Brittany, France
Camí de Cavalls, Menorca, Spain
The Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria, Slovenia and Italy
Cycling escapes
Vía Verde de la Sierra, Andalusia, Spain
EuroVelo 6 (Danube section), Austria
Åland Archipelago, Finland
Bonus routes
The Lechweg, Germany and Austria
Trails around Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenian coastline: Piran to Koper, Slovenia
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