Summer vacations are one of the best ways to unwind, stay active, and enjoy breathtaking natural beauty especially if one enjoys the great outdoors. From casual walkers to seasoned trailers, the best ten hiking destinations for summer vacations have something for everyone. These routes span different landscapes including tranquil lakes, rich forests, rugged mountains, and coastal cliffs, thereby offering incredible experiences. Popular sites with amazing views and challenging pathways are Yosemite National Park with its well-known Half Dome and the rich wildflower paths of the Swiss Alps.
Calm fjords of Norway or the English Cotswolds are great places for people seeking more muted paths. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers, every site features unique features including gushing waterfalls, secret valleys, or breathtaking mountains. Summer hiking delivers mild temperature, ideal for long days on the path, even if preparation including sunscreen, drink, and durable boots is vital. Whether your chosen walk is leisurely or a heart beating ascent, these hiking destinations fit all ability levels. Plan your summer trip, choose the best routes, and enjoy walking in some of the most amazing places on planet.
The Top Ten Hiking Destinations For Summer Holidays
10. E8 European Path, Slovakia
Description: The E8 European Path in Slovakia, particularly the Stefánikova Magistrála section, stretches 114 kilometers through the Tatras and Low Tatras mountains. Known for its stunning views of peaks like Chopok and Dumbier, this trail offers a mix of challenging hikes and serene alpine meadows.
Best Time: Summer, with comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours, typically from June to August.
Notable Features: Rich in history and culture, with opportunities to stay in mountain huts or camp along the trail.
Tips: Research trail conditions, as some sections can be steep, and bring sturdy boots for rocky terrain.
9. Carpathians, Romania
Description: The Carpathian Mountains are Europe’s wildest, offering various hiking routes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages. Popular areas include between the Timis and Olt rivers, leading to remote valleys and high peaks like Pietrosu Rodnei.
Best Time: Summer, with warm temperatures and clear skies, ideal from June to September.
Notable Features: Home to unique wildlife like bears and lynx, adding an element of adventure. Hikers can stay in mountain refuges or camp in designated areas.
Tips: Be prepared for remote areas; carry sufficient water and food, and check for wildlife warnings.
8. Polish–Czech Friendship Trail, Czech Republic-Poland
Description: This 30-kilometer trail runs along the Czech-Polish border through the Jeseníky Mountains, offering a moderate trek suitable for day hikes or short weekends. It winds through forests, meadows, and rocky areas, with several mountain huts for rest.
Best Time: Summer, with pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, typically June to August.
Notable Features: Highlights include the summit of Praděd Mountain, offering panoramic views. It’s less crowded, making it ideal for a peaceful hike.
Tips: Pack light for day hikes, and consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting.
7. Itäraja Hiking Route, Finland
Description: The Itäraja Hiking Route traverses Finland’s eastern Kainuu region, a 160-kilometer journey through remote wilderness and traditional Viena Karelian villages. It can be hiked in sections or as a whole, offering flexibility.
Best Time: Summer, with comfortable temperatures and lush greenery, ideal from June to August.
Notable Features: Crosses the Koillismaa Wilderness Area, where you can spot moose and reindeer, and visit traditional Finnish farms and saunas.
Tips: Wilderness huts are available, but bring camping gear for flexibility, and check for mosquito activity in summer.
6. Hardangervidda, Norway
Description: Hardangervidda is Europe’s largest mountain plateau, located between Oslo and Bergen, offering a vast network of trails. The popular hut-to-hut route crosses the plateau, known for its reindeer herds, glacial landscapes, and numerous lakes and rivers.
Best Time: Summer, particularly July and August, for mild temperatures and long days.
Notable Features: Stay in DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) cabins, providing shelter and a chance to connect with fellow trekkers.
Tips: Book cabins in advance, especially in peak summer, and be prepared for variable weather at high altitudes.
5. Laugavegur, Iceland
Description: The Laugavegur Trail is Iceland’s iconic 53-kilometer hike from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, showcasing volcanic landscapes like colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and black sand deserts.
Best Time: Mid-June to mid-September, when weather is most favorable, with long daylight hours.
Notable Features: Stay in mountain huts or camp, with highlights including the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar and views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Tips: Check weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly, and bring waterproof gear for potential rain.
4. Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Description: The Gobi Desert offers a unique hiking experience, exploring ancient trade routes and immersing in nomadic culture. Highlights include the Khongoryn Els sand dunes and Yolyn Am canyon, with vast expanses and dramatic landscapes.
Best Time: Summer, for moderate temperatures and blooming flora, typically June to August.
Notable Features: Experience traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, adding cultural depth to your hike.
Tips: Hire a local guide for navigation, and carry sufficient water, as desert conditions can be harsh.
3. King’s Trail (Kungsleden), Sweden
Description: The King’s Trail, or Kungsleden, is a 440-kilometer path in Swedish Lapland, crossing the Arctic Circle and passing through the Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time: Summer, with the midnight sun providing nearly 24 hours of daylight, ideal from June to August.
Notable Features: Stunning landscapes of tundra, forests, lakes, and rivers, with options to stay in mountain huts or camp.
Tips: Prepare for mosquitoes in summer, and bring lightweight, breathable clothing for long daylight hours.
2. Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland
Description: This classic Alpine hike runs from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Staying below 3,000 meters, it’s accessible without technical climbing skills.
Best Time: Summer, with clear skies and blooming alpine flowers, typically June to September.
Notable Features: Stay in mountain refuges, experiencing Alpine hospitality, with opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.
Tips: Book refuges in advance, especially in peak summer, and pack for variable mountain weather.
1. Trans Canada Trail, Canada
Description: The Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, is the world’s longest at 21,500 kilometers, offering diverse landscapes from coastal paths to mountain trails and urban greenways. Hikers can choose sections, making it flexible for all levels.
Best Time: Summer, with mild temperatures and long daylight hours, ideal from June to September.
Notable Features: Highlights include the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, the Bruce Trail in Ontario, and the Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia.
Tips: Plan your section in advance, and check for trail conditions, as some areas may require permits
