Europe’s Best Long Weekend Hikes

Explore Europe’s natural landscapes with these incredible hikes. Wander along trails that weave through idyllic coastal towns, mountain-tops, and picturesque waterfalls and forests. These treks are perfect to complete over a long weekend. You’ll even find a couple of tracks suitable for taking the kids along. Discover some of Europe’s prettiest scenery with one of these epic trails.

Cinque Terre Coastal Trail - Italy

This coastal trek weaves its way through five famous Italian towns - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Along this track, you’ll discover each of the picturesque townships while soaking up those Mediterranean sea views. The villages are easily recognisable, with their pastel buildings stacked on top of one another, overlooking the harbours below. You can start from either direction and cross over four individual coastal paths. Find a park for your motorhome, buy a trekking card before you head off and then catch the train at any point back to where you parked. The beautiful thing about this track is that it can be done in sections if you’re pressed for time.

Length: Approximately 6-7 hours or longer if you stay to explore each of the towns.

Distance: 11 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy

Plitvice Lakes National Park Trails - Croatia

This Croatian national park is known for its 16 majestic lakes leading to a cascading waterfall. The colours of these lakes change from vibrant blues to deep greens based on the minerals and organisms found in the water. Dozens of trails run through this park, each with various difficulties catering for advanced and beginner hikers. The shortest is three hours. The most extended trek takes up to eight hours. For a reasonable hike, we recommend Trail C from Entrance No 1. You’ll visit a few lakes along the way, concluding your journey at the top of the upper lakes where you can eat your packed lunch in a serene setting. Don’t leave without visiting the Veliki Slap waterfall which gives you a picturesque view of the clear waters below. In winter, this waterfall almost completely freezes, forming a lovely giant ice sculpture. You can easily spend a long-weekend exploring this area.

Length: Approximately 4-5 hours

Distance: 8 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate

Zauberwald, Hintersee Track - Germany

This loop track is within Berchtesgaden National Park, set among lakes and picturesque mountain peaks. Deep within Germany, this dramatic alpine landscape is easily accessible from Munich. Access the starting point with public transport and begin your hike, which will curve its way through the Zauberwald, a beautiful forest covered in huge stones. Kids will love climbing moss-covered rocks and exploring small caves. You’ll also get to discover Lake Hintersee which is easily one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the Bavarian Alps. The alpine lake mixes with freshly melted snow, so swimming is probably not a viable option at any time of the year - unless you want a particularly refreshing dip!

Length: Approximately 1-2 hours

Distance: 4.5 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy

Lauterbrunnen Loop - Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen is found in the heart of the Swiss Alps within a glacial valley, with scenic hikes that you can enjoy any time of the year. Did you know there are approximately 72 waterfalls in the area? Hiking the steep Lauterbrunnen loop feels like you’re on the way to heaven. Imagine walking along trails surrounded by dense greenery, vertical cliffs, steep snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Dramatic postcard views are everywhere you turn in this part of Switzerland. We recommend the loop hike from Lauterbrunnen, heading to Grutshchalp, Mürren and Gimmelwald, before descending and returning to the beginning. If you’re not able to handle the altitude and long-distance, there are gondola rides you can take to help with this. With the crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole other world.

Length: Approximately 8 hours

Distance: 16 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

Lac Blanc Hike - France

Head to France for the Lac Blanc loop track in the French Alps. This hike has got to be one of the most beautiful and leisurely activities in the Chamonix area. The calm, clear lake waters create the perfect mirror image of nearby Mont Blanc and the snowy, jagged peaks on the opposite side of the valley. You can easily take a cable car (or take the scenic walk) from Chamonix, then take the chairlift to the index. After that, you’ll begin the (mostly downhill) hike to Lac Blanc. Keep an eye on your surroundings, and you may spot wild animals like ibex, marmots and deer. Buy your tickets at the cable car station, and explain your plans to the staff at the lift station to confirm that the hike is accessible. The walk to Lac Blanc takes you to a high altitude, so it’s not recommended for young children. Remember your camera! Those jagged mountain peaks are begging to be your next Instagram backdrop.

Length: Approximately 2-3 hours

Distance: 6 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Here are a few essential hiking tips to remember before embarking on any outdoor trip.

• If you do plan on hiking alone, make sure you leave your hiking plans with family or friends who know where you’ll be.

• Take plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks.

• Use comfortable hiking shoes.

• Wear clothes that are breathable and layered so you can warm up and cool off quickly.

These treks can all be tackled over the course of a long weekend at most, and you’ll find plenty of loop tracks so you can easily double back to your motorhome rental, as well as hikes suitable for children and beginners. The beauty of any motorhome road trip is the ability to connect with your destination on a deeper level, and a hike or leisurely walk through nature is the perfect way to experience this.