Whether it's the Tour du Mont Blanc or something a little less well-known, trekking tours in Europe offer some of the finest point-to-point hikes in the world. We've put together our list of the best mountain journeys across this fantastically diverse continent to help you choose exactly where you want to trek this summer or the next.

Hut-to-hut through the High Tatras 

Poland, Slovakia

Often referred to as the 'Polish Alps', the magnificent High Tatras form a rugged border between Poland and Slovakia and are the highest range in the spectacular Carpathian Mountains chain. Part of what we consider a 'secret side of Europe', this range is home to a stunning alpine landscape combined with excellent trails which link comfortable and scenically located mountain refuges, and offer a genuine wilderness landscape for the adventurous walker. If you've done plenty of trekking in the central European Alps and are after something a little bit different, Poland's High Tatras are exactly what you need. 

This hut-to-hut route takes you along the spine of the range on a fantastic multi-country trek. Expect thick forests of fragrant pine, cascading streams and sensational views, with highlights including the Valley of the 'Polish Five Lakes' and the ascent of Rysy, a 2499m peak that involves crossing from Poland to Slovakia and some thrilling, fun, easy scrambling. To top it all off, trekking here offers a unique atmosphere formed by the rugged landscape, welcoming people, friendly and knowledgeable guides and delightful mountain refuges that you won't find anywhere else. 

Trek the High Tatras

The Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Italy, Switzerland

Winding its way across the borders of three different countries, France, Italy and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc is the starting point for many Alpine hikers, and with good reason - it's renowned as one of the world's greatest walking trails. In a region where hikers have been looking to conquer the lofty peaks that dominate the sky since the mid-1800s, the routes around Mont Blanc offer an excellent introduction to Alpine life, from following the well-formed paths that snake their way over impossible cols, to sitting in mountain huts bonding with fellow hikers after a long day on the trails. What's more, there are several ways to do it. 

Complete the entire circuit over 10 days on our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc adventure - perfect for anyone who's looking to tick this off their bucket list. If even more of a challenge, our Ultimate Tour Du Mont Blanc holiday also completes the entire circuit over 10 days, but on this version, you'll take higher trails, stay in hard-to-reach mountain huts and cross high passes such as the Col des Fours and the spectacular Fenetre d'Arpette. Using a mix of hotels in the valley and high mountain huts enables us to keep a higher line and complete a more challenging circuit of Mont Blanc. In contrast, if you're short on time, we also offer a highlights version which takes all the best sections and links them together to ensure you trek the best and most dramatic sections within a week. You can also choose to walk at your own pace on our 11 day Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc holiday or experience this route as a family on our 8 day Family Tour du Mont Blanc trip suitable for ages 10+.

Trek the Tour Du Mont Blanc

Trans Tyrol Trek

Austria, Germany

The beautiful Trans Tyrol trail (also known as the Tirolerweg), crosses from Germany to Austria through two stunning mountain ranges, the Bavarian Alps and the Tyrol linking the towns of Garmisch in Bavaria and Innsbruck in Austria. This fantastic mountain journey on foot includes impressive gorges and incredible balcony trails and several good walking day of 6 hours and over.

We cross the Karwendel National Park and visit Schachen Castle – which is only accessible by foot and is said to be in one of Bavaria’s most spectacular alpine settings.  We complete the journey with a cable car ride down to the Innsbrucker valley.  We stay in basic mountain huts and wonderful country hotels, giving a true feel of the mountains with a little added comfort. Breath in the fresh mountain air, see the pretty alpine flowers and take time to soak in the stunning panoramic views as you walk along this delightful trail – it’s a true walkers paradise.

Trek the Trans Tyrol

Traverse of the Picos de Europa

Spain

Close to Spain's northern coast, the Picos de Europa is a region of stunning steep-sided valleys, isolated villages and picturesque limestone peaks. Under the expert direction of our knowledable local guide, this fantastic walking holiday makes a continuous west to east traverse passing through the separate massifs that comprise this dramatic mountain range. You'll be rewarded with stunning views from the summit viewpoint of Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2500m), walk the dramatic carved path down the limestone Cares Gorge and stay in remote, cosy, mountain refuges and quaint traditional villages. Check out our 6 reasons to go trekking in the Picos.

Trek the Picos De Europa

Self-Guided Austria: Dachstein Circuit Trek

Austria

We're heading back to Austria, but this time situated at the border of Upper Austria and Styria where the Hoher Dachstein, the main peak of the Dachstein massif, towers. Ruggedly breathtaking, the massif is home to 8 glaciers and features the incredible Hunerkogel Sky Walk, a spectacular hanging platform which extends over to view one of the Dachstein's vast glaciers. 

The Dachstein Circuit starts and finishes in the idyllic Alpine town of Gosau, taking you through a beautiful variety of landscapes from forest paths, vibrant valleys and banks of rhododendron to rocky summits and inspiring alpine vistas. This circuit is filled with charming moments to accompany the excellent hiking on offer, such as riding the funicular railway from to the Hallstätter Salzwelten (salt mine), taking the ferry across Hallstätter See and examining 2000-year-old rock carvings in the impressive 'Notgasse' rock gorge. 

Self-guided Dachstein Circuit

Traverse of the Jotunheim 

Norway

In Norwegian, 'Jotunheim' translates as 'Home of the Giants' - a name we think is rather apt. The mightiest mountain region in Northern Europe, the Jotunheimen feels like nature gone wild - untamed, grand, and rich with rivers, fjords and wildlife. You'll see long sharp ridges, dramatic peaks sculpted by glaciers, and breathtaking views wherever you go.

On the Jotunheim Traverse, you'll trek through a wilderness of peaks, cut through by rivers and ice-blue glaciers. It kicks things off with a bang, the first day consisting of an acknowledged classic, trekking along the airy Besseggen ridge which divides two aquamarine lakes. After that, more iconic highlights await, from the summit of Galdhopiggen (2469m) to spending a day on the Svellnosbrean Glacier. To top it all off, an unexpected delights is the Norwegian mountain hut experience. The Norwegians excel at everything outdoors and that includes mountain huts; expect fully staffed and serviced mountain lodges, which provide dormitory accommodation but also have restaurants, bars, lounges, drying rooms and showers. 

Traverse of the Jotunheim

Tour of the Queyras

France

A hidden corner of the French Alps, the Queyras is a more remote region which offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, most likely due to the fact that the Queyras valley remained isolated for many centuries until the mid 1800s. Whilst it's been accessible for some time now, it has never become a centre for tourism, and retained its unique charm and a sense of untouched, pristine beauty as a result. The quality of the hiking in this hidden corner of the French Alps is a revelation.</p >

We've based this exciting trekking holiday in this wonderful region very loosely on the Tour of Queyras circuit (GR58), and modified it to include the very best hikes in the area. From a succession of charming refuges and gites, you'll climb around 1000 metres each day to reach high ground, before continuing to reach rocky summits as Rocca Bianca (3059m), Pain du Sucre (3208m) and Grand Glaiza (3293m). Throughout the route, there are fantastic views, north to the snow-capped Ecrins and Vanoise massifs and south to the dominating spire of Monte Viso (3841m). Seeking out the quietest areas, you'll even enjoy picnic lunches in the company of marmots, chamois and golden eagles. 

Queyras 3,000m Summits Trek

If you would you like to know more about any of KE's holidays, then give us a call on +01768 773966 or USA/Canada toll-free 1888 630 4415. You can email; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can also organise a face-to-face zoom meeting on request. We are ATOL and ABTA protected and offer trusted holidays with financial protection and flexible booking conditions.