5 of Europe’s great hiking trails for campers

*Cinque Terre looks like it’s beach, beach, beach - but this Italian gem is also great for hikers.*

Hiking can provide a lot of wellness benefits, whether that’s stress relief, connecting with like-minded people or immersing yourself in nature and the great outdoors. If going on a hiking trip is something you’d like to do, one difficulty is choosing exactly where to go as there is so much choice out there.

One starting point could be to check a reputable website such as outdoorcommand.com for both hiking and camping inspiration. But I’ve also put together a list of five fantastic destinations which are definitely worthy of being a hiking destination.

1. Slovenian mountain trail, Slovenia

Of course, the Slovenian mountain trail is in Slovenia – it’s in the name. But if you’re looking for somewhere that’s a little off the beaten track and has a bevy of lakes and mountains, Slovenia should definitely be considered. This is one of the best places in the world to enjoy Mother Nature’s spectacular form and there’s so much to see, you’ll probably need at least a week to complete the Slovenian mountain trail.

2. Bucegi Mountains, Romania

*You can enjoy views like this on the trails of the Bucegi Mountains.*

Not everyone has the time to go on a week-long (or more) hiking holiday, and not everyone wants to take on an advanced trail. If you’re a beginner and/or strapped for time, Romania’s Bucegi Mountains are a great way to explore a slice of Europe’s amazing countryside – especially if you’ve got little ones with you.

However, the Bucegi Mountains are not only known for being one of the easiest hiking trails in the country, but it is also a point of interest because of hundreds of claims about alien sightings in the area. So if you’re looking for a hiking trail that is both mysterious, straightforward and featuring more than enough mountain vistas to fill your boots with, head on over to the Bucegi Mountains.

3. Hala Stoly, Poland

If you’re looking for another hiking trail fit for beginners, consider Hala Stoly , which is in one of my favourite countries – Poland. This is a hiking trail that will only take about an hour to complete one-way. However, at a distance just shy of five kilometres, this untapped path is relatively free from tourists, allowing you to enjoy the wonders of nature in a calm and relaxing setting.

4. Rila National Park, Bulgaria

Rila National Park is more than just a trail – it is an area of Bulgarian natural beauty which is befitting of a multi-day adventure. Experience a range of different activities in the Rila Mountains including Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, thermal hot springs in the small town of Sapareva Banya and a great range of water sports including water skiing and wakeboarding at Lake Iskar.

5. Cinque Terre, Italy

Whenever you hear the words art and architecture, Italy springs to mind. This country is known for some of the most unique and intricate structures in the world, but aside from obvious destinations such as Rome, Florence and Venice, are you aware that Italy also offers some of Europe’s best destinations for hikers and campers? If you’re looking for a trail that will truly test your endurance, visit the Cinque Terre coastal route. This is a trail spread along one of Italy’s finest stretches of coastline and will take you through five villages along the way.