Have you done the top five trails in Europe?

A big trail may be the biggest adventure you’ll ever have and Europe offers some of the best trails in the world. Here are our five favourite long-distance trails in Western Europe and the Alps taken from our book, Big Trails: Heart of Europe.

1. Walker’s Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt

Starting on the edge of Mont Blanc and ending in the shadow of the Matterhorn, this challenging 205km route rewards you with so many spectacular views of the Alps making it an iconic trail for those looking to explore this landscape.  

2. Mullerthal Trail

A forest and riverside trail through Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland with spectacular views. This 112km route is one of the best undiscovered big trails taking you on well-marked paths past waterfalls, haunted castles and through gigantic stone labyrinths. 

3. King Ludwig’s Way 

This 115km route is the perfect walk if you love a view of the mountains but don’t like going up them. Making a great first big trail, this gentle path will lead you through forests and meadows to theSleeping Beautycastle of Neuschwansten. 

4. Salzburger Almenweg 

Follow grassy paths over floweredSound of Music meadows on a big trail even the children can enjoy. The 338km Alpine trail also takes you through forests with sparkling streams and up a few challenging climbs, but never takes you too far from the next mountain inn. 

5. Normandy’s Alabaster Coast 

Stretching from Le Harve to Le Tréport, the 187km GR21 route follows the shoreline of towering limestone cliffs. Look out over sea views that inspired the impressionists and sample Normandy’s signature cheeses along the way!

For more incredible European escapes, pick up a copy of our indispensable guide to the most spectacular and popular long-distance trails in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.