Backpacking is a dream of many people, especially in a diverse continent such as Europe. With so many countries in Europe it's difficult to know where to start when it comes to backpacking. Not only do you have hundreds of locations to decide between, but you also have to think about how to get to and from each location. 

This can be difficult for first-time backpackers or those who have not been to Europe before. With every backpacker telling them to go to a different location and social media telling them the must-see spots, it can begin to become overwhelming. But this shouldn't be the case, and it doesn't have to be.

In this article, we have collated 3 of the best backpacking spots in Europe, from some of the most popular to hidden gems, which make the perfect hiking location, looking at the best hiking spots and the best way to get there for those looking to head to Europe this summer, plus some practical tips.

So, without further ado, here are the 3 best wilderness hiking destinations in Europe.

 

Best Backpacking Spots Around Europe

Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Landmannalaugar is located in Iceland's southern highlands and offers some of the most beautiful and colourful scenes available in Europe. The rhyolite mountains are open from mid-June to mid-September, as these are the warm months in the region for the perfect summertime hike. When trekking to these mountains, it’s best to hire a 4x4 or some kind of van as the locations are very remote and not accessible by foot or public transport. For this, many people choose to get the correct transport training, so that they can hire the correct type of transportation, whether that be an off-roading van or a campervan.

If you do not want to hire a van, there are campsite spaces and bunk beds in mountain huts operated by the island. These, however, must be booked months in advance, as they get booked up very quickly in these very short few months. 

Some of the most popular routes include the Laugavegur trail, which is a 55 km 4-day trek, the Blahnúkur trail, which is a steep 6 km, and the Breiðdalsáldar 6 km hike around bright sulphur springs and colourful slopes, more suitable for beginners who want to make travel memories.

 

The Dolomites, Italy

One of the most popular travel locations on this list, the Dolomites offer an abundance of hikes for easy to more difficult, located in the north of the Italian Alps. Miles of jagged limestone peaks and mountains, the Dolomites offer a warmer backpacking alternative to the colder Iceland, with peaks such as Tre Cime di Lavaredo. With hiking huts located all around the mountains, hiking around the Dolomites means that you just need you, your backpack and some sun cream. Here, wild camping is illegal, so it is important to check availability for these huts before arriving.

Peak seasons that will provide the best hikes in this region are from June to mid-September, as this is the summer time in Italy. When travelling to the Dolomites, it's best to try and budget around £100 per day as hut and food expenses can be costly in peak season. However, the hikes, including the Alta Via 1 and the Dolomiti Trail, are worth the price and the walk offers some of the most stunning views in the whole of Europe.

 

The Scottish Highlands, UK

Backpacking and hiking in the Scottish Highlands is an expense to remember. With world-class outdoor adventures and treks such as Ben Nevis, one of the tallest mountains in the UK, Ben Nevis is a challenging 10.2-mile rocky climb to the highest peak in the UK, with 360-degree views of the Scottish Highlands. On a clear day, this gives you one of the best views in the whole of the UK. Alternatively, the West Highland Way walk is a famous nearly 100-mile trail through Milngavie to Fort William, taking around 8 days to complete. 

It's important to check the weather before heading to the Scottish Highlands and plan your trip in the summer months, as this gives you a chance to get the best views but also gives you great weather to camp in, as the weather can be very severe in the Highlands in the colder months. The weather also changes quickly; therefore, it's important to always be prepared, as well as ensuring that you are an experienced hiker before going to this destination, as it can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. 

Camp in the Scottish Highlands freely, as Scotland has a legal right to responsible wild camping, or stay at local lodges which are scattered around the Highlands for a truly Scottish experience.

 

After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.