Top 7 winter hikes in Europe: enjoying the winter sun and mountain climbing

By TravelWiseOct 23, 2023 20:37 PMNews
Share:
Top 7 winter hikes in Europe: enjoying the winter sun and mountain climbing
Alps, France. Source: Wikipedia

In winter, tourists can get unforgettable impressions from the rest. The main thing is to choose the right place for traveling.

Here are the 7 best locations that will give unforgettable emotions. These are opportunities for a varied vacation for the whole family.

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Way of Santiago is a 9th century network of pilgrimage routes through France, Spain and Portugal, culminating in the tomb of St. James the Great, Apostle of Jesus, in Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain.

The Camino attracts more than 200,000 walkers each year, and winter is a quiet time to stomp the frosty trails alone.

2. Dolomite Alps, Italy

This is an opportunity to venture off-piste on snowshoes to scenic destinations that come alive in winter with a variety of winter sports, hiking, and breathtaking mountain scenery among snow-capped peaks.

For those who want to ditch the skiing crowds and go exploring off-piste, donning a pair of snowshoes is the best way to appreciate panoramic views of the impressive mountain range.

Top 7 winter hikes in Europe: enjoying the winter sun and mountain climbing
Dolomite Alps. Source: Wikipedia

3. Cairngorms, Scotland

Covered in winter snow, the Cairngorms mountain range in Scotland's eastern Highlands offers otherworldly snowscapes for hiking, snowshoeing and traversing with crampons and ice axes while climbing the frostiest pitches.

Although the harshest weather adorns the UK's largest national park from November to February, the frozen lakes and icy cliffs allow for unique encounters with golden eagles, Arctic hares and even festive herds of reindeer in an Arctic environment; it's worth dressing warmly and heading out in the temperamental Scottish weather.

4. The Alps, France

In winter mode, the French Alps are a picture of a frozen wonderland with ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and sledding to enjoy the fresh alpine air.

Those who don't ski need not worry about missing out: excellent snowshoeing opportunities in Chamonix lie at the foot of Mont Blanc , and hikers can still benefit from beautiful mountain villages, lively après-ski and fine dining in mountain huts and upmarket ski resort restaurants.

5. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira's varied volcanic terrain and stable year-round climate with average highs of 20°C in December make it a haven for tourists wishing to escape the winter chill and stroll along levada trails and dense mountain forests.

Routes, trails and footpaths run along the entire coastline of the Portuguese archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa - often through the splash zone of waterfalls. And the peaks of the central mountain ranges of Pico Ruivo and Pico Ariheiro rise to over 1,400 meters and can be reached by intrepid hikers.

6. Canary Islands, Spain

A great choice for hiking in the Canary Islands. You can still count on up to nine hours of sunshine a day on the subtropical island of La Gomera, one of the smallest and most pristine islands in the Spanish archipelago, even in winter.

Whether you're heading to the summit of Garajonay, the island's highest point at 1,487m, or traveling through juniper groves in Vallehermoso, hundreds of interesting routes through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurisilva Forest. And the rocky gorges ensure you'll never have to retrace your steps along the route.

Top 7 winter hikes in Europe: enjoying the winter sun and mountain climbing
Canary Islands. Source: Wikipedia

7. Oulanka National Park, Finland

Winter travelers can blaze new trails among frozen pines, roaring rapids and frozen waterfalls as they hike through the idyllic snow-covered landscape of Oulanka National Park.

Suspension bridges, lookout towers and wilderness huts are scattered throughout the national park, providing great vantage points and much-needed campfire spots on trails such as the 50-mile Karhunkierros Hiking Trail, which stretches from Salla to Kuusamo.

Top 7 winter hikes in Europe: enjoying the winter sun and mountain climbing
Oulanka . Source: Wikipedia
Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM