The Most Beautiful Hiking Destinations for Summer 2026: Where Are Hikers Heading?
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be another great year for active holidays. While the traditional beach vacation was long considered the standard choice, more and more travelers are opting to explore their destinations on foot. This trend is partly driven by the growing popularity of hiking, but also by Europe’s changing summers. Temperatures above 35°C are becoming increasingly common in many Southern European regions, prompting hikers to seek destinations that combine stunning nature, adventure, and comfortable walking conditions.
For Belgian travelers planning their next hiking holiday, several regions clearly stand out. Some have become established favorites, while others remain relatively undiscovered by the wider public. What they all share is an abundance of exceptional hiking trails, breathtaking landscapes, and enough variety to build an entire walking holiday around.
Madeira: An Island Where Every Hike Feels Different
When experienced hikers talk about their favorite destinations in Europe, Madeira is often one of the first places mentioned. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese island combines a subtropical climate with one of Europe’s most diverse landscapes.
What makes Madeira so special is the constant sense of discovery. One day, you may be hiking through lush laurel forests listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next, you find yourself walking along a narrow mountain ridge between the island’s highest peaks. The following morning, you could be traversing dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
For many hikers, the trail connecting Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is the undisputed highlight of a trip to Madeira. The route winds across steep ridgelines, through hand-carved tunnels, and past viewpoints that seem almost unreal, especially at sunrise. Yet it is not only the island’s dramatic mountain hikes that attract visitors. Madeira’s famous levada walks also make the destination accessible to hikers of all experience levels.
This combination of challenging adventures and beginner-friendly routes makes Madeira appealing to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, summer temperatures generally remain pleasant, allowing for comfortable hiking even during July and August.
Slovenia Proves You Don’t Need Swiss Prices for Alpine Scenery
When people first see photographs of the Julian Alps, many assume they were taken in Switzerland or Austria. Yet one of Europe’s most beautiful hiking regions can be found in Slovenia.
For years, the country remained largely untouched by mass tourism, but increasing numbers of hikers are discovering its combination of spectacular scenery, well-maintained trails, and relatively affordable prices. At the heart of Slovenia’s hiking scene lies Triglav National Park.
The area around Lake Bohinj and the famous Seven Lakes Valley demonstrates exactly why so many travelers fall in love with the country. The landscape constantly shifts between alpine lakes, limestone peaks, mountain meadows, and densely forested valleys. Even during the summer months, many trails feel surprisingly peaceful.
For those seeking a greater challenge, climbing Mount Triglav is an obvious goal. Slovenia’s highest mountain holds an almost mythical status within the country and is widely regarded as one of Central Europe’s most rewarding alpine experiences.
Why Norway Is Becoming Increasingly Popular Among Summer Hikers
As Southern Europe grows hotter, a new travel trend is emerging: the so-called “coolcation.” Travelers are intentionally choosing cooler destinations where they can escape the heat without sacrificing nature or adventure.
Norway is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this trend.
The combination of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and endless summer daylight makes the country unique within Europe. In July, daylight seems almost never-ending, giving hikers the opportunity to embark on long treks without constantly checking the time.
Famous routes such as Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, and Preikestolen have helped put Norway on the international hiking map. Yet the country’s true appeal often lies in its lesser-known trails. Across large parts of Norway, visitors can still experience a sense of vastness and solitude that has become increasingly rare in many of Europe’s more popular alpine regions.
This makes Norway particularly attractive to hikers who seek not only spectacular views but also peace, space, and a deeper connection with nature.
The Dolomites Remain a Dream Destination for Mountain Lovers
Some mountain regions need little introduction. The Dolomites undoubtedly belong in that category.
Their iconic rock formations are among the most recognizable landscapes in Europe and have attracted hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts for generations. Yet what remains remarkable is the region’s incredible diversity.
Those looking for a single-day adventure will find some of Europe’s most beautiful hikes around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. At the same time, the extensive network of mountain huts and long-distance trails provides countless opportunities for multi-day trekking adventures.
One of the Dolomites’ greatest strengths is the way they combine nature with culture. Italian hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and a rich mountain heritage ensure that a hiking holiday here becomes much more than simply covering distance on foot.
Iceland Still Feels Like a True Adventure
While many European hiking destinations have become familiar and predictable, Iceland continues to inspire a genuine sense of wonder.
From the moment you arrive, it becomes clear that this is not a typical hiking holiday. The landscape is dominated by volcanoes, lava fields, geothermal areas, and immense glaciers. Even short hikes often feel like expeditions into another world.
Among hikers, the Laugavegur Trail consistently ranks near the top of bucket lists. Frequently described as one of the most beautiful multi-day treks in the world, the route passes through landscapes that constantly change in color, shape, and character.
It is precisely this variety that makes Iceland so extraordinary. In a single day, hikers can pass colorful rhyolite mountains, vast black volcanic plains, and snow-covered mountain passes. Few destinations offer such an intense and diverse nature experience within such a compact area.
Which Destination Best Matches Your Hiking Style?
There is no such thing as the perfect hiking destination. What feels like a dream trip for one traveler may be too demanding, or perhaps too quiet, for another.
Madeira arguably offers the greatest variety within a relatively small area. Slovenia combines stunning alpine scenery with tranquility and affordability. Norway appeals to hikers seeking cooler temperatures and open spaces. The Dolomites remain a timeless classic for lovers of dramatic mountain panoramas, while Iceland attracts adventurers searching for something truly extraordinary.
Whichever destination you choose, thorough preparation remains essential. Travelers who invest in a quality hiking guide, a detailed walking map, or a specialized travel guide often discover trails and locations that never appear in standard travel brochures.
And that is often where the most memorable journey begins: not when you depart, but when you start planning it.