Western Europe Walking Tours
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland
Local Choice and Trusted Walks for Western Europe
The walking tour companies we think you should consider first, because we’ve personally worked with them for our own trips or they offer the best overall experience and price for their destination.
Europ’Aventure
Liechtenstein Trail
Life’s An Adventure
Nature Occitane
Visit Ouest
Wild Rover Travel
Walking tour companies that cover Europe's western countries
Adventure Creators
Alpenwild
Alpine Hikers
ATG Oxford
Augustus Tours
Autour du Mont Blanc
Country Walkers
Distant Journeys
Eurohike
Exodus
What are walking holidays like in Western Europe?
Whether you seek challenging alpine adventures or leisurely strolls through narrow cobblestone streets, Western Europe’s walking holidays offer a unique blend of outdoor exploration and cultural immersion.
Germany
Wandering through Germany, it becomes clear that the love for walking, or “wandern,” is deeply ingrained in the national spirit. Whether in the picturesque countryside or urban parks, Germans relish the opportunity to embrace nature on foot. The term “wandern” goes beyond a simple stroll; it symbolizes a cultural passion for exploration, often leading to the country’s stunning forests, historic villages, and meandering rivers. With well-marked trails and a reverence for the outdoors, walking becomes a cherished pastime that unites both locals and visitors in their shared appreciation for Germany’s natural beauty.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein
In Switzerland, the heart of hut-to-hut hiking beats passionately, embodying a profound adoration for the alpine landscapes. The Swiss people’s love for this activity runs deep, as hut-to-hut hiking seamlessly blends their reverence for nature and their zest for adventure. With a well-established network of mountain huts offering warm hospitality and rustic charm, this tradition is not merely a journey; it’s a testament to the Swiss spirit, where the rugged beauty of the mountains becomes a conduit for connection and exploration. Liechtenstein offers gentler inn to inn hiking options but equally gorgeous landscapes and exceptional train travel.
France and Belgium
In France and Belgium, the allure of walking holidays captures the essence of slow-paced exploration and cultural immersion. Eager walkers embrace the scenic tapestry of rolling vineyards, historic villages, and serene countryside as they tread through charming landscapes. The love for these holidays is intertwined with a reverence for the culinary arts, as each step often leads to delightful encounters with local markets, bistros, and regional flavors. Whether wandering the lavender fields of Provence or the cobbled streets of Bruges, the people of France and Belgium find joy in walking holidays that harmoniously blend the pleasures of discovery, relaxation, and savoring life’s simple delights.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, a nation renowned for its cycling culture, the art of walking holds an equally cherished place in the hearts of its people. Just as bicycles navigate the picturesque landscapes, pedestrians too traverse the iconic canals, quaint villages, and expansive tulip fields. Walking holidays in the Netherlands reveal a unique perspective, allowing for unhurried encounters with charming windmills, vibrant markets, and centuries-old architecture. As the rhythm of footsteps connects with the rhythm of life, walkers immerse themselves in the subtle beauty of this low-lying country, where every cobblestone and footpath tells a story of history, innovation, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
Austria
Austrians embrace the mountains as an integral part of their cultural identity, and hiking is a cherished way to connect with both nature and tradition. Walking holidays in Austria unveil a symphony of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and crystalline lakes, creating a playground for adventurers and contemplators alike. The trails are a testament to meticulous care, winding through beautifully maintained alpine villages where hearty cuisine and warm hospitality welcome weary hikers. Trains easily connect beautiful resort towns where pastries can be found on every corner, making Austria one of our favorite walking holiday destinations.
Walking in Western Europe is an extraordinary experience, where breathtaking landscapes seamlessly blend with rich history and vibrant cultures. Choosing which country to walk first will be the most difficult part of the journey, for each of these countries offers something truly unique.
Walking guides and stories for Western Europe
10 Easy Walking Holidays for All Ages
Austria’s Walking Paradise: The Salzkammergut
Center-based Hiking Lodges around the World
Finding a Center-based Walking Holiday
Slackpacking Beyond the US
Why You Should Hike the Netherlands
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