Following our article on the world's most beautiful trails, here's a focus on Europe. Not everyone can afford a transatlantic flight just to trash their legs! And the good news is that Europe already has plenty to offer in terms of trails and races of all kinds. Here is our selection of the most beautiful trails in Europe — subjective, of course!
Most beautiful trails in Europe: Kungsleden in Sweden
Here is an atypical trail: the Kungsleden trail starts from the ski resort of Hemavand and makes its way to Abisko along one of the world's finest hiking trails. It's quite a journey! The route covers around 450 kilometres, taking you well beyond the Arctic Circle (160 km north). You will also cross one of the most untamed natural regions on the European continent.
Everyone is free to complete whichever section they choose, and given the harsh weather conditions, there are huts and refuges every 10–20 km where you can light a fire, take a break and, if needed, spend the night.
Most beautiful trails in Europe: the Eiger in the Bernese Oberland
In Switzerland, at the heart of the Bernese Oberland, you can take part in the Eiger Ultra trail. With a course of 101 kilometres and nearly 6,700 metres of elevation gain, it is a truly demanding event for all participants. Beyond the physical challenge, it also offers a unique mountain atmosphere to experience and share, taking you over the Grosse Scheidegg, to the Faulhorn hut, Schynige Platte, Wengen, Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg and the spectacular traverse beneath the north face of the Eiger. A spectacle like no other.
This trail is run in semi-autonomy. Each participant resupplies themselves between checkpoints and must carry the mandatory equipment in accordance with race regulations throughout the course.
Most beautiful trails in Europe: the Spartathlon — a journey through ancient history
The Spartathlon retraces the route of Pheidippides, the Athenian messenger who ran to Sparta to request aid during the Battle of Marathon against the Persians in 490 BC. Created in 1983 to commemorate this event, the race covers the round trip — a staggering 492 km! There's not a great deal of elevation gain, but extraordinary endurance is essential to complete this historic course.
Most beautiful trails in Europe: Ehunmilak in the Basque Country
This very demanding trail is set in Guipuzcoa and offers a course of 168 kilometres with more than 11,000 m of elevation gain! The defining feature of the Basque Country is the steepness of the climbs you'll encounter and the sheer number of sharp ridgelines. There's no high altitude here — the highest summits are Txindoki (1,346 m), Ganbo (1,402 m) and Aizkorri (1,528 m) in the Goierri area. Through the beech and oak forests of the Aralar and Aizkorri natural parks, you'll discover superb scenery and an electrifying atmosphere!
Most beautiful trails in Europe: the Tor des Géants
The longest single-stage race in the world, the "Tor des Géants" takes place in the Italian Alps (Aosta Valley) in early September — six days and six nights of non-stop racing for the slowest finishers. The Tor des Géants is a 330-kilometre loop with 24,000 metres of positive elevation gain, from Courmayeur back to Courmayeur, following the Haute Route of the Aosta Valley along the most beautiful and most wild slopes of Mont White, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and the Gran Paradiso.
With several passages above 3,000 metres in highly unpredictable conditions, this is a unique event for the most seasoned trail runners — those with a deep-rooted passion for pushing their limits.
Most beautiful trails in Europe: the Ultra trail du Mont White
It's hard not to be patriotic and end on a French race. It's easy with the UTMB, as it is certainly the best-known and most popular race in the world. This legendary event covers 168 kilometres and 9,600 metres of positive elevation gain — a stunning course circling Mont White through France, Italy and Switzerland.
To be selected, you must have taken part in a number of qualifying races and then be lucky enough to be drawn by lot. The event is limited to 2,300 runners and receives more than 6,000 applications. Fortunately, a number of satellite races have been created alongside the main event to meet growing demand. Circling the rooftop of Europe is a unique opportunity to take part in a landmark event that matters deeply to trail enthusiasts the world over.
