Following our article on the world's most beautiful trails, the focus now turns to Europe. Let's face it — not everyone can afford a transatlantic flight just to suffer on their legs! And above all, Europe already has plenty to offer when it comes to trails and races of all kinds. Here is our selection of the most beautiful trails in Europe — subjective, of course!
This trail is run in semi-autonomy. Each participant resupplies themselves between checkpoints and must carry the mandatory equipment as per the race regulations throughout the course.
This highly demanding trail is located in Gipuzkoa and covers a course of 168 kilometres with over 11,000 m of elevation gain! The defining feature of the Basque Country is the steepness of the climbs you will encounter and the sheer number of sharp ascents. There is no high altitude here — the highest peaks 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 natural parks of Aralar and Aizkorri, you will discover a superb landscape and an electrifying atmosphere!
With several passages at 3,000 metres in highly unpredictable conditions, this is a unique challenge for the most seasoned trail runners who have effort and passion in their blood!
To be selected, you must have taken part in various qualifying races and then be lucky enough to be drawn in the ballot. The race is limited to 2,300 runners and receives over 6,000 applications. Fortunately, a number of side events have been created alongside the flagship race to meet growing demand. Circling the roof of Europe is a unique opportunity to take part in a landmark event that matters deeply to trail enthusiasts around the world.
Europe's most beautiful trails: Kungsleden in Sweden
Here is an atypical trail: the Kungsleden trail starts from the ski resort of Hemavan and leads to Abisko along one of the world's finest hiking paths. It's quite a journey! The route covers approximately 450 kilometres and takes you well beyond the Arctic Circle (160 km north). You will also cross one of the most untouched 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 shelters every 10–20 km to light a fire, take a break and, if needed, spend the night.Europe's most beautiful trails: 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 an extremely tough challenge for all participants. Beyond the physical feat, it is also 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 crossing 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 as per the race regulations throughout the course.
Europe's most beautiful trails: the Spartathlon, a journey through ancient history
The Spartathlon retraces the route of Pheidippides, the Athenian messenger who ran to Sparta to seek help during the Battle of Marathon against the Persians in 490 BC. This race, created in 1983 to commemorate the event, covers the return journey — a total of 492 km! There is not much elevation gain, but extraordinary endurance is essential to complete this historic course.
Europe's most beautiful trails: Ehunmilak in the Basque Country
This highly demanding trail is located in Gipuzkoa and covers a course of 168 kilometres with over 11,000 m of elevation gain! The defining feature of the Basque Country is the steepness of the climbs you will encounter and the sheer number of sharp ascents. There is no high altitude here — the highest peaks 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 natural parks of Aralar and Aizkorri, you will discover a superb landscape and an electrifying atmosphere!
Europe's most beautiful trails: the Tor des Géants
The longest non-stop single-stage race in the world, the "Tor des Géants" takes place in the Italian Alps (Aosta Valley) in early September. That's six days and six nights of racing for the slowest finishers, all non-stop. The Tor des Géants is a great loop of 330 kilometres and 24,000 metres of positive elevation gain, from Courmayeur to Courmayeur, following the Haute Routes of the Aosta Valley along the most beautiful and wildest slopes of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn and Gran Paradiso.
With several passages at 3,000 metres in highly unpredictable conditions, this is a unique challenge for the most seasoned trail runners who have effort and passion in their blood!
Europe's most beautiful trails: the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
It's hard not to be a little patriotic and not end with 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 race covers 168 kilometres and 9,600 metres of positive elevation gain — a magnificent course around Mont Blanc, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland.
To be selected, you must have taken part in various qualifying races and then be lucky enough to be drawn in the ballot. The race is limited to 2,300 runners and receives over 6,000 applications. Fortunately, a number of side events have been created alongside the flagship race to meet growing demand. Circling the roof of Europe is a unique opportunity to take part in a landmark event that matters deeply to trail enthusiasts around the world.
