ATOL Protected
Walking & Hiking Holidays
- Choose from 20+ European lake and mountain resorts
- Hike, walk, ramble, or trek at your own pace
- Our holidays are all self-guided, for total mountain freedom
On a self-guided walking holiday with Heidi, you can choose from some of Europe's best hiking destinations, allowing you to walk where and when you wish. There’s no fixed itinerary; simply grab a map, choose a route, set your pace, and blaze your own trail.
Home to the breathtaking French and Austrian Alps and the lofty Italian Dolomites, Europe's mountains provide a fantastic starting point for walks, hikes, rambles, and more. Soak in the local sights and sounds over breakfast, before ascending into the mountains via chairlift or cable car to launch your hikes from stunning viewpoints.
Do loads. Do nothing. Do summer your way with Heidi.
Self-Guided Walking Holidays
For beginners, the Austrian Alps offer the ideal mix of challenge and accessibility. Visit Alpbach for 900km of well-marked trails, ranging from gentle paths to demanding high-altitude routes, or let Seefeld enchant with easy strolls starting from the village and the option to take the Rosshütte mountain railway up to 2,000m for stunning viewpoints.
For serious hikers looking to clock in the miles, the Dolomites provide some of Italy's most dramatic landscapes. Head to Alta Badia to hike between ancient coral reefs transformed into towering limestone peaks, or to Canazei for pine-scented forest marches and high-level pass traverses.
Seeking to burn off calories before indulging in some seriously sumptuous alpine eats? Walking holidays in the French Alps are the perfect pick. Morzine and Chamonix delight hikers and walkers with hundreds of kilometres of well-marked trails. Wander paths in the morning, then return for plates of raclette, fondue, croquettes, and tartiflette. Mmm...
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Austria Walking Holidays
Zell am See, Austria
Nestled in Austria's highest peaks, Zell am See offers hiking opportunities in gorges, mountains, and reservoirs within the Kitzbühel Alps. Take on the Pinzgauer Spaziergang high ridge trail or catch a cable car to view the Kitzsteinhorn glacier - the choice is yours!
Walking Holidays Europe
Morzine, France
Morzine is a certified haven for hikers. With 200km of walking trails throughout the Portes du Soleil region, Morzine offers a delightful mix of leisurely valley walks and challenging mountain climbs. Hike in the morning, then head to Lake Montriond for a refreshing afternoon dip - bliss!
Walking Holidays in Europe
Your questions answered by our Europe walking trips expert
Phoebe Hewitt
What is a self-guided walking holiday?
A self-guided walking holiday gives you the freedom to set your own pace. You can walk where you want, when you want. There’s no planned itinerary and no guide; it’s simply grab a map, choose a route, and off you go!
Why choose a self-guided walking holiday?
Great question! If you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle, hiking trips in Europe are the perfect freedom-finder.
Whether you walk with friends, family, or solo, it’s a great way to keep fit, reconnect with nature, revel in breathtaking scenery, and push your limits as far as you want.
Where is the best place for a walking holiday in Europe?
Our summer walking holidays take you to some of Europe’s best hiking spots, including France, Austria, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia. You can choose between leisurely strolls and challenging treks.
For Austria hiking holidays, we recommend exploring hotels in Stubaital, Seefeld, and Saalbach. These towns are home to hundreds of kilometres of picturesque mountain trails, ranging from gentle wildflower meadow walks to demanding peak ascents.
If the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites have caught your eye, then Italy walking holidays in Alta Badia, Canazei, or Selva di Val Gardena truly fits the bill, promising green meadows, jagged limestone peaks, and stunning vistas.
How do I plan a walking holiday?
Planning a walking holiday involves selecting a location, deciding the routes you wish to take, gathering your walking gear, and hitting the trails!
At Heidi, we simplify the process by presenting a selection of the finest hiking holidays in Europe tailored to your and your group's skill levels. Browse our fabulous list of walking holiday destinations, make your selection, and off you go!
If you need more assistance, why not chat with one of our friendly Heidi experts? You can give us a call or start a live chat.
How should I choose and plan my walking & hiking routes?
To plan all your walks for the holiday, start by selecting a location, your preferred type of walk (are you in the mood for a long trek or just a leisurely stroll?), and the beginning point of your journey.
If you’re eager to organise your itinerary in advance, we suggest exploring apps like AllTrails for guides on hiking, walking, and running, or visiting the website of your chosen resort for a range of excellent recommendations. Once you arrive at your hotel or accommodation, they may provide maps and walking guides. Alternatively, consult the local tourism office for a wealth of helpful tips.
Many trails may start outside the town, which might require a bus or chairlift for access. It’s wise to check what your summer card offers, as many offer excellent discounts and savings on local buses, trains, and lifts.
Where's the best place for beginner walking holidays?
We recommend sticking with Italy walking trips or Austria walking holidays for a beginner-friendly walking trip. Both offer a selection of easy strolls, complete with well-marked trails and plenty of places to stop for a mid-walk bite to eat.
What’s more, summer holidays here also provide many options for cycling, lake activities, and more, allowing you to try a whole host of outdoor activities at once.
Where's the best place for expert hiking holidays?
Have you already tried your fair share of self-guided walking holidays? We offer many fantastic walking holidays in Europe designed to challenge and delight, from demanding scrambles and Via Ferrata routes to hidden gems you may never have considered.
One of the most famous France hiking holidays is at Chamonix’s Lac Blanc, a 2532m high 4-5 hour walk that’s easy to reach, offers spectacular Mont Blanc and lakeside panoramas, and allows you to spot some cheeky marmots and Ibex along the way!
Alternatively, why not set off on a walking holiday to Lake Bled? This area features the fantastic Triglav National Park’s Pokljuka Plateau, a vast 20km by 20km pine forest filled with numerous tree-lined trails, grasslands, and valleys that could easily fill an entire day of walking.
Where to go for a walking weekend holiday?
Only have enough time for a few days? No problem! We still have a plethora of excellent walking weekend holidays available.
Seefeld, Austria: Just a 20-minute transfer from Innsbruck airport, this stunning Austria hiking holiday features an impressive 650km of well-marked trails through alpine meadows, dense forests, and across rugged mountain peaks.
Pertisau, Austria: Just under an hour's transfer from Innsbruck airport, Austria hiking trips to Pertisau allow you to step directly from your hotel into the action, with 500km of forest, valley, and rock-ridged trails to enjoy. Choose your trail, get walking, and then stop off at a mountain hut for a tasty mid-walk snack and beer. Prost!
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All flight-inclusive holidays sold on Heidi are fully financially protected under the ATOL scheme (ATOL 11456)