Lace up your boots and prepare for unforgettable journeys through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. From towering mountain ranges and verdant forests to stunning coastlines and ancient trails, these destinations offer the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and memorable adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or weekend wanderer, these countries provide remarkable hiking opportunities that will satisfy your craving for outdoor exploration.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, with its famous Great Walks that include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Milford Track, guiding hikers through breathtaking scenery showcasing glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests. The South Island’s Kepler Track delivers varied landscapes without the crowds of more popular routes, while the Routeburn Track rewards hikers with spectacular alpine scenery.
What makes New Zealand particularly appealing is its hiker-friendly infrastructure, with well-maintained trails, hut systems for overnight stays, and detailed information readily available for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps represent the quintessential mountain hiking experience, combining dramatic peaks, emerald valleys, and picturesque villages into an unforgettable outdoor adventure. The country boasts over 40,000 miles of marked trails suitable for all abilities, from gentle valley walks to challenging high-altitude routes.
Iconic paths like the Eiger Trail and the Alpine Pass Route offer close-up views of famous peaks, while the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit crosses through Switzerland, France, and Italy in a spectacular loop around Western Europe’s highest mountain.
United States
The United States stands out as a premier hiking destination with its vast and diverse landscape that has established a gold standard status in the hiking world, from Yosemite National Park’s 800 miles of trails to impressive routes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire leading to alpine summits, forests, and waterfalls. The country’s 63 national parks represent just the beginning of its hiking treasures, with thousands of state parks and national forests offering additional trails.
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Nepal
Nepal has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for mountain lovers, with the Himalayan range offering some of the world’s most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences. The Everest Base Camp trek stands as the crown jewel, taking hikers through Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries to the foot of the world’s highest peak.
The Annapurna Circuit provides a more varied experience, circling an entire mountain range and crossing Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet.
Peru
Peru captivates outdoor enthusiasts with its natural grandeur, offering some of the world’s best hiking trails across diverse terrains from the towering Andes and lush Amazon rainforest to arid coastal landscapes, with adventures ranging from scenic walking trails to challenging treks. The legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines remarkable Andean scenery with fascinating archaeological sites, while alternatives like the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek offer equally stunning landscapes with fewer crowds.
Beyond Machu Picchu, the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit presents a challenging multi-day trek through one of South America’s most spectacular mountain ranges.
Japan
Japan offers a surprisingly diverse hiking experience, blending natural beauty with deep cultural significance across its mountainous archipelago. The ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes on the Kii Peninsula provide spiritual journeys through forests dotted with shrines and temples, while the more challenging Japanese Alps feature alpine terrain reminiscent of Europe.
Mount Fuji, the country’s iconic peak, draws thousands of hikers annually for its sunrise pilgrimages. What distinguishes Japanese hiking is the seamless combination of wilderness adventure with cultural immersion, as many trails lead to or from onsen (hot springs) where hikers can soak tired muscles, followed by traditional ryokan accommodations serving exquisite local cuisine, creating a uniquely Japanese outdoor experience.
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Chile
Chile’s extraordinary geography creates some of the world’s most dramatic hiking landscapes, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers and peaks of Patagonia in the south. Torres del Paine National Park offers the famous W Trek, a stunning route passing turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and the iconic granite towers that give the park its name.
The Dientes de Navarino circuit on Isla Navarino provides a more remote experience, claiming to be the southernmost trek in the world.
Norway
Norway stands out with its multitude of scenic trails and picturesque destinations, featuring iconic hikes like the Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) located in Western Norway’s Rogaland county, which rises 1,981 feet above the Lysefjord and offers stunning panoramic views. The country’s allemansretten (right to roam) law allows hikers freedom to explore its spectacular landscapes responsibly, from the dramatic fjords of the west coast to the arctic wilderness of the north.
South Africa
South Africa stands out as one of the best hiking destinations with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and forests to coastlines and deserts, featuring the moderately challenging Rhebok Trail in Golden Gate Highlands National Park that spans 31 kilometers and rewards hikers with awe-inspiring vistas of mountain peaks and deep ravines. The country’s unique position at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans creates exceptional coastal hiking opportunities along routes like the Wild Coast and the Otter Trail.
Inland, the Drakensberg Mountains offer majestic scenery with the challenging Giant’s Cup Trail and the more extreme Drakensberg Grand Traverse. South Africa’s hiking trails are particularly special for their combination of dramatic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing, where hikers might encounter zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat during their treks.
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Canada
Canada’s vast wilderness areas provide endless opportunities for hiking adventures across dramatically different landscapes. The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island offers a challenging coastal trek through temperate rainforest, while the Rockies feature world-class alpine hiking in Banff and Jasper National Parks.
The East Coast’s Cape Breton Highlands provide stunning ocean vistas along the Cabot Trail. What makes Canadian hiking special is the genuine sense of wilderness and remoteness available even within reach of major cities, the excellent maintenance of national park trail systems, and the opportunity to witness remarkable wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats in their natural habitat.
France
France offers a remarkable variety of hiking experiences, from the soaring peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees to the lavender fields of Provence and the dramatic coastlines of Brittany and Corsica. The country’s extensive network of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails covers over 37,000 miles, connecting historic villages and traversing diverse landscapes.
The Tour du Mont Blanc and the GR20 across Corsica rank among Europe’s most challenging and beautiful long-distance routes.
Australia
Australia’s diverse landscapes offer hiking experiences that range from tropical rainforests and coastal paths to outback wilderness and alpine terrain. The Overland Track in Tasmania takes hikers through pristine wilderness with views of Cradle Mountain, while the Larapinta Trail traverses the ancient landscape of the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory.
Coastal routes like the Great Ocean Walk showcase spectacular ocean views and rock formations. What distinguishes Australian hiking is the opportunity to experience utterly unique ecosystems found nowhere else on earth, the chance to encounter distinctive wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, and the stark contrast between different hiking regions within one continent, from the tropical north to the cool temperate south.
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Italy
Italy combines spectacular mountain scenery with rich cultural heritage to create uniquely rewarding hiking experiences. The Dolomites in the northeast offer some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain landscapes, with routes like the Alta Via 1 taking hikers through jagged limestone peaks that glow pink at sunset.
Coastal paths along the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre provide stunning Mediterranean views alongside ancient villages built into steep hillsides.
Argentina
Argentina’s vast territory encompasses extraordinary diversity for hikers, from the glaciers and granite spires of Patagonia to the colorful rock formations of the northwestern highlands. The trails around El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park lead to spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, while Tierra del Fuego at the continent’s southern tip offers hiking at the “end of the world.”
The Lake District near Bariloche provides more accessible trails through Andean forests with stunning lake and mountain views. What makes Argentina special for hikers is the sense of remoteness and adventure in its wild landscapes, the opportunity to witness some of the continent’s most dramatic scenery, and the blend of European and South American influences that create a unique cultural experience alongside the natural wonders.
Scotland
Despite its relatively small size, Scotland punches well above its weight as a hiking destination, with landscapes of rugged beauty and wild character. The West Highland Way, Scotland’s first long-distance trail, takes hikers through the stunning scenery of the Highlands from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William.
More challenging routes include the Cape Wrath Trail through the remote northwestern Highlands and island trails across the Hebrides. Scotland’s unique hiking appeal comes from its combination of accessible wilderness, the rich tapestry of history visible in the landscape from ancient stone circles to abandoned crofting villages, and the distinctive culture of the Highlands and Islands.
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Bhutan
Bhutan, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” offers one of the most remote and fascinating hiking experiences on the Indian subcontinent, where travelers can explore unique culture and untouched landscapes while supporting the country’s trailblazing sustainable development efforts. The Himalayan kingdom features exceptional treks, including the challenging Snowman Trek and more accessible routes like the Druk Path between Paro and Thimphu.
The Path Beyond
These 16 exceptional hiking destinations showcase the incredible diversity of our planet’s landscapes and offer transformative experiences for those willing to explore on foot. From ancient pilgrimage routes to remote wilderness treks, the world’s best hiking countries invite adventurers to discover breathtaking vistas, challenge physical limits, and connect with local cultures in meaningful ways.
Whether seeking solitude on a mountain trail or camaraderie in a hiking community, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable journeys and stories that will be shared for years to come. As the popularity of hiking continues to grow, these countries remain at the forefront, offering both classic routes cherished by generations and new paths waiting to be discovered by tomorrow’s adventurers.
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