The best walking destinations for adventurous travellers
Slow-paced travel is on the rise, with an appetite growing for trips that prioritise quality experiences over rushing through the tourist spots.
Walking holidays allow travellers to experience the best of both worlds, exploring beautiful locations whilst also slowing down and spending time in nature. In the last 12 months alone, searches for “walking holidays” have increased by 104 per cent, according to Google Trends search data.
With that being said, we have revealed the top European city breaks for walking holidays in 2026, using data from the outdoor app AllTrails to identify which cities have the most walking trails.
Let’s take a look at the results.
Top walking holiday European cities
Methodology note: The Trail count reflects trails categorised as "Walking," "Hiking," or "Nature Trips" within a 15km radius of the city centre on AllTrails. Ratings are an average of verified user reviews.
Contents:
- Berlin, Germany
- Vienna, Austria
- Munich, Germany
- Oslo, Norway
- Prague, Czech Republic
1. Berlin, Germany
In first place is Berlin, Germany, with 330 walking trails located in and around the German capital. This city is notoriously flat, with most AllTrails routes having less than 150m of elevation gain, making them widely accessible for all ages.
The Havel Heights Trail is perfect for those wanting to see nature without leaving the city. This 7.5-mile walk in Grunewald Forest, West Berlin, winds along the high banks of the Havel River with beautiful views of the water.
The Berlin Wall Trail is another popular option, with an extensive history. Although the entire route is over 99 miles, the central segment is the most popular. Combining history with modern street culture, this section is around nine miles long. Walkers can also see the famous Bernauer Straße Memorial, the best-preserved section of the wall with an outdoor museum.
For those who want to see another side of the city, the Panke River Walk is popular amongst the locals. Located in northern Berlin, this trail is around five miles long and takes visitors through gardens and lush public parks that tourists rarely see.
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is famous for its natural beauty, so it’s no wonder the city is home to 250 walking trails. The Austrian capital also has 12 official hiking trails, numbered and designed for locals and visitors, which are easily accessible via public transport.
City Hiking Trail 1 in Kahlenberg offers panoramic views of the Danube River. This intermediate walk is around 7 miles long, and walkers can enjoy wandering through open vineyards, some of which have pop-up wine stalls.
Another popular option is the City Hiking Trail 9, a flat, easy walk through lush woodlands and meadows, located in Leopoldstadt. This trail features cafes along the boulevard for those wanting tea, coffee, breakfast, or lunch.
On City Hiking Trail 5, located in Floridsdorf, you’ll find the locals, away from the buzz of the city. This six-mile walk features open fields across the Marchfeld plain and plenty of wildlife, including deer.
3. Munich, Germany
Muchich is the second German city on the list, with 210 walking trails within a 15km radius of the city centre. On clear days, many trails offer views of the Bavarian Alps, which provide a stunning backdrop for the city.
A popular trail is through the English Garden, one of the world’s largest city parks. The trail is about six miles long, and highlights include a beer garden, often considered the perfect halfway stop.
The Isar River Trail runs through the heart of the city and follows the turquoise alpine waters of the Isar River. The five-mile walk offers fantastic views of Munich and features spots where walkers can relax on the riverbank. In the summer, temperatures can reach the high 20s, and locals often enjoy a quick dip in the river to cool down.
The Nymphenburg Palace Park trail is a great option for history buffs. Located in western Munich, this 3-mile walk offers beautiful views of the palace, a European example of Baroque and Rococo architecture.
4. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is a city surrounded by stunning landscapes. With 195 trails, there are plenty of walks to enjoy to witness the beauty of this Scandinavian capital. Unlike the flatter walks of Berlin or Munich, Oslo offers 200 to 400m of elevation gain within the city limits for those who want something more challenging.
The Akerselva River Walk is a five-mile trail which cuts directly through the city from the forest to the fjord. Starting at Maridalsvannet in central Oslo, walkers will see up to 20 waterfalls, including the famous Mølla Waterfall, which is situated next to a picturesque red house. If you start north, this walk is also mostly downhill, making it more accessible.
The Bygdøy Peninsula Coastal Trail can be found just west of the city centre. At around 4 miles long, this walk features stunning coastal views across the Oslofjord. For history fans, you can also stop off at the Fram Museum, which tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration, or the Norwegian Folk Museum, which highlights Norwegian history from the 1500s onward.
For advanced walkers, the trail between Sognsvann and Vettakollen explores some of Oslo’s wild forests. The highlight is the view from the rocky outcrop at the top, where you can see the entire city, the fjord, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in one frame.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
What makes Prague a great walking destination is its versatility. Visitors can enjoy city trails that explore the beautiful, well-preserved Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, or venture into the wilderness in forested hills and valleys.
The Petřín Hill & Kinský Gardens Loop is one of the highest-rated walks on AllTrails, featuring rose gardens, steep, winding forest paths, and amazing views of the Czech capital. At under 3 miles long, it is accessible for all ages and finishes at Strahov Monastery, one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
For a slightly longer option, the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve Loop is around 5 miles and located in the Prague 6 district, towards the west of the city. This trail is regarded as one of the best nature walks located on the edge of the city, featuring Džbán Lake, a massive reservoir where visitors can swim in the summer. With rugged, rocky canyons and formations, this trail is best suited to advanced walkers and those with full mobility.
Those wanting to stay in the city can try the Vyšehrad Fortress Walls Walk. At only two miles long, this trail offers beautiful views of the Vltava River. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors to this stunning city can see the Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and Lesser Town in about 45 minutes.
We also analysed the top European city breaks for wheelchair accessibility trails.
Top European cities for accessible trails
Methodology note: The trail count reflects trails categorised as "Walking," "Hiking," or "Nature Trips" within a 15km radius of the city centre on AllTrails that are listed as “wheelchair friendly”. According to AllTrails, to qualify, a trail must be paved, boardwalked, or packed gravel, with a maximum incline of 12% (though usually under 5% for the full tag) and a minimum width of 3 feet.
Contents:
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany, takes first place as the European city with the most accessible walks on AllTrials, with 118. Due to the city's flat terrain, many walks are accessible to wheelchair users and people with disabilities, with most trails at gradients of less than 2%.
While other European cities have struggled with narrow, hilly, or cobbled streets, Berlin has leaned into modern accessibility standards. One of the highest-rated accessible trails is the Tiergarten Inner Loop, a high-quality nature walk with wide, level paths and just over 3 miles long. It also includes views of the Brandenburg Gate.
2. Vienna, Austria
In second place is Vienna, Austria, with 94 trails labelled as accessible. The city prides itself on being accessible and even won the 2025 Access City Award from the European Commission.
The Schönbrunn Palace Garden Loop is an accessible 2-mile stretch that features the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruins, and the Rose Gardens. There is also an accessible trail with paved promenades that follows the Danube River for over 13 miles, offering fantastic views of the water.
3. London, UK
London is another city that ranks highly for accessible trails. This is largely due to the number of public parks in the city, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park, which offer flat, high-quality tarmac paths. Sections of the River Thames also offer ramp access over steps.
Other accessible trails include South Bank, which takes visitors along London’s most famous landmarks, including the London Eye, the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. While hills can be found in the north of the city, the heart of London is relatively flat, making it easy to get around.
4. Munich, Germany
76 accessible trails can be found in Munich, southern Germany. Like Berlin, Munich adheres to strict German accessibility laws, so there are plenty of trails to explore. The city is also exceptionally flat.
Like London, Munich is home to plenty of incredible parks, many of which feature loop trails for explorers to enjoy. The Olympic Park offers views of the Olympic Tower, while the English Garden is often compared to Central Park in New York City and serves as the city's green heart.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, has 68 accessible trails within 15km of the city. Often regarded as the cycling capital of the world, the city is built on smooth, level ground, making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate.
The Vondelpark Loop is a two-mile trail that features a flower garden, an open-air theatre and the famous blue tea house restaurant overlooking the lake. For something a little farther from the city centre, the Amsterdam Forest offers a 3-mile paved trail that explores the city's natural beauty.
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With plenty of incredible destinations to enjoy a walking holiday, embarking on a cruise can broaden your horizons and let you visit new places. From Europe, North America, Asia and more, we have itineraries in every corner of the globe throughout the year.
Better yet, a river cruise is a great option for a walking break as the ships dock in the heart of a city, meaning you’ll have more time to venture off-board and explore. We offer river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Douro and more. Take a look at our latest deals to see what awaits you.