Top hiking spots include the Inca Trail in Peru, Milford Track in New Zealand, and Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. They’re known for breathtaking views and incredible hiking experiences.
Want to find the world’s top hiking destinations worldwide? You came to the right place! These spots offer great adventures. They will change how you see nature. You can walk on tall mountain peaks. You can also walk on pretty forest paths. These places have what hiking lovers want.
Maybe this is your first big hiking trip. Maybe you have been walking trails for years. These 10 places are the best ones to visit. Each place looks different and special. Each place has its own culture too. You can find easy walks. You can also find hard walks that test your skills.
This guide tells you about 10 pretty hiking spots. Every person who loves the outdoors should see these places. We will give you helpful tips. We will tell you about the trails too. This will help you plan your next adventure.
1. Everest Region, Nepal
Great mountain views with the world’s tallest peaks and Mount Everest
Good for people who hike a lot and want a big challenge
The Everest region is great for people who love to hike. This area has some of the tallest mountains in the world. Mount Everest is here too. The views look so good they seem fake. The Sherpa people who live here are very nice. They follow Buddhist ways that make trips feel special.
You will see green fields that look like steps. You will also see mountains with snow on top. The walking paths go through old villages. These villages follow Buddhist ways. You can see bright flags that move in the wind. Monks live in old buildings built into the mountains. This is not just walking. It feels like you went to a different world. Time feels slower here.
Best Hiking Trail in Everest Region
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular hike here. This 12-day trip takes you through Sherpa villages. It ends at the bottom of the world’s tallest mountain. You will be 17,598 feet high and will meet local Sherpa people on the way. You will go to the busy Namche Bazaar market. Also you will see great views of Everest and other big mountains like Lhotse.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Pretty Alpine views with the famous Matterhorn mountain
Good for people who like clear trail signs and cozy mountain shelters
Zermatt is a great place for hiking. It sits near the famous Matterhorn mountain. Everything here works well. The trail signs are clear. The mountain shelters are nice. The Swiss people take good care of their walking paths. You can focus on seeing pretty views and you will see mountains with snow and you will see bright blue lakes. You will see fields full of flowers.
This village has no cars. It sits 5,315 feet high. It has great hiking for all skill levels. You can take cable cars and trains to reach high mountain trails fast. The hiking system here works very well. The signs use colors that are easy to see. The maps tell you how long each hike takes.
Best Hiking Trail in Zermatt
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is the most popular hike here. This 3-hour walk takes you close to ice rivers. You get great views of the famous Matterhorn mountain. It looks like a triangle. For people who hike a lot, the Monte Rosa Hut trail is harder. It takes a full day. You see great views of Switzerland’s tallest peaks and big ice rivers.
3. Cusco Region, Peru
Old Inca ruins with cloud forests and high mountain views
Good for people who love history and want to learn about other cultures
The Cusco region has something no other hiking place has. It has great mountain views and old Inca ruins together. This area has different types of land. You can walk through misty cloud forests full of flowers. You can also walk on high mountain plains where llamas live or you walk on the same paths the Inca people used long ago.
The animals here will make you happy. In the cloud forests, you see colorful birds. You see big hummingbirds too. Higher up, you might see animals like llamas called vicuñas. You might see giant condors flying above you. Local Quechua people still live like their ancestors did long ago. They speak their old language. They wear bright traditional clothes.
Best Hiking Trail in Cusco Region
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is very popular with hikers. People want to do this hike more than most others in the world. This 4-day walk has pretty mountain views. It also has three old Inca places to see. Then you reach the lost city of Machu Picchu. You will climb to 13,828 feet at a place called Dead Woman’s Pass. You walk through areas with different weather and you can walk on old stone paths that the Incas built.
4. Fiordland, New Zealand
Big water channels and waterfalls with well-kept Great Walks trails
Good for people who want different types of scenery and great trail systems
Fiordland is New Zealand’s biggest national park. It has some of the most different hiking in the world. In just a few hours of walking, you see big water channels cut into the land. You see huge waterfalls and old rainforests. You see very clear lakes. The scenery changes so much. It feels like you visited different countries in one trip.
The Great Walks system here has some of the world’s best hiking paths. You stay in nice shelters with places to cook. Some places even have hot showers. The trails have clear signs and are well kept. This makes it easy for visitors from other countries to explore safely. You might see rare birds like the playful kea parrot. You might even see penguins near the water.
Best Hiking Trail in Fiordland
The Milford Track gets called “the finest walk in the world” by many people. This 4-day guided walk takes you through wild areas that people have not changed. You see big waterfalls. The biggest one is Sutherland Falls at 580 meters tall. The track ends with great views of Mitre Peak. This mountain rises straight up from Milford Sound. It makes a perfect end to a trip you will never forget.
5. Torres del Paine, Chile
Stone towers and ice rivers in wild Patagonian land
Good for people who hike a lot and want remote adventure
Torres del Paine National Park shows Patagonia’s wild beauty. It has huge stone towers that rise from green lakes. This far-away area has some of the best and hardest hiking anywhere in the world. The famous stone towers give the park its name. They make one of the most easy-to-spot mountain shapes on Earth.
The weather here can change fast. Strong Patagonian winds make every hike harder. But people who face these tough conditions see nature that few places can match. You might see guanacos. These are wild animals like llamas. You might see foxes. You might see huge Andean condors flying above you. The big Grey Glacier makes a great backdrop for many trails.
Best Hiking Trail in Torres del Paine
The W Trek shows the park’s most famous sights perfectly. This 4-5 day walk takes you under the famous stone towers. You walk next to bright blue lakes and walk through old southern beech forests. You will get close to ice rivers and will have great chances to see guanacos, foxes, and condors. And You see some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in South America.
6. Landmannalaugar, Iceland
Colorful volcanic mountains with geysers and natural hot springs
Good for people who like unique rock formations and strange landscapes
Landmannalaugar has hiking that is different from anywhere else on Earth. This highland area puts together active volcanoes, huge ice rivers, and hot springs from underground. This makes landscapes that look almost alien. Rainbow-colored mountains, steaming hot springs, and big lava fields give you new surprises all the time.
Iceland sits near the Arctic Circle. This means summer brings almost 24 hours of daylight. This is perfect for long hiking adventures. The weather patterns change fast. The conditions change quickly too. This adds excitement to every walk. After a long day of hiking, you can soak your tired muscles in natural hot springs. You do this while mountains surround you with great views.
Best Hiking Trail in Landmannalaugar
The Laugavegur Trail connects Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk. People say it is one of the world’s best multi-day hikes. This 4-day walk goes through rainbow-colored mountains. You see big black lava fields and see bright green valleys. You can soak in natural hot springs and cross big rivers with ice from glaciers. Also you will see some of the most unique and colorful mountain scenery on Earth.
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Sharp peaks that rise straight from the sea with midnight sun
Good for people who want Nordic beauty and unique Arctic experiences
The Lofoten Islands have one of the world’s most dramatic hiking settings. Sharp mountain peaks rise straight from the Norwegian Sea. This Arctic island chain puts together great fjord scenery with the midnight sun. This gives you almost 24 hours of daylight for summer hiking adventures.
Traditional red fishing cabins called rorbuer sit along the coastline. Hiking trails lead to mountain peaks. These peaks give great views over the sea and nearby islands. The contrast between the deep blue Arctic Ocean and the green valleys makes some of Europe’s best landscapes. In summer, wildflowers cover the valleys. Snow still sits on the highest peaks.
Best Hiking Trail in Lofoten Islands
The hike to Kvalvika Beach puts mountain adventure together with one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches. This 3-hour walk leads to a far-away white sand beach. Tall peaks surround it. For a harder adventure, the climb to Ryten peak gives great views over the whole Lofoten chain. You can see the midnight sun reflecting off the Arctic Ocean.
8. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Old mountains with mysterious lakes and rich Highland culture
Good for people who like history, culture, and mountain adventures they can reach
The Scottish Highlands have a perfect mix of natural beauty and interesting history. Few places can match this. These old mountains tell stories that go back millions of years. You learn about old rock formations and about clan battlefields. You learn about abandoned Highland villages. Hiking here means walking through both stunning landscapes and living history.
Highland culture adds special meaning to every walk. Old castles sit on dramatic clifftops. Mysterious lakes reflect tall peaks. You might hear traditional Highland music in local pubs. You might see Highland games with men in kilts throwing heavy logs. The weather can be hard to predict. But it creates the moody feeling that makes Scottish landscapes so memorable.
Best Hiking Trail in Scottish Highlands
The West Highland Way captures Highland beauty perfectly. This 7-day, 96-mile walk goes from Milngavie to Fort William. It takes you through different landscapes. You see lakes, moors, and mountains. The trail goes past famous sites like Loch Lomond. It ends at Ben Nevis. This is Britain’s highest peak at 4,413 feet. You get a complete Highland experience.
9. Dolomites, Italy
Unique limestone peaks with alpine meadows and Italian mountain culture
Good for people who like dramatic rock formations and excellent mountain food
The Dolomites give you a unique Alpine experience. They have distinctive pale limestone peaks. These peaks glow pink and orange at sunrise and sunset. These UNESCO World Heritage mountains sit in northern Italy. They put together stunning rock formations with excellent hiking paths and famous Italian hospitality. The dramatic straight rock walls and spires make some of the most easy-to-spot mountain shapes in the world.
What makes the Dolomites special is the mix of German and Italian cultures. You find mountain huts that serve both hearty Austrian-style dishes and delicious Italian pasta. The via ferrata system uses protected climbing routes. This makes dramatic mountain faces reachable for hikers with basic climbing skills. It opens up great high-altitude adventures.
Best Hiking Trail in Dolomites
The Alta Via 1 trail shows the best of the Dolomites over 8 days. It goes from Braies to Belluno. This 75-mile walk goes under famous peaks like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It has comfortable mountain huts with excellent food. For day hikers, the Seceda Ridge walk gives great views. It gives you that famous Dolomites feeling without needing multiple days.
10. Torres del Paine, Patagonia
Wild wilderness with glacial lakes and granite spires
Good for adventurous hikers who want remote wilderness experiences
Torres del Paine stands for one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth. Huge ice rivers flow between granite spires under endless Patagonian skies. This far-away national park in Chilean Patagonia has some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking anywhere. The famous granite towers make one of the most dramatic mountain skylines you will ever see.
The region’s weather adds to the adventure. Strong winds and fast-changing conditions keep every hike exciting. You might see herds of guanacos grazing in big grasslands. Also you might see hard-to-find pumas. You might see huge Andean condors riding the mountain air currents. The massive Grey Glacier gives a stunning frozen backdrop to many of the park’s most beautiful trails.
Best Hiking Trail in Torres del Paine
The complete Torres del Paine Circuit gives you the ultimate Patagonian adventure. This 8-9 day walk goes around the whole mountain range. It includes the famous W Trek highlights plus remote back-country sections. You can amp beside glacial lakes. You cross mountain passes with great views. And you can experience the full power and beauty of wild Patagonia.
Professional Expert Recommendations
Leading hiking experts always recommend these destinations for different reasons. Adventure travel specialist Sarah Johnson says that “Nepal’s Everest region offers the ultimate high-altitude challenge. But hikers need proper time to get used to the altitude and experience.” Mountain guide Marco Bernasconi from Switzerland notes that “Zermatt provides the perfect introduction to Alpine hiking. It has excellent infrastructure and stunning views.”
Patagonia expert Carlos Mendez suggests that “Torres del Paine requires serious preparation for weather conditions. But it rewards hikers with some of the most pristine wilderness left on Earth.” These professional insights help hikers choose destinations that match their skill level and adventure goals.
Case Studies: Real Hiking Experiences
Case Study 1: First-Time International Hiker in New Zealand
Emma is a 28-year-old from Canada. She chose Fiordland for her first international hiking adventure and completed the Milford Track in April. Emma reported that “the trail infrastructure made everything easy to navigate. The scenery exceeded every expectation.” Her preparation included basic fitness training and purchasing quality rain gear. This proved essential for New Zealand’s changeable weather.
Case Study 2: Experienced Hiker’s Patagonia Challenge
Mountain guide David Thompson tackled Torres del Paine’s full circuit. He did this after 15 years of international hiking experience. He emphasized that “the wind conditions were more challenging than expected. But the pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife encounters made it worth every difficult step.” His advice: “Bring extra tent stakes. Practice setting up camp in windy conditions before you go.”
What Makes These the Best Hiking Countries in the World?
These top 10 hiking trails in the world share several key things that set them apart from other destinations. Each one has unique landscapes that you cannot find anywhere else. You see Iceland’s colorful volcanic mountains. You see Peru’s ancient Inca ruins. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and hiking infrastructure creates experiences that stay with you forever.
The best hiking countries in the world also give excellent support for international visitors. You see this in Switzerland’s perfectly marked trails and see this in New Zealand’s comfortable huts. You see this in Nepal’s experienced guides. These destinations make it easier for hikers to focus on enjoying their adventures. You do not have to worry about logistics.
For people seeking cheap hiking destinations europe, Scotland’s Highlands offer incredible value. They have free wild camping and relatively low costs compared to Switzerland or Norway. The Scottish trails provide world-class hiking experiences without breaking the bank. This makes them perfect for budget-conscious adventurers.
Conclusion
These top hiking destinations worldwide represent the very best our planet has to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. You can take the spiritual journey of Nepal’s Everest region. You can experience the dramatic wilderness of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine. Each destination provides unique experiences that will change how you see the natural world.
You might be drawn to the cultural richness of Peru’s ancient Inca trails. And you might prefer the perfect organization of Switzerland’s Alpine paths.
You might want the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland’s volcanic highlands. These destinations offer adventures for every type of hiker. Start planning your next great hiking adventure today. These incredible places are waiting to share their beauty with you.
If you liked this breakthrough on Best Hiking destinations worldwide, you should check out the guide for Switzerland hiking, Hiking in Switzerland is like Heaven | Complete Hike Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country to go hiking?
Nepal offers the ultimate hiking experience with the world’s highest peaks and rich Sherpa culture. Switzerland provides the most accessible Alpine hiking with excellent infrastructure for all skill levels.
Which place is the best for hiking?
The Everest region in Nepal consistently ranks as the top hiking destination worldwide. Its extreme mountain beauty, cultural immersion, and the challenge of reaching Everest Base Camp make it unmatched.
What is the Big 4 in hiking?
The Big 4 hiking destinations are:
- Nepal (Himalayas)
- Switzerland (Alps)
- Peru (Andes)
- New Zealand (Southern Alps)
Each offers unique landscapes and world-class trail systems.
What are the best solo hiking destinations in Europe?
Scotland’s Highlands, Iceland’s Landmannalaugar, and Norway’s Lofoten Islands are excellent for solo hikers. They offer good infrastructure, safety, and breathtaking scenery perfect for independent travel.
What are the most beautiful hikes in the world?
The Milford Track in New Zealand, Inca Trail in Peru, Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, and Torres del Paine W Trek in Chile are among the most beautiful multi-day hikes on the planet.
Which European country offers the cheapest hiking destinations?
Scotland is the best value hiking destination in Europe, with free wild camping, extensive trails, and lower costs compared to Alpine regions like Switzerland or Norway.
What makes a hiking destination suitable for beginners?
Beginner-friendly spots like New Zealand’s Great Walks or Switzerland’s marked trails offer well-maintained paths, clear signage, and rescue services, making them safer for new hikers.
How do I choose between these top hiking destinations?
Consider your experience level, budget, preferred climate, and cultural interests. Nepal and Patagonia are great for experienced hikers, while Switzerland and New Zealand suit beginners or those seeking comfort.
