By There is something about hiking that makes a destination feel different. You are not simply passing through a landscape; you are moving through it, one step at a time. A good trail can take you from forests to glaciers, across mountain passes, through remote villages and into places that would be impossible to experience from a tour bus. If hiking is on your travel bucket list, these are some of the world’s iconic trails worth knowing about.
1. Inca Trail, Peru
Few hikes have an ending quite like the Inca Trail. The route winds through the Andes, passing ancient stone paths, cloud forests and archaeological sites before arriving at Machu Picchu. The classic trek takes around four days, and permits are limited, so planning is essential. The altitude also makes acclimatisation an important part of the trip.
Best for: History, mountain scenery and first-time long-distance trekkers.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy and Switzerland
Want to hike through three countries on one trip? The Tour du Mont Blanc circles the Mont Blanc massif, passing alpine meadows, mountain villages, valleys and dramatic peaks. It is a longer commitment, usually taking around 9-14 days depending on the route and pace, but that is also part of its appeal. You get to experience the Alps from several different perspectives rather than seeing them from a single viewpoint.
Best for: Experienced hikers, alpine scenery and a multi-country adventure.
3. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail feels almost otherworldly. Over several days, hikers encounter volcanic landscapes, colourful mountains, glaciers, rivers and geothermal areas. The trail is generally walked during Iceland’s short hiking season, roughly from late June to early September, when conditions are more suitable.
Best for: Dramatic landscapes and photographers.
4. Milford Track, New Zealand
Often described as one of New Zealand’s great walks, the Milford Track takes hikers through Fiordland National Park, with rainforest, rivers, waterfalls and mountain scenery along the way. The official route is 53.5 km and takes four days, ending near Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Bookings are essential during the Great Walks season.
Best for: Rainforests, waterfalls and spectacular wilderness.
5. Overland Track, Australia
Tasmania’s Overland Track is another classic for anyone who wants to spend several days properly immersed in nature. The 65-km route crosses Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, with alpine landscapes, forests and mountain views along the way. And before setting off on any multi-day trail, good gear matters. A reliable backpack, comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate layers can make a long day on the trail considerably easier. Eiger ID, an outdoor brand with equipment designed for hiking, trekking and other adventures, is worth considering when putting together your hiking kit. Its Hikeholic range, for example, includes features such as a trekking-pole holder, water-bladder compartment, and rain cover.
Before You Pick Your Trail
A bucket-list hike should be exciting, but it should also be realistic. Check the trail’s difficulty, weather, permits, and seasonal conditions before booking your trip. For remote or multi-day hikes, look into accommodation and transport well in advance, and make sure someone knows your itinerary. Most importantly, choose a trail that matches your experience. You don’t need to climb the world’s highest mountain to have an unforgettable hiking adventure. Sometimes, the best trail is simply the one that makes you want to keep walking.
