Mountain hiking for beginners: 10 European mountains for beginners

Are you new to hiking but ready to hit a big mountain? Luckily, there are plenty of European picks that can give you the satisfaction of reaching the summit of a serious mountain, but are still suitable for a (prepared) beginner. Here are 10 of the best European mountains for beginners

Remember: while this is our selection of easier mountains, it does not mean you can just hike there, unprepared, in any weather and no preparation. You will still need to be physically fit, have the appropriate equipment, maps (that you can read!), and you will have to check the weather beforehand. When in doubt, ask a local guide. Don’t underestimate any mountain, or even a hill – the weather conditions can change quickly.
Wise Robin Editors

European mountains for beginners. #1: Yr Wyddf (Mount Snowdon), Wales

Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and offers a variety of hiking trails for beginners. The Llanberis Path is a well-marked, easy hike that leads to the summit of the mountain.

View from Snowdon at sunset, one hiker looking at the lake in the valley. European mountains for beginners — Sunset on Snowdon. Photo by Nikolay Dimitrov on Unsplash

European mountains for beginners. #2: Plattjen, Switzerland

Plattjen is a small mountain located near Grindelwald, Switzerland. The hike to the summit is relatively easy and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

European mountains for beginners. #3: Mount Rigi, Switzerland

Mount Rigi is a popular mountain for beginner hikers, located near Lake Lucerne. The Rigi Kulm Trail is an easy hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

On top of Mount Rigi on a beautiful winter day. Photo by Valeriano G on Unsplash

European mountains for beginners. #4: Mont Saint-Michel, France

Mont Saint-Michel is a historic island located in Normandy, France. The island is home to a medieval abbey and offers a relatively easy hike with stunning views of the surrounding Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

European mountains for beginners. #5: Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Located near Lucerne, Mount Pilatus offers stunning views of the surrounding Swiss Alps. The Pilatus Kulm Trail is a well-marked, easy hike that is suitable for beginners.

European mountains for beginners. #6: Mount Teide, Tenerife, Spain

Mount Teide is an active volcano located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The Teide National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for beginners, including the easy Telesforo Bravo Trail.

Teide, Tenerife, Spain. Photo by Michal Mrozek on Unsplash

European mountains for beginners. #7: Mount Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Mount Rila Monastery is a historic monastery located in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. The surrounding mountains offer a variety of easy hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

European mountains for beginners. #8: Mount Olympus, Greece

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is home to a variety of hiking trails for beginners. The Prionia Trail is an easy hike that leads to the summit of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

European mountains for beginners. #9: Mount Ulriken, Norway

Mount Ulriken is the highest mountain in Bergen, Norway. The mountain offers a variety of easy hiking trails. You can event ake the Ulriken Cable Car, which takes hikers to the summit of the mountain.

European mountains for beginners. #10: Mount Snaefellsnes, Iceland

Mount Snaefellsnes is a volcanic mountain located in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. The mountain offers a variety of easy hiking trails, including the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Trail, which leads to the summit of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

These are just a few of the best mountains to hike in Europe for beginners. Regardless of the mountain you choose, be sure to come prepared with the appropriate gear, such as good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a map or GPS device.