10 favorite trails
around the world

This was a hard list to narrow down as we have so many favorite trails from our trips around the world - but here are our top hikes from Norway to the Azores; South Africa to Argentina and a few places in between.

1. Aurlandsdalen Valley | Norway

The Aurlandsdalen Valley is full of high mountains, wild valleys and roaring waterfalls. This hike traverses a beautiful valley from Østerbø to Vassbygdi where you’ll find a stunning, untouched area where you can fully enjoy nature and the surrounding landscapes. The path takes you past canyons and gorges, down steep slopes and through old farming meadows. You’ll be surrounded by high and ragged mountain formations and it is an unforgettable experience for walkers. A challenging and gorgeous full day of hiking in Norway.

2. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado | Argentina

One of the most impressive panoramic views of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, this is also one of the more challenging hikes in the area. The Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a chain of round rocky summits - in Spanish, “loma” translates to “hill” and the first few miles of the trail are part of the famous Huemel Circuit. The hike is typically less busy and less traveled than Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres and the extra effort is worth it for the exceptional views. After walking through the town of El Chaltén and up through rolling hills and lenga forests, the summit provides unique views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and Lago Viedma from the south and southeast side. Enjoying a picnic at the top as you overlook these dramatic mountains is a true highlight of a trip to Argentina.

3. GrostÈ PASS - Rifugio Tuckett | Italy

One of our favorite full day hikes in the Dolomites for the views, the rifugios, the people, the waterfalls and the varying terrain throughout the day. The day starts with a gondola ride up to the top of Grostè lift which sits at 8,152ft. The first part of the hike is along a rocky path that gently traverses a dramatic balcony. On a clear day, you’ll have views down into the Rendena Valley with the Cevedale and the Adamello and Presanella Glaciers on one side, and the dramatic Dolomite peaks on the other side. Passing Rifugio Tuckett right around lunchtime, it’s the perfect place for some knödel and an espresso. The trail then descends through beautiful forests and meadows until you reach Rifugio Casinei. One of our dearest friends, Pia, works here and saying “ciao” and ordering an apple strudel is always a must-do. The path continues through the forest and into a pretty meadow before dropping along a trail right next to several roaring waterfalls. Following the Sentiero dell’Orso (the bear trail) along a soft, gentle wooded path, you’ll eventually pop out right next to the Pathways hotel, Hotel Chalet del Sogno.

4. Mount Pico | Azores

While in the Azores and while exploring Pico Island, hiking up Mount Pico is a must-do - it’s one of the most unique hikes we’ve ever experienced. It’s challenging and well worth the view from the top (the highest point in Portugal at 7,713ft). When the visibility is good, you’ll have views towards Faial Island and even Sao Jorge Island off in the distance. After a few hours of hiking up the trail, you’ll arrive to the crater of the volcano - a great spot for a snack before your final scramble to the summit where the scenery is absolutely spectacular.

5. Chapman’s Peak | South Africa 

A short, lightly traveled trail that has a stunning reward at the top. This is one of our favorite discoveries in the area surrounding Cape Town. The hike begins off of Chapman’s Peak Drive (one of the most scenic drives in the world) and the trail winds steadily up towards the backside of Table Mountain National Park. As you climb, you’ll pass a plethora of interesting flora and fauna like fynbos, proteas, ericas and indigenous trees. There are also usually teal colored lizards and if you’re lucky you may spot a black eagle or fish eagle. From the summit, the sweeping views of the ocean, Noordhoek Beach, Hout Bay and the Southern Cape Peninsula of South Africa are incredible.

6. Besseggen Ridge | NORWAY

One of the most iconic hikes in Norway’s Jotunheimen - Besseggen Ridge run between Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatn. Starting at Gjendesheim Hut on the shores of beautiful Lake Gjende, you’ll begin the hike towards Besseggen & Memurubu. Starting with a steep climb, we always recommend keeping your eyes peeled for reindeer! Climbing steadily through Vetløyfti Gorge, you’ll reach a stunning high point next to a huge cairn - a great spot for a snack break. Throughout your hike, you’ll likely see pretty white plants that are called “Glacier Buttercups” - these are the highest blooming plants in Northern Europe and can be found at the summits of the highest peaks in the Jotunheimen. Making your way down the famous Besseggen Ridge, you’ll be able to view both lakes at the same time, noticing the dramatic contrast in color: Lake Gjende’s milky green color comes from the glaciers from the upper mountains; Lake Bessvatnet is a bright blue. It’s absolutely spectacular. You’ll end your day by passing a few alpine lakes before reaching the lovely Memurubu hut on the shores of Lake Gjende.

7. HuemUl Glacier & Lagoon | Argentina

One of our favorite short hikes in Argentine Patagonia that offers a big reward for moderate effort is up to the hidden Huemul Lagoon. After starting at the south point of Lago del Desierto and ascending through a lovely lenga forest, the trail emerges to a moraine ridge where the views to the north face of Fitz Roy and the De Las Vueltas Valley are extraordinary. Shortly after, the trail opens up to the stunning hidden surprise: the Huemul lagoon, fed from the Huemul Glacier. This is our favorite spot for a picnic and afternoon dip!

8. Marlinger Waalweg | Italy

Easily accessible from Merano, the Marlinger Waalweg offers a scenic hike through the environs of Merano. The “waale” are irrigation canals which were built in the past to irrigate the cultivated fields in dry areas. Next to these canals, there was a small and narrow path which was used to control these irrigation canals. Today, these “waale” paths are popular for enjoyable walks around the area. The Marlinger Waalweg is the longest in the South Tyrol region of Italy as it nearly circumnavigates Merano. This hike is a flat, beautiful walk through vineyards and apple orchards and past historic, medieval castles. It’s an easy day that provides a lovely perspective of the mountains & surrounding region. Along the way, you’ll pass a few different “Gasthofs” or guest houses, where you can stop for snacks, water and lunch with a view.

9. Leirvassbu - Skogadalsbøen | Norway

Today is a gorgeous day where the rugged, rocky terrain dramatically changes to lush, green scenery as the trek approaches Norway’s fjord land. From Leirvassbu Hut, the trail begins with a slow and gradual descent, entering a valley full of rivers and waterfalls as the path exits the Jotunheimen National Park and enters the Utladalen Protected Area. Passing several lakes and just enough snow to make mini-snowmen, the trail eventually reaches pretty Gravdlaen Valley. If it’s warm enough, we always recommend stopping along the river bank for a quick dip in the chilly, refreshing water before enjoying a picnic lunch. Continuing the descent, the path meanders through a birch tree forest - mushrooms & berries galore - as it eventually arrives to the beautiful Skogadalsbøen Hut. This is a spectacular - almost magical - setting for a hut with views of the surrounding high peaks and the lush green valleys below. The interior is quaint and cozy (think: sheepskin blankets and candles) and the hosts are friendly and absolutely fantastic cooks. 

10. Slemenova Spica | Slovenia

A great half-day hike in Slovenia’s Julian Alps that offers stunning views from the top of Vršič Pass and beyond. The trail begins with a heart-pumping, efficient ascent directly uphill through a low spruce forest and scree field. As the trail climbs steadily, it eventually pops out on the Vratica Saddle offering some deserved respite and panoramic views. From the junction at the Vratica Saddle, the trail continues along a quiet and peaceful section with views that are constantly changing as it winds through a lovely larch forest. Eventually, the path arrives to a pretty meadow - a nice spot for some water and shade. From here, there is one final climb to the summit of Slemenova Špica where the views into Austria and Italy and down to the Tamar Valley below are breathtaking. Once you’ve retraced your steps back to Vršič Pass, we always recommend stopping at our favorite hut in the area - Tonka’s Hut - for a typical, hearty Slovenian lunch.

A few more favorites…

Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge | South Africa
Madau - Zams in Austria | E5 Trek
Red Lady via Scarp Ridge | Crested Butte
Laguna de los Tres via Piedras Blancas & Hosteria El Pilar | Argentina
The French Valley | Chile’s W-Trek in Torres del Paine
Huayna Picchu | Peru’s Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

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