Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe hiking goes beyond typical tourist routes completely. Picture Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Belgrade and Bucharest. Experience Peshtan Village charm, Zagoria Valley hikes, remote villages, ancient paths, and the Gjirokaster UNESCO site. Eastern Europe rewards hiking as the trails are less crowded than Alps, the scenery is stunning, and there’s history everywhere.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ Eastern Europe tours
- 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- F
Filip • traveled in September
Overall great experience. the good balance of hiking and sightseeing. I would only highlight that the huts have no showering facilities.
Walking Romania - Transylvanian Alps Trek - K
Ken • traveled in October
Our trip leaders are not on this list & they were excellent! Flexible, accommodating, supportive and fun!
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians - V
Vicki • traveled in December
This was a fabulous tour! Interesting itinerary, spectacular countryside, lovely walks, tasty local food and drink, and a great guide in Bogdan.
Transylvanian Village Life in the Carpathian Mountains: An Eco-Certified Experience
10 best Hiking & Trekking Eastern Europe tour packages
Compiled by
SteffEastern Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania from Belgrade to Bucharest
- Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
- Hiking on the Via Transilvanica in TERRA SAXONUM
- Moderate Hiking Holiday Slovakia - 7 nights - 3 National Parks
- Hiking in Romania: Via Transilvanica Trail
- Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified private trekking program
- Hiking in Slovakia (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 8 people)
- Summits of the Transylvanian Alps
- Transylvania Winter Walk & Snowshoe
- Winter hiking in Slovakia and Poland (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 8 people)
Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania from Belgrade to Bucharest
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The trails through Eastern Europe showcase diverse terrains. Visitors walk Rila Mountains to UNESCO monastery, cross Shipka Pass trails, and follow Plovdiv's ancient Roman paths. Historic cities and natural wonders await with expert guidance.
Duration 8 days Destinations Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 527 mi Operator Choose Balkans From
- NZ$4,661
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The raft down the river was really good and very relaxing. The views were great and going into Slovakia was also really good.”
Kim, traveled in June
The 77km route winds through Eastern Europe's most dramatic trails, from Babia Gora National Park to the Tatra Mountains. Walking paths include UNESCO Dunajec Gorge, Slovakia's peaks, and traditional mountain culture in Zakopane. Daily walks span 14-17km with expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Krakow, Babia Gora National Park, Zakopane, Oravice, Trzy Korony, Pieniny National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 163 mi Operator Explore! From
- NZ$3,400
Hiking on the Via Transilvanica in TERRA SAXONUM
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour, crafted just for our family. We loved walking Via Transilvanica.”
Jay, traveled in June
Via Transilvanica winds through historic Saxon territory. Daily 15-24km paths pass UNESCO-listed Biertan fortress and medieval Sighisoara. Breite Plateau's ancient oaks and authentic village culture highlight the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sibiu, Crit, Saschiz, Malancrav, Biertan Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 106 mi Operator Carpathian Travel Center From $1,725
20% Off- NZ$1,380You save $345
Moderate Hiking Holiday Slovakia - 7 nights - 3 National Parks
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour was perfect, amazing sceneries, very lucky with weather.”
Aurelie, traveled in October
Duration 8 days Destinations Poprad, High Tatra Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park, Low Tatras National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 112 mi Operator Tatra Escapes From
20% Off- NZ$2,377
Duration 10 days Destinations Cluj-Napoca, Gura Humorului, Vatra Dornei, Sighisoara, Zarnesti, Brasov Age Range Ages 15+ Distance 298 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,360
Experience Ecotourism in Romania - eco-certified private trekking program
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hike 10/10 - The effort was consistent, around 11 - 14 km hicked daily. The accomodation 10/10 - was perfect and the food was plenty.”
Constantin, traveled in December
Magnificent trails wind through Bucegi and Piatra Craiului parks with daily 14km walks. An 800m ascent leads to Evil Waterfall Mill and potential summit of Shepherd's Peak (2,238m). Traditional mountain villages showcase authentic local life.
Duration 4 days Destinations Brasov, Bucegi Natural Park, Piatra Craiului, Magura, Pestera Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 58 mi Operator Active Travel From
20% Off- NZ$1,763
The mountain paths of Eastern Europe test hikers, from High Tatras' 9-hour Kriváň ascent to Slovak Paradise's 17.7km Prielom Hornadu route. Metal ladders aid technical sections while pristine mountain lakes and valleys unfold below.
Duration 8 days Destinations Krakow, High Tatra Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park, Poprad Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 165 mi Operator Experience Slovakia From
20% Off- NZ$2,221
Duration 8 days Destinations Magura, Piatra Craiului, Bucharest Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 88 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% Off- NZ$3,054
Winter adventures await from Villa Hermani (3,410ft). Trails lead through Piatra Craiului National Park, Zarnesti Canyon, and snowshoe routes between dramatic mountain peaks. Romanian hospitality and local traditions enrich each day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bucharest, Magura, Pestera, Vulcan, Brasov, Bran, Piatra Craiului Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 219 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $3,167
10% Off- NZ$2,850You save $317
Duration 7 days Destinations Krakow, Poprad, High Tatra Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park, Tatra National Park Age Range Ages 8+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 185 mi Operator Experience Slovakia From
10% Off- NZ$2,122
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Eastern Europe
What are the most challenging hiking trails in Eastern Europe and how difficult are they?
Eastern Europe's toughest trails wind through Bulgaria's Rila Mountains and Romania's Fagaras Mountains. The trek to Moldoveanu Peak in Romania takes hikers up 2544 meters through 17-23 kilometer daily routes. Bulgaria's Musala Peak trail reaches 2925 meters requiring 6-7 hours of steady climbing each day. The routes feature technical sections with loose rock and steep ascents. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Andy was an excellent guide and really made the challenging trails manageable though you definitely need good fitness for the 700-1000m daily elevation gains." Basic mountain huts like Zamkovského Chata in Slovakia and Podragu Hut in Romania provide places to rest along these routes.
When is the best time to go hiking in Eastern Europe?
The hiking season peaks from June through September when paths are clear and temperatures mild. The Rodopi Mountains in Bulgaria burst with wildflowers in May and June while July and August work best for high-altitude routes. Slovakia's High Tatras welcome hikers from June to October with July providing extra daylight for longer treks. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Late September is good time for colours in the Tatra Mountains with different landscapes many glacier lakes and deep forest walks."
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hikes?
Eastern European hiking routes blend mountain huts with hotel stays. The High Tatras feature traditional shelters like Zelené Pleso Hut and the historic Téryho Chata at 2015 meters. In Bulgaria's Rila Mountains options range from the upscale Grand Hotel Smokovec to basic mountain refuges. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The combination of authentic mountain huts and local guesthouses gave us a perfect taste of mountain culture - the Barcaciu hut in Romania's Fagaras Mountains was particularly memorable with its cozy atmosphere and hearty local food."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Eastern Europe?
The mountain ranges support rich wildlife especially in protected zones like Romania's Piatra Craiului National Park and Bulgaria's Rila National Park. Balkan chamois frequent the karst slopes near Wichren Peak while rare edelweiss flowers dot the highlands. The High Tatras house populations of marmots and golden eagles. One TourRadar traveler reported: "During our hike through the Fagaras Mountains we were lucky enough to spot wild chamois on the rocky slopes and even found some rare edelweiss flowers near Moldoveanu Peak." Local guidelines advise keeping distance from wildlife.
How well-marked are the hiking trails in Eastern Europe?
Most established trails use clear marking systems particularly in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains and Slovakia's High Tatras. Color-coded paint marks on rocks and trees guide hikers while major paths like the E4 and E8 through the Rila Mountains have excellent maintenance. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The trails in the High Tatras were incredibly well-marked making self-guided hiking feel safe and manageable though having the detailed route descriptions from our tour operator added extra security." Romania's remote Carpathian sections may have less obvious markers making guided tours advisable.
How accessible are Eastern European hiking destinations?
The main hiking regions connect to nearby cities. Sofia serves as the gateway to Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains while Kosice or Poprad lead to Slovakia's High Tatras. The Romanian Carpathians link through Bucharest or Brasov. As one TourRadar traveler explained: "The transfers from main cities were well-organized though some mountain areas like the Yagodina Family Hotel require 3-4 hour drives but the stunning locations make it worthwhile."