5 Family‑Friendly Hikes Across Europe

European trails have a habit of compressing continents into a single stride in terms of experiences. Below are five hikes where children, parents, and even grandparents can walk side‑by‑side.

1. Morskie Oko Road & Lake Circuit – Tatra National Park, Poland

A broad asphalt track rises gently for 8 km through spruce forest toward the lake-eye of Morskie Oko (“Eye of the Sea”). Horse‑drawn carts offer bail‑out options, but most families manage the two‑hour ascent under their own steam, rewarded at 1 395 m by a mountain inn and a shoreline loop that feels stitched from an alpine fairy‑tale. The grade is steady, suitable for sturdy strollers or little legs on balance bikes, though the return is the same distance—budget daylight accordingly.

Best season  May–October, when the road is snow‑free.

Family tip  Reserve parking at Palenica Białczańska in advance; spaces sell out fast on summer mornings.

2. Plitvice Lakes Boardwalks – Lika‑Senj, Croatia

Waterfall after waterfall tumbles into pools, connected by a spider‑web of wooden walkways. Choose “Program F” (about 5 km, 2–3 hrs) or “Program H” (9 km, 4–6 hrs) for an easy, mostly level circuit that pairs boat shuttles with foot travel, ideal for keeping younger hikers’ attention spans topped up. Mind the gaps - boardwalks lack handrails, so toddlers ride best in carriers.

Best season  Spring and autumn offer full waterfalls and fewer crowds; July can feel like walking through a greenhouse.

Family tip  Picnic platforms near Kozjak Lake are perfect for a mid‑trail snack without tempting the park’s bold ducks.

3. Lago di Braies Shore Path – Dolomites, Italy

At just 3.2 km, the loop around Italy’s most photographed alpine lake is an argument‑ender for reluctant walkers, level shoreline on the east bank, a mild undulating forest track on the west, and rowboats drifting across water that looks filtered. Strollers roll easily on the eastern half; wooden steps on the western section add a dash of adventure for older kids.

Car access is capped in high season—plan to arrive by public bus or pre‑book a space.

Best season  Early morning in June or September, when the mirror‑flat lake stills into perfect reflections.

Family tip  Rent a rowboat for thirty minutes, shoulders get a workout, and children love spotting trout in the water.

4. Glymur Waterfall Lower‑Canyon Route – Hvalfjörður, Iceland

Glymur drops 198 m into a chasm, reachable via a 6–7 km out‑and‑back that crosses birch scrub and a river on a seasonal log. Families with school‑age children can tackle the full route; those with smaller walkers often stop at the first canyon viewpoint. The log is installed only June–September, and snow lingers on ledges into early summer.

Best season  Mid‑summer, when daylight is endless and river levels calm.

Family tip  Bring sandals or water shoes if you plan to ford the stream after the log.

5. Triberg Waterfalls Nature Trails – Black Forest, Germany

Germany’s highest cascade drops 163 m in seven steps, yet the surrounding paths feel tailor‑made for prams. Three colour‑coded circuits—the Nature, Culture, and Cascade Trails, range from 1.5 km to just under 3 km, with sturdy boardwalks and railings where the spray is fiercest. Asphalt sections near the lower falls are stroller‑friendly; higher viewpoints involve short bursts of steps that adventurous youngsters tackle like ladders.

Best season  May–October, when forest foliage frames the falls. Winter visits are magical but require extra traction.

Family tip  Pack a euro for the nut dispensers at the entrance. Red squirrels have learned that hikers carry snacks and often pose for photos in exchange for a hazelnut

Happy wandering!