“Yodel-ay-yodel-ay-yodel-ay-hee-hoo!” For those college students and recent grads who are looking to study or intern abroad in areas with sweet hiking trails—you’re in luck. There are tons of awesome mountains around the world with great trails and jaw-dropping views—many of which are just a short drive or train ride away from AIFS Abroad program destinations. So, whether you’re looking for a short hike to snap some pics for your feed or you’re packing your CamelBak and boots for some serious climbs, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve laid out some of the best mountains you can hike when you study abroad.
Read on to discover some of the best mountains you can hike while you study abroad!
The Alps
The Alps can be found in eight countries across Europe, providing terrific trails and vast views for anyone willing to lace up their shoes and set out. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad offers study abroad programs in four countries through which this legendary range extends its rocky reaches.
Austrian Alps: Salzburg, Austria
The Austrian Alps, also called the Central Alps or Eastern Alps, are the largest section of the range, covering approximately 60% of Austria’s land area. These picturesque mountains are dotted with glaciers, quaint villages, alpine lakes, steep valleys, and tons of breathtaking trails.
Nestled at the foot of several subranges is the quaint and historic city of Salzburg—birthplace of Mozart and the filming site for many scenes of The Sound of Music. The city offers spectacular views of the Alps and easy access to countless trails, both near and far.
Three hours south of the city is Austria’s highest peak: Grossglockner. While hiking to the summit is a serious mountaineering undertaking, there are tons of other trails in and around the mountain and its base in Hohe Tauern National Park. Plus, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is famous for its phenomenal panoramic vistas. Whether you’re interested in a challenging uphill climb or a leisurely stroll with the chance to spot some marmots at play, Grossglockner and Hohe Tauern National Park are a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.
A pleasant 30-minute bus ride from the city, Lake Wolfgang is framed by limestone peaks and vivid blue water, offering an easy escape into nature. With a network of trails that wind along this stunning alpine lake, it’s an ideal spot for everything from relaxed lakeside walks to more active day hikes with unforgettable views. Around Lake Wolfgang are several notable peaks and other alpine lakes, all part of the beautiful Alps that this region is known for.
Bavarian Alps: Berlin, Germany & Salzburg, Austria
Just over the border from Salzburg are the Bavarian Alps, a collective name for several mountain ranges of the Northern Limestone Alps in Germany. For students studying or interning abroad in Berlin and Salzburg, the Bavarian Alps make a perfect weekend trip and pair easily with a visit to Munich, Bavaria’s capital.
One of the most historically significant mountaintop destinations in the region is Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s former “Eagle’s Nest” mountaintop retreat. Today, the site offers an opportunity to reflect and a sobering historical perspective alongside expansive alpine views.
History meets majesty amidst the Bavarian Alps with some of the most enchanting architecture in the region, if not the world. King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle is perhaps the most famous, often described as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cinderella’s Castle, while nearby Hohenschwangau Castle offers its own Gothic charm. Both are surrounded by scenic hiking trails that wind through forested hills and provide unforgettable vantage points of the castles below.
Although summer draws many hikers to the region, autumn reveals a different kind of magic. The Bavarian Alps are transformed into a mosaic of gold, amber, and crimson, making it one of the best places to see fall foliage in the world.
With its blend of history, fairytale architecture, and seasonal color, the Bavarian Alps offer a hiking experience you won’t find anywhere else.
French Alps: Grenoble, France
Known as the “Capital of the Alps,” Grenoble is one of the best headquarters for exploring the French Alps while you study abroad. Set in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, the city is dramatically encircled by the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountain ranges. With such a close, striking backdrop, it’s easy to get from the city to hiking trails, making Grenoble a dream destination for anyone drawn to outdoor adventure. From skiing and snowshoeing in winter to canyoning and hiking in warmer months, the region offers all the mountain sports you could dream of.
Closer to the city, more accessible hikes like Jardin des Dauphins trail lead up toward the historic Bastille Fort(also accessible by cable car), rewarding hikers with wide views over Grenoble and the surrounding peaks. Another pleasant hike is the three-mile loop around Grand Chartreuse Monastery, offering sights of Grand and Petit Som as well as the monastery itself, which is closed to visitors and still occupied by Carthusian monks.
For those looking for more of a challenge, the Mont Jalla to Mont Rachais Loop delivers a rewarding ridge-line route with panoramic vistas of landmarks like Dent de Crolles, the medieval village of Pont-en-Royans, and the layered mountain ranges beyond.
With dramatic scenery on all sides, Grenoble provides a practically endless network of trails, making it a great place to hike the Alps every weekend while you study abroad.
The Dolomites: Milan, Italy
Just north of Italy’s fashion capital, the Dolomites loom, piercing the clouds with their jagged, limestone peaks. The dramatic rock formations and vertical cliffs of this section of the Alps clash spectacularly with idyllic mountain meadows and quaint Italian villages that will make you wonder if somewhere along the trail you passed into a real-life fantasy novel.
One of the region’s most iconic sights is Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where three unmistakable rocky towers jut imposingly into the sky. The surrounding circuit trail is one of the most celebrated hikes in the Dolomites, offering sweeping views of the mountains and valley below and is accessible to hikers of all experience levels.
Reaching the area from Milan is relatively straightforward. Travelers typically take a train to Bolzano, then a bus or taxi to Castelrotto or Rifugio Auronzo, depending on the chosen route. From there, well-marked trails open up into some of the most photogenic terrain in the Alps.
For more experienced hikers seeking less-populated areas, the Brenta Dolomites offer more rugged, remote, and steeper trails. Here you can traverse around alpine lakes, enjoy views of limestone spires, and bask in pristine meadows. While this group of mountains may be more difficult to reach from Milan, anyone looking for a hidden gem with unforgettable views won’t be disappointed.
Sierra Nevada National Park: Granada, Spain
Resting at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas, the highest mountain range in the Iberian Peninsula, the historic city of Granada is an excellent launching point for hikes to cascading waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and Mulhacén, Spain’s highest mainland peak.
The entrance to the Sierra Nevada National Park is less than an hour from Granada. Crisscrossed with 25 footpaths, it offers access to fantastic views of rugged peaks, forested ridgelines, and traditional Andalusian villages tucked into mountainsides. The Alpujarra is one of the most popular hiking areas thanks to its biodiverse alpine ecosystems, home to unique wildlife, including Spanish ibex, wild boar, genets, foxes, and badgers. For bird watchers, it’s a true paradise, offering the chance to see hoopoes, colorful bee-eaters, golden eagles, and Bonelli’s eagles.
In winter, the park offers over 60 miles of ski trails. And on clear days, it’s even possible to see across the Alboran Sea to the distant mountains of Morocco!
Whether you’re drawn to high-altitude hikes, sandstone cliffs and shimmering waterfalls, or panoramic views from mountain to sea, Sierra Nevada National Park in Spain delivers an unforgettable alpine experience just outside Granada. Many AIFS Abroad programs in Granada include day trips into the mountains or other natural areas with experienced local guides, making it easy to enjoy some awesome hikes while you study or intern abroad!
Patagonia: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Patagonia is a vast region covering the southern tip of South America, known for its expansive natural landscapes featuring lakes, fjords, forests, glaciers, steppes, deserts, and mountains. While getting there isn’t always easy, it’s home to some of the most striking hiking trails in the world, so for many, it’s well worth the trip. Below, we’ve highlighted three spots with some unforgettable hikes through mountains, coastlines, and glaciers:
- The Argentinian Lake District in northern Patagonia is a picturesque region crowned with Andean peaks, rich forests, and countless remarkable glacial lakes. Thanks to its proximity to the city of Bariloche, the Lake District is one of the most accessible parts of Patagonia from Buenos Aires, making it a popular entry point into the region’s alpine landscapes.
- Península Valdés is a nature reserve in Patagonia, where a plethora of marine animals live in its waters and along its shores, including elephant seals, sea lions, southern right whales, orcas, and Magellanic penguins. While you won’t find mountains in this part of Patagonia, it offers beautiful hikes and walks along stark cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters—plus the chance to spot a whale off the coast from early June to mid-December!
- Los Glaciares National Park offers unforgettable hikes across massive ice fields and dramatic glacial landscapes. Hike to Mount Fitz Roy from the village of El Chaltén to see its jagged peaks towering above otherworldly turquoise lakes—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll remember forever.
Travelers typically fly from Buenos Aires to regional hubs like Bariloche, Puerto Madryn, or Ushuaia to access Patagonia’s key hiking areas.
To make the most of your time exploring the region during a study abroad or internship program in Buenos Aires, a semester-long stay is ideal, especially if your program includes a weeklong break. Otherwise, you can plan an adventure after your program ends with new friends along the way—or opt to join a guided tour for a more structured experience.
Lion’s Head & Table Mountain: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Just a short drive from Stellenbosch lies Cape Town, home to two of South Africa’s most iconic and rewarding hikes—both part of the Table Mountain National Park:
- Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in South Africa, and standing on its famous flat summit, it’s easy to see why. The hike to the top rewards climbers with sweeping panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Seaboard, Table Bay, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, along with nearby Lion’s Head. For those who prefer a more leisurely ascent, an aerial cableway is there to whisk visitors to the summit in minutes, though the hike up is well worth the effort.
- Lion’s Head offers a shorter but no less thrilling experience. The circular trail winds around the peak before a final scramble to the summit via chains and ladders bolted into the rock face, an adventure best suited to experienced hikers. At the top, you’ll discover up-close views of Table Mountain on one side and the twisting Atlantic coastline on the other. It’s one of the most popular sunset hikes in Cape Town, and for good reason (if you do, don’t forget to bring a headlamp!).
Students studying abroad in Stellenbosch will find that both mountains make for the perfect day hike on pleasant weekend afternoons.
Namsan, Bukhansan, & More: Seoul, South Korea
Set within a highly mountainous terrain, weaving in and out of the city in every direction, Seoul is truly a hiker’s paradise. With roughly 70% of South Korea’s landscape covered in mountains, students studying abroad in the capital will never be short of options, and two of the best options are just a short trip away.
Namsan Park is the most accessible introduction to hiking in Seoul, sitting at the heart of the city and reachable directly from the subway. A gentle 45 – 90-minute hike through forested paths leads to the summit, where the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline and the Han River to the south. Much of the trail follows sections of the ancient Seoul Fortress Wall, adding a layer of history to an already rewarding climb. For those who’d rather save their legs, while not missing out on the views, a cable car runs to the top as well.
Bukhansan National Park, just north of the city, is Seoul’s crown jewel for hiking. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is home to dramatic granite peaks, dense pine forests, crystal-clear mountain streams, and the remains of the 1711 Bukhansanseong Fortress wall, which winds through many of its trails. The summit of Baegundae Peak (the park’s highest point at 2,744 ft) provides unobstructed panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding area, though the final ascent requires pulling yourself up sheer granite slabs using fixed steel cables, making it a journey for only the bravest hikers. After the trail, joining locals for pajeon (savory pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine) at one of the restaurants near the park entrance is a Korean mountain tradition well worth embracing.
Students lucky enough to study abroad in Seoul with AIFS Abroad will find both mountains easily reachable by public transit—making hiking on the weekends as simple as hopping on the subway or train.
Volcanoes & Cloud-Drenched Peaks: San José, Costa Rica
With about 25% of Costa Rica’s land protected as national parks and reserves—including hundreds of mountains and several hikeable volcanoes—the country is truly a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers of all levels. Whether you’re trekking up to a smoldering crater or exploring lush jungle trails in search of waterfalls, Costa Rica offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Just a short drive from San José, Poás Volcano is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring volcanoes in the country. The Botos Lagoon Trail offers a scenic circuit through misty forest, leading to a tranquil crater lake, while viewpoints along the way reveal the active volcano’s massive main crater—one of the largest in the world. Watching steam rise from its depths is a surreal reminder of the powerful forces shaping Costa Rica’s incredible landscape.
Arenal Volcano is another iconic natural landmark in Costa Rica, rising dramatically above the surrounding rainforest. The El Silencio Viewpoint Loop provides an excellent spot to admire the volcano and its old lava fields, while the Hanging Bridges trails let you explore the canopy from above, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. For a refreshing reward after your hike, a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall offers a chance to cool off in rippling aquamarine water.
Meaning “Green Mountain” in Spanish, Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must-see for nature lovers in Costa Rica. Part of the Tilarán mountain range along the continental divide, Monteverde is known for its cloud-covered peaks and rich biodiversity. Come to this biological preserve to wander along mountain trails through high-elevation forests and experience one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
With incredible natural landscapes wherever you look, there’s no better place to discover all Costa Rica has to offer than from the country’s centrally located capital, San José. Fortunately, many AIFS Abroad programs include excursions to these amazing hiking destinations, making it easy to explore with expert guidance!
Day Hikes Galore: Prague, Czech Republic
Did you know the Czech Republic is home to one of the best-maintained networks of hiking trails in Europe? That’s right—with over 20,000 miles of marked footpaths, the Czech Republic is a fantastic place to study abroad if you’re interested in international destinations with some of the best mountain trails.
Just 90 minutes north of Prague, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (part of the Saxon Switzerland region along the German border) offer some of the country’s most striking scenery. Impressive sandstone formations rise dramatically from the landscape, creating an otherworldly environment. Trails range from relaxed walks to more challenging hikes, many leading to unique viewpoints, such as the famous Bastei Bridge, which spans the rocky pillars and offers a sight you won’t soon forget.
East of the Elbe Mountains, near the Polish border, the Jizera Mountains offer a quieter escape, with rolling peaks, forested trails, and lovely views of the Bohemian countryside. And for those looking to venture a bit farther, the Krkonoše (or “Giant Mountains”) are home to the country’s highest peaks and alpine-style terrain, perfect for more ambitious hikers.
Closer to the city, shorter day hikes like Říp Mountain, the Brdy Highlands, and the Hřebeny Nature Park make it easy to get out into nature without traveling far. For students abroad who want scenic, flexible, and accessible hiking options, Prague is an ideal home base.
A Note on Safe Hiking Abroad
No matter where you’re hiking or how experienced you are, always do thorough research ahead of time and prepare for what lies ahead. Wear the right gear, bring plenty of water, go with a buddy, and be mindful of your surroundings. For destination-specific guidance and local recommendations, speak with your AIFS Abroad on-site Program Director (they’re here to help!).
Ready to take your study or intern abroad experience to new heights?
AIFS Abroad programs can put you close to some of the world’s most incredible mountains. Whether you’re a serious hiker, a casual one, or someone who just loves a good viewpoint, there are some truly amazing mountains you can climb when you go with AIFS Abroad.
On and off the trail, you’ll benefit from our valuable inclusions, such as award-winning housing, 24/7 emergency assistance, on-site support, as well as engaging social and cultural activities that provide opportunities to learn more about your program destination. Plus, many AIFS Abroad programs also include guided day trips and excursions that bring you into unforgettable natural settings alongside fellow students.
If you’re ready for your next big adventure, grab your camera and lace up your boots—the best hike of your life awaits.
