These are the countries with the most child-friendly hiking trails!
- Denmark – 637 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km
Denmark is revealed to be the country with the highest number of child-friendly trails per kilometre square. In fact, there are approximately 637 child-friendly hiking trails per 10,000 km2 where parents can enjoy this outdoor activity with their little ones.
One of the best kid-friendly trails in Denmark is Furesø Rundt. This loop trail is 21.1 km long and is situated near Farum, a town northwest of Copenhagen. This area is also dog-friendly, however using a leash is required. There are plenty of things to see (such as a lake, the forest and the beaches on the coast of the lake) and activities to keep your family entertained on this trail, such as kayaking.
- The Netherlands – 516 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
In second place we have the Netherlands, with 516 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. One of the best trails in the Netherlands, that can be enjoyed by the whole family, is Wandelroute Hoogtepunten Kaapse Bossen, a 9.2-km loop trail near Doorn, Utrecht. This is a great area for either running, hiking and walking, and its popularity makes it a very social environment where you’ll meet other people. If you have dogs, you’ll be happy to know they are allowed on the hike and may even be off leash in some areas.
- Belgium – 290 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
Belgium comes in third place, with 290 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. Roches Crahay and Vallon du Ninglinspo is one of the best child-friendly loop trails in Belgium, measuring 6.1-km. Situated near Aywaille, Liège, it takes only approximately 1 h 54 min to complete. However, this trail is best enjoyed between the months of March and October.
- Switzerland – 249 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
In fourth place we have Switzerland, with 249 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. If you’d like an easy route where you can see lakes, waterfalls and other natural attractions, Grindelwald – Glacier Canyon trail is perfect for you and your family. It is a 4.2-km loop trail situated near Grindelwald, Bern. If yourself and your family are brave, there is an option to go bungee jumping on this trail!
- The United Kingdom – 241 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
The United Kingdom is the fifth country with the most child-friendly trails, 241 per 10,000 km2. The Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular is one of the best child-friendly trails in the United Kingdom. Situated near Lyndhurst, Hampshire, this is a circular trail of 10.5 km. If you’re bringing your dog with you, they are allowed off leash in some areas. The walk is mostly flat scenic, where you can see beautiful forests and heaths. If you love animals, there are plenty of opportunities to see ponies, mules and more, on this hike.
- Luxembourg – 220 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
In sixth place we have Luxembourg with 220 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. If you’d like a beautiful hike in a wooded part of the province of Luxembourg, we recommend the Izier – Boulac – Bever hike. Situated near Durbuy, Luxembourg, this loop trail is 5.1 km long and it takes an average of 1 h 27 min to complete.
- Hungary – 150 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
Hungary comes in seventh place with 150 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. The Kamaraerdő Forest Loop is one of the best child-friendly trails in Hungary, situated near Budapest. At 5.3 km long, this loop trail takes an average of 1 h 25 min to complete. You are welcome to take your dog with you on this trail as well, however they will have to be on the leash.
- Croatia – 116 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
Croatia comes in eighth place with 116 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. The Plitvice – Upper and Lower Lakes is one of the best trails in Croatia, easily accessible by the whole family. Situated near Plitvička Jezera, Lika-Senj, it is 14.5 km long and will take approximately 4h 6 min to complete, making it perfect if the children are older and you want a hike of moderate difficulty. Some of the lakes you can see on this hike are Lake Prošćansko, Ciginovac, Kaludjerovac and Novakovica Brod.
- Ireland – 104 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
In ninth place we have Ireland with 104 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. A great trail to try out if you’re in Ireland with your children (or even by yourself) is J.B Malone – Djouce, situated near Calary, County Wicklow. This is a 7.1 km trail that can be completed in 2 h 41 min. You are welcome to bring your dog as well and they may be off leash in some areas. From this hike you can see panoramic views of Dublin, however be aware that the winds are very strong.
- Germany – 102 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2
In 10th place we have Germany with 102 child-friendly trails per 10,000 km2. One of the best child-friendly trails in Germany is the Eibsee Loop situated near Grainau, Bavaria. This trail is 6.9 km long, and can be completed in approximately 1 h 59 min and is a popular area for both hiking and walking. Fun fact: this hike is also referred to as “balm for the soul” as it’s considered one of the most beautiful trails in Bavaria.
