Combine hiking and remote work in these European destinations

Publication date: 14 Feb 2025

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Remote work has become the new norm for many, and what could be better than combining work with nature and hikes? I’m Alieke, the founder of Working Remotely. As the name suggests, I love working from inspiring locations around the globe. Europe has a wealth of destinations where you can stay productive and enjoy some of the best hiking trails. Here are five great European spots for your workation, where you can blend remote work with unforgettable hikes.

Alieke Ingerman

Hi, my name is Alieke, founder of Workingremotely.nl. My desire to travel has taken me (and my laptop) to the most beautiful places in the world, from Malaysia to New York and from Costa Rica to Croatia. I love to share my experiences with others and I’m always eager to discover new things, both while traveling and in my business.

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man sitting on bench overlooking the town of Tromso, norway

©Daniel Vogel

1. Tromsø, Norway

In the far north of Norway is Tromsø, an ideal destination if you love rugged, untouched nature and long days. Tromsø has great opportunities to work from cafés and coworking spaces, with reliable internet connections despite its far north location. What truly makes Tromsø special is its surroundings. From fjords to mountains and Arctic wilderness, there are hikes for every level.

Hiking Tip: The Tromsdalstinden hike is a challenging but beautiful trail that leads to the top of Tromsdalstinden mountain. At 1238 meters, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Tromsø and the other fjords in the area. It’s the perfect way to end your day after a few hours of work.

©Jochem de Jong

2. Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

Madeira, a volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a paradise for hikers. Funchal, the capital, has everything you need for remote work: fast Wi-Fi, cozy cafés, and coworking spaces. Once you close your laptop, you can head outdoors to explore the beautiful trails along the famous levadas, ancient irrigation channels winding through mountains and valleys.

Hiking Tip: The Levada das 25 Fontes is a must-try. This popular trail takes you past dozens of waterfalls and plunges you into the lush Laurisilva forest. Looking for a multi-day hike? Check out the Madeira Crossing.

man looking at the Matterhorn near Zermatt

©Joshua Earle

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

For adventurous hikers, Zermatt in Switzerland is a dream destination. This car-free village sits at the foot of the Matterhorn and has breathtaking trails in the Swiss Alps. Although it’s a luxury destination, you can work remotely from hotels or chalets with excellent internet connections. The alpine scenery is the perfect backdrop for your workday, while you can enjoy the great outdoors during your free time.

Hiking Tip: The Gornergrat hike has one of the most spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. You can take the train up and hike down or tackle the entire route on foot for an extra challenge.

©Alessandro Rossi

4. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages, but it’s also a fantastic place for hiking and remote work. From cities like Florence or Siena, you can easily find a quiet agriturismo with a view of the countryside to work from. The region offers numerous trails through vineyards and olive groves, and you can pair your hikes with local wine tastings and delicious Italian cuisine.

Hiking Tip: The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs through Tuscany. A popular section is the trail from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni, where you’ll walk through classic Tuscan landscapes with historic villages and castles.

©Miguel Saenz

5. Picos de Europa, Spain

The Picos de Europa, a lesser-known yet stunning mountain range in northern Spain, has dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and verdant valleys. Plus, it’s perfect for long hikes. Villages like Cangas de Onís have accommodations with reliable internet, which means you can work with a view of the mountains. The beautiful environment and plenty of outdoor activities make this an excellent spot to combine work and adventure.

Hiking Tip: The Ruta del Cares is one of the most famous trails in the Picos de Europa. This route runs along a deep gorge and has amazing views of the surrounding terrain. It’s a relatively accessible hike, but the scenery is unforgettable.

Tips for combining hiking and remote work

Choose your workspace wisely: Check that your accommodation has reliable wifi and a quiet space to work productively. And confirm these details in advance! Many European destinations offer coworking spaces or accommodations tailored to remote workers if your accommodation doesn’t have a good space built in.
Plan hikes outside work hours: Opt for morning or evening hikes, or take a short walk during your lunch break. For longer hikes, plan ahead and consider scheduling extra time off.
Take your time: Stay longer to fully explore the area without feeling rushed. This also allows you to balance work with enjoying outdoor experiences. Avoid overloading your schedule, as you still need time for work.

Combine remote work with hiking

Europe has countless destinations where you can combine remote work with stunning hikes. Whether you choose Norway’s wild nature, Madeira’s sunny trails, or Switzerland’s majestic mountains, there’s always a place that can perfectly suit your needs. Just be sure to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure and plan realistically. Grab your hiking boots and your laptop and head out on an adventure!

Looking for more inspiration and tips for your remote work journey? Visit www.workingremotely.nl. Here, you’ll find blogs full of practical advice and ideal accommodations for your workation. Follow us on Instagram at @workingremotelynl.