Hiking in Europe
 

I am planning a multi-country backpacking trip to Europe, with no time frame to return home and am curious which mountains are recommended for trail hiking / enjoying scenic views? Any hidden majestic waterfalls to uncover? Most likely I will avoid Russia and Ukraine.

What nationality are you? You are aware of the Schengen area and it's rules?
I ask because you have no timeframe to return home.

I'm American and had no idea about Schengen rules; which I just researched. I do plan on being in Europe for at least 6 months and will look into getting a visa. Thanks huge help

Some books for you:

"100 Hikes in the Alps" by Vicky Spring & Harvey Edwards.

"Walking Switzerland the Swiss Way" by Marcia & Phillip Lieberman.

"Swiss Bernese Oberland" by Philip & Loretta Alspach.

Yes, definitely read up on the Schengen area.

A possibility that you could look at that would not require a special visa would be to go to the Schengen area for 90 days and do your hiking, then go to to the UK and Ireland for 30-60 days and hike those mountains and countrysides, then fly into Bosnia and Herzegovina and hike to Turkey through Serbia, Macedonia, and Bulagaria. Hike around Turkey and af you are up to it, go to Armenia and hike Mt Ararat. Do that until you have been out of the Schengen area for at least 90 days. After that, head back into the Schengen for up to 90 days. repeat until you are ready to go back.

look at the Trans Juran hike path, passes along the border between France and Switzerland, pleasant country, small hotels along its length makes it less of a roughing exercise

Take a look at Norway. The mountains may not be huge but the land is beautiful, if you like rock and water.

http://www.hardangerfjord.com/en/Product/?TLp=589508

Just remember that Norway, though not EU is a Schengen country ;)

My plan was to start in Norway ,upon learning of the Schengen rules that will have to be revised. Great idea Spark I didn't think of that. Mont Blanc is definitely on my itinerary , going to look up Trans Juran hike.
Thanks everyone

Glad to help. Once you have a rough itinerary, let us know and we can help you flesh it out.

May be you don't know that there are more than 100,000 miles of well signmarked hiking trails alone in the Alps, and much more in the lowlands. And there are thousands of waterfalls, almost as many as castles/fortesses/palaces....
Therefore you may first check your hiking area in order to enable people to answer.