Continental Crossings: Europe’s Great Walking Routes
Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes Last updated on 8th December 2024
Europe’s long-distance trails represent some of the world’s most ambitious and historic walking routes. Ancient pilgrim paths like the Via Francigena share the landscape with more recent creations such as the GR5, creating a vast network that crosses national borders and connects diverse cultures. From the challenging heights of the GR20 in Corsica to the cultural richness of the Camino de Santiago, these paths reflect Europe’s long tradition of long-distance walking. Whether crossing Alpine passes, following Mediterranean coastlines, or linking medieval towns, these routes offer hikers a unique perspective on Europe’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Alpe-Adria Trail, encompassing 43 stages and covering approximately 750km, connects Austria, Slovenia and Italy. The trail begins at the foot of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, and leads through picturesque mountain and lake regions. Designed for pleasure hikers, the trail offers gentle changes in altitude and consistently marked stages of about 20km, each taking around 6 hours to complete.
The Camino de Santiago, located in Spain, is an extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes that converge at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. The most popular route, the Camino Francés, stretches 780km from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port in France to Santiago. People undertake the Camino for various reasons, including spiritual pursuits and personal discovery.
The GR5 (Grande Randonnée 5) is a 2,290 km long-distance hiking trail extending from the Hook of Holland to Nice through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France. With an elevation gain of around 25,900 m and passing through diverse landscapes including Dutch dunes, Belgian and Luxembourg forests, Vosges hills and French Alps, this trail offers a challenging and varied experience from sea level to high alpine passes, showcasing the natural beauty of Western Europe. The most popular section is the Alpine portion, spanning approximately 620-725 km, with notable highlights such as Vanoise National Park (via GR55) and Mercantour National Park (via GR52 alternative ending).
The GR20 is a challenging, long-distance hiking trail in Corsica, France, known for its rugged terrain and stunning beauty. The 200 km trail traverses the island diagonally, crossing the mountainous spine that divides Corsica. The northern part of the trail is characterised by steep ascents and descents, while the south features technical, exposed ridges. Completing the trail takes approximately 16 days, assuming one stage per day. However, the duration can vary depending on fitness levels and weather conditions. Due to its challenging nature, proper mountain fitness and thorough preparation are essential for undertaking this demanding trek.
The Jotunheimen route is a challenging multi-day hike through Norway’s national park, traversing mountains and historic lodges for approximately 59-60 km over 4 to 6 days. This red (difficulty) classification trek includes iconic attractions like Besseggen Ridge with panoramic views, Memurutunga Plateau’s trout-filled lakes and the scenic Svartdalen Valley. June to October is the suggested season for this adventure that offers cultural heritage, well-maintained trails and comfortable accommodations. Hikers can experience glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks and diverse mountain landscapes on this historic trail in Jotunheimen National Park.
Known in English as The Ways of Dante, this is a network of pilgrimage routes linking Florence and Ravenna, commemorating the cities’ significance in Dante Alighieri’s life. This journey celebrates the poet’s 700th death anniversary and offers an immersive experience through nature, culture and history. The route covers approximately 395-400 km across 20 stages, passing through diverse landscapes such as mountains and plains. Highlights include medieval castles, artisan workshops, local cuisine, Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, Dante’s tomb and museums in Florence. Travel options are available for hiking enthusiasts, experienced cyclists, or those opting to use the Dante Train connecting Faenza to Florence via the historic Faentina Railway. Notable sections include the Mugello Itinerary (Palazzuolo sul Senio, Marradi, Borgo San Lorenzo), Casentino Itinerary (Poppi, Bibbiena, Foreste Casentinesi National Park) and Faenza-Brisighella Route (ceramics and medieval architecture). The trail provides a slow travel experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the landscapes and cultural heritage that inspired Dante’s works, particularly the Divine Comedy.
The Östgōtaleden is a large network of hiking trails in Sweden, covering around 1,200-1,500 km across the 13 municipalities of Östergötland. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from forests and plains to the shores of Lake Vättern and the Östergötland Archipelago. Hikers can explore historical sites like ancient castles and challenging sections such as Via Ferrata-like trails. There are over 100 different sections, some circular and some point-to-point, offering options for both short and multi-day hikes. Accommodation options are available, including hostels, wind shelters and hotels near the trails.
The Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is a renowned hiking trail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, showcasing breathtaking views and cultural heritage. With an approximate length of 6.5 km (4 miles) from Bomerano to Nocelle, this moderate-level trek boasts an elevation gain of about 230 metres (754 feet), offering panoramic vistas overlooking towns like Positano and Praiano. The ideal hiking season is from late spring to early autumn (April to October). Despite being well-marked, the path includes rocky sections requiring careful footing; hikers are advised to wear appropriate gear. Limited facilities are available along the trail, with refreshments offered in Nocelle and nearby villages. The trail’s scenic highlights include lush vegetation, terraced vineyards, ancient ruins and stunning coastline views.
The Pilgrimsleden, or Pilgrim Path, is an enriching long-distance hiking trail in Sweden’s Dalsland region. Spanning approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Vänersborg to Edsleskog, it offers a diverse experience of nature, history and spirituality, tracing routes historically used by pilgrims travelling to Nidaros (now Trondheim) in Norway. The trail is named for its cultural significance but also boasts natural beauty with tranquil forests, calm lakes and diverse wildlife. There are several sections of varying difficulty from moderate to strenuous, including hilly terrain and wilderness paths. Hikers can enjoy historical sites and churches along the route that date back to medieval times. The best time to hike is late spring through early autumn (April to October) when weather conditions are favourable. The trail is well-marked with signs and orange waymarks to guide hikers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, this trail offers something for everyone.
The Rota Vicentina, a network of hiking trails in southwestern Portugal, spans approximately 750 kilometres through the Alentejo and Algarve regions. It comprises two main routes – the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) and the Historical Way (Caminho Histórico) – and numerous circular day hikes. The Fishermen’s Trail is a coastal path of 226.5 km, offering challenging terrain with sandy paths and cliff walks from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. In contrast, the Historical Way is an inland route of 263 km with an easier difficulty level, traversing rural areas and historical sites between Santiago do Cacém and Cabo de São Vicente. The network provides diverse landscapes including coastal cliffs, beaches, forests and cultural heritage sites, making it attractive for hikers of various fitness levels and preferences. With well-marked trails and accommodation and services available, the Rota Vicentina offers unique experiences while promoting coastal wilderness preservation.
The Selvaggio Blu trail, situated in Sardinia’s Baunei area, Italy, is a renowned 40km (25 miles) trek from Pedra Longa to Cala Sisine. Established in 1987, this challenging route boasts stunning Mediterranean vistas and rugged terrain with steep climbs and technical sections. Spanning approximately 4,410 metres (14,469 feet) elevation change, the trail showcases natural beauty including the sea, limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Cultural highlights include historical sites and ancient shepherd paths. Limited accessibility by foot or boat adds to its allure as a remote adventure for hikers. Recommended hiking months are March to June and September to October for optimal weather conditions; guided tours offer support for food and supplies. The Selvaggio Blu offers an unforgettable experience with dramatic landscapes and an adventurous spirit, making it a must-do for avid trekkers visiting Sardinia.
Sörmlandsleden, one of Sweden’s longest hiking trails, established in 1973, stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres through Södermanland county’s diverse landscapes. This popular destination for hikers offers various experiences: cultural and historical sites, deep forests and wilderness areas, rocky terrain and mountains, lakes and coastal views, small towns and rural landscapes. The trail is divided into over 100 sections, ranging from 3 to 17 kilometres in length, with most averaging around 10 kilometres. Navigated by orange markings on trees, poles and signs, it features rest areas, lean-tos, campsites, shelters, nature reserves, historical monuments and starts near Björkhagen subway station in Stockholm. The trail is maintained by the Sörmlandsleden Association to provide accessible and unique experiences for hikers, with cycling and horseback riding discouraged.
The Transcaucasian Trail, established in 2015 and under development through 2022, is an upcoming long-distance hiking route spanning Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. This approximately 3,000 km trail consists of two main corridors: the northern route traversing the Greater Caucasus Mountains from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea and the southern route crossing the Lesser Caucasus Mountains through southern Georgia and Armenia to the River Arax. Highlights include diverse landscapes, cultural experiences and challenging terrain. As of 2022, over 400 km have been improved and marked, with sections in Dilijan National Park (Armenia) open to hikers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The Via Algarviana is a 300-kilometre long-distance trail traversing Portugal’s southern Algarve region from east to west, connecting historic towns and villages while highlighting the diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, valleys, coastal areas, cork oak forests, olive groves and beaches. Hikers and cyclists can explore various sections such as Alcoutim to Balurcos, Cachopo to Barranco do Velho, Marmelete to Bordeira, engaging in activities like hiking, mountain biking, nature observation along the way. The route caters to different skill levels, with accommodations available throughout. Best enjoyed year-round but particularly in spring for pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, the Via Algarviana offers an authentic experience of Portugal’s interior away from typical tourist areas.
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route linking Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy, passing through France and Switzerland. Originating in the early Middle Ages as “the road from France,” it gained prominence during Charlemagne’s reign and was crucial for pilgrims, merchants and armies. Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury documented his journey along this 3000 km path in the 10th century, making it the earliest known guidebook. Key highlights include the Great St Bernard Pass in Switzerland, historic centres like Pavia and Lucca, Tuscan landscapes, medieval towns such as San Gimignano and Siena and the final destination of Rome and Vatican City. Today, recognised as a European Cultural Route, the path attracts modern pilgrims and tourists, offering shorter sections for those unable to complete the entire journey. The spiritual and cultural link across Europe continues from over a millennium ago.
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking trail system spanning the Dinaric Alps in the Western Balkans, consisting of three main trails: the White Trail (approx. 1,200-1,300 km), following highest peaks and traversing Slovenia to Albania; the Blue Trail veering towards Adriatic coastline for coastal and hinterland experiences; and the Green Trail through lower mountains and forests. Key features include diverse landscapes, eight Balkan countries, cultural experiences, wilderness exploration, well-maintained trails with blazes, challenging terrain and the best time of year extends from spring to fall. The project started in 2010, aiming for sustainable tourism and showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
