While not the biggest continent, Europe’s densely packed cities, villages, and varying landscapes make it ideal for walking holidays. In fact, the density of Europe makes it safe for very long-distance walking trails, because you’re never too far from amenities. Essentially, we’re swapping out the American wilderness for close-knit culture and convenience. But don’t let that fool you – some of the longest trails can be very demanding.
Camino de Santiago – Spain
The Camino de Santiago is a hugely important pilgrimage route with deep religious significance. The trail attracts thousands of walkers annually, such as the Camino Ingles which attracts Brits who begin the route in Ferrol.
There isn’t just one trail, as many fall under the Camino de Santiago umbrella, with lengths varying from 100 km to over 800 km. The most popular route is possibly Camino Francés. This is around 780 km, going from France to Spain. Whichever route you take you will encounter other walkers, beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and lots of history.
GR10 – France
The GR10 is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean through the Pyrenees mountain range. Spanning approximately 866 km, the trail offers breathtaking views of peaks and glacial lakes. Hikers can expect to encounter diverse flora and fauna making this route suited to those who want a more nature-driven and difficult route,
The GR10 is divided into several stages, with mountain refuges and campsites available along the route. On average, it takes about 50-60 days to complete the entire trail, making it a significant undertaking for experienced hikers.
Via Alpina – Multiple Countries
The Via Alpina is a network of five long-distance hiking trails that cross eight countries: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Austria, Monaco, and finally France. With a total length of over 5,000 km, the Via Alpina covers pretty much the entirety of the alps, from the lush valleys to its impressive peaks. The trail is divided into 342 stages, each with its own unique character and challenges. In theory, you could undertake all of it, but it would take a seriously long time…Fortunately — and this is the benefit of being in Europe — the route is well-marked and supported by a network of mountain huts and shelters.
E1 European Long Distance Path – Multiple Countries
The E1 European Long Distance Path is a mammoth trail that starts in Norway and ends in Italy, covering over 7,000 km of diverse landscapes. The trail passes through Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, and goes deep into the beauty and cultural heritage of each country.
Hikers can expect to encounter a wide range of terrains, from steep mountains to coastal paths. The E1 is a challenging trail that requires careful planning and preparation, with some sections being more demanding than others. However, this means there’s something for everyone…
The Lycian Way – Turkey
Looking a bit further east, the Lycian Way is a 540-km coastal trail that runs along the southwestern coast of Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The trail has a good blend of natural beauty and ancient history as it passes through ruins of ancient Lycian cities, but also goes near some great beaches too. This is going to be the warmest of the lot, making it suitable in winter.
Conclusion
Exploring these long-distance walking trails in Europe offers a wealth of benefits. In a world where we feel over-worked and surrounded by tech, walking holidays have become a popular way to escape.
Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash
