Following the path: Long-distance backpacking trails in Europe (Stars and Stripes)
As winter melts into spring, it is time to think about getting out on foot while exploring the wilderness. The European continent is brimming with hiking trails that crisscross countries, traverse mountains, wander through villages and hug coastlines.
There are long-distance trails in every environment, offering multi-day adventures for fantastic active vacations. Don’t let the distance daunt you; each thru-hike can easily be broken down into shorter distances. Get your backpack ready, your sleeping bag aired and your tent packed up. Or, go truly European and book mountain refuges in advance.
Spain, France, mainland Europe | 800+ km
One of the most well-known long-distance hikes, this pilgrimage is actually a series of different routes which all lead to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Pilgrims wander through the craggy Pyrenees and discover rustic villages of northern Spain. This route is primarily in Spain, but the medieval pilgrimage tradition was to start from your front door, which you can still do from across Europe. Just follow the shells.
The Camino de Santiago is a medieval pilgrimage route that uses stylized yellow shells on a blue background for trail markers. (Soloviova Liudmyla – stock.adobe.com)
Corsica, France | 180 km
The beautiful island of Corsica sits in the middle of the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean. The French territory is also home to one of the most difficult and rugged hikes in Europe. Traversing from the northern end to the southern tip, hikers soak up spectacular mountains and vistas and experience approximately 12,000 meters in elevation gain. This one is for experienced backpackers with a good fitness level. Book refuge stays in advance.
The GR 20 traverses rough terrain across the island of Corsica. (Dean Moriarty – stock.adobe.com)
Land’s End to John O’Groats
England, Wales, Scotland | 1,400 km
This massive trail winds across Great Britain from the southernmost point at Land’s End in Wales to the (traditional) northernmost point at John O’Groats in Scotland. Popular with cyclists and walkers, the trail can be done either direction; the name is shortened to LEJOG for south-to-north hikers and JOGLE for those heading north to south. You’ll trek through the Scottish Highlands, traverse the scenic Lake and Peak districts of England, and walk the Cornish coastline in Wales.
Hiking from Land’s End to John O’Groats, or vice-versa, takes hikers the length of Great Britain. (Cissa King – stock.adobe.com)
Luxembourg | 112 km
Perfect for walkers of every ability, the Mullerthal Trail is nestled in the lush forests of eastern Luxembourg. The pathways consist of three loop trails of varying distance that can be done individually, plus five extra tracks to add more interesting destinations. Stunning rock formations, tumbling waterfalls, rolling green meadows and lovely castles dot the landscape along the way.
The Mullerthal Trail in Luxembourg has plenty of options for hikers of all kinds. (Christoph Hähnel – stock.adobe.com)
Slovenia | 617 km
One of the oldest hiking trails in Europe, the Slovenian Mountain Trail leads adventurers through the Pohorje Hills and Julian Alps. Connecting 23 mountain peaks, the route had gorgeous panoramas across the many alpine ranges and meadow. It begins at the village of Maribor and heads to the coastal town of Ankaran.
The Slovenian Mountain Trail is one of the oldest trails in Europe. (Ivan – stock.adobe.com)
France, Italy, Switzerland | 170 km
One of France’s renowned peaks, Mont Blanc tops out a little more than 4,800 meters tall. Hiking this route means looping the mountain’s entire massif, passing through three countries along trails perched above picturesque valleys. The alpine scenery is phenomenal, and you have the option to stay or eat in mountain refuges along the way.
Hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc loop through three countries as they trek around the famous mountain. (Vitalii Nesterchuk – stock.adobe.com)
Scotland | 150 km
The West Highland Way is a fabulous, rugged hike through Scotland’s heartland. Beginning just north of Glasgow in the small village of Milngavie, backpackers make their way past scenic lochs, rocky peaks, marshy bogs and stunning glens before finishing further north in Fort William.
You may pass old farm houses in ruin or to be used as bunkhouses (bothies) along the West Highland Way. (johannestoenne – stock.adobe.com)
Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia | 362 km
The mountains of the western Balkans offer breathtaking vista and vast empty spaces. These high arid plains and rocky peaks have less infrastructure than other destinations on this list; however, many backcountry hikers will see that as a benefit. Orienteering is a requirement here, as is full self-sufficiency.
Navigation is essential, as there are not defined trackways for a lot of the High Scardus Trail. (Darko – stock.adobe.com)
Europe is full of amazing long-distance walks. Dust off your hiking boots, plot your next adventure and hit the trails.