--- title: "Where to go on a long-distance trek in Europe? 15 lesser-known trails under 200 km" description: "15 ideas for lesser-known long-distance treks in Europe under 200 km – from easygoing routes you can do with kids to demanding mountain challenges, sorted by length, with practical information and planning links." canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/15-lesser-known-long-distance-trails-in-europe" last_updated: "2025-10-20" --- # Where to go on a long-distance trek in Europe? 15 lesser-known trails under 200 km Authors: Petra Kovalčíková Date: 2025-10-20 15 ideas for lesser-known long-distance treks in Europe under 200 km – from easygoing routes you can do with kids to demanding mountain challenges, sorted by length, with practical information and planning links. Lesser-known treks have something the 'famous' trails often lose – quiet, space and a sense of discovery. You won't run into crowds there, the route feels more authentic, and often that's exactly where you find the real calm you head to the mountains for. And it doesn't have to mean extreme expeditions – even in Europe you'll find long-distance routes that get far less attention, yet are relatively easy to reach, well marked and walkable within a standard holiday. Here are 15 ideas for long-distance treks under 200 km – from easygoing routes you can walk with kids, through moderately demanding hilly crossings, all the way to serious mountain challenges for experienced hikers. Some take you into the very heart of the mountains, others lead you along the sea coast, and others again mix just the right dose of nature, culture and history. The routes are sorted by length, from shortest to longest. For each one you'll find the key facts and a description, including a link for planning. You may know some of the names, and you may even have walked some of them already. But you'll definitely find a few here that you're hearing about for the first time. Europe is full of beautiful but low-profile trails, and this is only a small selection from a huge choice – the tip of the iceberg. Maybe one of them will become your next holiday. And if not, maybe it'll at least inspire you to find your own dream route or pilgrimage. Just stick a finger on the map, do a bit of digging, plan your trip and simply go. ## Berliner Höhenweg - **Country**: Austria - **Length**: 85 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 7000 m - **Difficulty**: moderate to hard - **Season**: July–September - **Start/finish**: Mayrhofen (loop) - **More info**: [tyrol.com](https://www.tyrol.com/activities/sport/hiking/hiking-tours/long-distance-hike-berliner-hoehenweg-zillertal-runde-1) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/fonojasasu](https://mapy.com/s/fonojasasu) This high-alpine loop above the Zillertal valley shows you the most interesting parts of this corner of the Austrian Alps. It's a multi-day hut-to-hut trek that runs close to glaciers and reaches around 3000 m above sea level in places. The trail alternates narrow mountain paths, moraines and scree traverses with long views of glaciated peaks. Between the huts there are longer, honestly demanding sections with a lot of daily elevation gain. In a few places you'll come across short protected passages with steel cable or chains – these aren't via ferratas, but you do need a sure foot and a head for heights. You sleep in well-spaced mountain huts, where you can also restock the basics. The typical profile means big climbs and descents, rocky terrain and changeable weather – and your reward is the clean alpine scenery of the Zillertal Alps with no technical climbing required. *The Pyrenees through Marek Rybář's eyes* *Taking it easy in the Pyrenees* ## GRP trek around Andorra - **Country**: Andorra - **Length**: 110 km - **Elevation gain**: 8000–9000 m - **Difficulty**: moderate to hard - **Season**: June–September - **Start/finish**: Aixovall (loop) - **More info**: [https://visitandorra.com](https://visitandorra.com) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/decupucoga](https://mapy.com/s/decupucoga) The 'Grand Route de Pays' circles the entire Principality of Andorra on red-and-yellow markers and stays high in the Pyrenees. Along narrow paths and rocky trails it crosses passes above 2000 m, passes glacial valleys and lakes, and drops between them into green side valleys with villages and Romanesque churches. Logistically it's a classic hut-to-hut crossing with a rich network of refuges (L'Illa, Sorteny, Comapedrosa and Juclar among others) spaced sensibly apart, and down in the valleys you'll also find guesthouses and hotels. Expect longer days and a lot of elevation gain, the occasional need for a sure foot on scree, and careful planning with the weather in mind. Part of the route overlaps with the shorter Coronallacs loop (approx. 90 km). One of Europe's smallest countries really does have a lot to offer! ## Cammino di San Nilo - **Country**: Italy - **Length**: 111 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 4000 m - **Difficulty**: easy - **Season**: April–June, September–October - **Start/finish**: Sapri / Palinuro - **More info**: [https://camminiditalia.org](https://camminiditalia.org) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/jorezulefo](https://mapy.com/s/jorezulefo) This pilgrim route dedicated to St Nilus links the hilly interior of Italy's Cilento national park with the Tyrrhenian coast. From the Mediterranean coves near Sapri it climbs through olive groves, canyons and stone villages, passes quiet little churches and lush valleys with the Capelli di Venere waterfalls and the karst oasis of Grotte del Bussento, and finally drops to Capo Palinuro with its caves and beaches. Every day you'll walk through villages where you can sleep in guesthouses or B&Bs, and outside the settlements you can also opt for discreet wild camping. The route runs mostly on footpaths and country lanes and offers a tempting combination of sea, hills and calm away from the crowds. - [Drip It Tasting Pack 5× 10 g](/p/drip-it-tasting-pack-5x-10-g.md) - [Adventure Menu Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice](/p/adventure-menu-chicken-tikka-masala-with-basmati-rice.md) - [TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon With Polished Bowl](/p/toaks-titanium-long-handle-spoon-with-polished-bowl.md) - [Moonvalley Chocolate Dipped Protein Bar](/p/moonvalley-protein-bar-chocolate-dipped.md) - [The Brew Company Brazil Coffeebrewer](/p/the-brew-company-brazil-coffeebrewer.md) - [Freeze-Dried String Cheese – Natural 50 g](/p/freeze-dried-smoked-cheese-strings-natural-50-g.md) - [REAL Turmat Beef Stew (new recipe)](/p/real-turmat-beef-stew.md) - [REAL Turmat Cod in Curry Sauce](/p/real-turmat-cod-in-curry-sauce.md) - [Freeze-Dried Farmer's Cheese Cubes 50 g](/p/freeze-dried-farmers-cheese-cubes-50-g.md) - [Summit To Eat Pasta Bolognaise](/p/summit-to-eat-pasta-bolognaise.md) - [Sea To Summit Frontier UL Collapsible Cup](/p/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-collapsible-cup.md) - [Summit To Eat Morning Oats with Raspberry](/p/summit-to-eat-morning-oats-with-raspberry.md) ## Cumbria Way - **Country**: England - **Length**: 112 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 3000 m - **Difficulty**: easy to moderate - **Season**: April–October - **Start/finish**: Ulverston (south), Carlisle (north) - **More info**: [https://cumbriaway.co.uk](https://cumbriaway.co.uk) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/jopejomure](https://mapy.com/s/jopejomure) The Cumbria Way runs across the Lake District and is one of the finest long-distance trails in northern England. From the town of Ulverston in the south it heads all the way to historic Carlisle, following lake shores, winding streams and green valleys fringed with heather. The route stays fairly low – it only climbs over an easy pass or hill a handful of times – which gives it the ideal rhythm for a relaxed multi-day walk that beginners can handle too. With a bit of planning you can add an ascent of one of the surrounding 'Wainwrights', or treat yourself to a swim in one of the many lakes and waterfalls. The trail is well marked; it just tends to get muddy after rain and in places calls for basic map reading. Thanks to regular accommodation options and easy resupply, the Cumbria Way is a great choice for anyone who wants the atmosphere of the Lake District without demanding mountain terrain. ## Mullerthal Trail - **Country**: Luxembourg - **Length**: 112 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 2000 m - **Difficulty**: easy - **Season**: May–October - **Start/finish**: Echternach (recommended – you can start the loops anywhere) - **More info**: [https://www.mullerthal-trail.lu](https://www.mullerthal-trail.lu) - **Map**: loop 1 – [https://mapy.com/s/fogudohugo](https://mapy.com/s/fogudohugo), loop 2 – [https://mapy.com/s/mahopenuja](https://mapy.com/s/mahopenuja), loop 3 – [https://mapy.com/s/cacaporafa](https://mapy.com/s/cacaporafa) The Mullerthal Trail links three connecting shorter loops in Luxembourg that add up to a whole running through the sandstone gorges and forests of so-called 'Little Switzerland'. Expect narrow passages between rock walls, stone steps and footbridges, soft forest paths and viewpoints over jagged cliffs – from the iconic Schiessentümpel waterfall through the Hohllay cave cleft to dramatic gorges like Wollefsschlucht. The profile isn't mountainous and the elevation gain is fairly small. The logistics are easy too – the route regularly passes villages with guesthouses, hotels and campsites, so you can put your stages together according to your time and mood. On top of that, public transport here is free, so you can head out on light day trips as well. Wild camping is banned in Luxembourg, but accommodation and campsites are always close at hand. The result? A light but varied trek with rocks, forests, streams and medieval castles in a compact package, ideal for beginners or families with kids. ## Malerweg (Painters' Way, Saxon Switzerland) - **Country**: Germany - **Length**: 116 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 3600 m - **Difficulty**: moderate - **Season**: May–October - **Start/finish**: Pirna, Liebethal (a loop version is also possible) - **More info**: [https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de](https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/laneperado](https://mapy.com/s/laneperado) Another beautiful and varied route that's easy to reach from central Europe – the Malerweg, or Painters' Way, runs through the sandstone labyrinth of the Saxon Switzerland national park just across the German-Czech border. Narrow gorges, rocky steps, footbridges in the cliffs and viewpoints above the Elbe alternate with quiet forest sections and meadows. The trail is well marked and the profile is broken up but free of technical obstacles, with only the occasional steeper climb and descent. There's plenty of accommodation along the way – guesthouses, hotels, huts and campsites. Wild camping is only possible on certain sections, since for the most part you're inside a national park, so it pays to plan ahead. You can add to the fun by collecting stamps, and once you finish you can stop in Pirna to pick up a certificate of completion. And this time you don't have to leave your four-legged companion at home either – there's even an official 'dog-friendly' variant for the sections with steps. ## Ortler High Mountain Trail - **Country**: Italy - **Length**: 119 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 8100 m - **Difficulty**: hard - **Season**: late June–September - **Start/finish**: Passo dello Stelvio or Stilfs (loop) - **More info**: [https://www.suedtirol.info](https://www.suedtirol.info) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/gonusuhoju](https://mapy.com/s/gonusuhoju) This demanding high-alpine loop around the Ortler range in the heart of Italy's Stelvio national park keeps its line high above the valleys – in places above 3000 m. Seven stages link rocky trails, moraines and passes with views of glaciers and a backdrop of 4000 m peaks. Watch out for stage 4 with its glacier crossing, where adequate equipment and experience are mandatory, or the presence of a mountain guide. The route is physically hard – big daily elevation gain, scree traverses and steep descents – but apart from that one glacier section there's no technical climbing. You sleep in mountain huts (a hut-to-hut trek) – but this is a popular area, so sort out reservations well in advance to be safe. Even in season, snowfields remain higher up and variants sometimes change because of dangerous sections and closures, so always check current conditions. This trek is a genuine alpine experience you won't forget in a hurry. The views alone are worth the effort – they open up panoramas of one of the most spectacular parts of the whole Alps. ## Mały Szlak Beskidzki (Little Beskid Trail) - **Country**: Poland - **Length**: 137 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 6000 m - **Difficulty**: moderate - **Season**: May–October - **Start/finish**: Bielsko-Biała (Straconka), Luboń Wielki (above Rabka-Zdrój) - **More info**: [https://cotg.pttk.pl/odznaki/msb/msb-regulamin/](https://cotg.pttk.pl/odznaki/msb/msb-regulamin/) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/lopojorove](https://mapy.com/s/lopojorove) If you've already walked the better-known Carpathian classics and don't want to travel far for your next trek, try the Mały Szlak Beskidzki (MSB) on the Polish side of the Beskydy. It's the smaller, younger brother of the somewhat more famous Główny Szlak Beskidzki (~500 km). The MSB links three ranges in southern Poland and stays away from the biggest crowds – from the Straconka suburb of Bielsko-Biała it works its way across Beskid Mały and Beskid Makowski into the broken-up Beskid Wyspowy, where it finishes on the summit of Luboń Wielki. The terrain is purely for walking, but the profile is rolling and honest – short, frequent climbs and descents across wooded ridges, meadows and smaller passes, with rocky sections and little crests with views here and there. The route is well marked and logistically simple – it regularly passes villages and small towns with shops and guesthouses, and now and then you'll come across a mountain hut. The MSB is an ideal choice if you want a multi-day crossing with the atmosphere of the 'little' Beskydy. ## Sheep's Head Way - **Country**: Ireland - **Length**: 146 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 3600 m - **Difficulty**: easy - **Season**: May–September - **Start/finish**: Bantry (loop) - **More info**: [https://thesheepsheadway.com](https://thesheepsheadway.com) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/gesevezore](https://mapy.com/s/gesevezore) Ireland is laced with long-distance coastal treks as well as inland routes, so there really is plenty to choose from – the better-known ones include the Kerry Way (214 km), the Beara Way (206 km), the Dingle Way (179 km), the Wicklow Way (130 km) and many more. Among the less-trodden ones is the Sheep's Head Way – a loop that runs along the narrow, windswept Sheep's Head peninsula and links the cliffs above Bantry Bay, heathland and pasture with views as far as Beara and Mizen. The paths wind past stone walls, across grassy meadows and peat bogs, and onto old country lanes (known as 'boreens'). There's no shortage of dramatic stretches above the sea, or the picturesque lighthouse at the western tip of the peninsula. Don't let the wind and muddy terrain catch you out – that's exactly what gives this trek its proper Irish character. Every day you'll walk through villages where you'll find accommodation in guesthouses or B&Bs. Outside the inhabited areas you can also opt for discreet wild camping, with respect for nature and private land. ## Hermannsweg - **Country**: Germany - **Length**: 156 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 4000 m - **Difficulty**: easy - **Season**: April–October - **Start/finish**: Rheine, Velmerstot (near Horn-Bad Meinberg) - **More info**: [http://www.hermannsweg.de](http://www.hermannsweg.de) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/donovejedo](https://mapy.com/s/donovejedo) The Hermannsweg is a classic long-distance route in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and part of the Top Trails of Germany network. It winds along the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest, alternating shady beech woods, meadows with views and easygoing ridge sections with gentle climbs. Along the way you'll pass rock formations, historic castles and above all the iconic Externsteine sandstone towers, from where the route swings toward the highest points of the ridge at Velmerstot. The surface is mostly forest roads and firm paths, technically undemanding and well marked – ideal for a smooth multi-day walk. The logistics are simple – you regularly pass through towns and villages with guesthouses, hotels and campsites. Watch out for wild camping, which is generally banned outside campsites in Germany. The Hermannsweg offers an undemanding but varied combination of nature, history and views. - [Kula Cloth](/p/kula-cloth-pee-cloth.md) - [Gramino SagiFlow](/p/gramino-sagiflow-ultralight-bidet.md) - [Sea To Summit Airlite Towel – Medium](/p/sea-to-summit-airlite-towel-medium.md) - [Fizan Compact MS](/p/fizan-compact-ms.md) - [Katadyn BeFree AC 1 L](/p/katadyn-befree-ac-1-l.md) - [HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter](/p/hydroblu-versa-flow-water-filter.md) - [Deejo Tattoo 15 g Tree Naked](/p/deejo-tattoo-15-g-tree-naked.md) - [Petzl Actik Core 2025](/p/petzl-actik-core.md) - [Optimus Crux Lite](/p/optimus-crux-lite.md) - [Sea To Summit Ultralight Aeros Pillow](/p/sea-to-summit-ultralight-aeros-pillow.md) - [TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 650 ml Pot](/p/toaks-light-pot-650-ml.md) - [Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank GEN3](/p/nitecore-nb10000-powerbank-gen3.md) ## Lofoten Long Crossing - **Country**: Norway (Lofoten) - **Length**: approx. 160 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 9000 m - **Difficulty**: moderate to hard - **Season**: June–September - **Start/finish**: Delp (north), Å i Lofoten (south) - **More info**: [https://rando-lofoten.net](https://rando-lofoten.net) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/muvenezedu](https://mapy.com/s/muvenezedu) The Lofoten crossing is one of the most striking long-distance routes in Norway. It isn't a single official trail but a logical linking of local paths and routes that lead you along narrow ridges, across peat bogs and rocky mountain slopes with views of fjords, brilliant white beaches and steep granite walls. The route is harder in places – steep, slippery climbs, exposed rocky terrain that calls for a sure foot, and map/GPS navigation, because the paths aren't always obvious or marked. Every few days you'll pass through a town or village with shops and campsites. Camping in Norway is allowed practically anywhere outside inhabited areas and private land, as long as you keep to Leave No Trace principles. The result is a beautiful, raw crossing with a big helping of elevation gain, changeable weather and long days – ideal for anyone looking for a wilder Nordic character instead of crowded tourist 'highways'. ## Tour Monte Rosa - **Country**: Switzerland and Italy - **Length**: 164 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 10 000 m+ - **Difficulty**: hard - **Season**: July–September - **Start/finish**: Zermatt (loop) - **More info**: [https://www.tmr-matterhorn.ch](https://www.tmr-matterhorn.ch) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/buvunukugu](https://mapy.com/s/buvunukugu) The loop around the Monte Rosa massif is a real gem among alpine treks. Day after day, glacier panoramas, high passes and views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and other 4000 m peaks follow one another. The trail crosses demanding 3000 m passes, hops between Swiss and Italian valleys and combines rocky mountain paths, scree and grassy ridges. Expect long days and a lot of elevation gain, occasionally with sections in snow or on a glacier – so this is a trek for the experienced. There are variants, though, for getting around some of the more exposed spots. The infrastructure is excellent – mountain huts and villages lie at sensible intervals, where you can sleep and restock. Outside the inhabited zones you need to respect local camping rules. ## GR54 Grand Tour des Écrins - **Country**: France - **Length**: 186 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 13 000 m - **Difficulty**: hard - **Season**: July–September - **Start/finish**: Le Bourg-d'Oisans (loop) - **More info**: [https://www.grand-tour-ecrins.fr](https://www.grand-tour-ecrins.fr) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/pofufubuno](https://mapy.com/s/pofufubuno) The GR54 has been gaining popularity lately, but it still stays out of the mainstream – unlike the Tour du Mont Blanc it's far quieter, though it's also harder. The route circles the whole Écrins massif over a series of high passes and keeps to long sections high above the valleys. Narrow mountain trails, moraines and scree traverses follow one another, with glaciers and peaks like the Barre des Écrins or La Meije in sight. The profile is honestly alpine – long days and big elevation gain – but the terrain stays walkable. A large part of the route runs through a national park, so sleeping means mountain huts and accommodation in the valley villages. Where local rules allow it, you can also bivouac from dusk to dawn. The GR54 is a great choice if you want high mountains, a wilder atmosphere and a serious dose of physical effort. ## Camí de Ronda - **Country**: Spain - **Length**: 190 km - **Elevation gain**: 4000–5000 m - **Difficulty**: easy to moderate - **Season**: April–June, September–October - **Start/finish**: Portbou (north), Blanes (south) - **More info**: [costabrava-wandern.de](https://www.costabrava-wandern.de) (the full GR92 route), [camideronda.com](https://www.camideronda.com) (the loop from Girona) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/jutazogege](https://mapy.com/s/jutazogege) The name Camí de Ronda actually covers three crossings of different lengths along the popular Catalan coast of the Costa Brava. Most often it means the entire coastal section of the GR92 from Portbou to Blanes (~190 km), which follows old 'watch' paths above the sea, drops into coves and climbs again up steps and rocky walkways to pine groves and viewpoints. The route passes white fishing villages, coves with turquoise water, sandy beaches and cliffs with endless views. Every day you walk through towns and villages where you can eat, resupply and find a bed. Outside the built-up areas you can also opt for discreet wild camping, with respect for nature and local rules. The terrain is walkable but broken up, and in summer you should expect scorching heat and little shade. Anyone who wants a shorter version during a seaside holiday can walk the loop variant starting and finishing in Girona (~140 km), or just a 2–3 day section around the prettiest stretches of coast (~43 km). ## Roslagsleden - **Country**: Sweden - **Length**: 190 km - **Elevation gain**: approx. 2000 m - **Difficulty**: easy - **Season**: May–October - **Start/finish**: Danderyd (near Stockholm), Grisslehamn (Sea of Åland) - **More info**: [https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com](https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com) - **Map**: [https://mapy.com/s/medosopusa](https://mapy.com/s/medosopusa) Sweden is a paradise for all hikers and thru-hikers – from countless marked routes to the right to camp freely and a rich network of huts and shelters. Almost everyone knows the popular Kungsleden – but have you ever heard of the Roslagsleden? The route is very easy to reach, because it starts on the northern edge of Stockholm and leads past a great many lakes, pine forests, meadows and nature reserves all the way to the shore of the Sea of Åland. The trail winds mostly along soft forest and field paths, in places over wooden boardwalks across wetlands, with a minimum of asphalt and only gentle undulation. Along the way you pass farmsteads, Viking sites and smaller villages, so there are regular chances to restock. The logistics are easy – frequent public transport connections, campsites, guesthouses, shelters, and legal camping outside the settlements with respect for nature and local rules. The Roslagsleden is an easygoing long-distance route with a calm Nordic atmosphere and a beautifully balanced mix of nature, culture and quiet. - [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md) - [Patizon G 400](/p/patizon-g400.md) - [Darn Tough Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight](/p/darn-tough-light-hiker-micro-crew-lightweight-mens.md) - [NEMO Tensor All-Season](/p/nemo-tensor-all-season.md) - [Liteway Fanny Pack](/p/liteway-fanny-pack.md) - [Sea To Summit eVac Compression Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-evac-compression-dry-bag.md) - [Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Men's](/p/cumulus-incredilite-endurance.md) - [Patizon Merino Beanie](/p/patizon-merino-beanie.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2.md) - [Topo Athletic Men's Terraventure 4](/p/topo-athletic-terraventure-4-mens.md) - [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 (2025)](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-junction-55.md) - [Cumulus Quilt 450](/p/cumulus-quilt-450.md) This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/15-lesser-known-long-distance-trails-in-europe). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.