--- title: "Where to trek in Europe? A list of European long-distance trails" description: "Maybe you're wondering where to head this year and nothing comes to mind. How about setting off on a long-distance route in Europe? Get inspired by our list of treks in Europe." canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/list-of-european-long-distance-trails" last_updated: "2022-03-22" --- # Where to trek in Europe? A list of European long-distance trails Authors: Petra Kovalčíková Date: 2022-03-22 Maybe you're wondering where to head this year and nothing comes to mind. How about setting off on a long-distance route in Europe? Get inspired by our list of treks in Europe. Maybe you're wondering where to head this year. Maybe nothing comes to mind and you're short on inspiration. How about setting out on a long-distance trail in Europe? There's certainly no shortage of them, and everyone is sure to find one that suits them. You don't have to quit your job right away and spend all your savings. There are plenty of long-distance treks you can manage during a regular vacation that won't wreck your budget either. And if, on the other hand, you've got more than enough time, even our continent has trails over a thousand kilometers long. All you have to do is decide which one it'll be out of that endless selection. Below, you'll find a short description of selected treks and useful links. We've put together a list of European treks available on mapy.cz for you, and [you can find it here](https://en.mapy.cz/s/devofaroso). ## **Laugavegur trek** This trail is without a doubt the best-known one you'll find in Iceland. And not without reason. The photogenic Rainbow Mountains, which the Laugavegur trek runs through, are impossible to resist. The trail is usually said to start at the Landmannalaugar campsite and finish in the Þórsmörk area. You can extend the route by another 25 km to Skógafoss waterfall. You need to be prepared for harsh, unpredictable northern weather. It's not wise to underestimate it. - **Length:** 55 kilometers - **Countries:** Iceland - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/jutagecame](https://en.mapy.cz/s/jutagecame) ## **GR 131** In the Canary Islands, specifically on Tenerife, you'll find the not-too-long GR 131 trail. A few days of vacation will be enough to complete it. Thanks to it, you'll get to enjoy the volcanic landscape, and you can round off the whole trip by relaxing somewhere on a beach by the Atlantic Ocean. - **Length:** 87 kilometers - **Countries:** Tenerife – Spain - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/robuputaka](https://en.mapy.cz/s/robuputaka) ## **GR 52** France is literally crisscrossed with GR trails. They alone would be enough for a separate article. GR 52 specifically starts near Monaco in the small town of Garavan and runs a short distance from the Italian border. In Sant-Dalmas, it connects directly to the GR 5 long-distance trail, if you'd like to extend your trek a little further. - **Length:** 98 kilometers - **Countries:** France - **Alta Via 1** The Alta Via 1 mountain crossing will take you into the very heart of the Dolomites, and that's exactly where we're heading in this mini-guide to long-distance trails from the "thru-hiking 101" series. It's a truly scenic route and is without doubt one of the most interesting and breathtaking multi-day treks in the Alps. It's not for nothing that, together with the Tour du Mont Blanc, this trek is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance trails in Europe. This article will give you all the basic and essential information you'll need before your trip if you decide to set out on this impressive 120 km route. - **Length:** 120 kilometers - **Countries:** Italy - **Detailed route guide:** [Alta Via 1 – a guide to the breathtaking multi-day trek in the Dolomites](/blog/alta-via-1-guide) ## **Alta Via 1** The Alta Via 1 mountain crossing will take you into the very heart of the Dolomites, and that's exactly where we're heading in this mini-guide to long-distance trails from the "thru-hiking 101" series. It's a truly scenic route and is without doubt one of the most interesting and breathtaking multi-day treks in the Alps. It's not for nothing that, together with the Tour du Mont Blanc, this trek is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance trails in Europe. This article will give you all the basic and essential information you'll need before your trip if you decide to set out on this impressive 120 km route. - **Length:** 120 kilometers - **Countries:** Italy - **Detailed route guide:** [Alta Via 1 – a guide to the breathtaking multi-day trek in the Dolomites](/blog/alta-via-1-guide) ## **GR 221** Although Mallorca doesn't look at first glance like it has any mountains, you'll break a sweat more than once while tackling this trail. Even so, it can't be called a demanding trail. If you're just getting started with long-distance hiking, this route is definitely worth considering. It starts in the small coastal town of Sant Elm in the southwest of the island and ends in the village of Pollença in the north of the island. - **Length:** 130 kilometers - **Countries:** Mallorca – Spain - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/fudarecutu](https://en.mapy.cz/s/fudarecutu) ## **East Highland Way** Just like its better-known sister, the West Highland Way, it runs through the Scottish Highlands. The route starts in central Scotland in the town of Aviemore and heads southwest to the coast, to the town of Fort William, where the East Highland Way joins the West Highland Way. - **Length:** 132 kilometers - **Countries:** Scotland – United Kingdom - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/koletozoba](https://en.mapy.cz/s/koletozoba) - **Website:** [http://www.easthighlandway.com/](http://www.easthighlandway.com/) ## **Speyside Way** The Speyside Way, for its part, follows right after the East Highland Way and completes this trio of long-distance treks stretching across Scotland. From Aviemore, you'll make your way all the way to the small seaside town of Buckie, where you'll finish your journey. - **Length:** 137 kilometers - **Countries:** Scotland – United Kingdom - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/kedumuvore](https://en.mapy.cz/s/kedumuvore) - **Website:** [https://www.speysideway.org/](https://www.speysideway.org/) ## **Kalkalpenweg** The Austrian Kalkalpenweg trail runs through Kalkalpen National Park, located in Upper Austria. The starting point is the village of Großraming, and it ends in Sant Pankraz. Since it's in the Alps, the best season will no doubt be summer, when you'll no longer have to deal with snowfields. - **Length:** 150 kilometers - **Countries:** Austria - **Website:** [https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/cz/kalkalpenweg.html](https://www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at/cz/kalkalpenweg.html) ## **West Highland Way** It's probably the best-known long-distance trail in the north of Great Britain. It lets you venture into the region known as the Highlands, where you'll get a taste of the real Scotland, including its fickle weather. The trail runs from the village of Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William, which lies on Loch Linnhe, almost at the foot of Great Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. - **Length:** 154 kilometers - **Countries:** Scotland – United Kingdom - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/pemopofabe](https://en.mapy.cz/s/pemopofabe) - **Website:** [https://www.westhighlandway.org/](https://www.westhighlandway.org/) ## **Tour du Mont Blanc** As the name suggests, this trek circles Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. It's very popular, which also means bigger crowds. Even so, it's definitely worth it. Few trails will offer you as many spectacular views as this one. - **Length:** 170 kilometers - **Countries:** Switzerland, Italy, France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/besutogebe](https://en.mapy.cz/s/besutogebe) ## **Walker's Haute Route** This trail is also in the Alps, which once again guarantees plenty of appeal. The starting point is the well-known resort of Chamonix in France, and the end point is Zermatt in Switzerland, above which towers the iconic mountain with the famous name Matterhorn. - **Length:** 180 kilometers - **Countries:** France, Switzerland - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/refulekege](https://en.mapy.cz/s/refulekege) ## **GR 20** The Corsican long-distance trail GR 20 runs from the northwest, from the town of Calenzana, to the southeast, where it ends in the village of Conza. Mainly because of its large elevation gain, GR 20 ranks among the most demanding treks in Europe. That's why you need to plan for a larger number of days to complete the whole route. Because of the higher altitude, which also brings more snow, the best months are June, July, August, and September. - **Length:** 180 kilometers - **Countries:** Corsica – France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/hogosamoso](https://en.mapy.cz/s/hogosamoso) ## **GR 223** **– Camí de Cavalls** Beaches, sea, swimming. That's another way to make this trail, which follows the coast of the small island of Menorca, even more enjoyable. Since the GR 223 trail loops around the entire island, the start and finish are in the same place. Most often, that's the town of Maó. You'll enjoy the trek most in spring or autumn, when temperatures are still pleasant and the sea is still too cold for the tourist crowds. - **Length:** 185 kilometers - **Countries:** Menorca – Spain - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/hahabecebo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/hahabecebo) ## **GR 54 –** **Tour de Oisans** Since it's a loop route, the start and finish are in the same place. It's the small village of Le Bourg d'Oisans in the French Alps, near the city of Grenoble. The trail offers no shortage of breathtaking views of the French Alps, but also no shortage of sections that will really put you through your paces. But after all that hard work comes a well-deserved reward in the form of scenery that will stay etched in your memory. - **Length:** 190 kilometers - **Countries:** France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/bunadebopo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/bunadebopo) ## **The Corfu Trail** Greece isn't just about tourist resorts on beaches you can hardly see for all the sun loungers. You can also get to know it with a backpack on your back. The island of Corfu offers the perfect opportunity, as this trail lets you walk the entire length of the island. - **Length:** 220 kilometers - **Countries:** Corfu – Greece - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/bozomonajo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/bozomonajo) ## **GR 240 – Sulayr Trail** Definitely don't expect crowds of tourists on this loop route around the Sierra Nevada range in Andalusia, Spain. Dusty roads alternate with narrow mountain paths leading through mountainous landscape that's parched in summer. The GR 240 trail also takes you to the highest mountain in mainland Spain – Mulhacén, at 3 479 m above sea level. - **Length:** 300 kilometers - **Countries:** Spain - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/mocudohuku](https://en.mapy.cz/s/mocudohuku) ## **Salzkammergut Berge-Seen Trail** This loop trail is located in the area known as the Salzkammergut, near Salzburg. Thanks to this route, you'll get to see most of the local lakes, with names like Wolfgangsee, Attersee, Traunsee, and many more. And there's definitely no shortage of hills either. - **Length:** 350 kilometers - **Countries:** Austria - **Website:** [https://www.salzkammergut.at/trail.html](https://www.salzkammergut.at/trail.html) ## **Kungsleden** If you're drawn to true wilderness, one such place in Europe is in Lapland in northern Sweden. The route, which will win the heart of every nature lover, starts far beyond the Arctic Circle in Abisko and ends at the Hemavan ski resort. Given the weather and the large numbers of mosquitoes, you'll do best to head to these parts in August or mid-September. - **Length:** 420 kilometers - **Countries:** Sweden - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/cuduzavabo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/cuduzavabo) ## **St. Olav's Way** Olav's Way is a pilgrimage route in Scandinavia that leads not only through beautiful northern nature but also past many historic sites. Just like the Camino de Santiago, it isn't just a single route. There are many options. They all end in Trondheim, though. - **Length:** 643 kilometers - **Countries:** Norway, Sweden - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/fepotemute](https://en.mapy.cz/s/fepotemute) - **Website:** [https://pilegrimsleden.no/en/](https://pilegrimsleden.no/en/) ## **Julius Kugy Alpine Trail** The Alps offer endless possibilities. And the Julius Kugy Alpine Trail is one of them. This loop trail passes through no fewer than three countries. The official start is at Bertahütte, not far from the town of Finkenstein in Austria. It then continues into Slovenia and Italy, and the loop closes back in Austria, at the same place where the trail began. - **Length:** 720 kilometers - **Countries:** Austria, Italy, Slovenia - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/refesesula](https://en.mapy.cz/s/refesesula) - **Website:** [https://www.julius-kugy-alpine-trail.com/](https://www.julius-kugy-alpine-trail.com/) ## **Alpe-Adria Trail** The Alpe-Adria Trail is a long-distance trail leading from glacier to sea. The route starts in the valley below Großglockner. The trail ends in the small Slovenian town of Muggia on the Adriatic Sea. - **Length:** 750 kilometers - **Countries:** Austria, Italy, Slovenia - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/cogaranata](https://en.mapy.cz/s/cogaranata) - **Website:** [https://www.alpe-adria-trail.com/de/der-trail/](https://www.alpe-adria-trail.com/de/der-trail/) ## **Cesta hrdinů SNP** The Cesta hrdinů SNP stretches across all of Slovakia, starting in the northeast at the Dukla Pass on the Polish border and ending in Bratislava. Among other places, the trail takes you to Slovak Paradise, the Low Tatras, and Veľká Fatra. The best months to hike it are June to September. - **Length:** 770 kilometers - **Countries:** Slovakia - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/daravarapu](https://en.mapy.cz/s/daravarapu) - **Website:** [https://cestasnp.sk/](https://cestasnp.sk/) ## **Camino de Santiago** It's without doubt the best-known pilgrimage route in Europe, and it keeps growing in popularity. The term *camino* covers many different ways of getting to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The routes lead across Spain or Portugal, and the best known include the Camino Frances, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, and Camino Portugues. It's up to you which one you take to Santiago. - **Length:** 780 kilometers - **Countries:** Spain, Portugal ## **GR 11** GR 11 is one of three long-distance treks that cross the Pyrenees from the Atlantic all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. This trail can boast an elevation gain of 35,5 kilometers. You can start the trek in Hondarribia on the west coast and finish in the town of Llanca in the east. Keep in mind that, just like GR 10, the GR 11 trail is very demanding. - **Length:** 820 kilometers - **Countries:** Spain - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/guvutodutu](https://en.mapy.cz/s/guvutodutu) ## **GR 10** The trail takes you across the entire Pyrenees, as it runs parallel to the French-Spanish border. GR 10 ranks among the most demanding trails in Europe because of its enormous elevation gain, which exceeds 48 000 meters. You can start in the port town of Hendaye on the Atlantic Ocean and finish in Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Sea. The choice of direction is, of course, up to you. - **Length:** 866 kilometers - **Countries:** France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/kavakovuhe](https://en.mapy.cz/s/kavakovuhe) ## Stezka Českem Stezka Českem is a non-commercial project by a group of enthusiasts who teamed up with the Czech Tourist Club. It offers the chance to set out on a beautiful and interesting journey right across our country. Anyone can walk Stezka Českem. It's up to you when, where, and how you set out. You can walk it in one go, along the Northern route or the Southern route, section by section, or split it up into weekends. From west to east or the other way around. Staying in cabins or camping in a tent. Slowly, quickly, or you could even run it. - **Length:** 1000 kilometers for the northern route and 1000 km for the southern route - **Countries:** Czechia - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/cajuhukeka](https://en.mapy.cz/s/cajuhukeka) - **Website:** [https://www.stezkaceskem.cz/](https://www.stezkaceskem.cz/) ## **The South West Coast Path** The path runs along the southwest peninsula of the United Kingdom and ranks among the longest coastal paths in the world. It starts in Minehead in Somerset, runs along the coast, and finally ends at Poole Harbour. Because of its length, the path is divided into 7 consecutive sections, which makes it easy to fit the whole route to the time you have available. - **Length:** 1014 kilometers - **Countries:** United Kingdom - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/hojusedaho](https://en.mapy.cz/s/hojusedaho) - **Website:** [https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/](https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/) ## Országos Kéktúra The National Blue Trail (Hungarian: Országos Kéktúra, OKT for short) is a national trail in Hungary that forms part of the E4 European long-distance path for most of its length. The route starts at the summit of Írott-kő (884 m above sea level) on the Austrian-Hungarian border, then runs across Hungary and finally ends 1 170 km farther on in the village of Hollóháza near the Hungarian-Slovak border. The route visits probably the most beautiful natural and man-made landmarks in Hungary, e.g., more than ten fortresses and castles, lookout towers, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hungary (the panorama of Budapest from the hills, the old village of Hollókő, and the Aggtelek stalactite cave), Lake Balaton, the Danube Bend, extinct volcanoes in the Tapolca Basin, etc. - **Length:** 1170 kilometers - **Countries:** Hungary - **Route:** [https://mapy.cz/s/bekegejefu](https://mapy.cz/s/bekegejefu) - **Website:** [http://www.kektura.hu/](http://www.kektura.hu/) ## **Via Dinarica – White Trail** This trail takes you through no fewer than five Balkan countries. A Green Trail and a Blue Trail are also currently being built, but they aren't finished yet. The name comes from the Dinaric Mountains, which this trail crosses. Among other things, you can look forward to the highest peaks of all the countries it visits. - **Length:** 1260 kilometers - **Countries:** Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia - **Website:** [https://www.viadinarica.com/](https://www.viadinarica.com/) ## **GR 34** This entire long-distance trail runs along the coast of France's largest peninsula – Brittany. The route starts at Mont Saint-Michel and ends in Saint-Nazaire. The trail runs mostly through populated areas, and a view of the sea will accompany you every day. - **Length:** more than 1700 kilometers - **Countries:** France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/gatujepafa](https://en.mapy.cz/s/gatujepafa) ## **E10** There are many long-distance trails in Europe marked with a capital letter E. E10 in particular also passes through Czechia. Maybe you've already come across it on a Czech Tourist Club (KČT) signpost, or even walked part of it. If you decide to walk the whole thing, a serious haul lasting several months awaits you. - **Length:** 2850 kilometers - **Countries:** Finland, Germany, Czechia, Austria, Italy, France, and Spain ## HexaTrek HexaTrek is a 3034 km hiking trail that links 14 of the most beautiful national parks and crosses France from the Vosges all the way to the Pyrenees. The trail follows the highest mountain areas and connects some of the most iconic peaks, natural wonders, and wildest places. HexaTrek passes through the most picturesque villages; it's a journey into wilderness, traditions, history, and French culture. - **Length:** over 3034 kilometers - **Countries:** France - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/kupunekebo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/kupunekebo) - **Website**: [https://en.hexatrek.com/](https://en.hexatrek.com/) ## **Via Alpina** This long-distance trail is made up of five routes, each distinguished by a different color. Specifically, they're the Red, Purple, Yellow, Green, and Blue Trails. Each one covers a certain part of the Alps. The longest of them is the Red Trail. - **Length:** over 5000 kilometers - **Countries:** Monaco, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Slovenia - **Route:** [https://en.mapy.cz/s/kupunekebo](https://en.mapy.cz/s/kupunekebo) - **Website:** [http://www.via-alpina.org/en/](http://www.via-alpina.org/en/) ## **E3** Another European long-distance trail that passes through Czechia is E3. It's the second-longest trail on the European continent. Few people decide to tackle this trail, which measures thousands of kilometers, but there's still the option of walking at least part of this truly long hike. - **Length:** 6950 kilometers - **Countries:** Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria Have you found inspiration for a long-distance trail to set out on? Now all you need to do is pack the right gear and head off toward new adventures. There's nothing to wait for. Europe's long-distance trails are calling! This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/list-of-european-long-distance-trails). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.