Walking holidays are gaining a lot of attention in recent years, thanks to their unique approach that makes it so different from regular vacations. Here you are combining traveling with health benefits and a huge sense of achievement, not only that, but it can also be a challenge. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, here are some of the best long-distance trails in Europe for you to hike.
What Makes a Great Long-Distance Hike?
But first, what is a walking holiday and a long-distance hike? Well, basically, it’s a type of vacation where the main activity is walking or hiking. Most of the time, you travel to places like France or Spain and walk for long distances, the perfect example and one you probably know is the Camino de Santiago.
This means that you are walking for a whole day, from stage to stage, and besides the many health benefits, it’s a different and new experience, a new way to travel around and get to know a country. Here you’re truly immersing yourself in the culture, exploring a place at its core, and supporting the local communities.
It’s the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a long day, the peace of being surrounded by nature, and the joy of simple things like a warm meal and a comfortable place to sleep.
Read also: The 75 Best Outdoor Hobbies for Men
Most Famous Trails in Europe
Now, there are MANY long-distance hikes in Europe for you to choose from, and with so many amazing options, you must be wondering how to pick the right one.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for in an adventure. That’s why you need to ask yourself these questions:
- What’s your fitness level?
- What scenery do you like most?
- How much time do you have?
Now that you have narrowed your options, you can then start looking at some trails. Here are some of the classics, the ones you’ve probably heard of, and they are absolutely worth it:
Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland):
This is one of the most popular long-distance trails; it’s about 170 kilometers (106 miles) and takes you through three different countries, all while circling the highest mountain in the Alps.
The trail takes you across glaciers, valleys, and snowy peaks. It’s often considered a tough hike since it has lots of uphills, but it’s well-organized with mountain huts (called refuges or rifugios) where you can rest, and it’s also well marked.
Camino de Santiago (Spain):
Now, this is by far the most popular long-distance trail, one that welcomes millions of people each year. The Camino is a historic pilgrimage, and not a single trail; it’s in fact a network of trails that goes from Spain, France, or Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
The most popular route (the Camino Francés) stretches about 800 kilometers (497 miles). In this case, you’ll walk through mountains, forests, vineyards, and historic cities.
Laugavegur Trail (Iceland):
While not as popular as Camino de Santiago and TMB, this trail in Iceland welcomes a huge number of people each year. It is a 55-kilometer (34-mile) trip through some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
You’ll see colorful mountains, lava fields, geothermal areas, and glacial rivers, but keep in mind that the weather here can be wild, changing from sun to rain in minutes, but that’s all part of the adventure.
Conclusion
Europe’s long-distance trails are more than just a hike; they offer a unique way to explore this incredible continent, challenge yourself, and create memories. Whether you choose a famous classic like the Tour du Mont Blanc or a hidden gem like the Laugavegur Trail, you’re in for one of the best experiences of your life.