Long distance walking in Europe
From Halal Explorer
Map of the European Long Distance Paths - Map of European long-distance paths
For the more active traveller, Europe provides excellent opportunities for long distance walking, where you can follow long-distance walking trails and take in some of Europe's finest scenery, while getting fit at the same time. Whether going on a trans-continental odyssey or a leisurely weekend stroll, you will find a trail to suit you.
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An introduction to Long distance walking in Europe
There are eleven continental trails in Europe, which are in varying stages of completion. These paths are comprised of smaller national paths, which may be enjoyable travel experiences of themselves. It's recommended that you read up on help and advice before setting off on a long distance walking holiday. You will have a fantastic time, but always be prepared for the worst, and take the best kit with you that you can find. The markings are not uniform, and some parts may be missing.
The paths are coordinated by the European Ramblers Organization (ERA)], commonly called Europäische Wandervereinigung (EWV) and Féderation Européenne de la Randonnée Pédestre (FERP), but the responsibility for the individual sections is by national organisations in the countries the path leads through.
In addition to these routes and there are regional and national path networks (see e.g. Walking in the United Kingdom) and the Grande Randonnée paths, and pilgrim paths such as the Way of Saint James or the Nidaros Path|St. Olav's Way. These may be partly integrated in the E-paths. For individual paths see also Rheinsteig, Rheinburgenweg, Pieterpad and Nordkalottleden.
The long-distance routes are as follows:
Continental
Fernwanderwege Heidelberg-Ziegelhausen - Signboard: crossing of E1 and E8 .
- E1 North-South. This path is planned to connect Nordkapp, Norway to Sicily, in Italy.
- Completed sections: Central Sweden to Scapoli, Italy, via Gothenburg, Aarhus, Hamburg, Frankfurt and the Black Forest and the Apennines. Most of the distance from Nordkapp to central Sweden is covered by Nordkalottleden, Kungsleden and some other trails.
- Current length: 4900 km.
- E2 Atlantic - Mediterranean. This path is planned to connect Galway, Ireland to Nice, France.
- Completed sections: Stranraer, Scotland to Nice, via England, Luxembourg and the Alps.
- Current length: 4850 km.
- E3 Black Sea - Iberia. This path is planned to connect Istanbul, Türkiye to Cape St. Vincent, Portugal.
- E4 Mediterranean Arc. This path is planned to connect Cape St. Vincent to Cyprus.
- E5 Atlantic-Adriatic. This path connects Pointe du Raz, Brittany, France to Venice via Brest (France) | Brest, Mont Street Michel, Fontainebleau, Ballon d'Alsace and Lake Constance.
- Complete sections: Complete.
- Completed length: 3050 km.
- E6 Scandinavia-Dardanelles. This path is planned to connect Kilpisjärvi, Finland to Dardanelles, Türkiye.
- E7 Atlantic-Black Sea. This path is planned to connect Lisbon to Ukraine.
- E8 Atlantic to Istanbul. This path is planned to connect Dursey Head in West Cork, Ireland to Istanbul.
- E9 European Coast Path. This path is planned to connect Cape Street Vincent to Russia.
- E10 NE-SW. This path is planned to connect Nuorgam, Finland to Tarifa.
- E11 hiking trail. This path connects Scheveningen (The Hague), in the Netherlands through Germany and Poland to Lithuania.
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Grande Randonnée
There is a ttrain network in Europe, particularly in the west, called Grande Randonnée.
- GR 5
- GR 10
- GR 20
- GR 21
- GR 92
- GR 223
See also
- Hiking in the Nordic countries|Hiking in the Nordic Countries
- Walking in the United Kingdom