Euro 2024 Knockouts Are Here: Discover the Best Long Hikes Across 16 European Countries - Part 1

This blog is imported from the old Hikezilla Website.

Who’s taking the trophy home? Will Italy defend their crown? Will Germany, the host nation, win it? Will it finally come home to England? Will Ronaldo have one last hurrah? Or will there be a repeat of what Greece did in 2004, where an underdog wins it (perhaps Georgia/Turkey/Slovakia/Slovenia)?

As the excitement of the Euro Knockouts captivates fans across the continent, it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and discover some of Europe’s best long-distance hiking trails. From Germany’s picturesque Kammweg Trail in the Ore Mountains to Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago, each country offers unique paths that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Let’s check out some of the below!

1. Germany

Kammweg Trail: This 288 km trail crosses the Ore Mountains and the Vogtland, offering a serene escape from bustling city life.

Rennsteig: Germany’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, running 169 km through the Thuringian Forest.

Rheinsteig: A 320 km trail along the Rhine River from Bonn to Wiesbaden, known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites​.

2. Denmark

Gendarmstien Trail: A 74 km trail along the Danish-German border, offering coastal views and historical landmarks.

Camønoen Trail: Known as Denmark’s friendliest hiking trail, it covers 175 km on the island of Møn.

3. Spain

Camino de Santiago: A world-famous pilgrimage route spanning approximately 800 km across northern Spain.

GR11 (Trans-Pyrenean Trail): This 820 km trail runs along the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Georgia

Svaneti Route: A challenging 75 km hike from Mestia to Ushguli, offering breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains.

Tusheti National Park: Known for its rugged beauty and remote trails, perfect for experienced hikers.

5. Portugal

Rota Vicentina: A network of trails along the southwestern coast, with the Fishermen’s Trail being particularly popular at 226 km.

Via Algarviana: A 300 km inland route from Alcoutim to Cape St. Vincent, showcasing the Algarve’s diverse landscapes.

6. Slovenia

Juliana Trail: A circular 270 km route around the Julian Alps, offering stunning mountain vistas.

7. France

GR20: One of Europe’s toughest trails, covering 180 km across Corsica.

Tour du Mont Blanc: A 170 km loop through France, Italy, and Switzerland, around the Mont Blanc massif.

8. Belgium

GR 5: A long-distance trail running from the North Sea in the Netherlands, through Belgium, to the Mediterranean Sea.

Hoge Kempen National Park: Offers several long trails, with the 72 km long-distance path being a highlight.