The most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Europe

Hiking is not just the miller's delight, as long-distance hiking remains a trend. Off the beaten track, new, well-developed routes from Germany via England and France to Denmark will be created in 2026. Existing trails also lead along attractive stages and cultural highlights. Falstaff TRAVEL introduces them.

The Croatian Via Apsyrtides

The Via Apsyrtides long-distance hiking trail stretches over 149 kilometers and connects the Croatian islands of Cres and Lošinj in the Kvarner Bay. Eleven varied stages lead through untouched natural landscapes, charming mountain villages and hidden bays. Animal encounters characterize the route: sheep graze on Cres and dolphins can be observed in the protected reserve on Lošinj. The name is reminiscent of the Greek hero Apsyrtos and ancient mythology, traces of which can still be seen in the landscape today. The starting point of the hike is Jablanac Bay on Cres, the destination Radovan on Lošinj. Each stage offers unique views, cultural highlights and hiking routes of varying difficulty, from relaxed coastal stretches to challenging mountain passages.

Once around England

The longest long-distance hiking trail in the world was named after King Charles III. The King Charles III England Coast Path stretches for 4,345 kilometers along the entire English coast. Many sections are already accessible, others were opened at the beginning of 2026 - for example between South Hayling and East Head.

In planning since 2009, the trail connects historical sites, nature reserves and coastal towns with maritime heritage. The route is marked with the National Trails symbol, a yellow acorn. Newly developed "Coastal Margin" sections allow picnics on beaches, dunes and cliffs, while camping, cycling and horse riding remain prohibited.

Scenic highlights include Roman ruins and Blue Flag beaches.

Multi-day trail in the Black Forest

In autumn 2026, the 150-kilometre Kinzigtalsteig, a new multi-day hiking trail divided into around ten stages, will open in the Black Forest. The route runs through characteristic half-timbered towns such as Schiltach, Wolfach and Haslach and uses existing, already marked paths.

Viewpoints such as the Urenkopf or the Spitzfelsen offer sweeping views over the Kinzig valley. The stages are designed in such a way that they are easily manageable with a normal level of fitness, despite a few hundred meters of altitude per day. Many places along the route are also connected to local public transport, which allows for flexible arrival and departure.

Four-country crossing of the Alps 2026

Since 2026, a new long-distance hiking trail has opened with the Four-Country Alpine Crossing, which leads around 78 kilometers in seven days through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. The route is aimed specifically at hikers who are looking for an alternative to the heavily frequented Alpine classics. Gentle stages, varied landscapes and serviced huts make for an easy-to-plan tour that is also suitable for hikers of average fitness despite the alpine scenery.

The route combines high alpine passages with valleys, terraced slopes, larch and stone pine forests and offers new panoramic views every day. Historic villages, regional cuisine and cultural highlights along the way provide an insight into the diversity of the four countries. Between the stages, transportation options such as bus, train or cable car make it easier to connect remote sections.

New long-distance hiking trail on Mallorca

This year, the "East Mallorca GR 226" opened a new route for hikers and families in the northeast of the popular vacation island. The 100-kilometer route can be completed in four stages, which can be spread over up to seven days if required.

The route leads through the gentle landscape of the Llevant region, past beaches such as Cala Millor and Sa Coma, through small communities and natural areas such as Punta de n'Amer. The trail is moderate and suitable for all fitness levels.

The long-distance hiking trail complements the existing GR 221 and GR 222 routes in the Tramuntana mountains and is part of a growing network of around 600 kilometers of long-distance trails on Mallorca.

Pleasure hiking in France

GR", the French abbreviation for "Grande Randonée", is a Europe-wide network of long-distance hiking trails. In France, the new GR 15 has been combining hiking with cultural and pleasure moments since summer 2025. The ten stages follow the Marnetal valley along the river, past vineyards, traditional wine taverns and historical locations that have inspired artists over the centuries. It starts in the south of Paris, at the Maisons-Alfort metro station. The route leads through the east of Île-de-France, more precisely through Bonneuil-sur-Marne, Bry-sur-Marne, Clayes-Souilly, Lagny, Meaux, La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, Nogent-l'Artaud to Château-Thierry.

Along the Danish river Gudenå

With the Gudenå Trail, Denmark also has a new long-distance hiking trail that is ideal for tours lasting several days. The route follows the country's longest river, the Gudenå, for around 175 kilometers - from its source at Tinnet Krat to its mouth at Randers. The trail was officially opened as a continuous long-distance route in 2026.

The 19 stages are between around nine and 31 kilometers long and are therefore suitable for different fitness levels. The route leads through forests, landscapes shaped by the Ice Age and repeatedly along historic paths such as Trækstien. Traces of Danish history can be discovered along the way - from old monastery sites to former barge routes. Depending on your time budget, the trail can be walked as a complete long-distance hike or in individual sections.