Have you walked the Czech trails from end to end and want to head beyond our borders for at least a week-long adventure? At the same time you don’t want to overestimate your abilities, or you still consider yourself a beginner? We’ve written this article especially for you, introducing 7 routes that can be described as treks for beginners. Although they’re straightforward, don’t worry about missing out on breathtaking experiences.
Before you settle on a route, be honest about your fitness. Even beginner trails can be demanding for some people. At the same time, get yourself the right gear – don’t leave home without decent boots, a backpack, trekking poles, sun cream, sunglasses and other accessories.
Camí de Cavalls (GR 223)
Set off on a route around the second largest Balearic island – Menorca. A walk of 190 km in total awaits, with around 1,700 m of ascent. Along the way you’ll be able to soak up the unique beauty of the Mediterranean. On the individual sections you’ll also come across photogenic corners and views – the various rock formations and cliffs in particular will win your heart. Bear in mind, though, that camping is banned on Menorca, so you can only spend the night in hotels or under the stars.
Wicklow Way
Ireland is a very mysterious country that pretty much all of us long to visit. The reason is the magical landscape of druids and leprechauns with its picturesque villages. Set off on the oldest long-distance trail Ireland has to offer. The route starts on the edge of Dublin and takes you 130 km south. Your journey ends in the village of Clonegal. Given that the total ascent exceeds 3,300 m, stunning views of mountain peaks, lakes, wetlands, moorland and pastures await.
Corfu Trail
Get to know the jewel of Greece, the island of Corfu. Over 150 km in total you get to discover the best of what Greece has to offer – olive groves, ancient culture, romantic villages. Although the trek suits complete beginners, don’t be lulled by the genuinely easy opening sections. In the final phase there are some climbs after all (though Corfu’s highest mountain is “only” 917 m above sea level). The trek is worth it! Camping is banned in Greece, but there are plenty of places to spend the night. Set aside about a week for the trek.
Adlerweg (the Eagle Walk)
If, as a beginner, you want to try walking in Europe fairly close to our borders, don’t miss the Adlerweg trek in Austria. This 90 km route stretches across Tyrol. Its name translates as the Eagle Walk. And it’s a fitting name. Along the way you’ll get gorgeous views of Alpine peaks and picturesque Austrian countryside. You really will feel like a bird soaring over the Tyrolean landscape.
The Camino de Santiago
If you’re in any doubt about whether Santiago is for you, believe us, it is! We’ve walked it twice ourselves and we’d happily go a third time. The reason is simple – excellent infrastructure, lovely people and endless flat stretches with views. You can choose from more than 8 routes. To get the famous Compostela, though, you have to walk at least the final 100 km.
Karhunkierros (the Bear Trail)
The Bear Trail in Oulanka, one of Finland’s oldest national parks, certainly belongs among treks for beginners. If you go for this 80 km route, we’d recommend walking it in the summer months. Oulanka National Park is close to the Arctic Circle, so at other times the weather could catch you out. On the trek, which mostly winds along the Oulankajoki river, you’ll get to know the authentic Finnish landscape. We just hope you don’t meet a bear along the way. Set aside about 3 days for the route.
Rota Vicentina – the Fishermen’s Trail
From frozen northern Europe we move to the warmth, specifically to the southwest of Portugal. Here, along the Atlantic coast, runs the interesting Fishermen’s Trail, part of the Rota Vicentina. It’s a very easy route, so you’ll have plenty of time and energy to admire the local rock formations and the ever-murmuring emerald ocean. Bear in mind that camping is banned here.
The Premužić Trail
We’ll finish this article on the most interesting treks for beginners by the Adriatic. The trail is named after Ante Premužić, a significant Croatian biologist. Here we get the chance to see pebble beaches surrounded by azure sea and limestone rocks that will remind us of the Winnetou films. The trek runs through the Velebit range, which hides caves, karst formations and disappearing rivers. Although the whole route is “only” 57 km, crossing it will take you several days given the terrain. Or you can take on the crossing of the whole range, which comes to 140 km in total.
Fancy longer routes? Get inspired by our article on long-distance European trails. And if you’d like to try one of the GR routes, be sure to read about all the options here.
