4. Alpe-Adria Trail, Austria-Slovenia-Italy

The Alpe-Adria-Trail is one of the latest additions to Europe’s constellation of long-distance treks. Passing through Austria, Slovenia and Italy, the route consists of 43 stages, each around 20 kilometers long (6-8 hours of walking time). Its name comes from the fact the trail starts on Grossglockner (the tallest mountain in Austria) and ends in the seaside town of Muggia in Northeast Italy.

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the trek features few Alpine stages, with most of them winding through open countryside, along pristine lakes and rivers, through verdant forests and picturesque towns. Similar to how geographical features transcend borders on a map, here languages, traditions, and cuisine spill over national lines and create unique blends of influences.

Along the way, you’ll visit the sites of famous WW1 battles, historic castles and medieval churches, go wine tasting in local vineyards, and sunbathe on the Adriatic coast. Completing the entire 750-kilometer (466 miles) trek would take a month and a half, so most hikers opt for completing a section or two at a time.

About the author

Marko Bucic

57hours Writer and Bouldering Enthusiast

For Marko, literature came first and the outdoors followed. Lermontov took him galloping across the Caucasus, Wordsworth brought him along for a tour of the Lake District, and Conrad sent him sailing down the Congo—but for better or worse, it was 57hours that got him to climb his first route outside. When he’s not penning articles, you can find him in the bouldering gym, taking photos on the streets of Zagreb, or at home brushing up on his Japanese skills.