European long-distance trail E1

Long-distance hiking trails in Europe

The European long-distance trails or paths are a network of so far 12 long-distance hiking trails that criscross through all of Europe. They offer more than 55000 kilometers of great hiking and every single E-trail or E-path runs through a few European countries, providing the chance to explore country, culture and traditions.

The European long-distance trail E1 – from the North Cape to Sicily

One of these numbered long-distance hiking trails – with more than 7.000 kilometers the longest and the first – passes right through my home area: the E1! Running from Europe’s Northernmost point the North Cape all the way down to Sicily this trail provides a hiker’s challenge par excellence!

The trail starts at the North Cape in Norway and runs through Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Italy until it reached its endpoint Capo Passero on the island of Sicily. The character of the trail is very diverse and every country and region has its own specialties. While the trail in the middle of Europe leads through regions with dense population and provides more than enough accommodation and resupply opportunities, the trail sections on the Scandinavian peninsula are more remote and more planning is required.

Hiking the Scandinavian section of the E1

At the end of April 2018 – after returning from an rather unlucky bicycle touring trip through Central America – I decided to take the challenge and attempted to hike the Scandinavian section of the E1 from the Danish/German border to Europe’s northernmost point – the North Cape.

Unfortunately my hike had an early end due to an injury of my right foot which might be related to my PCT knee injury. Nevertheless I had a wonderful summer hike on the European long-distance trail E1 in Denmark which I want to share with you!

I have also done a huge amount of planning and want to provide this information on my website for all future hikers. After hiking the very famous Triple Crown in the US  – Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail – it might be good to know that there are some equally challenging hiking trails waiting in Europe!