Anyone who has ever hiked a complete long-distance trail or a section of it on their own two feet with a backpack on their back knows the uniqueness of this experience.
But even though the journey is the destination in long-distance hiking, the arrival can also be rewarding. Especially when a cosy and sustainable hotel room awaits, stores can be replenished at the sumptuous breakfast buffet and afterwards tired muscles can be massaged.
In this newsletter, we therefore showcase both long-distance hiking trails around the world and nearby Green Pearls® partners that are perfect for a relaxing end to the hike.
On the Road from the Atlantic Coast to Italy – The E5 and the Alpine Crossing
If you are planning on crossing the Alps, there is no getting around the E5 long-distance hiking trail which runs from the French Atlantic coast near Brest to Verona. The route from Oberstdorf to Merano along the E5 is one of the most popular ways to cross the mountains. It takes a good week to cover approximately 115 kilometers.
However, beginners should not be deceived by its popularity: The alpine terrain requires a certain degree of experience or a seasoned mountain guide.
Relaxed Start and Arrival
For hikers who take on the entire E5, i.e. who already have a few hundred kilometers in their legs before crossing the Alps, it is a good idea to recharge one’s batteries before this demanding section. The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio is located just a few kilometers from Oberstdorf in Balderschwang. A place of relaxation and recuperation perfect for a hiking break, or as a starting or finishing point. And it’s not just the mental reserves that can be replenished here. The kitchen follows the Slow Food principle and serves delicious, regional organic food.
After a good week through demanding terrain, the Alpine crossers reach Merano. Nearby, the LA VIMEA invites guests to relax after their efforts. In addition to the holistic vegan concept, which vegan hikers will be particularly pleased about, the adults-only hotel offers peace and relaxation with wellness and gentle yoga sessions.
Once Across Europe – The E1 from the North Cape to Sicily
Through six countries, across more than 8,000 kilometers of diverse landscapes and regions, past glaciers, mountains, lakes, and cultural landscapes. The E1 crosses Europe lengthwise and demands a lot from its hikers.
It starts at the northernmost point of the continent: the North Cape in Norway. The route then leads through Norway via Sweden and Denmark to Germany. You then cross the Swiss Alps to Italy and then all the way to Sicily. A special kind of adventure that demands physical as well as mental strength and is a unique, lasting experience.
Destination Reached – Reward Earned
On the south coast of Sicily, a true jewel awaits long-distance hikers seeking relaxation. At the gates of the almost untouched nature of the Torre de Salsa National Park lies the new ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA. The sound of the Mediterranean Sea is omnipresent here and the gentle architecture lets stress and exertion fade away. Surrounded by olive groves, orange trees, and herb and vegetable beds, guests of the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA experience first-hand where the fruits and vegetables from the evening dinner come from. An ideal end to such a remarkable journey across Europe.
On the Roof of the World – The Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas
The Annapurna Circuit is not only one of the most popular trekking tours in Nepal, but also in the entire world. Depending on the choice of stages, it is between 160 and 230 kilometers long and leads through varied terrain that includes all climate zones except the tropics. Most hikers walk the 21 daily stages in an anti-clockwise direction. This way they do not gain altitude too quickly and reduce or avoid getting altitude sickness.
Despite its Himalayan location, the Annapurna Circuit is one of those tours that can be tackled by hikers who have little or no alpine experience, but who do have a good basic level of fitness and are in good general health. The circuit can be hiked alone, but an experienced guide is recommended. Not only do they know the most beautiful routes and always find the way, even if the signposting is missing, but they also know how to react in emergency situations.
Breathe Deeply and Do Good
The hosts of Pavilion Himalayas – The Farm warmly welcome Annapurna Trail hikers. In the luxurious boutique resort with its lovingly decorated Nepalese-style villas, long-distance hikers find a way to catch their breath after the demanding trail. Either by the pool with a view of the impressive mountain panorama or during the yoga or meditation sessions on offer.
With their stay, guests also support the local community and the development of organic agriculture in the region. The resort was founded to give farmers a profitable opportunity to switch from traditional agriculture to organic farming. The organic farm belonging to the hotel naturally also supplies the hotel kitchen with fresh organic products.
Interested in Learning More?
We have compiled more about long-distance hiking, including numerous tips for getting started and information on other dreamlike routes in the linked blog article. Those who are more interested in short hikes or a hiking holiday in a sustainable hotel will also find some inspiration!
All Inclusive
Luksusowy kwartalnik turystyczno-podróżniczy. Od 2004 roku opisujemy miejsca, do których warto lecieć dłużej niż na weekend, i ludzi, którzy je prowadzą.
