For those looking to plan a hiking adventure this autumn in Europe, there are quieter alternatives to the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. While the Camino can be crowded with almost 350,000 people completing it each year, there are a number of other routes that offer a similar experience. These alternative routes are perfect for those who have already completed the Camino and are looking for more long distance walking routes to explore.
One such route is the Camino Mozárabe in Spain, which follows the paths used by Christian pilgrims in the territory of Al Ándalus. Starting at various locations throughout Andalusia, these routes converge in Mérida near the Portuguese border, offering a unique historical experience as you walk. Another option is the Via Transilvanica in Romania, a 1,400km walking route that crosses the country from north to south through 108 towns and villages. This route was dreamt up by Alin Useriu and is reminiscent of ancient pilgrim routes like the Camino de Santiago.
The Via Francigena is another ancient road and pilgrim trail, stretching over a thousand kilometers from the Great St Bernard Pass in Switzerland to Rome. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe and offers a different experience compared to the Camino, allowing trekkers to explore interesting cities along the way. For those looking for a more unique experience, Japan offers two sister trails to the Camino de Santiago – the Kumano Kodo and Shikoku Henro. These routes have their origins in the Middle Ages and allow walkers to explore ancient temples and villages in Japan.
In Norway, Saint Olav’s Way is an ancient pilgrimage that takes trekkers through rural parts of the country to Trondheim Cathedral. With seven possible routes, this trail has been used since 1032 and offers a historical and spiritual experience for hikers. Additionally, the Lycian Way in Turkiye offers a coastal walk along ancient paths walked by the Lycian people. This 509km-long path allows walkers to explore the remains of an ancient civilization along rocky coastlines and deserted beaches.
As the summer heat intensifies in Europe, planning an autumn hike along one of these quieter alternatives to the Camino de Santiago can provide a unique and fulfilling experience for hikers. Whether exploring the history of Spain on the Camino Mozárabe, trekking through the Carpathian Mountains on the Via Transilvanica, or embarking on an ancient pilgrimage in Norway or Turkiye, these alternative routes offer a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences for walkers to enjoy. So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds and embark on a new adventure this autumn, consider exploring one of these lesser-known hiking trails across Europe and beyond.
