If you have ever wanted to hike the best views across Europe, there is a long-distance hiking route that now connects Europe’s Baltic and Adriatic coasts. The Wolf Trail stretches approximately 2,170 miles from Hel, Poland, to Trieste, Italy.
The route passes through Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. Along the way, hikers encounter beaches, forests, wine country, lakes and several major mountain ranges.
Outdoor company Jack Wolfskin developed the route by connecting established footpaths with smaller trails. Portions follow existing routes such as the E1, E9 and Via Alpina.
Completing the entire journey is expected to take between four and six months. However, the trail is divided into seven stages, allowing hikers to experience shorter sections without committing to the full distance.
The Scenery Changes Dramatically From North to South
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The northern portion begins with sandy beaches and coastal forests. The first stage runs approximately 267 miles from Hel to Świnoujście along Poland’s Baltic coast.
Farther south, hikers pass through Germany’s Lüneburg Heath, the Black Forest and the area surrounding Lake Constance. The route then becomes increasingly difficult as it reaches the Alps.
The final sections pass through the Allgäu Alps before continuing through the Dolomites and the Julian Alps. Some mountain passes reach elevations between approximately 8,200 and 9,800 feet.
The official Wolf Trail guide lists May through October as the best period for hiking. Conditions vary considerably because the trail progresses from flat coastal terrain to demanding alpine sections.
Hikers Can Complete One Stage at a Time
The full route includes approximately 257,000 feet of elevation gain. Despite that intimidating total, individual entry points allow travelers to plan day hikes or cover only the first 30 to 60 miles of a stage.
Section hikers should generally allow two to four weeks for one of the seven major stages. The longest covers approximately 356 miles between Marsberg and Bad Dürkheim, passing through the Rothaar Mountains and the Pfalz wine region.
The most demanding stage is the final 347-mile journey from Oberstdorf to Trieste. It crosses the Dolomites and Julian Alps before reaching the Adriatic coast.
The Wolf Trail officially opened in late 2025, according to AFAR. Early thru-hikers are testing the route in 2026 and providing feedback on trail conditions and potential adjustments.