Exciting News: European Green Belt Hiking Trail is coming up!
The European Green Belt Hiking Trail: First steps are taken to link the E-paths to the unique history, culture and natural wonder of the European Green Belt.
The European Green Belt is Europe’s longest green network stretching from the Barents Sea in the north to the Black and Adriatic Seas in the south. Following the former Iron Curtain, it connects protected landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage across 24 countries and is an outstanding example of cross-border cooperation and European peace.
The European Ramblers Association (ERA), European Mountaineering Association (EUMA), and the European Green Belt Association (EGBA) are joining forces to to designate the E-paths that follows the European Green Belt, creating long-distance hiking routes that pass through these historically and environmentally significant areas. This initiative enhances sustainable tourism and strengthens the link between nature, history, and hiking.
E-paths are long-distance trails that link national and regional trails and offer intercultural experiences across borders in Europe. The future European Green Belt Hiking Trail takes a special approach by having a common and overarching theme for the whole trail and by combining hiking and experiencing European history. Several existing E-paths follow or intersect with the European Green Belt, offering hikers the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, protected areas and historical sites. See the route of the European Green Belt and the existing e-paths on the maps below.
The next steps will be to identify where existing e-paths and the European Green Belt overlap, identify gaps and explore possible route adjustments. Once the trail concept is fully developed, joint promotion will be key to highlighting the trail as a unique opportunity for walkers to explore outstanding nature and experience an important part of Europe's history. The work on the European Green Belt Hiking Trail is supported by the EU-funded BESTbelt project, which aims to protect the European Green Belt and unlock local potential in the regions it crosses.
The combination of E-paths and the European Green Belt highlights the importance of nature conservation, cultural heritage, historical awareness, and outdoor recreation. The European Green Belt Hiking Trail aims to contribute to regional development, responsible tourism, and environmental protection, ensuring a balance between accessibility and conservation.
For more information, please contact: association(at)europeangreenbelt.org