Thru-Hikes Around the World

Cammino Retico | Italy

• Length: ~191 km
  
• Time to Complete: 7–10 days
  
• Permits Required: No, but registration is needed to recieve benefits like free camping
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Winding through the Dolomites and northeastern Italy, the Cammino Retico is one of the newest and most intriguing thru hikes around the world. This lesser-known route uncovers Italy’s pre-Roman heritage, with ancient sanctuaries, alpine pastures, and quiet stone villages along the way. It’s a cultural trek through time, connecting natural beauty with archaeological intrigue—ideal for hikers looking to merge landscapes with history while avoiding Italy’s more tourist-heavy trails.

Tour de Monte Rosa | Italy & Switzerland

• Length: ~160 km
• Time to Complete: 7–12 days
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Looping around the Monte Rosa massif, this alpine trail traverses both Swiss and Italian mountain villages, offering breathtaking views of glaciers and peaks without the foot traffic of its more famous neighbor, the Tour du Mont Blanc. You’ll hike between ancient mountain hamlets, cross high passes, and enjoy rustic rifugios where local cheese and polenta fuel your journey. It’s a rewarding mix of natural drama and cultural immersion.

Jordan Trail | Jordan

Length: ~675 km

Time to Complete: 35–45 days (sections possible)

Permits Required: None for most sections, but registration recommended

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Spanning over 675 kilometers from the verdant hills near Umm Qais to the red sand deserts of Wadi Rum and the Red Sea, the Jordan Trail is an ancient route reimagined for modern hikers. It passes through Crusader castles, biblical sites, Bedouin communities, and the iconic sandstone city of Petra. This trail supports rural economies and offers a rare chance to experience the landscapes of the Middle East on foot, in harmony with local culture and hospitality.

Torres del Paine O Circuit | Chile

• Length: ~130 km

• Time to Complete: 7–10 days

• Permits Required: Yes (must book campsites in advance)

• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

The O Circuit is the wilder, more remote sibling of Chile’s famed W Trek. Looping around the entire Paine range, it delivers raw Patagonia: turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, roaring winds, and trails that feel truly untamed. With strict visitor caps and fewer crowds, it’s the ideal way to experience one of the world’s great wildernesses in a sustainable, low-impact way.

Wonderland Trail | USA

• Length: ~150 km (93 miles)
  
• Time to Complete: 9–12 days
  
• Permits Required: Yes (lottery system for backcountry permits)
• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

America has plenty of iconic thru-hikes like the Appalachian Trial and the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Wonderland Trail is a lesser-known and equally magical thru-hike. Encircling Mount Rainier, this 93-mile (150 km) trail winds through alpine meadows, glacier-fed rivers, and deep forests. It’s a microcosm of the Pacific Northwest, rich with biodiversity and striking terrain changes. Permits are required to limit foot traffic, making this a quiet, immersive experience – plan well ahead for this trek as permits can be hard to get.

Gozo Coastal Trail | Malta

• Length: ~50 km
• Time to Complete: 2–4 days
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

This 50-kilometer loop around the Maltese island of Gozo reveals ancient salt pans, hidden sea caves, and villages that haven’t changed in generations. You’ll walk through sun-soaked cliffs and past historic sites. As one of the more coastal and contemplative thru-hikes around the world, it’s a slow, mindful adventure perfect for shoulder-seaon travel.

Thames Path | England

• Length: ~295 km
• Time to Complete: 10–16 days (or shorter segments)
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Tracing the length of the River Thames from the Cotswolds to London, this gentle walk blends pastoral charm with historic urban discovery. It’s not wilderness, but it is uniquely British—passing through locks, market towns, and canalside pubs. Among the more unconventional thru-hikes around the world, it’s a long walk through layers of time, ideal for slow travel and urban adventure.

Laugavegur Trail | Iceland

• Length: ~55 km
  
• Time to Complete: 3–5 days
  
• Permits Required: No, but hut reservations are strongly recommended
  
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
  

This 55-kilometer trail connects the geothermal hot springs of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk. You’ll pass through rainbow-colored mountains, black volcanic plains, and steaming fumaroles—all in a few days’ walk. With strict environmental guidelines and a hut system to reduce impact, it’s one of Europe’s most dramatic yet eco-conscious treks.

Toubkal Loop | Morocco

• Length: ~60 km

• Time to Complete: 4–6 days

• Permits Required: No, but guide required for summit

• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

The Toubkal Circuit offers a looped alternative to the standard summit route, passing through remote Berber villages, high passes, and ridgelines with views all the way to the Sahara. It’s a cultural trek as much as a physical one, where tea breaks with locals and ancient mountain traditions are part of the journey. Hiking here supports small communities and gives travelers a rare look into Morocco’s mountainous heart.

West Highland Way | Scotland

• Length: ~154 km
• Time to Complete: 6–9 days
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Stretching nearly 154 kilometers (100 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, this is Scotland’s oldest long-distance trail and arguably its most atmospheric. Expect moody lochs, mossy forests, and wide open moorlands, often wrapped in mist. Stay in bothies or cozy inns along the way for a slow, grounded journey into the heart of the Highlands.

Te Araroa Trail | New Zealand

• Length: ~3,000 km
• Time to Complete: 4–6 months
• Permits Required: No, but hut passes and land-use permissions required in some areas
• Difficulty: ★★★★★

The Te Araroa (“The Long Pathway”) spans the length of New Zealand, including both the North and South islands, from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It takes hikers through rugged mountains, wild beaches, river crossings, and native bushland, offering a complete portrait of Aotearoa’s diverse landscapes. Though long and challenging, it’s an intimate way to connect with both land and Māori culture.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trail | Nepal

• Length: ~115 km
• Time to Complete: 7–10 days
• Permits Required: Yes (ACAP and TIMS cards)
• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

This high-altitude trek into the heart of the Annapurna range in Nepal is steeped in both grandeur and spirituality. You’ll pass rhododendron and bamboo forests, terraced villages, and Buddhist shrines en route to the natural amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp. Even as one of the standout thru-hikes around the world, it offers fewer crowds and more community-based lodges, make it a slower, more meaningful alternative to the Everest region.

Overland Track | Australia 

• Length: ~65 km
• Time to Complete: 6–7 days
• Permits Required: Yes (strictly enforced with seasonal quotas)
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Australia’s best-known thru-hike winds 65 kilometers (40 miles) through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain toLake St Clair National Park. You’ll cross alpine plateaus, button grass moors, and ancient myrtle forests while spotting wombats and wallabies. Managed via permits and strict conservation rules, the Overland Track balances access and preservation beautifully.

Mount Roraima | Venezuela

• ​​Length: ~90 km (round trip)
• Time to Complete: 6–9 days
• Permits Required: Yes, through local tour operators (You do need a guide for this trek)
• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

This flat-topped mesa in the Gran Sabana is one of Earth’s oldest geological formations and the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World. Hike through rainforests, camp on the cloud-covered summit, and explore its surreal rock formations and endemic plants. Remote and challenging to access, it’s a true frontier for intrepid explorers.

Island Walk, Prince Edward Island | Canada

• Length: ~700 km
• Time to Complete: 30–40 days
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Newly established, this 700 km (435-mile) loop circumnavigates Canada’s smallest province. You’ll walk through pastoral farmland, red-sand beaches, and quaint seaside towns—often accompanied by the scent of sea air and the hum of cicadas. It’s a soulful, slow-travel experience with plenty of space for reflection and fresh lobster rolls.

Fisherman’s Trail | Portugal

• Length: ~230 km
• Time to Complete: 11–13 days
• Permits Required: No
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Part of the Rota Vicentina, this Atlantic-front trail hugs sea cliffs, dunes, and tiny fishing villages along Portugal’s southwest coast. It’s a feast for the senses—think crashing waves, salty breezes, and catch-of-the-day meals at family-run cafés. The area’s commitment to low-impact tourism makes it one of Europe’s most sustainable seaside escapes.

Karhunkierros Trail | Finland

• Length: ~82 km
  
• Time to Complete: 4–6 days
  
• Permits Required: No
  
• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

This 82-kilometer trail through Oulanka National Park showcases the untouched wilderness of Finnish Lapland. Cross suspension bridges over roaring rivers, spot reindeer tracks in the moss, and camp under the northern lights. It’s quiet, pristine, and a true retreat into Nordic nature. While in Finland, be sure to spend some time learning about the Sami people, Europe’s oldest Indigneous tribe.

Sheep’s Head Way | Ireland

• Length: ~93 km

• Time to Complete: 6–8 days

• Permits Required: No

• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

On the far southwestern edge of Ireland, this 93-kilometer loop trail follows the rugged coastline of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. Wildflowers, lighthouse views, and tiny villages greet you along the way, along with hearty meals and warm welcomes. It’s ideal for travelers seeking Ireland’s beauty, refreshing Atlantic breezes and none of the tourist frills.

Amatola Trail | South Africa

• Length: ~100 km
• Time to Complete: 6 days
• Permits Required: Yes (via local forestry authorities)
• Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Often called South Africa’s toughest hike, the Amatola Trail takes you through indigenous forest, dramatic escarpments, and hidden waterfalls. It’s a six-day immersion into the Eastern Cape’s natural and cultural heritage. As one of the most under-the-radar thru-hikes around the world, it offers a raw, unplugged experience that few international travelers know about.

Tokai Nature Trail | Japan

• Length: ~1,000 km

• Time to Complete: 40–50 days (or shorter sections)

• Permits Required: No

• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Spanning 1,000 kilometers between Tokyo and Kyoto, this long-distance trail connects temples, mountain forests, and historic post towns. It’s a walk through old Japan—far from neon cities—where hikers can find peace on forested paths. A perfect trail for those who want to slow down and explore the intersection of nature and tradition. This trail does have quite a bit of travel time on pavement and in urban and agricultural areas — it’s a great trail for exploring the culture and meeting local people.