Being, like I have always been, attracted by the rugged, wild lines less traveled, finding the mass of long-distance hiking paths throughout Europe was like an exploration of some buried treasure-trove.
It can be easy to get sucked into the trap of believing that the through-hiking phenomenon is mostly a North American affair with well-known trails taking the centre stage such as the PCT, CDT, and AT.
But the hiking community in Europe is also as lively, and is full of trails that call the courageous and enterprising.
The Charm of Wild Camping Across Europe
Wild camping is one of the most freeing things about through-hiking in Europe. By doing so you can be in the middle of the natural environment and wake up to a dewy morning and sleep under the stars.
But there is also a fair share of rules involved in wild camping, which are quite different according to the country of Europe. In countries such as Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Estonia, they are very lax and you can camp almost anywhere.
In other countries such as Lithuania, Romania, Switzerland, and England on the other hand, there are more restrictions, but a lot of areas are open.
My survival tactics on wild camping entails pitching my tent much later in the night and de pitching it early on the morning to have a low profile and the use of tents with neutral colours so as to blend into the environment.
One should not break the rules and regulations of the locality, particularly the prohibited sites such as natural parks.
Although the construction of fire and the creation of shelters would probably make wilderness experience more enjoyable, this activity is usually forbidden throughout Europe and may result in hefty fines.
Navigating Europe’s Diverse Terrain and Culture
It is not only about the physical conquest of the landscapes, but also about the cultural terrain one needs to reach through-hiking in Europe. Free refugios consisting of old farmhouses converted into simple lodges where hikers can camp are dotted with the mountains of Spain, Italy, Romania and France.
Such places are a great chance to get acquainted with local hikers and know the area through the eyes of locals.
On the other hand, in the process of going through smaller towns to buy supplies, I have learned to enjoy the local food rather than processed one and that a simple baguette with cheese can be both a good and a refreshing meal.
There may be a problem of language barriers especially in non- English speaking nations where the locals may want to communicate in the native language.
Knowing some basic words in the native language can completely change your experiences, as it will open new opportunities to more meaningful experiences and friendlier welcomes.
Lessons Learned and Trails Trekked
All these trails, which I have been through, have taught me something about myself and the world around me.
Since the legendary Camino de Santiago, each of the footsteps has been a step towards cognizing the Europe landscape and its people and their diversity and beauty.
My travel experience as a hiker and a narrator has been more of the trails I have covered than the narratives I have heard and shared.
Through-hiking is not a mere physical task but truly a deeply individual one that brings us into touch with the world and with who we are. The trails of Europe provide an experience that is diverse as beautiful.
You want to be alone, have adventure, or experience the European culture, the Europe paths have open paths and stories to be told. Tie up your shoe-laces, stuff them in, and go out to explore the wild, beautiful world of European through-hiking.
