From Italy’s path of love to Sweden's archipelago trail: European hiking routes that opened in 2024

In the year 2024, hiking continued to gain increasing popularity as a travel activity, encompassing everything from walking on established pilgrimage routes to more adventurous treks along hut-to-hut mountain trails.

For some travelers, it is a means to experience solitude. For others, it is a self-care regimen that fosters mindfulness.

It is also a means of visiting less explored regions of a country in an eco-friendly way.

Last year, several new paths were launched, including one of love in Italy and the world's longest circular route in Portugal.

Italy introduced a 7-day long hiking trail in the Dolomites.

A new hiking trail has been opened in Italy's Dolomites mountain range, taking you through the unspoiled and naturally rich landscape of this renowned mountainous area.

The area is named after the ancient Raeti people who inhabited the area prior to the Roman era.

This trail connects various remote villages across the Veneto and Trentino regions. Launched by the social association Carpe Diem, the Cammino Retico starts and ends in Aune di Sovramonte, near the city of Belluno.

The circular route is 170 kilometers long and can usually be completed within a period of seven days.

Italy's path of love is once again open after a span of 10 years

One of Italy's most famous walking routes reopened in 2024 after being closed for more than a decade.

'The Path of Love' is situated midway between Riomaggiore and Manarola. It was permanently closed in 2012 following a landslide that caused injury to four tourists and significant damage to the trail.

After a major renovation, it reopened to walkers on July 27, 2024.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the paved path traverses the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and sea.

Portugal now has the world's longest circular hiking route.

(Walking Portugal).

Still a work in progress, the initial phase of the loop opened in the small town of Alenquer, just north of Lisbon, in July.

The next part of the path is in the coastal Alentejo region in southern Portugal, followed by the mountainous Trás-os-Montes area in the north, with the entire trail expected to be finished within three years.

Sweden has introduced an island-hopping route around the archipelago.

launched in October 2024.

The 170-mile trekking trail interconnects more than 20 islands, offering hikers the opportunity to traverse Sweden's remote, rocky terrain and unspoiled natural environments.

The path is clearly marked and has features, such as seating areas, rest stops, and fireplaces.