Confession: walk every mountain is what I really mean, and the emphasis belongs on "every mountain". I’m talking about the fantastic challenge of the Via Alpina’s Red Trail – the answer to all your excess energy.
Starting in Monaco and ending in Slovenia, it comprises 161 stages, 4490 kilometres, takes you through eight different countries, makes 40-plus border crossings, and will require an entire walking season (or more) to complete. It’s an amalgamation of some of Europe’s most famous hiking trails, through classically beautiful mountain scenery.
Photo by Dave Massie
If that sounds too daunting, there’s the Blue Trail – a whole 100 stages less (just 61) and a mere three countries. The Green Trail is even gentler: only Liechtenstein and Switzerland’s mountains to contend with.
Then there’s the Yellow Trail, from Trieste on Italy's Adriatic coast to Bavaria in Germany; 40 stages, three countries, stunning alpine panoramas all the way.
Finally, there’s the gorgeous Purple Trail – 66 stages and three countries, including the challenging Eastern Limestone Alps and the fairytale castles of Bavaria, including the dream-like Neuschwanstein and the Linderhof of King Ludwig.
Seriously, this is one fantastic way to see some of Europe’s finest scenery. So, why not explore the possibilities? If you’re not up to the whole 4,490 kilometres, maybe do a single stage (five or six hours) – at least you’ll experience some of what’s on offer. If you’re planning to visit any of the following countries including Monaco, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein or Slovenia, it might just add an extra dimension to your holiday. Although you’ll be in the heart of the Alps, you’ll also be passing through numerous villages and close to big towns, so you’ll always be within reasonable reach of civilization. Great news for those of us who hate carrying tonnes of supplies in our backpacks! A good place to start your Via Alpina research is Gadling.
Finally, a quiet word of advice: book yourself into a gloriously comfortable European hotel (no half-measures) at the end of whatever trail or walk you take. You're going to need it…
Meanwhile, hunt out those hiking boots!
Photo by jeffwilcox