7 Best Long Distance Walks in the World to Add to Your Bucket List

Here are 7 of the best long distance walks around the world!

Do you crave these 2 things: the peace that comes over you when walking for miles on unknown stretches and the rush of exploring new countries and cultures?

I know I do.

I attribute my love of walking to my mom. Wherever she goes, she makes it her mission to explore the area on foot. I remember walking around a random neighborhood with her one spring day as a teenager. With nothing else to do but walk, I focused on the little things — flowers in bloom, the muscles in my legs working, the sound of birds chirping.

My love for walking has only grown since then. In 2019, I did my first long-distance walk on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.

Now, I’m exploring even more walking adventures and helping you do the same! I’ve compiled this list of the top long distance walks is in the world to inspire you. Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list!

7 Best Long Distance Walks in the World

Here are 7 fantastic long distance walks that you can do around the world. So get your comfy shoes on, and let’s go!

1. Camino de Santiago – Spain

The Camino the Santiago is a collection of pilgrimage trails converging in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and is one of the most popular long distance walks in the world!

The burial place of Saint James, this Catholic pilgrimage route is steeped in history, local traditions, and culture. The most popular route is the Camino Frances which begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and takes 4-5 weeks to complete.

However, there are many routes coming from different parts of Spain and greater Europe, and you may complete any section you’d like. If you’d like to receive a completion certificate, you must walk at least the last 100 km from Sarria, which can be completed in 5-6 days.

This spiritual journey takes you through stunning vistas, aligns you with like-minded souls, and perhaps most importantly gives you the chance to rediscover yourself in the presence of God and nature.

Dormitory-style accommodation (mixed-gender) is most common and can be booked each night of the journey.

There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores along the way, allowing you much-needed rest breaks during a long day of walking.

For more detailed information on the Camino de Santiago, check out our ultimate guide.

2. Jeju Olle – South Korea 

Many years ago Korean journalist Suh Myung-suk walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain to rejuvenate herself from excessive work. She was so inspired that she returned home to create a similar long distance walking route on the volcanic island of Jeju, South Korea.

Opening in 2007, the Jeju Olle-gil is now a sophisticated series of 26 trails marked by orange and blue Gansu horses that stretch around the coast of the island. The entire route takes about three weeks (completion certificate available), but you may do any section you’d like as a day hike.

Along the route, visit a variety of small villages, volcanic hills, beaches, farms, and forests. There are a variety of Korean hostels, pensions, resorts and guesthouses scattered throughout the trail to accommodate any budget. You can even rent a homestay with a local Grandma, which is the best way to meet the local people and traditions of Jeju (Have your previous night’s host call ahead and book the homestay if you don’t speak Korean). 

No trip to South Korea would be complete without trying the fresh, traditional food. On Jeju, don’t forget to try the island’s local specialty, Jeju black pork. Experience the beautiful landscape, hospitality, and flavors of Korea on this ever-more-popular thru-hike.

Start your research with the Jeju Olle Guidebook.

3. Via Francigena – England to Italy 

This route known for Saint Francis of Assisi begins in London and makes the pilgrimage 2000 km through France and Switzerland to the Vatican in Rome. Take on the entire route, or choose a small section to enjoy during your visit to Europe. Travel during shoulder (May-June; September-October) to avoid heat exhaustion or closed mountain passes.

Along the way, sample fine wines, meet friendly faces in local villages, and step through majestic landscapes. Don’t forget to pick up a pilgrim’s passport or credential at one of the many tourist offices or participating associations. Just like on the previous two routes, the passport allows access to pilgrim accommodation and local discounts.

Not everyone has 2-3 months to dedicate to a long distance walking route like this. Thus, there are a number of ways to walk the route in combination with public transportation to lessen the load.

A “testimonium” or completion certificate is awarded for pilgrims who have walked the last 100 km by foot (or 200 km by bike), regardless of how (or if) you choose to complete the rest of the route.

4. St. Olav’s Ways – Norway

The series of seven pilgrim paths known as St. Olav’s ways lead to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. The Gudbrandsalen path is the most popular, yet far from busy. Start the 400-mile trek from Oslo to Trondheim, preferably in summer when the weather is most cooperative.

Bonus: St. Olav’s day is July 29th, so plan to arrive around this day to enjoy the festivities.

Traditionally religious in nature, the pilgrim trails are open to anyone seeking respite from their daily life, time in nature, or tourism of the region. On your pilgrimage, hike past historical and cultural landmarks while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Since the trail is not very commonly traveled, book accommodations in advance on this long distance walk so hosts know to expect you. Along with your comfortable bed after a difficult day’s hike, enjoy local, seasonal cuisines. For more information on this long distance walking route, check out this great description on Ottsworld.

3. Chemins de Saint Jacques – France

These pilgrims ways are extensions to the Camino de Santiago (or Way of St. James in English) in Spain. There are four routes with the most popular being Via Podiensis which starts in le Puy-en-Velay. The Via Podiensis or Le Puy Way takes about a month and ends where the Camino Frances begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, just before the France/Spain border.

In terms of scenery, the 740 km Le Puy Way is one of the most beautiful and interesting of the French routes. Picturesque hamlets, volcanic peaks, stunning fields, and medieval architecture lend to wonderful photos and memories.

Once again, acquire a pilgrim’s credential (créanciale) at a tourist office or cathedral in order to to stay at the French gîtes d’étape (refuges) and share communal meals.

A popular reference guidebook series (in French) is the Miam Miam Dodo, adorably named “yumm yumm sleep” in French (what you might say when putting a baby to sleep with a bottle). You’ll certainly sleep like a baby after a long walk! Download the APP in English.

6. Kumano Kodo – Japan

Although pilgrims have walked this ancient and arduous long distance walk across Japan’s Kii Peninsula for over 1,000 years, it’s still relatively unexplored by foreign travelers. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, seven trails make up the Kumano Kodo in the dense Kii mountain range.

The main route is the Nakahechi route (alsa known as the Imperial Route) which spans across the peninsula and takes 4-5 days to complete. Visit a number of shrines along the way before you arrive at the three main sites of worship: the Grand Shrines of Kumano.

Kumano is known as a sacred site of healing and thus has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Although spiritual in origin, the Kumano Kodo trails are open to all active travelers looking to participate in the authentic culture of Japan.

Plan to start this long distance walking trip in the coastal city of Tanabe. At the bilingual Kumano Travel shop near the Kii-Tanabe station, store extra luggage, and get help with reservations, etc. Don’t forget to purchase your credential and ask how you can get a “dual pilgrim” certification if you’ve already hiked the Camino de Santiago!

Busses to the trail head leave from Bus Stop 2 in front of the station. Two Wandering Soles has a great post on how to hike the route on your own.

7. Inca Trail – Peru

The Inca trail is a 4-day, 3 night hike which culminates in a sunrise trek into the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu. Spanning just 40 km (26 miles), this trek is challenging but doable and a must for the active traveler’s bucket list. High in the mountains, you’ll pass through lush jungle and awesome ruins.

Add this long distance walking trip to your itinerary as a great way to end out your trip to South America. Adding on the trek also allows you to acclimatize to the altitude. You’ll need to book the trek several months in advance with an authorized tour company as access to the mountain is limited. Groups will leave in a max of 16 trekkers from all over the globe, and accommodation is at pre-determined campsites. Gear (such as sleeping bags) can be rented from the tour company.

Visit during shoulder season (April-May; September-October) to not only avoid crowds, but also to hit favorable weather conditions. After spending the morning at Machu Pichu, take the train back to Cusco and rest up before heading home. Before you go, check out this ultimate guide for preparing for the Inca trail.

Are long distance walks worth it?

Each long distance walking trip has its own feeling, but they all have a few things in common. On these routes you’ll find historical sites, local culture, cuisine, and good friends.

Whether walking for spiritual reasons, to enjoy nature, or to simply experience tourism in a different way, a thru-hike is a deeply personal experience. It will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to yourself and the relevant country’s community.

Get your gear (which you can use again and again), and even more importantly, travel accident insurance. Then, start training and you’ll be ready for your trip in no time.

Let us know in the comments which route you’ll undertake first. 

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