The New Wolf Trail Route: 3,500 km on foot from Poland to Italy

A new hiking trail called the Wolf Trail, nearly 3,500 km long, has opened in Europe. It connects the coasts of the Baltic and Adriatic Seas and passes through six countries. Learn more about the trail, its main stages, the duration of the trip, and conditions for hikers

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It’s now possible to see nearly all of Central Europe on a single hiking trip thanks to the Wolf Trail. The new route begins on the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea, crosses plains, forests, and the Alps, and ends near the Adriatic Sea in Italy. According to Time Out, its total length is 3,494 km.

The route isn’t just for experienced travelers willing to spend several months on the road. The Wolf Trail is divided into seven separate sections, so hikers can choose a shorter stretch based on their fitness level and available time. GPX files have been developed for navigation, and the route passes through towns, official campgrounds, and mountain huts.

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From the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea: Which Countries Does the Wolf Trail Pass Through?

The Wolf Trail begins on the Hel Peninsula in northern Poland and ends in Trieste on the Adriatic coast. The total length of the continuous route is approximately 3,494 km.

The trail passes through six countries:

- Poland

- Germany

- Switzerland

- Austria

- Slovenia

- Italy

The first 428 km run along the flat Polish coast—through sandy beaches, pine forests, and the dunes of the Słowiński National Park. The route then leads through medieval German towns, the Lüneburg Heath, and the Palatinate and Black Forest regions to Lake Constance.

The southern section of the Wolf Trail is significantly more challenging. It covers Alpine passes, the Allgäu region, the Dolomites, and the Julian Alps, including the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. After lengthy mountain sections, the route descends to the Adriatic Sea and ends near Trieste.

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The Seven Sections of the Wolf Trail: How the Route Is Structured

The Wolf Trail is not an entirely new trail built from scratch. Jack Wolfskin has combined existing hiking routes—including sections of the European trails E1, E9, and Via Alpina—into a single continuous route.

The entire trail is divided into seven major sections, each of which can be hiked separately:

1. Baltic Start – approximately 430 km. The route from Hel to Świnoujście runs along Polish beaches, dunes, and coastal pine forests.

2. Rivers and Plains – approximately 530 km. The trail leads from the island of Usedom through the Mecklenburg coast, lake districts, and the Elbe Valley.

3. The Green Heart – about 480 km. The section from Gestacht to Marsberg covers the Lüneburg Heath, fields, and low, wooded hills.

4. Forests and Wine-Growing Regions – about 570 km. Hikers pass through the Rothgar mountain region, nature parks, and the wine-growing areas of the Palatinate.

5. From the Palatinate to Lake Constance – over 570 km. The route crosses the Black Forest and gradually approaches the Alps.

6. The Alpine Gateway – about 390 km. The more challenging mountainous section begins, passing through the Lake Constance region, Switzerland, Austria, and the Allgäu Alps.

7. Crossing the Alps – over 550 km. The most challenging stage passes through high-altitude mountain passes, the Dolomites, and the Julian Alps, before descending to the Adriatic Sea.

Thanks to this division, travelers don’t have to complete the entire “Wolf Trail.” A single stage can be turned into a standalone trip lasting two to four weeks.

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How long does it take to complete the route?

Completing the entire Wolf Trail takes approximately four to six months. The exact duration depends on your pace, the number of rest days, weather conditions, and your experience as a hiker. To cover 3,494 km during this period, you’ll need to hike an average of about 20–30 km per day, although your pace will be significantly slower in the mountains.

The main challenge of the route lies not only in its length. The total elevation gain exceeds 78,400 meters—which is roughly equivalent to climbing from sea level to the summit of Everest nine times. On the final stretches, hikers will have to tackle Alpine passes up to 2,500–3,000 meters high, steep ascents, and exposed mountain trails.

At the same time, the difficulty of the Wolf Trail increases gradually. The flat section along the Baltic Sea helps hikers acclimate to daily treks, while the most demanding physical challenges await in the Dolomites and the Julian Alps. Hikers without experience in multi-day treks are better off choosing a single shorter section rather than attempting the entire route at once.

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When is the best time to hike the Wolf Trail?

The best time to hike the Wolf Trail is considered to be from April through September. If a hiker plans to complete the entire route, starting in the spring will allow them to hike the flat sections of Poland and Germany in moderate temperatures and reach the Alps in the summer, when most high-altitude trails are free of snow.

Weather conditions vary significantly along different parts of the route. On the Baltic coast, hikers may encounter rain and strong winds, while in the southern regions, the main risks are heat, thunderstorms, and sudden weather changes in the mountains. Even in late summer, a sharp drop in temperature is possible at high mountain passes.

For a standalone trip through the Alps, it’s best to choose the summer months or early September, after checking trail conditions and the forecast in advance. Venturing into high-altitude areas in late fall or early spring without the proper experience is dangerous due to snow, ice, and the risk of pass closures.

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Overnight Stops, Navigation, and Trip Preparation

GPX files are available for each section of the Wolf Trail; you can download them into a navigation app or add them to a digital topographic map. They help you track the route, elevation changes, water sources, settlements, overnight stops, and resupply points. Since part of the trail passes through remote areas, it’s a good idea to save the maps on your phone for offline use.

The route passes through cities, villages, official campgrounds, guesthouses, and mountain huts. In Germany and Poland, campgrounds, hostels, and small hotels are more commonly available, while in the Alps, hikers can stay in high-altitude huts and remote lodges. Popular mountain huts in Austria, Italy, and Slovenia are often fully booked in the summer, so it’s best to reserve a spot in advance.

Wild camping is regulated separately in each country and is often prohibited or significantly restricted. Before setting up a tent, be sure to check local regulations, as spending the night outside of designated areas can result in a fine.

When preparing, you should also:

- Check the forecast and conditions at mountain passes

- Download offline maps and GPX tracks

- Plan overnight stops and resupply points

- Pack waterproof, layered clothing

- Prepare a first-aid kit, a power bank, and a backup communication device

- Notify loved ones of your planned route

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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