13 Breathtaking International Hiking Trails That Cross Borders

Nothing beats lacing up your boots and striding into another country, right? If you love the thrill of crossing borders on foot, this guide’s for you. Whether you want to bag peaks in the Alps, ramble along Mediterranean shores, or lose yourself in wild mountain passes, these international hiking trails deliver adventure, storybook scenery, and unforgettable memories. Some follow ancient pilgrim paths, while others are ambitious modern projects stitching together new routes over continents. Ready for stories to last a lifetime? Let’s get going!

Camino de Santiago (France, Spain, Portugal)

This legendary pilgrimage trail wends its way from France and Portugal into Spain, ending at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The most popular section is the Camino Francés, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. But you’ll also find trails heading in from Lisbon and Porto in Portugal. You’ll trek through medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and buzzing towns filled with other pilgrims, all chasing that famous cathedral square ending. Many say this is more than just a hike, it’s a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie.

Read more about the best long walks in the world, including the Camino de Santiago.

Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)

One of Europe’s most celebrated alpine treks, the Tour du Mont Blanc loops around the towering Mont Blanc massif. You’ll start and finish in France but cross into both Switzerland and Italy. Wake up each morning with new mountain views and cultures—baguettes in France, espresso in Italy, and chocolate in Switzerland! This 170 kilometer trail features glacier-carved valleys, flower-filled meadows, and cozy mountain refuges.

Via Dinarica (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia)

Looking for something wild and less traveled? The Via Dinarica runs through spectacular limestone peaks, high pastoral plateaus, and deep forests in the Balkans. The longest route, known as the White Trail, connects Slovenia and Albania, passing through six other countries along the rugged spine of the Dinaric Alps. You’ll soak up Balkan hospitality (don’t be surprised if you’re invited in for homemade cheese or rakija) and gaze over endless vistas.

E1 European Long Distance Path (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy)

At nearly 5,000 miles, the E1 is epic by any standard. Starting north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, it unfurls all the way down to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast in Italy. Take it in sections or go big—either way, you’ll cross lush forests, mountain passes, historic villages, and buzzing cities. This walk highlights Europe’s mind-blowing diversity. Mountain peaks, quaint towns, and even urban strolls in Hamburg or Milan—you won’t get bored.

Pacific Crest Trail (United States, Canada)

You know its US section from movies and books, but did you know the Pacific Crest Trail also touches Mexico and Canada? Many northbound hikers finish at the Canadian border in British Columbia, with some extra-stealthy folks heading further into the Great White North (permit rules apply). Expect desert blooms, snowy mountains, and towering forests. You’ll meet a parade of thru-hikers, trail angels, and maybe the occasional black bear.

Great Himalaya Trail (Nepal, Bhutan, India, Tibet (China))

This beast of a trek spans roughly 3,000 miles, linking high passes and remote villages across four distinct cultures and landscapes—Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet. Snow-capped mountains, rolling meadows, rhododendron forests, and wild river valleys show off the grandeur of the world’s tallest range. The trek emphasizes responsible travel and brings real benefits to Himalayan communities.

Find big-picture info on long-distance border-crossing hiking with Backpacker’s guide to international thru-hikes.

Pyrenean Haute Route (France, Spain, Andorra)

This high adventure straddles the dramatic ridge between France and Spain, with an optional hop into pocket-sized Andorra. Expect rocky, wild, and remote terrain. You’ll climb passes, scramble over boulders, and earn soul-stirring vistas of jagged peaks as you traverse one of Europe’s last real frontiers. Pro tip: save room in your pack for cheese and cured meats from both sides of the border!

Alpe-Adria Trail (Austria, Slovenia, Italy)

Craving Alpine magic along with Mediterranean breezes? The Alpe-Adria connects Austria’s mighty Grossglockner mountain with the blue-green Adriatic Sea, passing through lush valleys, vineyards, and cliff-hugging villages. Highlights include Slovenia’s picture-perfect Lake Bled and Italy’s coastal towns near Trieste. It’s ideal for trekkers who want a bit of everything—mountains, lakes, wine, and sun.

Balkan Peace Trail (Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia)

This newer trail celebrates peace, natural beauty, and heritage in the Western Balkans. It links several existing paths, cutting through ancient forests, UNESCO-protected sites, and the kind of tucked-away villages where locals still offer fresh bread and cheese. Hospitable hosts and hearty Balkan food power each day’s miles. You’ll need strong legs, but the rewards are endless.

International Appalachian Trail (United States, Canada, Greenland, parts of Europe)

Best known for winding from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail doesn’t stop at the US border. The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) stretches into Canada’s Atlantic provinces, with branches in Greenland, Scotland, Norway, Ireland, Spain, Morocco, and more. Trekking the IAT connects you to deep-time geology and the friendliness of the trail community, no matter the border.

Read more about multi-country hiking trails to add to your bucket list.

Rota Vicentina & GR11 (Portugal, Spain, France)

The southwestern tip of Europe offers some serious coastal magic. The Rota Vicentina weaves through Portugal into Spain, meeting the GR11, which continues across the Pyrenees into France. Sandy tracks, sea cliffs, small fishing towns—if wildflowers and salty air call your name, tread here! The GR11, on the other hand, covers the entire Spanish side of the Pyrenees before dipping into France.

Sella Ronda (Italy, Austria, Switzerland)

Loop around the spectacular Dolomites starting in Italy, then veer into Austria and Switzerland for unbeatable mountain hospitality. Trails snake between dramatic rocky towers and flower-filled basins. Charming alpine villages will tempt you to linger over a steaming strudel or handmade pasta. Feels like walking through a fairytale—one that crosses three distinct cultures.

Find new inspiration for upcoming trips with the best hiking destinations for 2025.

Via Alpina (France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Slovenia)

The Via Alpina doesn’t just cross a border—it crosses EIGHT. This grand network of five trails follows the backbone of the Alps, with routes colored Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Purple. You’ll experience everything from high glaciers to lush valleys, and you’ll dip into both tiny principalities and busy mountain towns. This is the ultimate European mountain sampler.

Curious about new and trending hiking adventures? Check out the top new hiking trips for 2025.

The Bottom Line

Crossing borders on foot is pure magic. You see landscapes shift, languages change, and new foods appear at every stop. These long-distance, multi-country trails aren’t just about putting one foot in front of the other—they connect cultures, bring people together, and put a big, happy grin on your face. Whether you tackle the whole trail or just a juicy section, you’ll walk away with stories, friendships, and a passport full of stamps you really earned. Lace up, start planning, and get ready for adventure you’ll talk about for years to come. Happy trails!