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European long distance path E1

European long distance path E1

North Cape - Central Italy | 7 Countries | 8,000 km

The European long distance path E1 passes through seven european countries with a total length of about 8,000 km. It starts at North Cape in Norway and leads via Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland to Central Italy. The planned southern end will be the Capo Passero - a first section in Sicily was opened in 2016.

Character of the trail

E1 passes various types of landscapes, cultural and climate zones over a length of 8000km. Even in areas of high population it touches the most attractive areas, concerning landscape and culture while keeping a clear direction. 

Already existing infrastructure of regional or long distance hiking pathways are utilized in some places.

Depending on country and region the difficulty, ease of finding accomodation and "wilderness factor" are different.

  • The northermost stage in Scandinavia is very demanding. You need to carry nutrition for several days, as well as a tent. There are very few fixed accommodations.
  • The central European stage lead through areas with higher population densities, yet they sport beautiful landscapes as well as cultural points of interest. Accommodations are easily reachable so a tent is not necessary. These stages invite you to get familiar with your new long distance hiking hobby, but also to use them for regional hikes or hikes with children.
  • In Switzerland the E1 is a relatively easy way to cross the Alps via the Gotthardpass.
  • The southern stage in Italy leads through the plains around the river Po and across the Appenin. The level of difficulty changes as well as the equipment which needs to be carried along, depending on where you are hiking.

Marking

The E1 is mostly marked in both directions. The type and quality of the markings vary greatly from region to region – the official E1 markings are currently only found sporadically. In the Scandinavian countries, the national hiking trail markings apply. In Germany, the St. Andrew’s Cross is predominantly used alongside the official markings; however, in some regions, local hiking trail markings apply. In Switzerland, the E1 is not marked independently; here, hikers follow various national routes. In Italy, the trail is mostly marked in red and white – sometimes with the addition of “E1” – but the quality of the markings varies greatly by region and is virtually nonexistent in some areas.

Accommodations

  • On the Scandinavian Peninsula, especially in the north, permanent accommodations are few and far between. These are rarely staffed. In addition to the shelters run by hiking associations, there are occasionally simple windbreaks. Here, a tent is the best option, and camping is generally permitted under the "right of public access."
  • In Denmark, camping is permitted at so-called “primitive campsites,” some of which are located along the E1.
  • In Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, there is a sufficiently dense network of permanent and managed accommodations available. Only on a few stages do you need to reach accommodations by taxi or public transportation.
  • In Italy, the accommodation situation varies greatly by region and season.

Overview of all accommodations listed with us

Requirements / Difficulty Level

The northern section of the route on the Scandinavian Peninsula to Sälen (Sweden) is, in parts, a challenging mountain hike through sparsely populated terrain. Hikers should only attempt this section if they are well-prepared, in good physical condition, and equipped with the appropriate gear. In Norway, hikers should expect to cross rivers, and some sections lack marked trails.

The Central European section (Denmark, Germany, and parts of Switzerland) is not particularly challenging. The length of the stages can often be adapted to individual abilities. Most sections can be easily managed even with children. Only in the low mountain ranges and the Swiss Alps is a certain degree of sure-footedness and physical fitness required.

In Italy, the trail is often challenging along the Apennine ridge, which also requires sure-footedness. In addition, the E1 is in poor condition in some regions of Italy, so it may be necessary to adjust your plans on the spot in certain areas.

Shopping & Groceries

On the Scandinavian Peninsula and in parts of Italy, shopping options are limited. Here, you often have to carry groceries for several days – so it’s essential to plan ahead when it comes to shopping. In Central Europe, the route passes through many towns with plenty of shopping options.

Seasons & Weather

The E1 passes through various climate zones. On the northern Scandinavian peninsula, hiking is generally only possible during the late summer months (due to snow and high water levels in rivers), and even then, cold temperatures and inclement weather are to be expected.

In Denmark and northern Germany, the trail is accessible year-round. In the German low mountain ranges, snow is to be expected in winter. Due to the route’s partly alpine terrain in Switzerland, culminating at the Gotthard Pass (2,106 m), the summer months (July–September) are particularly recommended.

Outside the Po Valley, which is accessible year-round, the E1 trail in Italy runs for long stretches through the Apennine Mountains. This section is largely impassable in winter. Since it can get very hot in summer, the months of May, June, September, and October are recommended; however, thunderstorms are to be expected in the mountains. The risk of forest fires should also be taken into account, especially in southern Italy.

Last text update: 07.05.2026
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