After over 50 years of fostering a love for walking and hiking across Europe, the European Ramblers Association (ERA) is excited to announce a transformation that will take us into the future of outdoor exploration.

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting hiking, preserving natural landscapes, and connecting communities, we are evolving into the European Hiking Federation, with the additional slogan “Hiking Europe.”

This pivotal decision was taken during our recent ERA 55th Conference, where it was proposed and enthusiastically supported by our participating member organizations. The rebranding reflects our collective vision for the future, ensuring that we continue to represent the voice of hikers and walking enthusiasts across the continent while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Why the Change?

The decision to transition to the name “European Hiking Federation” comes after careful consideration of our role as a central hub for hiking organizations throughout Europe. While the name “European Ramblers Association” (ERA) has served us well for over five decades, we recognize that the term “ramblers” is not universally understood outside specific regions and can be less relevant in today’s context.

In alignment with the European Union and international institutions, the term “Federation” better reflects our structure as an umbrella organization that represents multiple national associations. This shift will improve our visibility, especially when engaging with official bodies, partners, and the broader public.

What does this mean for our members and partners?

Continuity and growth: While our name is changing, our mission remains the same. We are still the organization that built the network of E-paths and developed initiatives like Leading Quality Trails and Quality Day Walks. Our dedication to supporting walking and hiking as a means of connecting people with nature and each other remains unwavering.
Simplified communication: Our new name, European Hiking Federation, is easier to communicate, understand, and remember. It aligns more closely with the modern identity of hiking across Europe, making it more recognizable to a global audience.
Hiking Europe: Alongside the name change, we’re introducing a fresh slogan: “Hiking Europe.” This phrase captures the spirit of our work — connecting people with the diverse and beautiful landscapes across Europe. Whether you’re traversing an E-path from country to country or exploring a Leading Quality Trail, Hiking Europe defines the experiences we stand for.
Dual branding during transition: We understand the importance of maintaining a connection with our long history, so for the time being, we will use both names. The name “European Hiking Federation” will be introduced in conjunction with ERA-EWV-FERP, allowing for a smooth transition. Our members and partners will have time to adjust, and both names will be used in our communications where appropriate.

What’s next?

As part of this rebranding, we have also secured the domain hiking-federation.eu, which will serve as a central hub for our work. This domain will redirect to our existing website, era-ewv-ferp.org, where all our current content and initiatives can be accessed. hiking-federation.eu will become the primary home of the European Hiking Federation online.

In the coming months, you will notice gradual updates to our website, social media, and promotional materials to reflect this exciting transformation. We will continue to provide valuable resources and information for hikers across Europe, but with a refreshed identity that better represents our role in the outdoor community.

A journey of collaboration

This change wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our member organizations, partners, and the hikers who have been with us along the way. The European Hiking Federation is not just a new name—it represents a renewal of our commitment to safeguarding Europe’s trails, promoting walking as a healthy and sustainable activity, and fostering connections between people and nature.

We look forward to embarking on this next chapter with you. Together, we are not just walking Europe — we are Hiking Europe.