Travel Green, Hike Green
Your hiking adventure begins with a choice – a choice to care for nature from the moment you leave home. Sustainable transportation options like trains, buses, and bikes reduce your environmental footprint and connect you to Europe’s most scenic trails in a relaxing, eco-friendly way.
Discover the beauty of ERA’s E-paths and Leading Quality Trails (LQT) while traveling sustainably. Let’s protect nature together by making thoughtful travel choices.
Why travel sustainably?
- Protect the Planet: Reduce carbon emissions and pollution.
- Enjoy the journey: Travel slowly and experience stunning landscapes along the way.
- Reach scenic destinations: Trains and buses connect you directly to trailheads or nearby towns.
- Support local communities: Choose transportation that integrates with rural and regional economies.
Travel to ERA trails by train
Europe boasts one of the world’s most extensive and reliable rail networks, making reaching the start of your trail sustainably easier. Trains offer a comfortable, scenic, and low-impact way to explore E-paths and LQTs.
How it works:
- Plan your route: Use platforms like Trainline, Deutsche Bahn, or Eurail.
- Combine local transport: At smaller stations, connect to buses, shuttles, or local bike rentals.
- Enjoy the experience: Sit back, relax, and let the journey inspire your hike.
Highlighted trails accessible by train
E6 – From Sweden to Greece
- Germany—easy access by train: Start your journey in Hamburg, where trains connect you to nearby trailheads.
- Austria – Scenic rail routes: Travel to Salzburg or Innsbruck and step directly into nature.
E1 – Through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and beyond
- Denmark: Stations in Aarhus and Horsens make accessing the E1 both simple and sustainable.
- Switzerland: Reach picturesque trail sections by connecting via Zurich or Lucerne.
Leading Quality Trail: Rheinsteig (Germany)
- Nearest station: Koblenz or Wiesbaden
- Rail connections: Frequent regional trains connect directly to the trail’s start points.
- Combine with biking: Rent bikes at stations to enhance your eco-friendly journey.
Plan your trip – tools and resources
Make your sustainable journey smooth with these resources:
- Train travel platforms:
- Rail Passes for hikers:
- Local transport connections: Use regional bus networks or eco-shuttles to trailheads.
- Bike-friendly travel: Check bike policies for trains and rent bikes locally.
Hikers’ voices – real sustainable journeys
“I took a train from Copenhagen to Germany to start my E6 hike. The journey was beautiful and stress-free, and I felt great knowing I was reducing my carbon footprint.”
— Anna, Denmark
“Traveling to the Rheinsteig by train was seamless. I arrived right at the trailhead and didn’t need a car at all!”
— Markus, Germany
Start your sustainable adventure today
Ready to explore Europe’s most beautiful trails while traveling green?
Join us in protecting nature
Sustainability starts with small steps. By choosing trains, buses, and bikes, you’re making a big difference. Let’s work together to preserve Europe’s natural treasures and ensure they remain accessible for generations to come.