Mickanside

Starting from the Place du Marché in Buhl, this themed circular walk traces the textile heritage of the Florival region and the memories of its inhabitants. You’ll pass the Maison Koechlin, which commemorates the Buhl-born engineer responsible for the first design of the Eiffel Tower, walk alongside the former cloth mill and reach one of the replicas of the famous tower dotted around the village. A short stretch through the forest leads to Schweighouse, where ‘memorial cobblestones’ commemorate the fate of deported residents. The return route follows the River Lauch and the remains of the Marin-Astruc spinning mill, climbs up to a mission cross overlooking Buhl, then leads to the Church of St John the Baptist and its altarpiece attributed to the circle of Martin Schongauer.

Bielsko-Biała was formed by the merger of two towns separated by the River Biała: Bielsko in Silesia and Biała in Galicia. This circular route connects their two centres. On the hill in the old town, you’ll discover the Rynek and its arcades, St Nicholas’s Cathedral with its bell tower inspired by Italian campaniles, and the only statue of Martin Luther in Poland. Across the river, the old town of Biała reveals the façades of the ‘little Polish Vienna’, its imposing town hall and the statues of Bolek, Lolek and Reksio, heroes from the country’s oldest animation studio. In the evening, the illuminated monuments and neon lights on the Biała Bridge add to the atmosphere, though the circular route is well worth a stroll at any time of day.

To the north of Kraków, Ojców National Park unfolds its limestone valleys amongst white cliffs, rocky spires and beech forests. Starting from the Złota Góra plateau, this circular route descends into the Prądnik Valley, passes at the foot of the ruins of Ojców Castle and crosses the village before reaching Jaskinia Ciemna, which opens out like a balcony above the valley. The route then takes in the viewing points on Góra Koronna, passes through the rocky gateway of Brama Krakowska and climbs up to Jaskinia Łokietka. The return journey takes you through the coolness of the Dolina Sąspowska, where the path follows the stream from footbridge to footbridge until it reaches a long wooden boardwalk.

A former royal capital situated on the Vistula, Kraków unfolds its cobbled squares, narrow streets and neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct atmosphere. This stroll takes you from one end of the city to the other, from the vast Rynek Główny and St Mary’s Basilica to St Florian’s Gate, then through the Green Ring of the Planty to the Gothic courtyard of the Collegium Maius. You then climb Wawel Hill, between the Cathedral of the Kings of Poland and the ramparts overlooking the river, before greeting the dragon at the foot of the cliff. The route continues to Kazimierz, with its synagogues and terraces, crosses the Vistula via a footbridge adorned with bronze acrobats, then takes in Podgórze, the former independent town. It ends on the hills, between Krakus Hill – an abandoned quarry now overgrown with vegetation – and Ghetto Heroes’ Square.

Starting from Sromowce Niżne, in Lesser Poland, this circular route takes you to the Trzy Korony, the ‘Three Crowns’, whose limestone peaks rise up in the heart of the Pieniny National Park. The ascent begins in the Wąwóz Szopczański, a deep gorge flanked by two high white cliffs, then continues through the forest along a long path of steps to the Przełęcz Szopka pass, where the view already stretches as far as the Tatra Mountains. A final rocky outcrop leads to Okrąglica and its metal walkway clinging to the rock face, suspended above the Dunajec gorge, its villages and its patchwork of fields. The return route winds down the other side, through the Polana Kosarzyska clearing, before plunging back into the forest and returning to the village.

To the east of Wrocław, the Centennial Hall displays its immense concrete dome, a masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This circular walk takes you around the entire site and the surrounding Szczytnicki Park. You’ll walk past the base of the great hall and the slender spire of the Iglica, reach a remarkable log church nestled amongst the trees, then stroll along the banks of the ponds and canals in the landscaped park. You’ll walk alongside the Four Domes Pavilion, passing under the vine-covered pergola whilst admiring the jets of the Multimedia Fountain, opposite the market hall.

Starting from Karpacz in Lower Silesia, this long mountain hike leads to Śnieżka, the highest peak in the Sudetes, on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. You’ll first climb through the wild Sowia Dolina valley, passing over footbridges and past the Kaskada Joanna waterfall, before reaching the long ridge of the Karkonosze Mountains and following its peaks all the way to Śnieżka. The descent runs alongside the Kocioł Małego Stawu glacial cirque and its lake nestled beneath the rock faces, then heads down through the forest towards Karpacz, in the heart of the Karkonosze National Park. Please note that the high ridge remains snow-covered and windswept for much of the year.

A metropolis in Lower Silesia nestled amongst the many branches of the Odra, Wrocław ranks among Poland’s most beautiful cities, with its bridges, islands and hundreds of bronze dwarves hidden on street corners. This stroll takes you from one end of the city to the other, taking in its most iconic sights. You’ll set off in search of the little musician dwarves, cross the vast Rynek lined with colourful patrician houses, stroll along the banks of the Odra opposite the cathedral’s spires, then head for Cathedral Island and its cobbled alleyways. The walk then heads towards the regenerated Nadodrze district and its painted courtyards, crossing a string of islands and bridges as it follows the river, before ending in front of a striking locomotive towering skywards. A wonderful way to discover Wrocław on foot, combining medieval heritage and urban art.

In the heart of Biebrza National Park, Poland’s largest, this circular forest trail circles Fort IV of the Osowiec fortress. Built by the Russian army to block access to the Biebrza Marshes, the stronghold was largely blown up by its garrison during the Great War. Fort IV, the most recent of the four structures and one of the first to be cast entirely in concrete, lies in ruins, overgrown with moss in the middle of a sparse pine forest: gutted barracks, a vaulted powder magazine, small blockhouses and earthen ramparts bordering a moat, overlooked by an observation platform.

On the edge of eastern Poland, the Narew National Park protects a wild river that branches into a multitude of intertwining channels, nicknamed the ‘Amazon of Podlasie’. From the village of Waniewo, the famous kładka – a long wooden footbridge – winds its way through the reed beds and marshes. The walkway is interspersed with waterways which you cross yourself on small floating rafts, hauling yourself along a chain from one bank to the other. Further on, a watchtower stands on the hilltop of the former fortified castle that once guarded the river crossing.

Situated on the banks of the River Narew, on the edge of Podlasie, Tykocin is regarded as one of Poland’s most beautiful small Baroque towns and was for a long time a major centre of Jewish life in the country. This easy circular walk first follows the ‘bulwary’ promenade along the river, opposite the old metal bridge and its willow-lined banks. It then heads into the heart of the town, from the Great Synagogue to the vast square where the statue of Hetman Czarniecki and the Baroque Church of the Holy Trinity stand, before meandering through the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses.

In the heart of Dzūkija National Park, the largest in Lithuania, this nature trail is a circular route that circles the village of Marcinkonys and its surroundings through a vast pine forest. The circular route begins with a string of ponds lined with wooden houses, then winds its way through the pines to a viewing point overlooking the meandering Grūda River. It then reaches the village and its remarkable wooden church with two towers, before crossing a sand dune situated right in the middle of the forest. The return journey takes you through a landscape of peat bogs and streams, bringing you close to unspoilt wilderness and the rich heritage of the region’s ethnographic villages.

On the shores of Lake Galvė, west of Vilnius, this circular route takes you around one of Lithuania’s most iconic sites: Trakai Island Castle, a red-brick Gothic fortress set on the water and connected to the mainland by long wooden footbridges. The route first heads up Karaimų Street, the historic heart of the Karaite community with its traditional wooden houses, before reaching the castle island and then a viewpoint offering a full view of the castle rising above the lake, before returning along the lakeshore. An easy stroll, combining heritage and water, ideal for a half-day in Trakai.

Set on a high terrace overlooking the Pajauta Valley and the River Neris, in the heart of Lithuania, this route takes you around one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kernavė was one of the first Lithuanian towns and a medieval capital of the Grand Duchy, which no longer exists. All that remains of the ancient city are five fortified hills – large, grassy mounds with flat summits, separated by deep ravines and linked by wooden stairways. The trail then descends into the Pajauta Valley, follows a reconstructed log road and passes through a medieval timber-framed village, before returning via the heights overlooking the meandering Neris.

In the heart of Biržai Regional Park, in northern Lithuania, this short circular walk takes you around a unique geological site: the Kirkilai Karst Lakes. Here, the dissolution of underground gypsum has carved out a multitude of small basins – known as dolines – which are now filled with water and surrounded by grassy strips of land. The path leads from one basin to the next via wooden footbridges, winding through reeds and birch trees. At the start stands a tall wooden tower, shaped like a boat or a crescent moon, whose viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the entire mosaic of lakes and the surrounding countryside. An ideal walk for an easy family outing, bringing you up close to a rare natural wonder.

In Pärnu County, in south-western Estonia, this nature trail winds its way along a boardwalk through one of the country’s most unique landscapes. It first climbs a pine-covered sand dune – one of the highest in the country – where a tall wooden tower offers sweeping views over the Tolkuse bog and its mosaic of pools. The circular route then heads into the heart of the marsh, to a viewing platform situated on the edge of the largest pool, before returning through a damp birch forest.

On Estonia’s west coast, Haapsalu’s wooden houses and promenades stretch along the edge of a shallow bay; this former seaside resort was once prized for its therapeutic mud. This circular walk takes in the main sights. You’ll first reach the medieval bishop’s castle and its cathedral, then head to the seafront and its wooden viewing platforms overlooking the bay. You then walk along vast coastal meadows where, in spring, huge flocks of migratory geese gather, before skirting the bay along its tranquil shores, from where the picture-postcard view of the castle rising above the water comes into view. The return journey takes you past the historic railway station and its railway museum, renowned for its very long covered wooden platform. An ideal getaway combining heritage, the seaside and birdwatching.

To the west of Tallinn, on the banks of the River Keila and very close to the Gulf of Finland, Keila-Joa Manor Park unfolds its paths and lawns beneath tall trees. This circular walk first takes you to the foot of Keila Juga Waterfall, one of Estonia’s widest waterfalls, which can be viewed from both banks via a series of footbridges. It then crosses the park and its stone-lined canal, winds its way up the wooded valley to the ruins of Meremõisa Manor, before reaching the Benckendorff Chapel-Mausoleum, nestled in a pine forest on Kabelimägi Hill. An ideal walk combining the power of a waterfall with the charm of a park steeped in history.

As Finland’s second-oldest town, Porvoo (Borgå) boasts one of the country’s finest clusters of wooden houses along the banks of the River Porvoonjoki. This circular walk takes you around the old town along both banks of the river. You’ll walk down the cobbled alleyways leading down from the medieval cathedral, skirt a reed-lined pond offering a picture-postcard view of the colourful houses, pass the old railway museum and its railcar, then reach a panoramic rock overlooking the river. After crossing the bridge, you’ll follow the quay and its marina before heading back up to the higher parts of the old town. An ideal stroll to take your time exploring one of Finland’s most iconic sites.

In the heart of Valkmusa National Park, in southern coastal Finland, this circular walk takes you through one of the largest peat bogs on the Finnish coast. The Simonsaari trail initially winds its way along boardwalks through a sparse birch forest, before opening out onto the vast, open expanse of the domed peat bog, dotted with pools and dwarf pines. At its centre, an observation tower offers sweeping views over the bog and its forest edge. It is a renowned spot for birdwatching, particularly for waders passing through in spring. An ideal nature outing for an easy walk, bringing you up close to a fragile and unspoilt environment.

On the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, this circular walk takes you on a tour of Lappeenranta during the golden hour of evening. From the harbour, you’ll walk alongside the marina’s jetties, its boats and waterside terraces, before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the lake dotted with wooded islands. Further on, a large wooden staircase descends from a wooded headland overlooking the lake. The return route climbs up to the fortress (Linnoitus), the old fortified town with its cobbled streets and wooden houses, which is home to museums and the country’s oldest Orthodox church.

In the heart of Koli National Park, in North Karelia, this hike leads to the summit of Ukko-Koli, the park’s most famous viewpoint. Starting from the western shore of Lake Pielinen, the route first descends through the boreal forest of pine and spruce, passing white quartzite boulders and a wetland criss-crossed by footbridges, before climbing back up to the open heights. Up there, the light-coloured rock slab offers a sweeping panorama of Lake Pielinen, dotted with islands – a landscape that has inspired painters and composers and is counted amongst Finland’s national landscapes. An ideal getaway to discover one of the most iconic sites of Finnish nature. Please note that in winter conditions, the entire route is not always accessible.

Starting from the Grimsel Pass in the Bernese Alps, this mountain hike ascends to the summit of the Sidelhorn before descending through the valley of the high-altitude lakes. The route first climbs above the Totensee and its mountain-pass hotel, along a stony path that soon overlooks the Rhône Valley and the surrounding glacial peaks. The final ascent involves scrambling up a rocky ridge to a wide viewpoint overlooking the High Bernese Alps and their glaciers. The return route runs alongside the Jostsee, a small mountain lake, before following a balcony-like path back towards the pass. A true alpine ascent, to be attempted only in the height of summer, in fine, dry weather, and reserved for seasoned walkers wishing to experience the Swiss high mountains.

This short, highly symbolic circular route invites you to discover the Talvisodan monumentti, a key site commemorating the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, where the setting helps to convey the harshness of the fighting that took place here during the winter of 1939–1940. The route crosses the memorial before turning back through the neighbouring forest.

This circular forest trail leads to one of Finland’s most remarkable prehistoric sites: the Hossa rock paintings. The route winds through the peaceful landscapes of Hossa National Park, between lakes and the taiga. The highlight is at the shore of Lake Somerjärvi, where a cliff face adorned with figures dating back several millennia serves as a reminder of the ancient importance of these waterways.

Ölökyn ylitys offers one of the finest highlights of Hossa National Park. This route runs alongside the Julma-Ölkky lake-canyon, between steep cliffs, boreal forest and rocky sections. A highlight of the route is crossing the canyon via a 45-metre-long suspension bridge.

The Riisin rääpäsy circular route offers a fine overview of the iconic landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park. From the boreal forests to the open heights of the tunturi, the route alternates between viewpoints, wetlands and Lappish scenery. The park is particularly renowned for its almost surreal winter landscapes: the spruce trees are covered in a thick layer of frost and snow, forming spectacular white silhouettes.

This route offers one of the most beautiful ways to explore Skuleberget: a short but intense climb via the Grottstigen, right up close to the cliffs and rocks, followed by a gentler, panoramic descent via the Höga Kusten Stigen. With its caves, steep sections, summit overlooking the Baltic Sea and visible traces of post-glacial rebound, this hike encapsulates all the scenic power of the Höga Kusten.

Immerse yourself in history as you wander the narrow streets of Gammelstad, the best-preserved church town in all of Scandinavia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route invites you to stroll around its15th-century stone church, the focal point around which the streets developed to accommodate more than 400 picturesque wooden cottages, painted in traditional Falun red, to welcome isolated farmers who would converge on these refuges for the weekend to attend the obligatory mass.

In the heart of Skuleskogen National Park, this route offers a spectacular immersion in the wild landscapes of the Swedish High Coast. Passing through boreal forests, scree slopes, tranquil lakes and panoramic views of the Baltic Sea, the route leads to the iconic sites of Slåttdalsskrevan and Slåttdalsberget. A varied and evocative hike, where every step tells the impressive geological story of a landscape that has been rising day by day since the last ice age.

Lilla Bruksrundan invites you to discover Axmar bruk, a site steeped in Swedish industrial history set in peaceful surroundings. Amidst the remains of the forge, an English-style park and ponds, the walk reveals the unique atmosphere of a former ironworks estate. Easy and pleasant, this route offers a different perspective on the landscape, blending memories of labour, unassuming heritage and the melancholic charm of abandoned places.

The Bändan route offers a wonderful immersion in one of the most unique landscapes of Färnebofjärden. Here, the Dalälven creates a world of water, wet forests and small islands, where the boreal atmosphere of the north meets the more southern deciduous trees: this is the Limes Norrlandicus, the biological boundary between northern and southern Sweden.

North of Uppsala, in the old town, this short route invites you to discover one of Sweden’s most iconic historical sites. With its grand royal burial mounds, open landscapes and traces of ancient Scandinavia, the route offers a peaceful immersion in a site steeped in legends and Viking history.

Enjoy a wonderful exploration of Uppsala, taking in its historical heritage, cultural sites and green spaces. Starting from the city centre, the route takes in the city’s major must-sees: the cathedral, the university, the botanical gardens and the castle, before winding its way back through Stadsträdgården park. A pleasant city walk, ideal for exploring Uppsala on foot with ease.

This pleasant city walk, easily accessible by metro, invites you to discover the most iconic aspects of the Swedish capital in a single day. Throughout this route, you’ll have the chance to explore exceptional sites that are entirely free to visit, ranging from the elegance of Östermalm’s market halls and the Strandvägen waterfront to the medieval alleyways of Gamla Stan, home to Stortorget Square, the Royal Palace and the cathedral. The route will also take you to the island of Södermalm to explore the trendy atmosphere of SoFo, the green spaces of Tantolunden, as well as the city’s most beautiful panoramic views from the heights of Skinnarviksberget and the Monteliusvägen trail, before ending at the Parliament.

This route invites you on a journey through time in the heart of Östergötland. Linking the cobbled streets of Stadskvarteren (the historic quarter of Gamla Linköping) to the authentic barns of Valla Gård via the wooded paths of the nature reserve, this walk harmoniously combines the tranquillity of the forest with the charm of a traditional Swedish town. A perfect blend of fresh air and living heritage.

The Ellen Keys Trail is an ideal circular walk for exploring the varied landscapes of Omberg. From Stocklycke, the trail passes through forests, coastal beech woods and offers views of Lake Vättern, climbing up to Hjässan, the summit of Omberg, and passing close to Ellen Key’s house. Combining nature, history and panoramic views, this route offers a pleasant walk within the nature reserve.

Set within the Västanå Nature Reserve, this short walk invites you to discover the charming historic village of Röttle on the shores of Lake Vättern and the River Röttleån, with its rapids and waterfall, a reminder of the importance water once held for the area’s old mills.

This walk begins in the charming fishing village of Kåseberga, climbs up to the majestic megalithic monument of Ales Stenar overlooking the Baltic Sea, before following the coastal ridges offering beautiful sea views. This route, both easy and wild, perfectly combines the rugged natural beauty of the coast with the mystery of Swedish history.

Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Österlen on this superb circular walk in the heart of Stenshuvud National Park. This exceptional route invites you to traverse a mosaic of striking landscapes, alternating between dense woodland, a sandy shoreline and a wild rocky coast dominated by its historic lighthouse. Your walk will then take you to the three peaks of this crystalline massif, where the remains of an Iron Age fortress and the legends of the giant Sten blend with a magnificent panorama of the Baltic Sea.

This pleasant route, accessible by metro, will guide you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Along this route, you’ll have the chance to explore exceptional and completely free sites, such as the Copenhagen Botanical Garden,the famous picturesque harbour of Nyhavn, the unmissable Little Mermaid statue,the Copenhagen Citadel (Kastellet),the monumental Gefion Fountain andthe majestic Marble Church (Marmorkirken).

This circular route is the medium-length route among the three official trails offered on the Hindsgavl peninsula, in the heart of Lillebælt Nature Park. The route runs along the wild north coast, where you can see the two Little Belt bridges, and crosses the historic grounds of Hindsgavl Castle. Its main feature is that half the route is within the wildlife park enclosure and half outside it, offering a wonderful combination of architectural heritage and the chance to observe the park’s large deer.

The Auttikönkään Luontopolku is a short circular walk that showcases several aspects of Finnish Lapland: a powerful waterfall, a deep-gorge river, an unspoilt boreal forest and a few traces of the history of timber floating.

Starting from Mirecourt, this loop is an enjoyable way to discover the heritage and countryside of the Vosges. The route passes through varied landscapes: village lanes, hedged paths, open fields and rivers crossed by charming wooden footbridges. Along the way, you will reach the village of Poussay and then Mazirot. Between nature and heritage, this accessible hike offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a half-day outing.

The Llogara Circle (sometimes called the Maja e Thanasit circular hike) is an iconic hike in Llogara National Park, in the heart of the Albanian Riviera. From the road pass, the route traces a large loop that skims the ridge, overlooks the Ionian Sea, then plunges back into a forest of ancient black pines. Get ready to enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean, nearly1,400metres below!

This walk between Soultz-Haut-Rhin and Jungholtz takes you along the Way of the Cross from the Rote Rain Memorial to the famous Thierenbach Basilica, before crossing the village of Jungholtz to reach Mittelbourg and its vineyards, and finally returning to the starting point near the stork park in Soultz/Wuenheim.

Starting from a chapel in the village of Linthal, you’ll climb through the forest overlooking the village, passing through pretty, flower-filled clearings and enjoying lovely views of the village below.

This circular route, which runs mainly through woodland, will take you to explore the ruins of the former Schwartzenthann convent, before climbing a little higher into the woods.

Starting from the centre of Wintzfelden, this circular walk will take you to the Soultzmatt Community Forest along quiet, open paths, amidst meadows full of flowers on fine days.

Starting from the village of Uffholtz, you will walk to Wattwiller, passing through the vineyards on the hill overlooking the two villages.