A new marathon hiking trail has opened up, from the Baltic to Trieste.

A new long-distance hiking trail has officially opened, offering adventurers a challenging yet scenic route spanning nearly 3,500 kilometers from the Baltic Sea to Trieste. The trail, named The Wolf Trail, connects Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia, passing through six countries and traversing almost 80,000 meters of elevation gain. It is designed for seasoned hikers who seek extended journeys, with each segment requiring careful planning due to its demanding nature. The trail begins on the Polish peninsula of Hel, which borders the Baltic Sea, and ends in Trieste, Italy. It is divided into seven segments, with the final two, running from Constance to Oberstdorf and then to Trieste, being considered the most challenging. These sections cross mountainous terrain and alpine regions, making them unsuitable for winter hiking. The route passes through notable landscapes such as the Black Forest, vineyards, forests, and national parks, including the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. The trail was developed by Jack Wolfskin, a manufacturer of outdoor gear, with the aim of encouraging long-distance hiking. The company’s designers intended to create a path that would appeal to experienced hikers, incorporating campsites, mountain huts, and smaller towns where hikers can rest. However, they also caution that camping in certain areas is strictly prohibited, emphasizing the need for preparedness and respect for local regulations. The first leg of the journey runs from Hel to Świnoujście, a town on the Polish-German border, covering 430 kilometers along the Baltic coast. The second section extends another 530 kilometers from Uedersdorf to Geesthacht near Hanover, passing through flat countryside. From there, the trail moves into rolling hills and forested areas, leading to Marsberg after 480 kilometers. The fourth segment, stretching 572 kilometers, takes hikers through dense woods and vineyards toward Bad Dürkheim. The fifth part, also 573 kilometers, leads through the Schwarzwald region to Constance, a city on the border of Germany and Switzerland. From Constance, the trail continues westward to Oberstdorf, covering 373 kilometers through alpine landscapes, before concluding in Trieste with a final stretch of 558 kilometers. This last leg crosses some of the most rugged terrain, including the Alps, and requires both physical endurance and navigational skill. According to reports, the entire trail is deemed safe, as confirmed by well-known long-distance hiker Lauren Roerick, one of many experienced hikers currently traveling the route. Jack Wolfskin notes that completing the entire trail typically takes four to six months, with individual segments ranging from two to four weeks. They advise hikers to plan carefully, especially if attempting the entire route in one continuous trip. The final two segments, due to their exposure to snow and ice, are not recommended for winter travel. The trail offers a unique opportunity for adventure seekers, combining natural beauty with the challenge of long-distance hiking.