Character
A vast European route that changes dramatically region by region. Not a single homogeneous trek but a patchwork of lowlands, forests, hills, the Jura and the Alps.
GR Routes
GR5 North Sea to Mediterranean
A monumental European line that can be walked as a lifetime thru-hike or through beautiful individual regions.
Overview
GR5 is one of Europe's greatest long-distance routes. For Trailio's first version we include it mainly as inspiration for modular planning: independent regions, different seasons and a wide range in stage difficulty.
- Distance
- 2,200 km
- Time
- 90-130 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Total elevation gain
- 60,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 1,324 m a.s.l. · Briancon
Nizozemsko, Belgie, Lucembursko, Francie
2,200 km · 10 stages · ↑ 60,000 m
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
Budget GR5 by region: Benelux is cheaper logistically, the alpine section is pricier and seasonal.
Low-lying regions have a wider season; alpine sections are best July to September. A full traverse requires careful timing for the high sections.
What to expect
Who it's for
People who want a long-term project or enjoy selecting individual sections by season and fitness.
Suggested pace
A full traverse can take 90–130 days. For planning it is more practical to work with regions: Ardennes, Vosges, Jura, Alps.
Logistics
A strength of GR5 is its many transport connections. The big challenge is consistent planning of accommodation and seasons across several countries.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Resupply is frequent in the north. In the Alps plan refills by valley: Thonon/Saint-Gingolph, around Chamonix, Modane, Briançon and the Mercantour.
Permits & regulations
No single permit; in the Vanoise, Écrins and Mercantour parks follow bivouac and waymarked trail rules.
Why go
- One of Europe's greatest long-distance routes.
- Great for collecting regions progressively.
- Strong potential for future sectional guides.
Watch out for
- Difficulty changes dramatically by region.
- A long route means higher risk of fatigue, logistical changes and weather.
- It is important to show users sections, not just the total length.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for North Sea to Mediterranean?
Low-lying regions have a wider season; alpine sections are best July to September. A full traverse requires careful timing for the high sections.
How hard is North Sea to Mediterranean?
North Sea to Mediterranean is rated as Hard. A vast European route that changes dramatically region by region. Not a single homogeneous trek but a patchwork of lowlands, forests, hills, the Jura and the Alps.
How many days does North Sea to Mediterranean take?
North Sea to Mediterranean usually takes 90–130 days. A full traverse can take 90–130 days. For planning it is more practical to work with regions: Ardennes, Vosges, Jura, Alps.
Do I need a permit for North Sea to Mediterranean?
No single permit; in the Vanoise, Écrins and Mercantour parks follow bivouac and waymarked trail rules.
What about resupply on North Sea to Mediterranean?
Resupply is frequent in the north. In the Alps plan refills by valley: Thonon/Saint-Gingolph, around Chamonix, Modane, Briançon and the Mercantour.
Similar treks
Community
Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.