In a detailed article published on September 21, the international travel guide "Lonely planet" invites travelers from all over the world to become the first to overcome one of the two Baltic trails - 2 thousand. km the forest path stretching from Lazdijai to Tallinn or 1,4 thousand. km Seaway starting in Nida. Experts agree that the popularity of hiking in Lithuania and the world is growing every year, but no one has yet decided to take on this challenge.
Both hiking on the seashore and in the forest is a serious physical challenge that requires responsible preparation, according to the publication "Lonely planet". But the beauty of the national parks, the unique nature and the cultural heritage of the three Baltic states are worth it, the travel guide assures.
It is estimated that a suitably physically fit person could complete the longer Forest Trail in 100-110 days, the Sea Trail in approximately 70 days. Although according to official information, no one is ready for such a challenge yet, hundreds of local and visiting tourists hike the Baltic Trails in parts every year.
"Travel in Lithuania” data show that every third resident of the country chose hiking as one of the entertainments of traveling around Lithuania this season.
"We notice that the country's residents choose hiking as their main activity more and more often, not during long annual vacations, but during weekends or long weekends," says Dovilė Seliukė, representative of "Keliauk Lithuania".
The Forest and Sea Trails stretching through the Baltic States are part of the international long-distance hiking trails E9 and E11, created by the European Hiking Association. The Lithuanian sections were opened very recently - in 2021, following the rapid popularity of hiking in the region.
The global trend of "walking holidays", when travelers choose to cover long distances on foot, carrying all the things they need with them, is inevitably felt in Lithuania as well. Lithuanian business is also noticing and reacting to the growing trends in hiking popularity.
"The trends of a healthy lifestyle and greater activity have been visible throughout the Western world, as well as in Lithuania, for about five years. Long-term, of course quarantine really accelerated the growth in popularity of hiking.
The trends of active recreation in nature in Lithuania are so bright that, responding to the changing habits of customers, we recently presented a collection of specialized clothing for hiking. It is intended both for those who like to walk in the forests of Lithuania and for those who travel to the mountains", said Hardy Francis Schulz, head of Audimas Brand.
Lithuanians are increasingly looking for hiking abroad - they choose active trips not only on vacation in their own country, but also abroad.
"We notice that Lithuanians are increasingly inquiring about the active activities offered during the holiday season, and hiking and mountain trails are one of the more popular requests. In addition, travelers are not only interested in winter skiing - Lithuanians go for walks and excursions in the mountains almost all year round.
Among the most common destinations where travelers want to spend time in the mountains in spring, summer or autumn, I would mention Madeira and Montenegro. Southern Sweden, Romania, the French Alps, Italian Tuscany, Austria are also becoming popular as natural destinations," says the travel organizer.NewsCommunication manager Miglė Bielinytė.
Hiking is gaining popularity all over the world
Pilgrimages that have been popular in Europe for decades, lasting weeks or even months, have started to spread around the world during the pandemic, and this trend is growing very quickly JAV. The publication "The New York Times" christened 2023 "the year of the long walk".
A study conducted in the United States this year revealed that hiking is the most popular active activity in the country. A representative survey conducted by the Outdoors Industry Association shows that 60 million people consider themselves hikers. Americans, and almost a million people joined this community last year alone.
The popularity of long and slow hikes is explained not only by the need created by the pandemic to be closer to nature after a long stay at home, but also by the changing emotional needs of society. Walking allows you to slow down the pace of life, allocate enough time for reflection and self-reflection, and break away from the rush and tension-creating flow of information.
